In January, we typically start thinking about New Year’s resolutions. For some, this might mean making goals to eat healthier, stop smoking, read more books, or lose weight. For others, it’s all about building an emergency fund by saving some extra money.
Although some people may feel that starting and keeping new habits works best at the beginning of the year, the 52 Week Money Challenge will encourage you to save an additional $1,378 over the next 52 weeks no matter when you decide to start!
The 52-Week Money Challenge is based on saving a certain amount of money every week over the course of an entire year (hence, the number 52). The number of dollars you save will change from week to week. There are three ways to complete this challenge. No matter which way you choose, 52 weeks of savings will earn you an extra $1,378 in your savings account.
This is 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.
This is essentially 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 goes on.
You’ll begin with $52 on Week 1, 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.
This way’s a bit 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.
Track your progress. Keep a digital or printed spreadsheet on hand to track your savings progress.
Make sure you have a reliable place to store your savings. A simple piggy bank may not cut it, plus having your savings accessible may tempt you to dip into it before the end of the challenge. Consider opening a high-yield savings account with Allegiance if you don’t have one already.
Make it fun. If you’re doing the challenge as a family, make a colorful chart with your kids to track your savings. Add a sticker or big “X” for each day you complete the challenge.
Set reminders. Remind yourself of your weekly savings goal by setting up an alert or reminder on your favorite device.
Schedule your transfers. With Allegiance's online or mobile banking so you don’t have to think about it.
Include the whole family. Get everyone in the family involved by having your children do the challenge for themselves — but with cents (1¢ for Week 1, 2¢ for Week 2, etc.).
Stay motivated and keep your eyes on the prize by focusing on the extra security you will gain with a larger savings account or emergency fund!
Keep in mind that if you perform this challenge as a family, you’ll be teaching your children the importance of saving and creating healthy habits for them to continue in the future. Children as young as five can participate in these early concepts which will be the first step on their road to a financially successful future. If you keep the financial lessons fun, your children are more likely to repeat the behavior on their own.
At the end of the 52-Week Money Challenge, you can have even more in your pocket if you use these tips for cutting back in small ways:
Never underestimate the cost savings of gas from carpooling.
List and sell the furniture, tools, toys, clothes, and other items you don’t use.
Take a look at your monthly subscriptions. Movies, cable, sports, radio, magazines, meal plans, clothes subscriptions, etc. really add up! Limit them or negotiate a lower monthly cost when feasible.
Start going to your local library for books and movies.
Make a grocery list and stick to it. Too many times wandering around the aisles of the grocery store allows for extra snacks and non-essential items to land in the grocery cart, raising the total bill. Meal planning and creating grocery lists help to keep your budget on track.
Consider debt consolidation. Debt robs you of income. Learn about how Debt Consolidation with Allegiance can help you save by combining your outstanding debt into one manageable payment with a lower interest rate.
Finally, the Holy Grail of savings: A monthly budget. You can find some great free budgeting templates available online with a simple online search.
Allegiance is always looking for new ways to help you save for the important things in life. Allegiance offers members different ways to intelligently save your hard-earned money from high-yield savings accounts, certificates, and even money market accounts. We want you to get the maximum benefits and rewards from this challenge. If you have questions about saving for your future or about your unique financial situation, please contact Allegiance today.