Strategies for Saving a Home Down Payment

Lived below my means from ages 18 to 20, saving nearly all of one paycheck each month while expenses were low.

Used first-time homebuyer programs for a minimal down payment, then capitalized on market timing to sell for a profit and buy a new home under market value.

Utilized grant money for the down payment, which didn’t need to be repaid, making it easier to afford a home.

Saved by living with parents and cutting costs significantly, combined with financial help from family.

Saved aggressively by living with multiple roommates and setting aside savings equivalent to our rent, allowing us to buy a home instead of renting.

Saved diligently for four years and borrowed a small amount from my 401k to make up the last part of our down payment.

Saved for a down payment by borrowing from a 403b and securing a low-interest FHA loan. It’s tougher now with higher rates and no eligibility for assistance programs.

Used unexpected Covid stimulus payments and additional unemployment benefits to boost our savings for a down payment.

Saved by investing in bitcoin, which significantly outperformed other investments.

Hux said:
Saved by investing in bitcoin, which significantly outperformed other investments.

Investing all your savings in bitcoin is risky. Diversify with broad ETFs or safer money market funds for less risk.