Down Payment Savings Workbook: A Step-by-Step Plan to Your Closing Day

Knowing that you should save for a down payment is very different from having a written plan that tells you exactly how much to set aside each month, where to keep the money, and which assistance programs to apply for. This course closes that gap with a workbook-style approach: every concept is immediately followed by a structured exercise you complete using your own numbers. By the end of this course you will be able to produce a written down payment savings plan with a specific target amount, a chosen savings vehicle, a monthly contribution schedule, and a documented shortlist of assistance programs for which you qualify. What you will learn: - How to calculate your all-in purchase target, including down payment, closing costs, prepaid items, and a cash reserve buffer - Step-by-step comparison of savings vehicles (high-yield savings, money market, short-term Treasury bills) using a side-by-side template - How to research and apply for FHA programs, state housing finance agency grants, and employer homebuyer benefits - A closing cost negotiation checklist: which fees are lender-controlled versus third-party and which are open to comparison shopping - How to stress-test your timeline against income changes or unexpected expenses - Techniques for automating contributions so savings happen before discretionary spending - How to track progress monthly and decide when to adjust your target date versus your contribution amount The course is built around seven fillable worksheets. You begin by completing a financial snapshot, then move through target-setting, vehicle comparison, program research, and timeline modeling. Each worksheet includes worked examples alongside blank fields for your own data. Short reading segments between worksheets explain the reasoning behind each exercise. Self-assessment checkpoints help you confirm you have captured every cost category before moving forward. This course is designed for people who already have some intent to buy a home and want a structured, action-oriented process rather than general advice. Suitable for first-time buyers and those returning to homeownership after a gap. No prior financial planning experience is required. This course is educational and does not substitute for guidance from a licensed mortgage lender or housing counselor.