6 Money-Saving Challenges to Save More Every Year!
The 52-Week Challenge. The Two-Liter Challenge. The Weather Wednesday Challenge. No, these aren’t fad diets or social media dares. They’re money-saving challenges that can help you turn saving money into a fun and motivating game—plus, everyone wins! Check out this list of six money-saving challenges, and start saving today!
- 52-Week Spending Challenge
This is one of the most popular money-saving challenges of all time for good reason. It’s straightforward, easy (at least, in the beginning!), and you’ll end up with a whopping $1,378 in savings by the end of the year.
How does it work? Over the year, you set aside the dollar amount corresponding with the week. In other words, you’ll save $1 on week one, $2 on week two, all the way to $52 in the last week of the year.
Looking ahead, that means putting aside a good chunk of change during December, when budgets are often tight with holiday gifts and travel. If you want to avoid this, try going in reverse! Put aside $52 on week one, and decrease by a dollar each week.
- Two-Liter Dime Challenge
This challenge is exactly what it sounds like. Grab an empty two-liter bottle, give it a good washing, and put it somewhere in your kitchen. Throughout the year, every time anyone in your house gets a dime, it goes straight into the bottle. The goal is to fill up the bottle by the end of the year and then cash it out. A two-liter bottle can hold up to $700 in dimes!
- No-Spend Challenge
Being frugal is easier when it’s for a certain period of time, and more fun when you frame it in the form of a challenge. Pick a time period, like a week or a month, and go on a “discretionary-spending fast” for the duration. That means you can only spend your money on necessities like groceries, gas, medicine, and so on. No more trips to the movie theater, dinners out, or online clothes shopping—at least for a bit! Don’t worry—plenty of creative date ideas won’t cost you a thing. Your bank account will thank you. Just don’t splurge too much when the no-spend challenge ends!
- Weather Wednesday Challenge
Money blogger Sunburnt Saver came up with this challenge, and it’s only for the diehard savers. Every Wednesday, put aside a dollar amount corresponding to that day’s high temperature. In other words, you’ll be setting aside a hefty amount of money each week…especially in the hotter months! However, if you’re serious about saving money, the weather Wednesday challenge will guarantee you a big number by the end of the year.
- Dine-In Challenge
Regularly eating at restaurants can be a major money sucker, so dining in for a set period is a surefire way to save money on a tight budget. Just because you’re eating at home doesn’t mean your meals have to be boring or any less of an experience. Plan different theme nights and pick fun recipes to try. Challenge yourself to find the cheapest versions of the ingredients at your grocery store.
Then make preparing the meal a family affair! Find a music playlist that goes with the theme, and set out a few candles for mood lighting. What restaurant can top that?
- DIY Challenge
One of the best ways to save money? Become the ultimate DIYer! When something breaks in your house or on your car, research a DIY solution before calling a pro. You’ll be surprised at what you can learn on YouTube!
Little things like replacing your windshield wiper blades and changing your oil can save you tons of cash in the long run. Save even more by learning how you can get cheap car insurance, increase your deductible to lower your monthly premium, and so on! Auto insurance is a necessary expense that you can’t eliminate, but you can find ways to make it more budget-friendly.
At Direct Auto Insurance, we’re all about finding you ways to save on a tight budget. That’s why we offer a variety of auto insurance discounts, flexible payment plans, and great service—no matter your insurance history. We hope your year is a year of good health, incredible memories with loved ones… and the beginning of a nice little nest egg!
Discover more ways to save!
