Struggles to Success. My home buying journey🏡✨

How I Turned My Struggles into Success and Bought My First Home 🏡✨

If someone had told me four years ago that I’d own my own home today, I probably wouldn’t have believed them. I was divorced, making $18/hour, and struggling to pay rent and daycare every month. Fast forward to now: I’m sitting in a house I worked hard to buy, a home that’s mine. My journey wasn’t easy, but it was worth every sacrifice, and I want to share how I made it happen.

If you’re dreaming of buying a home but don’t know where to start, this post is for you. Let me show you that no matter where you’re starting from, homeownership is possible. 💪

My Starting Point: From Struggle to Reset

In 2019, I moved into an apartment after my divorce. I was barely scraping by, struggling to pay bills, rent, and daycare. After a year of constant stress, I made a tough decision: I moved back in with my mom. At the time, my sister and grandmother were also living there, and the support system helped me eliminate major expenses like rent and daycare.

While living with my mom, I had room to breathe, catch up on overdue bills, and start fresh financially. But I’ll be honest—I wasn’t used to having extra money left after paying bills. Instead of saving aggressively, I spent on things that weren’t building my future. I made mistakes, but I learned from them.

Over those four years, I had moments of tension with my mom (two grown women in one house, after all), and I often thought about getting an apartment. But I refused to go back to struggling. I knew I had to do something different if I wanted a better life for myself and my son.

That’s when I set my sights on homeownership.

The Turning Point: Deciding to Save Aggressively

In 2021, I earned my MBA. I thought it would open doors to higher pay, but my job at the time said, “Congrats, but we can’t pay you more.” I stayed longer than I should have because it felt safe, but at the end of 2022, I decided to take a leap.

I prayed for a new opportunity and set a goal: I wouldn’t leave my current job unless my next one paid $30/hour or more. When the offer finally came, I couldn’t believe it. Someone valued me enough to pay what I was worth. That moment changed everything.

Now earning more, I stayed with my mom for another year—but this time, I started saving aggressively. In December 2023, my boyfriend proposed. He already owned a home, but I wanted one in my name. My divorce taught me the importance of having something of my own, and I wanted the security of knowing that no matter what, I had a stable home for my son and me.

How I Made Homeownership Happen

Here’s exactly how I turned my goal into a reality:

1. Budgeting Like My Life Depended on It 💰

I’ll admit, budgeting wasn’t (and isn’t) my strong suit. But I knew I couldn’t save without a plan. I used an AI tool to analyze my income and expenses and create a realistic budget. Then I:

• Allocated a set amount from every paycheck to savings.

• Cut back on unnecessary spending (e.g., eating out, impulse shopping).

• Paid for costs like appraisals and inspections directly from my paycheck to avoid touching my savings.

Consistency was the key. It wasn’t always easy, but seeing my savings grow kept me motivated.

2. Researching Loan Options 🔍

When I applied for mortgage preapproval in January 2024, I was approved for a Rural Development loan. This was a game-changer because it didn’t require a down payment, but I still needed to cover closing costs. I leaned on my lender for accurate cost estimates and planned ahead for every expense.

If you’re starting this journey, I recommend researching all loan types. There’s a program out there for you!

3. Finding a Structurally Sound Home 🏠

I didn’t aim for perfection or aesthetics—I focused on finding a solid, well-maintained home. This decision saved me money in the long run. So far, I’ve only spent $150 on repairs, and that was for damage caused by my new puppy, not the house itself!

4. Tackling Unexpected Costs 🌩

One surprise was homeowners insurance. Louisiana has high rates because of natural disasters, but I found discounts by choosing a brick home with safety features. Another was my energy bill—running the AC during a hot Louisiana summer drove my utility costs up to $250/month. But these weren’t deal-breakers because I had budgeted for the unexpected.

What I Learned Along the Way

1. Budgeting is non-negotiable. It’s the first step to homeownership, and sticking to it is just as important.

2. Live within your means. Don’t let aesthetics or trends pressure you into overspending.

3. Every dollar spent on your home is an investment. Unlike rent, it’s building your future.

4. Save aggressively for the unexpected. Repairs, insurance, and utilities can surprise you, so plan ahead.

The Reward: Peace of Mind and Stability

Today, my monthly mortgage is $1,350, including insurance and escrow—less than what some pay for rent. But more than that, owning my home has given me a sense of stability and pride. Every decision I make for this house is for my family’s future, and that feels incredible.

For Those Without a Safety Net: Building Your Own Support System

I know not everyone has the option to move in with family, and that can make the journey feel even harder. But here’s the truth: even without a built-in safety net, you can create one by focusing on these key steps:

1. Get Clear on Your Goals

Ask yourself: What does homeownership mean to you? For me, it meant stability for my son and a place where I could build my future. Once I got clear on my "why," I found the motivation to stay focused even when it was hard.

2. Reduce Expenses Where You Can

Without family support, cutting costs is critical. Here are some strategies:

• Consider shared housing: Renting a room or splitting costs with a friend can significantly lower rent.

• Explore daycare alternatives: Look into government assistance, co-ops, or sliding-scale daycare programs to reduce childcare costs.

• Cut unnecessary expenses: This can mean cooking at home, canceling subscriptions, or buying secondhand.

3. Maximize Your Income

If you can, find ways to increase your income. For me, earning my MBA and switching jobs made a huge difference. But even without a degree, consider:

• Asking for a raise at your current job.

• Taking on a side hustle like freelancing, babysitting, or selling digital products.

• Researching job training programs that offer free or low-cost certifications.

4. Build an Emergency Fund First

Start small—saving even $500-$1,000 can give you a cushion for unexpected expenses. Open a separate account for this fund and treat it as untouchable except for true emergencies.

5. Look for Local Resources

Many communities offer first-time homebuyer programs, financial counseling, and grants. Some options to explore:

• Housing and Urban Development (HUD) resources for homebuyers.

• Rural Development loans (like the one I used) that require no down payment.

• State-specific assistance programs for first-time buyers.

To Anyone Who Feels Stuck:

I know buying a home feels overwhelming, especially if you’re starting from a place of struggle like I did. But trust me, it’s possible. Start small:

• Create a budget and track your spending.

• Research loan options to find the right fit.

• Set a savings goal and stick to it.

You don’t have to have it all figured out today, but taking that first step will get you closer to your dream.

Have questions about the process? Or are you saving for a home and need advice? Drop a comment below—I’d love to help! 💕#homeownerstruggles #buyingahome #