“Now that i come to think of it, having a “degree” and a “plan” and being broke, is just so much better than having an actual job that brings in enough cash to support.”
Actually, it might be better to start with a degree and a plan over an actual job that brings in enough cash for now. The reason being that the right degree can help land a job that brings in enough cash now as well as in the future when living expenses are much higher. A non-professional job that doesn’t require a degree might not have the same earning potential.
As far as cost of living, it most certainly depends on where a family lives but $35K-$40K to start with seems like a good ball park figure. Five years down the road could mean three kids and by the time ten years passes there could be at least six. At that point tuition becomes a big budget item and you might need at least $100K in many communities.