Family budgeting can be tricky at the best of times, with so many everyday costs to juggle. Then there are the bigger occasions throughout the year — Back to School, birthdays, Christmas — that always seem to land at once.
To help, we’ve put together a 52 Week Savings Challenge so you can gradually put a little aside and take the pressure off when those bigger bills come around.
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Will You Take the 52 Week Savings Challenge?
Putting a little aside each week is one of the easiest ways to save, because it’s usually possible to find a small amount from that week’s budget without feeling it too much.
Our 52 Week Savings Challenge starts off small, builds up through the middle of the year, and tapers off again toward the end — so if you start in January, you’ll have a nice lump sum ready in time for Christmas. That said, you don’t have to start in January. You can begin the challenge any week of the year that suits you.
Simply follow the chart below, saving the matching amount each week in whatever currency works for you. Tick off each week as you go.
As you work your way through the challenge, you’ll really start to feel good about the nest egg you’re building. It’s a great reminder of how putting away just a small amount each week can add up to something substantial by the end of the year.
How to Make the Challenge Work for You
A few simple habits can make all the difference when it comes to sticking with a savings challenge:
- Pick a home for the money. A separate savings account, an envelope, or a jar on the kitchen shelf all work well — the key is keeping it separate from your everyday spending money.
- Set a weekly reminder. A recurring note in your phone calendar or a spot on the fridge chart helps you keep the habit going.
- Involve the kids. Older children can enjoy watching the total grow and helping tick off each week, which makes it a great introduction to the idea of saving.
- Don’t worry if you miss a week. Just pick back up where you left off — the challenge is meant to be flexible, not a source of stress.
- Decide what it’s for in advance. Whether it’s Christmas presents, new school uniforms, a family day out or birthday gifts, having a goal in mind makes it easier to stay motivated.
Why a Weekly Challenge Works
Saving a lump sum in one go can feel impossible, but breaking it down into small weekly amounts makes it far more manageable. Because the challenge starts small, it’s easy to get into the habit early on, and by the time the amounts get bigger later in the year, saving already feels normal.
It’s a flexible approach too — you can adjust the amounts to suit your own budget, slow down during a tight month, or double up when you have a little extra to spare.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the 52 week savings challenge work?
Each week you save a set amount that gradually increases, then tapers off again toward the end of the challenge. Over the full 52 weeks, these small amounts add up to a meaningful total.
Do I have to start in January?
No. While starting in January works well if you’re saving toward Christmas, you can begin the challenge at any point in the year — just follow the weekly amounts in order from whichever week you start.
What if I miss a week?
Don’t worry about it. Simply pick up the challenge again the following week. The goal is building a helpful habit, not achieving perfection.
What should I save the money in?
Whatever suits you best — a dedicated savings account, an envelope system, or a jar at home all work. The important thing is keeping it separate from everyday spending.
Can I adjust the amounts?
Yes. The chart is a guide. If a particular week’s amount doesn’t suit your budget, feel free to scale it up or down to what’s realistic for your family.
Related Articles
- 21 Proven Tips and Tricks to Cut Your Food Bill in Half
- Simple Ways to Budget for Family Days Out
- Smart Ideas for Saving on Back to School Costs
Save This for Later
Love the idea of the 52 Week Savings Challenge? Bookmark this page or save it to your favourites so you can come back to it whenever you’re ready to start — or share it with a friend who could use a helping hand with their budgeting.
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