I'm not 100% vested in devouring all of the real estate news that's happening around the world, but rumor has it, this is a good time to buy! (Stop me if you've heard this before.) But seriously, for those of us considering purchasing a new home or even an investment property, the rates are still enticing and inventory is about to get its annual boost for spring. This past weekend I took myself out to dinner on Saturday night and then ordered pizza (and a big chocolate chip cookie!) for the "big", albeit super-boring, game on Sunday. Thankfully the pizza was better than the Pat's offense, but a win is a win. The lesson in that last sentence is I'm not doing a very good job at saving money for my real estate venture. Let's look at a few ways we (I) can do better to prep for buying a home.

As with most goals in life it helps to write it down. Having a plan on paper (Yes, paper!) that is looking you in the eye every day will help keep you focused and remind you to avoid that pizza coupon in the junk drawer. Whatever you have in the house right now will most certainly suffice for dinner tonight. Come on! You got this! One of the things you can put on that note is how much you need to save every week. The reward of crossing that off each week is sublime. You'll feel proud that you avoided delivery food and you'll feel satisfied that you're one step closer to owning that home.

It should go without saying that you are likely going to need to make a few budget cuts. In my case, it would be good to actually establish said budget! It is so easy to allow that 10 or 20 dollar bill to just slip out of our wallet and grab that bagel or coffee or sea salt caramel truffle (is that just me!?). One of the best pieces of advice I received a long time ago was to stop carrying around my debit card. That card affords you the ability to purchase virtually anything. The trick is to carry around some emergency cash, but no debit card. If something is that desirable (or necessary) you'll go back to get it next time you are out. This forces you to "sleep on it" and you'll learn that 90% of the time you never make it back to that store. We really don't need all that stuff.

Another trick I learned, which can be a bit hard to swallow, is to let someone else review your budget. A third party set of eyes may not look so kindly on 4 different movie channels and a budget of $200/month for sushi (although I won't judge!). I encourage everyone to take a hard look at their cable bills in particular. With all the available streaming services out there, paying over $100/month for cable is a thing of the past. If you are already paying for speedy Internet, stop wasting your money on cable.

Speaking of sushi, it's time to focus on your kitchen. For the past 2 weeks, I've been purchasing different brands and flavors of spaghetti sauce and combining them with hamburger or sausage to create "my own" sauce. One of the biggest advantages I've found is I don't have to cook sauce for the rest of the week and I can make any sort of pasta dish in just a few minutes. No, it's not the most creative meal plan on earth, but it is relatively healthy and I save a ton of money by staying in and preparing my own meals. Another great deal are those pre-cooked little chickens at nearly every grocery store on the planet. These things can last at least 2 meals if you throw together a couple side dishes. Not to mention they are scrumptious!

"While saving for a new home, I challenge buyers to never eat out without a coupon," notes Badger Peabody & Smith Realty (formerly Badger Realty) agent, Kevin Killourie. "It becomes a fun game and inevitably saves you money. It also tends to drive home the idea that eating out is always more expensive than staying in - coupons or not," he continued. Another easy way to save when going out is to only go where they have happy hour or other early-bird specials. Just like with outdoor clothing and gear (and most things really) only goofballs pay retail.

Moving beyond controlling our "out-go" is focusing on the "in-come". I'm amazed at the things people will buy off of Craigslist. Now, more than ever, is a great time to head into the basement, attic or garage and make a pile of things that will serve someone else better than you. The same rule for "clutter" applies here. If you haven't touched it in a year or two, put it in the pile! Old sports equipment, stereo parts, car parts, etc. are all fantastic candidates for your online sale. Beyond selling stuff, what services can you offer that folks are willing to pay for? Could you tutor students in a foreign language? Can you teach piano or trumpet? Perhaps you could refinish furniture you found on craigslist? Ahh the circle of life!

Lastly, I simply encourage you to stay positive. You're going to mess up and grab that truffle. I mean come on! They're so good! But don't let that discourage you or make you give up. Like going to the gym, get yourself a saving buddy and the two of you can keep each other in check. It is right there within reach and a little self-discipline is going to get you most of the way there. I'll see you at happy hour!