The down payment: It’s the biggest test of our ability to save money that most of us will ever face, and one that stands between us and our ability to become a homeowner.

It can be tricky to stockpile enough money for a down payment, but it’s also an opportunity. The more money you put down, the more choice you’ll have about how much house you can afford and what you want the monthly payment to be. Plus, building up a cash cushion will definitely give you peace of mind once you’re in your new home.