Saving's all fun and games until someone tells you to give up that liquid gold! Sacrificing your daily cup o' classy joe at your favorite coffee watering hole can save you money, but it's not the only way, especially when it comes to saving for big ticket items, like a new home.
If you've been wondering how to save for that down payment without the caffeine withdrawal headaches, we've got you covered! Here's five ways you can save for a home without giving up your Starbucks run.
We know this sounds like a trick, but throwing down money towards your debts *literally* pays off. If you have a ton of debt to pay down, make that your main focus before stashing away funds for that new bungalow. If you're up to your ears in credit card debt, try knocking out the card with the highest interest rate first.
Paying your debt down is also the way to a cheaper mortgage. Lenders look for a low debt-to-income ratio when giving out the best rates. Kicking debt to the curb means you're more likely to get the affordable mortgage you deserve.
When's the last time you called your car insurance company for a discount? How about your cable company? Spend some time looking at everything you're currently paying for on a recurring basis and see if there's a way to lower those bills. Try grocery shopping on a Wednesday to get the best deals–that's when all the new sales hit, so take advantage!
While you're at it, have a look at your bank statement. Cut out any forgotten subscriptions you're not using anymore–even the little ones add up! We know you haven't touched that fitness app since New Year's. Tools like Rocket Money and Hiatus can help make unsubscribing a breeze.
Set it and forget it, baby. Ask the HR team at your job to see if you can have a portion of your paycheck dumped into a savings account each pay period. This makes saving a breeze since you don't have to make the transfer yourself. Even the smallest amounts add up over time, so don't be afraid to start with a little bit at a time.
If you don't want to go through your employer, are out of work, or you're your own boss, take advantage of your bank's automatic transfer features. Most banks allow you to set up a recurring transfer pretty easily from your online account.
Got some extra time on your hands? How about a fun party trick that you can actually make money with? Consider making some extra dough by working some odd jobs. Freelancer marketplaces like Upwork have great gigs for musicians, artists, writers, and graphic designers. If you have a ton of pets in your neighborhood, see if their owners are in need of walking or doggie day care services.
Rideshare companies like Lyft and Uber are always looking for new drivers, as are food delivery services like GrubHub and DoorDash. Nights and weekends are when you'll make the most cash with these kinds of gigs.
Everything's better with a buddy, especially when it comes to big financial goals. Find others in your circle of family and friends who have plans to save for something huge. When you put your heads together, you can hold each other accountable. Make fun savings milestones and do something budget-friendly to celebrate your wins!
An epic savings buddy plan will involve regular check-ins to keep everyone on track. You'll even have a partner in crime to find cheap alternatives to events and activities. And who knows! Maybe you'll even find some discount coffee.
Guess what? The President can't make you save your money...but your local & state government reps can make buying a home a little less painful! Here’s three small things you can do that make a BIG impact:
