Apr 26, 2026
A 21-year-old was able to pull off what most families only dream about.
In a moment now seen by millions on TikTok, Jailynn Dickerson filmed her grandmother, Susan Rilea, as they pulled up to a familiar house in Canton, Illinois (1). It was the very home Rilea had been forced to sell just three years earlier.
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"Grandma, I have a secret — I'm moving back to Canton," Dickerson says in the video.
Then came the reveal: Dickerson had secretly bought back her grandmother's former home.
The viral clip shows more than just an emotional reunion. Beneath the surprise is Dickerson's story about sacrifice, strategy, and an example of how disciplined saving can change a family's financial future.
72-hour weeks and income stacking
For Dickerson, the house wasn't just a piece of real estate; it was the heart and soul of her childhood.
It was where holidays were hosted, where cousins crowded into 900 square feet of warmth, and where her grandmother stretched every gathering into the garage when space ran out. It was also where Dickerson lived during key parts of her childhood while her mother worked and studied.
"That was my safe space — my grandma's house," Dickerson said in a recent Washington Post article (2).
But in 2023, maintenance costs became too much for her grandmother to manage. The home was sold, a decision that brought financial relief, but also emotional loss.
Only 18 years old at the time, Dickerson promised herself she would buy it back.
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Over several years, Dickerson worked roughly 72 hours a week, splitting time between a Dunkin' franchise, an Aldi supermarket, and a tattoo shop. She combined a few different jobs instead of relying on a single, higher income, reflecting a growing trend among younger workers: diversifying income streams. According to Glassdoor, 57% of Gen Z have a side hustle (3).
It wasn't glamorous, but the income-stacking worked.
Eventually, the house she once thought might take years to buy back appeared on the market again. Dickerson moved quickly by viewing it, getting pre-approved, and closing within weeks.
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How to save for a big purchase
Dickerson's story can be an inspiration for those trying to save up. While most people may not be buying back their childhood homes, the strategy behind her plan can be applied to other saving goals.
Here are a few practical lessons you can take from Dickerson's story.
Stack income streams, even if they're small
Dickerson didn't rely on only one job. Combining part-time roles with freelance or side work (like tattooing) allowed her to boost her savings without waiting for a single high-paying career path.
For many people today, side gigs can serve the same function. Delivery work, tutoring, freelancing, or creative services can all bridge the gap between income and major goals.
Anchor your savings to a specific goal
Research from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau shows that setting goals can improve follow-through (4). It can be harder to save when you don't have a goal.
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On the other hand, if you are saving for something concrete, like a home, relocation, or debt payoff, it can help you maintain consistency.
Be quick when opportunity arrives
Even with savings, Dickerson still needed mortgage readiness. Getting pre-approved in advance is often what separates successful buyers from those who miss out when timing is tight.
Even if your goal isn't buying a home, do the work ahead of time if there are behind-the-scenes preparations you can make to set yourself up for when the time is right.
Remember that long hours can be a tool, not a lifestyle
Pulling in a 72-hour workweek is not sustainable long-term for most people. But as a short-term strategy, working longer hours can help accelerate your income when you pair it with a disciplined savings strategy.
Dickerson's purchase wasn't just about reclaiming a house. It was her way of reclaiming a cherished space that meant so much for her family, and her grandmother especially.
"I haven't told her yet, but I'm going to buy some flowers to plant," Rilea said. "We're going to all be back home."
For Dickerson and her grandmother, the return on investment isn't only measured in dollars.
The family gets to relive the happy memories they made in the home — and make new ones thanks to Dickerson's money moves.
Article Sources
We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our ethics and guidelines.
TikTok (1); The Washington Post (2); Glassdoor (3); Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (4)
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Jessica is a freelance writer with a professional background in economic development and small business consulting. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Sociology and is completing her Publishing Certificate.
