We’re officially in the early stages of planning to buy a house and potentially move to Colorado, but this won’t happen for at least another 18 months. People have asked why we’re waiting and why we’re not relocating immediately. The short answer is: we still need to save for our down payment.
Our goal is to put down roughly $100,000 on the next house — a number that feels intimidating even to say out loud. At the same time we need to continue saving for retirement and other future expenses. Because of that, we’re giving ourselves time to build up the funds while also researching neighborhoods and visiting Colorado several times so we make a confident decision. I don’t want to buy a home or move to a place I haven’t spent time in and researched thoroughly.
On top of saving for a down payment and retirement, we expect a few large expenses between now and the move. I’m preparing for the possibility that selling our current home won’t be straightforward — we might break even or even owe a little once everything is settled. We’ve had a few home-related mishaps (for example, our truck once went into reverse on its own and damaged the garage door), so repairs and replacements are also part of the plan.
Given all that, we need to save a substantial amount over the next two years. But we aren’t panicking — we have time and already run relatively modest budgets. Instead of drastic, joyless cuts, we’re making targeted, sustainable changes that keep our quality of life intact while boosting savings.
Here are some of the ways we’re trimming expenses and increasing savings: lowering our food budget, switching to a more fuel-efficient car (which is saving us hundreds per month), picking lower-cost entertainment options, cutting cable, and moving to a cheaper cell phone plan. Many of these are small lifestyle adjustments that have improved how we live while freeing up money for savings. For example, switching carriers significantly reduced our monthly phone bill and increased annual savings.
When I asked readers what they wouldn’t cut from their budgets to meet a savings goal, I received a range of thoughtful answers. A few examples included travel, gym memberships, pet care, good food, social outings like comedy club passes, therapy, and internet service — all things people value enough to preserve even while saving. Those responses highlight a central point: saving doesn’t have to mean stripping life of the things that make it meaningful.
1. I won’t downsize my home.
I’m not willing to sell our current home right away and move into a cheaper rental or smaller place just to accelerate savings. Our current home is reasonably priced, and moving twice within a short span is something I’d rather avoid. We moved several times before settling into this house, and I’d prefer to minimize future moves and the stress and expense that come with them.
2. I won’t get rid of my dogs.
My dogs are family. People sometimes question spending on pets, but for me the cost is worth it — I love them and won’t consider rehoming them to free up money for the down payment. They are part of our household and our happiness, and that’s non-negotiable.
3. I won’t stop traveling.
Travel is a priority for us. We won’t completely eliminate trips in order to save. Most of our getaways are budget-conscious, and I recently signed up for a new rewards credit card to earn points for future travel. Smart travel choices let us maintain that part of our lives without derailing our financial goals.
4. I won’t jeopardize my health.
Even though our health insurance premiums have increased significantly, I’m not willing to forgo coverage or skip preventative care. Health is an investment, and maintaining insurance and regular medical visits is essential. Cutting corners there could lead to much bigger costs down the line.
5. I won’t drain my emergency fund.
We have a healthy emergency fund, and while it could be used to reach our down payment faster, we prefer to keep it intact. The emergency fund is a safety net for unforeseen events, and with an upcoming move and potential home sale complications, having that buffer matters. Preserving it keeps us secure.
6. I won’t stop having fun.
Fun doesn’t have to be expensive. We enjoy free or low-cost activities like bike rides, hiking, and exploring trails. I won’t eliminate these sources of enjoyment just to save more quickly — they help preserve mental health and relationship quality while still keeping costs low. Living frugally doesn’t mean living joylessly.
7. I won’t get rid of internet.
Reliable internet is essential for both work and daily life. While I could use public Wi-Fi or the library occasionally, maintaining a home connection at a modest cost lets me work efficiently and comfortably. That small expense is worth the productivity and convenience it provides.
Overall, our approach is about intentional priorities: cutting where it makes sense but protecting the things that support our health, happiness, and long-term stability. We’re focused on building our down payment while preserving the everyday comforts that matter.
What are you saving for right now? Are you cutting everything to reach your goal, or are you making selective changes so you can keep what’s important? Why or why not?