I figured I could afford 15.00 each month once I get paid and a few days before Chris gets paid so I now have ING take out 15.00 on the 14th of each month (started today). I get paid on the 2nd Tuesday of each month and, even with the 1st Tues. starting on the FIRST of the month, it can't go past the 14th (it makes sense when I think it!) so that is why I have it set for the 14th. And, Chris gets paid on the 15th so.....

So far I haven't had to take the money out yet. depending on how our finances are doing when we go up to VA, I might withdraw all but like 5.00 or so a few days before we are leaving for VA that way we have some spending money to have some fun with. But, I haven't discussed this with Chris yet and it depends on if we can get all of our tax stuff in first.

Automatic savings plan is definitely the way to go :)

my ING has always been $25 bi-weekly. I'm about to raise that to $50. not much, but better than nothing. Now I just need to find information on where I should start my IRA account.. and which one to do

I'll recommend scottrade for ira account.

I have my IRA with Vanguard, I got a lot of recommendations for them over at Anandtech.

ive been looking for an IRA, could you link the thread at AT? I did a search there and came up w/ nothing.

ive been looking for an IRA, could you link the thread at AT? I did a search there and came up w/ nothing.
Here are two IRA related threads I found by searching for Vanguard in Off Topic:

Best place to open up an IRA? (http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=38&threadid=1447621)

Best financial sites (ROTH IRA, ETC) (http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=38&threadid=1476059)