I appreciate Memorial Day and what it has meant to me: the ability to do whatever I want, with our freedoms in an unobstructed environment because of the current and past sacrifices of lives and limbs of so many before me.

So, do you want to be a homeowner to build your future wealth?  That concept is surely universal for most families and individuals who want to be in an ownership position.

The majority would prefer not to have to rent for any length of time, especially providing their landlords with their hard-earned dollars to pay down their mortgages (instead of their own), increase their wealth, give them all the tax deductions, and most important, the power not to have to renew your lease.

The $64,000 question is what are you willing to do to make that goal come to fruition? How can you save more money regularly to make your dream of homeownership come true?  The name of the game is called “Sacrifice.”

The first thing you can do is stop eating out completely.  Cut back on buying clothes and find alternative ways to purchase what you need to save as much as possible.

Buy less meat and consume alternative foods high in protein, e.g. beans and legumes.  Some activities that will benefit your savings goal are taking walks, bicycling, and working out at home by canceling your gym membership (that’s what I did, as I have already been a homeowner for 31 years) and doing many activities at home.

Think of whatever other activities you can do to squirrel away your money for your down payment.  So many of us are spoiled with conspicuous consumption as this is, unfortunately, what our economy is based on and dependent upon.

Games on a hand-held device or computer for the children will go a long way toward keeping them occupied.  However, the games my children played way back when they were growing up were Candyland, Battle Ship, Monopoly, and Scrabble.

Before computers and computer games, having fun with Hide and Seek, tag, duck, goose, hopscotch, baseball, football and street hockey was the norm.  Being outdoors and playing these games and activities kept our children healthier and in a much better and more positive mindset from what we are experiencing today.  They even used my pogo stick (do you know what that is?)  that I was given more than 25 years before.

There are so many alternatives to spending money that are free and cost you nothing, with time that is well spent with your family or significant other in strengthening your bonds.

We have been deficient in our social connections since the COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused major problems.  Depression and suicides have increased dramatically, far beyond what would be considered normal, especially among our teens.

These sad situations show that we need more involvement in personal connections than ever before.  Indirectly, sacrificing money spent over time, doing less costly things  will help in your purchasing goal.  Whether it is a house, HOA, condo, or coop, homeownership is within reach if you need and want it badly enough.

So, ask yourself, how badly do you want it?  Over the last 11 years, multitudes of people have left NYS for other states as another way to afford a home or greater opportunities. My webmaster left a few years ago, relocating to North Carolina as he could live anywhere being self-employed.

But another consideration is starting a side hustle to earn additional income or a second or third part-time/full-time job that will add to your savings for that elusive but attainable dream of homeownership.

It is easy to complain about the high interest rates and prices, but that doesn’t solve your issue of how to succeed in purchasing a home here in Long Island or elsewhere.  Today, you may be experiencing unfortunate circumstances as your grumble and moan about your plight while trying to figure out what to do about your predicament.

Most don’t like to be in what I call the “uncomfortable zone,” because it isn’t a safe and easy place to be.  However, it is where effort, discipline and sacrifice are required to be successful.

Recently, I saw and heard a clip on Instagram by actor George Clooney, and he said, and I quote, “I never learned anything from my successes but learned everything from my failures.”  This is where the biggest strides can be made.  It isn’t a popular place that people seek or learn from, but it is where your greatest future improvements and successes can be made.

You have to ask yourself one question: “How bad do I want to be a homeowner?”   Am I willing to sacrifice my time and provide the effort and discipline to do what needs to be done to gain that American Dream of homeownership?

I know what I had to do back then, but that isn’t relevant to anyone else.  You have to look in the mirror and ask yourself what am I willing to do to get where I want and need to be in the homeownership game?

Some will stay here and have a positive outcome, while others will decide to go to other states for an easier way of life, but the choice is yours.  However, irreparable harm to NYS will occur with the continued brain drain and loss of our population.

Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. For a free 15-minute consultation, value analysis of your home, or to answer any of your questions or concerns he can be reached by cell: (516) 647-4289 or by email: Phil@TurnKeyRealEstate.Com or via https://WWW.Li-RealEstate.Com