5 simple savings challenges you can start today

Okay, let's be honest: saving always sounds like a good idea, but it often feels like one of those chores you put off forever. Who has time to create elaborate budgets, scour every offer, or create complicated savings plans? I don't. And you probably don't either. Luckily, you don't have to!

There are simple ways to save a little extra without it feeling like you're putting in a lot of effort. That's why I've compiled 5 easy money challenges that even you (yes, with your busy schedule) can do. No fuss, just save. Let's go!

1. The 5-euro challenge

This is one of the easiest ways to save money without it actually hurting. It works like this: every time you find a €5 note in your wallet, put it aside. You can put it in a jar, an envelope, or just somewhere you won't spend it right away (your nightstand probably isn't the best place, just saying). For example, use the 100 €5 envelopes edition to save €500.

Why does this work so well? Because a €5 note is small enough to miss, but if you do it consistently, it adds up quickly. Imagine setting aside three notes each week—that's €15 per week. In a year, that's €780!

Tips to keep this up:

• Buy a nice piggy bank or container. It's motivating to see your savings grow.
• Pay with cash more often, so that you regularly receive €5 in your hands.
• Give yourself a goal, such as “I will use this money for my vacation” or “I will buy something nice with this as a reward.”

2. No-spend days

A classic, but still one of my favorites. The idea is simple: choose a day (or two) a week where you spend absolutely no money. No coffee to-go, no quick lunches, nothing. You just use what you already have at home.

Why is this such a good challenge? It makes you think creatively about what you already have. That pasta in the back of your cupboard can easily be transformed into a delicious meal. And that forgotten tea in your drawer suddenly tastes surprisingly good when the alternative is to spend money.

How do you make this more fun?

• Make it a challenge with yourself or your partner. Who can last the longest?
• Plan something fun for your no-spend days, like a movie night at home or a walk in the park. Free entertainment is everywhere!
• Use the money you've saved (which you would normally spend on lunch, for example) for something specific. You can set it aside in a jar or savings account. For example, choose a savings challenge with a specific goal where you can save the money.

3. The 30-day list

Have you ever bought something and regretted it later? Impulse purchases are the enemy of saving. This challenge will help you control those impulses.

It works like this: if you want to buy something (and I don't mean necessities like toilet paper, but those new shoes or that cool gadget), you write it down on a list. Then you wait 30 days. If after those 30 days you still think you really need or want it, you can buy it.

Why does this work so well? You usually forget you wanted it within a few days. And if you don't want it anymore, you've saved money without missing out. For example, use a habit tracker to keep track of the 30 days.

Tips:

• Keep your list in your phone so you always have it at hand.
• Also add the price so you can see how much you save by not buying things.
• Reward yourself for your patience! Maybe at the end of the month you can use a small portion of your savings for something fun (that was on your list).

4. Save change

This is for anyone who thinks, “I want to save, but I don’t want to think about it too much.” The idea is simple: round up your purchases and put the difference aside.

For example, if you spend €2.60 on a cup of coffee, you can round that €0.40 down to €3 and set aside the difference. This works especially well if you use digital tools, like your banking app. Many banks have features that allow you to do this automatically. The money is then immediately transferred to a savings account.

Why is this smart?

• You barely notice it. Small amounts don't have a big impact on your daily expenses, but they add up nicely in the long run.
• It's automatic. Think less, save more.

Extra tip:

If you prefer to use cash, you can throw your coins into a piggy bank at the end of the day. It feels old-school, but it's super fun to watch that bank fill up.

5. Do a subscription check

How many subscriptions do you currently have? Spotify, Netflix, a gym you never go to… It all adds up. This challenge is simple: take an hour to review all your subscriptions and see what you can cancel, pause, or downgrade. Use a subscription tracker for an overview.

Maybe you have a streaming service you rarely use or a magazine you never read. Cancel it and set aside the money you save.

How do you approach this?

• Make a list of all your subscriptions. Don't forget the small things, like apps that are automatically charged.
• Ask yourself, "Am I really using this? Am I getting any enjoyment or benefit from it?"
• Use the money you save wisely. Put it directly into a savings account or use it for something truly important.

Why these challenges work

The beauty of these challenges is their accessibility. You don't have to make a grand plan, you don't have to overhaul your entire life, and you can start today. It's about small, achievable steps that you can easily incorporate into your daily life.

You don't have to do everything at once. Choose one that appeals to you most and try it for a few weeks. If it goes well, you can try another. Before you know it, you'll be saving without feeling like you're sacrificing anything.

Last tip: make it fun!

Saving doesn't have to be boring. Make it a game, reward yourself, or get others involved. For example, invite a friend to join you on a no-spend day or compare who can save more with your partner using the 5-euro challenge.

Saving money is easier than you think – as long as you start small. Which of these challenges will you try?