The dream of owning a home continues to run ahead.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of an expensive city, a middle-aged couple with two well-behaved children is struggling with the challenges of housing and ever-increasing educational expenses.

They met Thanh Tam one late afternoon after work. The husband entered first, looking tired. The wife followed, carrying a bag containing their child's documents. Both were over 40, their faces marked by years of hard work in the city.

The dream of owning a home is fading away due to the relentless rise in housing prices.

They got married nearly 15 years ago. Back then, they both believed that with hard work, they would eventually have a home of their own. Their life wasn't luxurious, but it wasn't too difficult either. They both worked and saved together. Then, one after another, their two children were born, a boy and a girl, fulfilling their wish for a complete family.

What makes them most proud isn't money, but their children. The eldest is about to enter 9th grade. The youngest is about to start 5th grade. Both are well-behaved, help with household chores, and study diligently. When their parents are busy, the children remind each other to study and keep their study areas tidy. Occasionally, they even proactively seek out suitable competitions to participate in. Every certificate of merit they bring home is a great joy for the whole family.

Given the rapid increase in real estate prices, their home-buying budget suddenly seems small - Illustration image

For many years, despite living in cramped rented houses, they felt fortunate. However, in recent years, rent has steadily increased, taking up a significant portion of their family income. Each time their lease expired, they worried about the landlord raising the rent. That worry became a reality when, one day, the landlord announced the house was for sale. Within a few short weeks, the whole family scrambled to find new accommodation. Boxes filled with clothes and books. Evenings spent viewing houses after work. The dilemma of choosing a location convenient for their children's school versus their financial capabilities. Finally, they found a new place, but the feeling of unease remained.

The wife confided that she had never seen the future so uncertain. "Before, we thought that just saving would be enough to buy a house. But the more we save, the higher the house prices rise." Indeed, the money the couple had saved over many years was once considered a significant reserve. But with the rapid increase in real estate prices, their home-buying fund suddenly became small.

Many nights, the couple would sit and calculate. If they continued renting, the rent would only increase. If they took out a mortgage, the monthly payments would be too large. If they spent all their money on housing, they worried they wouldn't have enough money for their children's education. This anxiety intensified as the new school year approached. Their eldest son was about to enter 9th grade, considered one of the most stressful periods for students. Their youngest daughter was also entering 5th grade, preparing for her transition to the next level. Her extracurricular activities would undoubtedly become more frequent. Tuition, materials, and related expenses would all increase. Every time they saw their children diligently studying, the couple felt both proud and burdened.

They fear they won't be able to provide a stable environment for their children. They fear that frequent moves will affect their children's education. They fear that middle age will arrive faster than expected, while their dream of owning a home remains unfulfilled.

Thanh Tâm observed that, despite the immense pressure, they never stopped trying. The husband took on extra work after hours. The wife took advantage of her free time to earn extra income. They saved every little bit, cutting back on unnecessary expenses. But what exhausted them most wasn't the work itself. It was the feeling of constantly chasing an ever-increasingly distant goal.

Keeping the family together amidst the pressures of providing for the family and securing the children's future.

The wife burst into tears. She said that what she wanted most wasn't a big house or a wealthy life. "We just want a place where our children can study peacefully, so we don't have to worry about moving house at any time." Her husband sat beside her, silently holding her hand. That moment warmed Thanh Tam's heart. Although they didn't yet own a house in their own name, they possessed something precious: a family that supported each other through difficulties. And sometimes, that's the most solid foundation for the future.

Their story is not unique. Many young and middle-aged families in large cities are facing the double pressure of rising living costs while the dream of owning a home becomes increasingly out of reach. It's worth noting that economic pressure often doesn't stop at money. It easily creeps into married life in the form of anxiety, irritability, resentment, or feelings of failure. When people live in a state of prolonged insecurity, they tend to view problems more pessimistically.

Thanh Tâm reminded them to distinguish between "practical issues" and "fear of the future." The reality is that they don't yet own a home. But the reality also shows that they have a stable family, two well-behaved children who are good students, and the couple remains united.

Thanh Tam also asked them very carefully about adjusting their goals for each stage in the future. Not every family needs to buy a house within a fixed timeframe. Instead of focusing on the huge gap between their current savings and house prices, they can set smaller goals such as increasing their emergency fund, securing a stable rental for a few years, and preparing resources for their children's important educational stages.

Third, they should proactively seek long-term financial solutions instead of just focusing on short-term gains. Consulting a personal finance professional, assessing their mortgage eligibility, or considering areas that better suit their financial capabilities can help them see more options.

Thanh Tâm hopes that the couple won't let the dream of owning a home become a measure of their self-worth or the quality of their marriage. A physical home is essential, but what they possess is their bond, unity, and ability to overcome difficulties together, which are also crucial factors in the family's resilience. Children who grow up in a rented house but surrounded by love are still happy and successful.

Source: https://phunuvietnam.vn/giac-mo-an-cu-van-chay-hoai-phia-truoc-238260604050348625.htm