I have purchased three new cars with 0% - they were advertised at the time, but one actually was not. I had negotiated and got it down to the price I wanted and the dealership was closing for the night. They relented and gave me both 0% (newer vehicle year vs the end of the last year's model) and let me put a larger down payment than they typically allowed on a CC that I got cash back for. Now - they had made a mistake earlier because they had said that 0% was for the upcoming model year, so it was really an error on their side and I think that's why it worked in my favor. I was in my early 20's at the time, so honestly no idea. They may have just wanted to secure the sale for all I know.

Good credit and low debt-credit ratio is really what you need. I have never paid sticker price for a 0% vehicle either - I enjoy the negotiation part. Even got a 2016 Corolla (when new) for $3k less than sticker with 0%...even with tax/fees it didn't come close to MSRP.

Moved from Fair Lawn area to Gloucester County a few years ago. Cheaper housing with lots of land - big difference from what you get in Bergen.

I can help you out. I service the southern part of the state, but having lived in both parts, am very familiar with the majority of towns. Send me a PM and I'll be happy to help with any questions or provide suggestions depending upon your needs.

Which part of NJ are you looking in?

Would you be open to moving to SJ? We have some lovely one floor houses in 55+ communities that are less than $400k around me. Decently sized. Send me a message - I can provide my website which has direct access to NJ MLS which gives you a real time update (Zillow is 3rd party and not 100% accurate).

As an investment, I would say in SJ outside of Philly just because prices are on the lower side but have jumped up dramatically in some towns. The towns in NNJ outside of NYC will probably continue to rise, but they are very high to begin with as you probably know.

There has been a lot of building and development around the towns I service in Gloucester County.

Towns in the state that are closer to NYC. Possibly shore towns.

It's interesting how different parts of NJ each have their own unique culture. It's really the neighboring counties of NYC and a few others that are ridiculously expensive to buy a house and it's because the land has a premium cost.

I've sold houses in the $150k range. Granted, some need a little work but if you're not looking for a fully updated house, then it's attainable. I sold one in Alloway for less than $220k last month that was fully updated.

It's hard right now with inflation and groceries being so expensive, but I would suggest only buying items on sale that week and stocking up on them when you can. For example, now is a time when soups go on sale. Stock up because they have a year or two shelf life. Use the digital coupons available for the store you use. I know there is no Shoprite in Salem County, but it is cheaper than crappy Acme. You just need a budget and stick with it. You should aim to pay yourself first, even if it's $25 a paycheck right now. I'm sending you a private message with some apps I use to save on groceries as well.

Also...depending upon what the interest rate is on your car loan, I wouldn't pay it off unless it made sense to. So for example, if you have a savings account that accrues 3% but your interest rate is 2%, it would make more sense to let your money grow at a 1% higher rate than pay off the loan. I hope that makes sense.

I'm a Realtor in your area...there are grants available and you can do an FHA loan which requires 3.5% down. I have worked with people who are in a financially worse place than you are. My advice is to cut out all unnecessary spending (take out, expensive clothes, etc.) and just sock away the money as much as you can. If you have a goal of home ownership, you will attain it as long as you keep moving towards it!

Hello - I grew up and lived in Passaic/Bergen counties. Could no longer afford the housing that way, so moved to South Jersey. It's a bit different, but I can be back "home" in less than 2 hours and am still living the Jersey lifestyle.

I work with first time home buyers all the time (my specialty), so I partner with lenders that work with first time home buying grants. I just sold a couple of homes a few weeks ago that were move in ready for less than $250k. Nice areas, but more rural.

Feel free to send me a PM and I can help you find something if willing to look in the southern part of the state (I'm a realtor) or at least help you find a lender that works with grants.

Collingswood is nice, but it will be a longer commute to NYC although great proximity to Philly. If interested, I could show you some of the rentals in the area. Feel free to send me a PM, and good luck with your endeavors.

I would also like to know. I have been using CC's for all purchases (except those that tack on a CC fee) since I got my first card at 18...over 20 years and I've never not paid in full except when I had a 0% APR and threw a big purchase on it for that reason.

Try Ramsey. Nice town and your commute would be very short. Coming from Montclair could take a long time in rush hour.

That's creepy.

I'm guessing you're in North Jersey. Born and raised there - moved to South Jersey 7 years ago due to being able to afford a house down here. My wife teaches and she is in a district that is constantly looking for educators, and it's a nice place to work.

I'm a realtor that primarily serves Gloucester, Camden, Salem, Atlantic and Cumberland Counties. I have worked with clients recently who were in the same price point and were able to find homes that suited their needs. Feel free to PM me - I work with a bunch of different lenders and have a lot of knowledge of available grants.

I also have an app that links you directly to the MLS versus zillow and such which aren't always 100% accurate as they are third party. Would even be able to give you some info on school districts.