Financial planning for housewife?

I am a stay at home mom wondering what financial planning strategies I should be considering. Have two small children and am in a stable and supportive marriage. I opened a Roth IRA, but never funded it because I felt overwhelmed with all the choices out there & got lost in the reams of rollover paperwork. Also wondering if there are good alternatives to 529s for the kiddies. I value backpacking across Europe just as much as college and worry that if money isn't spent in an approved way - the penalties on 529s would outweigh the benefits. Thanks for your help!!