I couldn't agree more, but I don't homeschool. I can't do it, plain and simple.
I stay home every day, and like you we have some tight times right before hubby's payday - but I'm here when she gets off the school bus. And the only reason she even takes the bus is because she insisted on it. I was devastated putting her on that bus the first day last year for kindergarten - but to her it meant that she was a big girl going to real school, not pre-school - and I wouldn't deny her that.
We rarely go on vacation, other than weekend trips to my SIL, out to dinner is probably about twice a month because I love to cook. We just got rid of my 12 year old van because it was starting to nickle and dime us to death. Hubby got a deal on a vehcile he wanted and I inherited his 8 year old car.
Oh, and I've got a blackbelt in shopping (my husband's description) when it comes to using coupons and finding sales.
I hear ya there. They know us by name at our local thrift stores. My son is a junker wannabee and I'm queen of the thrift stores!