“I took my savings, and my parents combined it with rent money from Richard to put a downpayment on a house. I have lived in that house for six years now,” he said.
“I ‘rent’ it from my parents in the sense that they take normal rent from me and pay the mortgage, and the rest goes into a fund for me. I have a roommate, too, so, technically, I live for free.”
Due to his parents’ help, he’s been able to continue saving up more money over the years. Richard also moved out and bought a house of his own, coincidentally nearby.
His parents have since been renting out their basement to someone else because the house was too quiet without anyone else living with them.
Although he struggled for a couple of years, he has become more financially comfortable and happy with his life over the last few years. He’s been able to save up enough money to go toward his future retirement.
“After six years, I finally have discretionary money to spend. So, last year, I took a week off from work and traveled with my girlfriend,” he explained.
“And I flaunted it on social media. My ex-wife suddenly started texting me that I was a deadbeat (I never missed a child support payment) and selfish, as I should have taken the kids on vacation.”
Years ago, when he relinquished his custody, he would have to plead with his ex-wife to be able to visit their children.
One day, she demanded that he pay more in child support and didn’t allow him to speak with their children if he didn’t agree to this.
“That was the last day I ever contacted her or my kids. So, I really didn’t think she would have let me take my kids on vacation,” he shared.
“It was not easy to reach the place I am at now. But I made it by sacrifice on my part and my parents’ part.”
