Are you dreaming of both a perfect wedding and a new house to start your lives together, but feel overwhelmed by the idea of saving for both at the same time? Fear not! It’s completely possible, and we’re here to help you achieve both of those goals without sacrificing your financial stability. Read along as we guide you through some tips on how to save for both your dreams simultaneously.
Choose a priority
Planning a wedding and buying a house are both exciting, but before you start saving, it’s important to figure out what matters most to you and your partner. What’s your top priority? Are you both more excited about saying “I do” or putting down roots in a new home? And what percentage of your income are you willing to put towards these goals? If you both want a big blow out wedding, you should consider a longer timeline for buying a new home. If buying a new home is your priority, consider planning for a smaller, more intimate wedding or hosting a larger celebration later.
Start Saving Early
The key to successful money management for a home and a wedding is starting early. The earlier you begin, the longer you have to save for both dreams. Have a conversation with your partner about the timeline of your goals and how you both will achieve them together. How much house can you actually afford? And how much can you budget for the big day? Once you’re both are on the same page, you can make a plan to save for both dreams.
Work Out a Budget
It’s essential to be smart and realistic with your budget when saving for a new home and wedding. Determine how much you want to spend for each, and stick with it. Review your monthly expenses carefully and cut out the expenses that you can live without. Small changes like eating out less often or curbing your online shopping habit can add up over time and give you the extra savings that you need.
Maintain Separate Savings Accounts
Instead of having a single savings account, create a separate account for your wedding and home savings. This will allow you to track your progress towards each goal more effectively and prevent you from accidentally using money intended for one for the other.
Reduce Your Debt
While saving for a down payment and your upcoming wedding, it’s essential to keep a check on your outstanding debts. Work on paying off as much debt as possible and avoid taking on any new debts. Any outstanding monthly debts can hinder your savings aims, making money management for your upcoming wedding and home much more difficult.
Look for Savings Opportunities
Start looking into various cost-saving approaches that you can use to reduce your expenses. Consider having a smaller, more intimate wedding day or choosing a home in a more affordable location or with fewer amenities or bedrooms. Work with reputable vendors that fall within your budget and keep a lookout for sales on decor, wedding dresses, and suits that fit your budget.
Calculate Your Total Cost of Ownership
When it comes to purchasing a home, it’s vital to calculate your total cost of ownership. This includes the home price, mortgage interest, insurance, taxes, maintenance, utilities, and any other potential expenses that come with homeownership. This way, you can make an informed decision on how much house you can afford and avoid incurring unmanageable debt.
Saving for both a wedding and a home might seem like a daunting task, but it’s completely possible with some planning and budgeting. Remember, in several years, you’ll be looking back on your big day, and the day you bought your first home and any extra effort will be worth it.
New Construction Homes by S&A Homes
We hope you’ll consider S&A Homes when you’re ready to make the move into a new construction home. S&A Homes has a long history of building quality new construction homes in new home communities located in desirable neighborhoods throughout Central and South-Central Pennsylvania. Call 1-855-SAHome1 or visit SAHomeBuilder.com to learn more about our new home communities, floorplans, and more.