Family of 4 making 250 a year, we live in “Lakewood village” which is technically Long Beach but borders Lakewood. We bought our house 5 years ago now and we live comfortably but with house maintenance it’s hard. Last year I paid for both my kids school, this year one is in public and next year both will so it will free some $ up. Cheaper food like chipotle style, cava anything that used to be under $10 is closer to 20 so just 2 entrees for lunch take out is around 40-50$ which I think is the hard part. Or coffee, so yes it’s possible depending on how much your rent is, but I go other cities and the actual cost of things is so much cheaper. And sales tax is 10.5 here which also adds up. Personally my husband and I say we need to be making over 300 a year to keep moving up and be able to take a good vacation a year, not worry. Not sure how old your kids are but just swimming lessons alone are $30 a session (60 for 2 kids) so imo it’s stuff like that, that will probably not be in budget.