re: Tired Of Pinching Pennies!!

I was in a very similar situation. Wife and I were both teachers making about 100k total, wanting a family and wanting to invest in real estate for later. Biggest thing I had going for me was I got married so I had several years to pay down car note and sock some cash away before getting married and kids. Invested in a couple of trailers and over the next 15 years parlayed those into several houses and trailers. IMO you need a max of 10k for rent house repairs. Anything other than that could be put down for debt or saved for a vacation. I think it is important to enjoy your money responsibly. I got caught up in accumulation and didn't want to cut any of it loose for anything. I realized I needed to spend some for experiences with my wife, and family. We would take several vacations a year although it was 1500 long weekends to the beach or mountains. Never and still haven't taken the 8k Disney trip. You shouldn't be so house poor that you can't enjoy life. We have a nice house and nice vehicles (nothing extravagant but nice), so it can be done.
I have friends who are more extreme than me who do it on a one teacher salary with three kids. It can be done but they live cheap and he has several side hustles that he really grinds and supplements his income.
I respect the tithing of 10%. Malachi 3:10-12 God says to test Him with your giving.
You're on the right track but it still seems like it shouldn't be so tight that there isn't money for gas.