We’re gathering your questions about all things money and finances. Then, each week, we get your questions answered by the people who know best.

This week’s question is from Zayla, who asked:

“What steps should I take to be able to save up to buy a house one day?”

Marquetta Jackson, a HUD-certified housing counselor at the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, said you should first figure out when you want to purchase a home.

It will help you establish a timeline for yourself, she said.

“Knowing what area you want to live in [and] understanding the cost for that area, and then after that you want to connect with a homeownership program,” Jackson said.

Organizations like the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago offer free one-on-one counseling and homebuyer education workshops, where participants can also

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