Are you looking to give your savings a serious boost this year? The 52-Week Savings Challenge might just be what you need. It's a simple yet powerful way to get your savings on track. The best part is that it's doable, no matter where you are in your financial journey. Whether you're saving for a dream vacation, building an emergency fund, or want to up your savings game, these tips are practical, flexible, and, most importantly, effective.
How much should you save? While there are many suggestions, it depends entirely on your overall expenses. Families should aim to have three to six months of living expenses as a minimum emergency savings fund. Don't be overwhelmed by this number. Follow our 52-Week Savings Challenge to take the first step towards achieving your goal while building healthy savings habits that will last a lifetime. Get ready to turn small, weekly savings into big results at the end of 52 weeks!
If you’re always looking for ways to save, the “52 Week Savings Challenge” is right up your alley. Here’s how it works.
The challenge demands you save a specific amount weekly (hence, the number 52). The catch is the number of dollars you put away weekly will change from week to week. There are three ways to complete this challenge:
Here's the traditional way to do the challenge. You’ll start with Week 1, saving $1. On each subsequent week, you’ll save one additional dollar. So, on Week 2, you’ll save $2; on Week 3, you’ll save $3; and so on, until you reach $52 on Week 52.
The second way to complete this challenge is similar to the first option, but you'll be headed in the opposite direction. It's a good option if you want to feel like your savings endeavor is getting easier as the year progresses.
You'll begin with $52 on Week 1, and then on Week 2, you'll reduce this number by one dollar (to $51). On Week 3, you'll save $50; on Week 4, you'll save $49; and so on, until you reach $1 on Week 52.
The third way is trickier. You'll be alternating between even-numbered savings amounts for the first half of the year and odd-numbered savings amounts for the latter half. The pattern will go like this:
Week 1: $2
Week 2: $4
Week 3: $6
Etc.
Until you get to $52 at week 26.
Week 27: $51
Week 28: $49
Week 29: $47
Etc.
Until you get to $1 on week 52.
It doesn't matter when you start your challenge; at the end of the "52 Week Savings Challenge," you'll have more money in your pocket (or bank account) if you use these tips for cutting back in small ways:
Please keep in mind that if you participate in this challenge as a family, you will teach your children the importance of saving and developing healthy financial habits that will benefit them now and in the future. Even children as young as five can learn the basics of saving and sound financial practices, which will be the first step towards their financial success. If you make financial lessons enjoyable, your children will be more likely to repeat the behaviors independently.
Stay motivated and focused on the goal - think about how to use the savings for a specific purpose, such as a vacation.
At Middlesex Federal, we genuinely want our customers to be set up for success. Whether you prefer to bank online or visit us in the square, where here to help you save. Get started now - open your eStatement Savings online in minutes. If you have any questions, give us a call or send us an email. After all, we're here to help!
If you try the "52 Week Savings Challenge," please let us know how it went. And remember to check back often for more tips and tricks on saving big for you and your family.