 TITLE: How to Save Money if You’re Still Employed During COVID-19 CONTENT: Set Aside Cash for a Down Payment on a Home\n-------------------------------------------\nFor many Americans, owning a home is a dream. Realizing that dream doesn't come cheap, though. For instance, the median down payment for a U.S. home was 12% in 2019, according to the National Association of Realtors. A down payment is an upfront payment that's calculated as a percentage of the purchase price—usually 5% to 20%, with 20% or more being ideal for the best rates and terms.\nEven if you can afford the monthly payments on a mortgage loan, it can be tough to come up with a down payment. Here are four ways you can save cash for a down payment on a home:\n1.  Set aside a certain amount of money every month into a savings account solely for a house down payment.\n2.  Take a side gig to make extra income.\n3.  Put off vacations until you've got enough money set aside for a down payment.\n4.  Trim your high-interest credit card debt. END