We had to pull $20,000 from our retirement fund to stay afloat. It felt risky, but it was the only way.

Courtesy of the author

• My family faced years of financial instability and unpredictable income streams.
• We relied on Airbnb income, credit cards, and even retirement savings to get by.
• Despite everything, we found a way to buy a home we loved and make it work.

"It's got good bones," the seller said, as if he had to sell it to me.

He didn't. We both knew I was already in love with the house.

For some, a kitchen that hasn't been touched since 1948 would be a total gut renovation...