Don’t Let Your Down Payment Sit There Doing Nothing
Wed Jan 28 2026
In Episode 85 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Vekevia Tillman-Jones, CFP®, MBA, gets real about a costly mistake too many future homeowners and house hackers make—leaving their down payment in a basic savings account earning next to nothing. She breaks down exactly how to earn more on your money without investing it, using smart, safe options like high-yield savings accounts.
" Good habits compound just like interest. So don't let your money sit on the sidelines.” - Vekevia Tillman-Jones
This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:
💡Why your down payment savings shouldn’t sit in a low-interest account [00:01:34]
💡How much more can you earn with a high-yield savings account? [00:02:51]
💡Where can you compare rates and find the best options? [00:04:08]
💡What should you consider before opening a new savings account? [00:06:02]
💡How did Vekevia make her own home savings work smarter, not harder? [00:07:37]
Takeaway Quotes:
"A high-yield savings account is a smart middle ground. You're not gambling—but you're not settling for pennies either." — Vekevia Tillman-Jones
"It’s not about the amount saved—it’s about being intentional with what you’ve got." — Vekevia Tillman-Jones
Connect with Real Life Planning:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reallifeplanningLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/real-life-planningBigger Pockets: https://www.biggerpockets.com/business/page/3070X: https://x.com/cynthiameyer_ffInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rentalpropertyclub/Pinterest:https://www.pinterest.com/reallifeplanningEmail: podcast@reallifeplanning.com The ReaL Life Planning Podcast is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering.
Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.
More
In Episode 85 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Vekevia Tillman-Jones, CFP®, MBA, gets real about a costly mistake too many future homeowners and house hackers make—leaving their down payment in a basic savings account earning next to nothing. She breaks down exactly how to earn more on your money without investing it, using smart, safe options like high-yield savings accounts. " Good habits compound just like interest. So don't let your money sit on the sidelines.” - Vekevia Tillman-Jones This week on Real Life Planning Podcast: 💡Why your down payment savings shouldn’t sit in a low-interest account [00:01:34] 💡How much more can you earn with a high-yield savings account? [00:02:51] 💡Where can you compare rates and find the best options? [00:04:08] 💡What should you consider before opening a new savings account? [00:06:02] 💡How did Vekevia make her own home savings work smarter, not harder? [00:07:37] Takeaway Quotes: "A high-yield savings account is a smart middle ground. You're not gambling—but you're not settling for pennies either." — Vekevia Tillman-Jones "It’s not about the amount saved—it’s about being intentional with what you’ve got." — Vekevia Tillman-Jones Connect with Real Life Planning: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reallifeplanningLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/real-life-planningBigger Pockets: https://www.biggerpockets.com/business/page/3070X: https://x.com/cynthiameyer_ffInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rentalpropertyclub/Pinterest:https://www.pinterest.com/reallifeplanningEmail: podcast@reallifeplanning.com The ReaL Life Planning Podcast is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering. Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.