You might want to read the Tightwad Gazette by Amy Dacyczyn. I found it very helpful when trying to feed a family of 5 on a corporals salary. The best thing about her book and style is that it isn't a one size fits all do what I say sort of thing. It started out as a news letter and grew. She worked very hard on a US military salary to take them from living pay check to pay check to her hubby retiring and buying their dream place.