Saving for a down payment on a new home might feel daunting, but small daily changes can make a big difference when it comes to setting aside money for a large purchase. We rounded up seven strategies that make it simple to streamline your spending and save up for your dream home—and it’s a lot easier than you think!
- Shop smart
It’s tempting to toss anything that looks good into your grocery cart, but the price of all those products adds up quickly. Instead, plan your meals ahead of time and buy only what you need and will actually use. It may seem counter-intuitive, but shopping in bulk is often more cost-effective than buying the bare minimum: memberships to wholesale clubs, such as Costco, can end up saving you money on the things you buy most. - Spend thoughtfully
Whether you’re window shopping or online shopping, impulse purchases can be hard to resist. Try implementing a 48-hour rule: if you’re not still thinking about the item in two days, you didn’t really want it in the first place.Dining out can be another big expense. Those appetizers, drinks and tips can lead to a much larger bill than a home-cooked meal. When you go to a restaurant, consider splitting plates, sticking with water and cutting down on extras (like dessert!) to save money. - Bring your own lunch
You don’t have to say “so long” to your lunchtime favorites forever, but bringing in your own lunch can save you close to five dollars a day, according to USA Today. That’s nearly $90 dollars a month (and $1,130 a year!) to put towards your down payment! - Keep an eye on beverage spending
How much do you spend per week on beverages? Your daily coffee fix might seem like a small purchase, but it can cost more than five dollars a day. Brew your own instead; with a potential savings of around $2.50 per cup, you can count on another $650 a year to add to your down payment stash. - Work out outside of the gym
Staying active doesn’t have to be expensive. Skip the pricey gym membership and try out free home workout videos, or go for a run with a pal. - Stop spending on things you don’t use
If you’re paying for hundreds of channels but spend all your time binging on Netflix™, it’s probably time to cut the cable cord. Options like Sling TV, Hulu® and Amazon Prime® are usually well under $50 a month; if you’re paying full price for cable, switching over could save hundreds—or more—every year. - Use apps to save
Don’t feel like clipping coupons? No problem—there are apps for that! Use Ebates, ShopatHome.com and Ibotta to easily find discounts on everyday items and big purchases. The savings add up!
Already saved up your down payment? Explore Richmond American’s Seasons™ Collection homes, which offer affordable pricing alongside inspired floor plans and designer features.
