mamash: Thank you for replying.
Actually, when the mechanic told me that it’s dangerous to drive the car without fixing it, I sold the car. We are enjoying being car-less.
$20/week is about $1,000/year, and our budget is already pretty tight. So, my question is whether it’s absolutely necessary to squeeze this in. I’m thinking the answer is yes.
I didn’t express myself clearly when I mentioned “present obligations”. I referred to familial, not financial, obligations. Certainly, there will always be many financial obligations (although in due time, they will replace tuition.)
You mentioned that financial stress in the home affects the children, but a mother who works full-time and is thus largely unavailable to her children, both physically and emotionally, also causes stress to her children.
When I will need to use the savings, I will try to come back here and thank you (and your father:)