Last week I got the first hints of spring before the snow came back with a vengeance. But those hints of spring gave me a boost to my mood. While I like winter, I’m over it by the time February comes around. I don’t do enough outdoor winter activities. The false start of spring gives me that burst of energy like it’s a new beginning and time to start all the projects. Hence my 30-Day Savings Challenge.
Are you ready to kickstart your savings and build a solid financial habit? This April, join me for the 30-Day $500 Savings Challenge! Over the next month, I’ll take small, manageable steps each day to save $500 by the end of the challenge.
How the Challenge Works
- Each day, follow a simple savings task designed to help you cut unnecessary spending and find creative ways to save.
- By the end of 30 days, you’ll have an extra $500 in your savings account!
- I’ll provide motivation, tips, and strategies along the way through blog updates and emails.
What You Need to Do Now
- Download & print the challenge tracker
- Set your savings goal – Why do you want to save $500? Write it down!
- Open or designate a savings account for this challenge.
- Prepare for Week 1 – The first week focuses on small habit changes that add up quickly!
Week 1 Setup: Small, Manageable Savings
For the first seven days, I’m easing into saving by making small, mindful changes that have a big impact. Here’s what’s coming up:
Week 1 Savings Tasks
Day 1: Set your goal & open a dedicated savings account (Save $5)
Start by setting your personal reason for saving $500, this motivation will help you stick with it. If you don’t have a dedicated savings account, open one now. Even moving your savings into a separate account can make a difference! If you are using the Envelope Budgeting Method and using cash, set up an envelope or jar to put the money into. Start by putting $5 into it.
Day 2: Skip a coffee run or snack purchase (Save $10)
A $5 coffee here, a quick snack there, it adds up! Skip your usual treat today and transfer that money into savings instead.
Day 3: Round up all purchases to the nearest $1/$5 & save the difference (Save $8)
For every purchase you make today, round it up and set aside the difference. For example, if you spend $3.50, round it to $5 and save $1.50. Small amounts add up fast!
Day 4: Use a coupon or cashback app for your groceries & transfer the savings (Save $12)
Before heading to the store, check for coupons, discounts, or cashback offers. Whatever you save, transfer it directly into your savings fund. Make sure the coupon is for something that you are already going to buy. It’s not saving if you weren’t going to buy it before the coupon.
Check out Websaver. They have branded and unbranded coupons. For some, you just need to take a picture of your receipt, and they send you the money through PayPal. You don’t even need to bring a coupon to the store!
Day 5: Cancel an unused subscription (Save $15)
Look through your bank statements—are you paying for a subscription you don’t use? Whether it’s a streaming service, a beauty box, or an old app subscription, cancel it and save the cost!
I tend to think that I will use something when I’m probably not. So I plan to cancel all my subscriptions and resubscribe when I want to use the subscription.
Day 6: Bring lunch instead of eating out (Save $10)
Eating out can cost $10-$15 per meal. Pack a homemade lunch today and put what you would have spent into savings.
Bringing your lunch to work can save you over $2,000 a year, check out my post about it!
Day 7: No-spend day! Whatever you were going to spend today, transfer instead (Save $15)
Challenge yourself to spend nothing today—no coffee, no impulse buys, nothing extra. At the end of the day, total what you would have spent and transfer that amount to savings.
✅ Total Week 1: $75 Saved!
If one of these challenges doesn’t apply to you then you can check out my post on cutting expenses for ideas on where to save money in your budget.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use Cash or a Separate Savings Account – Physically moving money helps you stay accountable. Out of sight, out of mind. Keeping your savings separate reduces the temptation to spend it.
- Tell a Friend – Having an accountability partner makes it easier to stay on track. If you want you can email me at author@thebudgetess.com
- Track Your Savings Daily – Use a notebook, spreadsheet, or the printable tracker to monitor your progress. Seeing your savings grow is a great motivator!
- Cut Back on Small, Frequent Expenses – Daily habits like coffee, takeout, and impulse buys add up. Challenge yourself to find one expense you can reduce for the month.
- Celebrate Small Wins – Every dollar saved gets you closer to your goal!
Stay Tuned for Week 1 Recap & Week 2 Setup!
At the end of the week, I’ll check in on my progress, share success stories, and set up for the next phase of the challenge. Be sure to check back for more tips and encouragement!
💬 Are you joining the savings challenge? Drop a comment below and let me know your savings goal!
Stay motivated and happy saving! 💰