For me, I will mostly like get one of everything that is coming out this year. I'm thinking I will get a couple Z-95 Headhunters just for the point options and two of those awesome Defenders for sure.

I budget about $100 for gaming every month so I will try to spread out my preorders to minimize the impact on my wallet. I also play LOTR LCG. This week has been a gamer's paradise for me with all the previews and announcements. However my wallet seems less than enthused

It totally depends how many of Wave 4 I manage to paint before Wave 5 ....

When I buy I like to buy as many as I need for a 100pt squad. Having said that I can't really afford to buy 8 Z-95 Headhunters.

That would be well over $200 AU for me. Then 3 or 4 each of a Defender, Phantom and E-Wing. Another $200-300.

An expensive wave to be sure to cover all possibilities.

Where are you buying in the AU that it is costing so much? Most of the stores in Brisbane have ships for $20AU so eight ships should come in at $160AU. If you're going to do a bulk purchase, you can also buy from the states as the combined shipping costs allow you to save money on big orders. I put in order to Miniature Market that cost me around $330AU but was for $440 worth of product from memory (It was a combined order for myself and a friend).

Not gonna lock into one side or another.......yet. I may need research more into each ship, but If I had to choose a side now I would choose Rebels. Z-95 and E-Wing, yes please!

Money is tight, and with 3 kids and a wife i may need choose one or another to fly well.

Choose the wife or the kids you mean? I'm assuming the 3 kids are considered a unit of course.