What have you sacrificed for your down payment?

[Terry Lao]

I have heard a lot of posts about how to buy real estate with no money down, low down, first time buyer program, etc. All these paths are possible, but they are financial decisions that you are now just realizing when you want to buy real estate. If you have saved money from the start, meaning when you got your first job, then you will be in a better position.

Personally, it is either earn/save more money or cut expenses. Here are my cost cutting sacrifices.

1. My driving commute car is a 1995 acura integra that was a hand me down from my millionaire sister who drove that integra for 10 plus years.

2. I go to goodwill to buy my work clothes. Don't knock it, I found Georgio Armani suite for $50. Retail is $2k.

3. No Starbucks coffee. I drink work coffee provided for FREE.

4. limit my lunches at work to about $2 a meal. Sometimes less as work has freebies from time to time.

5. Cut my own grass lawn, as gardener raised from $40 to $80 a month. I had gardener for 12+ years.

6. Buy gas at Costco as seem good quality and lowest price around. But doesn't that Costco card cost money? Yes, but I look like my brother, and group together to get 2% cash back card that pays for itself, and some back at end of year.

7. I buy Nikes running shoes, at the outlet mall. Can throw in washer, air dry, and look like new again.

8. I buy and sell things on craigslist. Once found kitchenaid built in refrigerator for $100, and re-sold for $900.

9. Offered ride shares on Craigslist for gas money. Kills the time on long trips and helps pay for gas.

What have you sacrificed for saving down payment?

Terry

[Jason D.]

@Terry Lao No joke, I have eaten peanut putter and jelly sandwiches, every day, for 3 years. I see guys that go out to lunch or go to subway every day and they joke about my pb&j. I laugh with them on the outside, but laugh at them on the inside. I clip every grocery coupon available and only buy things on sale. I've worn the same work shoes for 3 years (although they have a couple holes in them so I may be splurging soon). Short term sacrifices for long term success....