The best saving challenges to start with

Ready to start saving seriously, but don't know where to begin? Savings challenges are the perfect way to put money aside in a fun and structured way, even if you've never seriously saved before. In this blog post, I share the best Savings challenges, so you can start saving right away. Let's get started!

Why a saving challenge?

Saving sounds simple, but many people find it difficult to actually keep it up. The saving challenge makes it more fun and easier because you break your savings goals into smaller, achievable steps. No complicated spreadsheets or financial knowledge required – just a simple method that motivates you to keep going. And once you see how much you can save without it hurting, you'll never want to stop!

In addition, ensure Savings challenges help you manage your money more consciously. By actively planning how much you want to save each day, week, or month, you develop better insight into your financial habits. This can also help you avoid impulsive purchases and gain more control over your budget. The great thing about savings challenges is that you can completely customize them to your own situation, whether you're starting small or want to go big right away.

The best saving challenges:

Here are some popular ones Savings challenges that help you put money aside in a structured and effective way:

1. The Small Change Challenge

Any time you have spare change, put it in a separate piggy bank or envelope. You'll be amazed at how much you can save in a short time!

• Tip: Use a small change savings card to track your progress.

• Why this works: These are small amounts that you hardly miss, but they add up quickly.

• Extra motivation: Set a goal for yourself, such as a certain amount per month. Use a transparent piggy bank to track your progress.

2. The 52-week saving challenge

This is a classic. You start with €1 in week 1 and increase the amount by €1 each week. So, in week 2, you save €2, in week 3, €3, and so on. After 52 weeks, you'll have saved a whopping €1,378!

• Why this works: It starts small, so it's not overwhelming. Plus, it helps you build a good routine.

• Extra tip: Set up an automatic transfer to a savings account to make it even easier.

• Handy tool: Check out the 52-week challenge for extra structure.

• Variation: Start the other way around and begin with the highest amount and work your way down to the lowest amount.

3. 100-Envelope Challenge

You label 100 envelopes with the numbers 1 through 100. Each week, you randomly choose an envelope and set aside the amount printed on it. By the end, you'll have saved a whopping €5,050!

• Why this works: The element of randomness keeps it exciting and fun. You never know how much you'll have to save, which makes it surprising.

• Variation: Start with 50 envelopes if you want to keep it more accessible.

• Tool: Use the 100-envelope challenge to make it easier to reach your savings goal.

• Alternative: Use a digital system if you prefer not to work with cash.

4. No spend challenge

Choose a time when you won't spend money on unnecessary things, like coffee to go or impulsive purchases. Use the money you save to put aside immediately.

• Why this works: You become aware of your spending pattern and immediately see how much you can save by making small changes.

• Extra tip: Keep a diary to gain insight into your savings patterns.

• Visual support: Use a no-spend tracker to monitor your progress.

• Extension: Try a 'low spend' month where you only spend essentials.

5. The 12-Month Challenge

In this challenge, you set a fixed amount to save each month, and that amount grows each month. By the end of the year, you'll have saved a substantial amount!

• Why this works: You save monthly for a target amount, so that after a year you have a nice final amount.

• Tip: Link the challenge to a specific savings goal, such as a vacation or an emergency fund.

• Handy tool: Use the 12-month savings challenge tracker for extra motivation.

• Variation: Save a fixed percentage of your income each month instead of a fixed amount.

Extra tips to make your saving challenge a success

Starting a savings challenge is one thing, but sticking with it is another. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. Set a clear goal: What are you saving for? A vacation, a new gadget, or just a buffer? Knowing why you're saving will help you stay motivated.

2. Use visual aids: Print a savings card or use a tracker to monitor your progress.

3. Get others involved: Do a savings challenge with a friend or partner. This way you can motivate each other and hold each other accountable.

4. Celebrate your successes: Reach a milestone? Reward yourself (within budget, of course!) with a small gift.

5. Automate your savings: Set up an automatic transfer so you're not tempted to spend the money.

6. Use a separate savings account: This prevents you from accidentally using the money for other expenses.

7. Make it visual: Use a savings challenge tracker or a jar of coins to see your progress.

8. Build in contingency funds: Make sure you have a buffer for unforeseen expenses so you don't have to interrupt your savings challenge.

Conclusion

Savings challenges are a great way to start saving, even if you think you'll have little left at the end of the month. Small steps can help you achieve big goals—and that feels fantastic. So, which savings challenge will you try? Happy saving!