You’ve made it through Week 1! Congrats! By now, you’ve saved $75 by making small, intentional choices. These early wins matter. You’re building momentum, and that’s a powerful thing. I found being more aware of where my money goes each day helped shift my mindset. Small things, like skipping the coffee shop or using a coupon, started to feel empowering rather than restrictive. I was able to boost my savings!
Food tends to be the thing that I spend a lot of money on, where I probably shouldn’t so doing the challenge made me think twice of whether I really wanted to make the purchase or I would rather save it and put the money towards my goal. Sometimes it was that I wanted to save it, other times I went with a cheaper option and put the difference towards the goal.
In Week 2, I’m turning up the savings just a little more with smart swaps and intentional planning. Let’s keep the energy going!
Week 2 Theme: Cut Back & Find Extra Cash
This week is all about getting a little more intentional. You’ll still take manageable daily actions, but now you’ll be more strategic, cutting back in key areas and finding extra money by making thoughtful choices.
Week 2 Savings Tasks
Day 8: Sell one unused item (Save $20)
Look around your home for something you don’t use or need anymore, maybe it’s a small appliance, a piece of clothing, or home decor. List it for sale online or in a local buy/sell group and set the money aside.
Day 9: Reduce impulse purchases by waiting 24 hours before buying (Save $10)
If something catches your eye today, pause. Give yourself 24 hours to think about it. Most of the time, you’ll find you don’t need it after all—and you can put that $10 toward your goal.
Day 10: Skip takeout & cook at home (Save $15)
Even one takeout order can add up fast. Challenge yourself to cook at home today. Bonus points if you use ingredients you already have!
Day 11: Use a library instead of buying books/magazines (Save $10)
Check out your local library instead of buying a new book or magazine. Many even offer digital access to books, movies, and audiobooks. Many libraries use the Libby/Overdrive app.
Day 12: Use a gas rewards program or carpool for a discount (Save $12)
Gas rewards, carpooling, or even combining errands to make fewer trips can help you save. Whatever you save today, transfer it!
Day 13: Save on groceries by shopping with a list & avoiding extras (Save $15)
Write a list—and stick to it. Avoid the temptation to toss extras into your cart. Staying focused helps your wallet.
Day 14: Do a pantry challenge—eat only what you have at home (Save $20)
Get creative with your meals and use what’s already in your fridge, freezer, or pantry. It’s a great way to stretch your food budget.
✅ Total Week 2: $102 Saved!
✅ Cumulative Savings: $177
Mindset Tip: Progress, Not Perfection
You don’t need to do this challenge perfectly. Life happens. If you miss a day or save less than planned, that’s okay. Keep going. Every step forward counts.
Tips for Staying on Track
- Keep your savings visible: use a tracker, envelope, or app.
- Reflect each evening: Did you save today? What helped or got in the way?
- Share your wins with a friend, group, or in the comments!
- Keep your “why” close by: remind yourself what you’re saving for and why it matters.
- Make it fun: try turning each day into a mini-challenge or rewarding yourself with a non-spending treat (like a movie night at home).
Next week, I’ll focus on creative ways to boost your savings even more. You’re halfway there, keep it up!