What's the fastest way to save for a down payment?

Speed comes from a clear target, automation, and cutting your biggest expenses — not from chasing high returns. First, set a specific dollar goal and timeline so you know your required monthly savings. Automate a transfer into a separate high-yield savings account on payday so the money never sits in checking. Then attack large line items: housing (a roommate or cheaper rental), a car payment, and recurring subscriptions usually move the needle far more than skipping coffee. Redirect windfalls — tax refunds, bonuses, RSU vesting — straight into the fund. If your employer offers a match, keep contributing enough to capture it, but pause extra investing temporarily if you're buying within a couple of years. A side income stream can dramatically shorten the timeline. Map it out with wealthserene.com/tools/budget-analyzer to find the dollars to redirect.