Saving up for a down payment—which can mean 20 per cent of a home’s purchase price in Canada—can seem like a big task. Here are three easy ways to jumpstart your savings.
Freelance
Do you possess a set of professional skills that are in-demand? Look into using online platforms like Upwork or Freelancer, which allow you to set up an account and get matched with businesses looking for freelancers to perform short-term or contract work. You can work as much, or as little, as you want, and this can be a great way to save some extra cash.
Overhaul Your Savings
With this simple rule, you can get a glimpse into what you’re saving…and what you’re spending. Here’s how it works: When you’re making a purchase, round the total amount up to the closest dollar and put the difference into savings. This works best with cash, but you could do it on a monthly basis with card payments too. For example, if you’re purchasing lunch for $10.50, you would take the 50 cents (the difference to $11) and put that into savings. If you do this with each purchase, it can really add up. Some apps will track this for you automatically, so look into digital solutions too.
Set It and Forget It
If you want to supercharge your savings, consider setting up your bank account so you have an automatic withdrawal going into a savings or investment account. You can do this monthly, or to sync with your bimonthly paycheque. Since you don’t even see the money, it’s hard to miss it. At the end of the year, you’ll have a nice nest egg to draw from.
