It was a combination of many things:

My dad was pulling in at most, around 300K a year. My parents were great at saving while still living a lifestyle that most people would envy. My mom didn't work for a long time, though she eventually got into substitute teaching as we got older because she enjoyed it. Growing up, I was privileged and never wanted for anything.

Long story short; the economy collapsed, my dad got laid off. No prob, he will just find another job. But my dad was aging and expensive, trying to get back into a tech market that could hire a young guy for a lot less. My parents had an expensive house. My brother is disabled and cost them about as much as their mortgage every year. Then there was me and my sister. Two cars. debt. bills.

My parents did fine at first. They had enough to coast on their savings for awhile. My dad looked into other jobs, but he found there were many challenges. He came from nothing and is prideful and refused to look for a lower paying position.

After about a year and a half, it was clear that my dad was showing signs of defeat

After 3 years, the bank came for our home. My mom sold her car and exchanged it for a less impressive one. My dad was pretty deep in depression. He had a few seasonal jobs with the census and whatnot, but never found a real job.

It's been about 6 years and he's still "looking", but he will probably retire before then. He already has in a lot of ways, I just think he is afraid to give up. My brother is 22 now and his disability helps with some alleviation. My mom got back into sales and she's the breadwinner. My sister and I, unprepared for our college money being drained, both sort of gave up and entered the workforce and we are doing okay. My parents are still struggling.

I know there is a lot of coulda'woulda'shoulda' in this case here, but honestly, my family is just tired. Exhausted. I don't blame them for never re claiming their wealth. They are still pretty happy, though they are frustrated. My mom called me apologizing this year for not buying me a birthday present. I had a medical crisis and my mom couldn't afford to help me with my bills. It's fine. I survived, but I know it hurt my mom to say that she couldn't. She still works at a shitty, sleezy company that doesn't pay her half of what she deserves as their top sales woman.

Sidenote: hey, if anyone knows of any sales jobs in Chicago or remote that have reasonable bases, both of my parents are looking.

As for me, In less than a year, I went from making 9 dollars and hour under the table at a warehouse to a salary job with full benefits, tons of vacation time, and great room for advancement. One day, I hope to be making enough to help them :d