Since I don't have money, I look for creative ways to build a good life. My husband is the same, and he's creative as well. He built a recording studio in our attic, an uber-cool treehouse for the grandkids (and musicians; it doubles as a tiny stage!) and a pergola that becomes a greenhouse in winter (and protects the goldfish in the little pond.) The path less trodden works well for us.

BTW, I've often heard it said the an MFA is the only degree for which graduates tend to make LESS money after they graduate. It's still valuable, I believe, and I'd get one if I had the resources to do so.