Please separate the questions. As far as what a family needs:
First, things seem somewhat unsustainable. But assuming that with a modest mortgage, maintaining a car and a minivan and 3 or more tuition pay?ment,s it is at the very least in the 150+ range (assuming you are paying full, so 150 is probably on the low side) I am curious if people are actually coming close to that range.
What do most people here think that the average family in the ages 28-45 is making)? Are people professionals? Paying taxes? using benefits? honest with the schools about how much they make? making cash? in “real estate” (whatever that may actually meant) ?using schtick?