<prompt> Human: ArticleFor years, Rachel Hopper and Josh Williams had hoped for a sibling for their son, Espen, who was born in 2005. So the Minneapolis couple were thrilled when they learned that Espen would have two sisters: twins Elsa and Rory, now 1.Its wonderful -- and its very hard, admits Josh.The couples income of 110,000 Josh is a city planner; Rachel works for Minnesotas Department of Natural Resources is stretched to capacity. They struggle to cover all their costs, including day care for the kids -- 376 a week -- and a loan for a car that comfortably fits the whole family.No longer saving for retirement, they have also depleted their cash stash and racked up 7,800 in credit card debt. Were smart people with good jobs, says Josh, but were living paycheck to paycheck.Time for a new game plan, says Indianapolis financial planner Elaine Bedel: What may have worked for their family of three isnt working for their family of five.Three fixesSqueeze the budget. Over the next two and a half years, Josh and Rachel must focus on eliminating credit card debt and creating an emergency fund -- even at the price of delaying other savings, says Bedel. Theyre in a precarious situation, she adds.They now put 575 a month toward their card debt. Though their budget is tight, the couple should be able to pay down an extra 300 by utilizing Rachels upcoming raise and trimming some discretionary spending. That would erase the balance in 10 months.Create a cushion. Once the credit card is zeroed out, that 875 should go toward emergency savings.Bedel recommends three months of living expenses, or 18,000, knowing that Espens 529 plan could also be tapped if needed though theyd incur taxes and a 10 penalty on earnings. This will take about 20 months to build.Catch up on retirement. In 2016, Josh and Rachel should redirect the 875 to their retirement plans, for annual savings of roughly 13,000 pretax; they should also up their total contribution 2 annually. Combined with Social Security, that should give them 50,000 in annual after-tax income in todays dollars, provided they retire at 70.A wildcard: If they stay with their employers, their pensions could provide significant income. But Bedel hopes they will find new jobs. Josh could earn 15 more in the private sector, which would seriously ease the familys budget.  <response>: As a SAHM of multiples and singleton, I can see how this is feasible. Although it sounds counter-intuitive, 2 working parents can cost a family significantly more than 1 working, 1 SAH, especially with younger multiples. I used to be an engineer with the same salary as my husband, but after having triplets spontaneous, for those who would give me shit for fertility treatment I didnt have it was fiscally more sound for me to quit work and stay home, allowing my husband to relocate to advance in his career. The cost of child care for 4 children under 4y is was astronomical if you wanted decent care. Even on the Gulf Coast, with their low living expenses, I had to pay at least 300month per child. My triplets are now 13. Add to the child care, the cost of fuelauto maintenance and you ended up with basically my monthly salary. Also, many multiple birth children have major medical issues - none were mentioned, but those can seriously eat away your income especially when the children are very young. With 2 working parents, you are more likely to eat out - that is a choice, but realistically its what happens when both parents work consecutively piles on the demands. Work clothing is more expensive and more clothing overall is required than for me staying home. My husband was able to relocate to advance - if we both had professional jobs, relocating for either of us would be very difficult. As a SAH, I am able to take care of things we would have to pay someone to do otherwise: fix plumbing, paint, replace broken ceiling fans, take care of the yard, etc.This family will have significantly more money after their children are in school - i.e.: state sponsored day care. That eats up a huge amount of . 