Posted by Carmen Isais
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I know everyone suggests it… now is the time to do it. Set aside a fixed amount every month from your paycheck. If you know you’re the type to be easily tempted, have your employment automatically deduct a certain percentage from your paycheck and have it deposited in a separate account. Use a special interest-bearing savings account to buy a home. Choose an account where withdrawals are minimally allowed. But take note of the interest rate! Calculate your interest earnings beforehand.
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Declutter your home and garage. Why? When you make room in your life for those things you want, you tend to find out what it is you really need. Moving out your old belongings helps to put things in perspective. Getting rid of that old bread-maker machinethat was used just twice might stop you from purchasing the food dehydrator that will sit and collect dust. If you have the urge to shop, take that money you would have spent and put it in your bank account. At the end of the month, take a look at the balance and then decide whether or not to make the purchase.
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Dine in. Yes, yes…. you deserve a night out. But, more than that you deserve a financial future worth having. Home ownership is always a step in the right direction. Cutting down on controllable extras, such as eating out, entertainment and gifts, can put more than a few pennies in you piggy bank.
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Pay down your credit cards. Not only will lowering your income to debt ratio help your credit score, it will also allow you to save that money you would have spent on interest.
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Tell a friend. And tell family too. Tell anyone who will listen that you are saving up to buy a home. Not only could the have good advice to share, you might end up with a down-payment gift for Christmas instead of fruitcake.
