(MONEY Magazine) – Until recently TAJUANA AND ROBERT CALLAWAY, both 40, could stash 8.5% of their salaries as college administrators into retirement plans, fund Roth IRAs and save $100 a month for college without curtailing their spending. But two years ago a new home and a second child threatened to derail their finances. The fix: Talk regularly about money and develop a budget. The Elyria, Ohio couple refinanced their mortgage and paid off a $14,000 home-equity line of credit. They hope to erase a $2,500 credit-card debt within a year, which will let them save more--and, perhaps, go to Disney World. Says Robert: "We try to keep in mind the balance between reducing debt, saving for the future and enjoying life." --CYBELE WEISSER