Saving for a down payment refers to the process of setting aside money in order to make a significant payment towards the purchase of a home, car, or other big-ticket items.

In the context of home buying, a down payment is typically a percentage of the total purchase price that the buyer must pay upfront in order to secure a mortgage loan from a lender. The size of the down payment required can vary depending on factors such as the type of loan, the lender, and the buyer’s credit history.

Generally, the larger the down payment, the lower the interest rate and monthly mortgage payments will be. Saving for a down payment may involve cutting back on expenses, increasing income, and setting up a dedicated savings account.

Many financial experts recommend aiming for a down payment of at least 20% of the purchase price in order to avoid private mortgage insurance and obtain a more favorable loan term.