The 52 week money challenge is a simple way to save $1,378 in one year. In week one you save $1, in week two you save $2, and you keep adding a dollar each week until you save $52 in the last week.
It works because it starts tiny, so it is easy to begin, and the habit is built before the bigger weeks arrive.
How the 52 week money challenge works
- Pick a start date. January is popular, but any week works.
- Save the number of dollars that matches the week: $1 in week one, $2 in week two, all the way to $52.
- Keep the money in a separate savings account or jar so you do not spend it.
- Check off each week on a chart.
52 week money challenge chart
| Weeks | Saved in these 4 weeks | Total so far |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1 to 4 | $10 | $10 |
| Weeks 5 to 8 | $26 | $36 |
| Weeks 9 to 12 | $42 | $78 |
| Weeks 13 to 16 | $58 | $136 |
| Weeks 17 to 20 | $74 | $210 |
| Weeks 21 to 24 | $90 | $300 |
| Weeks 25 to 28 | $106 | $406 |
| Weeks 29 to 32 | $122 | $528 |
| Weeks 33 to 36 | $138 | $666 |
| Weeks 37 to 40 | $154 | $820 |
| Weeks 41 to 44 | $170 | $990 |
| Weeks 45 to 48 | $186 | $1,176 |
| Weeks 49 to 52 | $202 | $1,378 |
Add up every week and you get $1,378. Nothing magic, just 1 plus 2 plus 3, all the way to 52.
Versions of the 52 week money challenge
- Reverse challenge: start at $52 and count down, so the hardest weeks come first, before holiday spending.
- Pick a number: cross off any amount from $1 to $52 each week, so you can choose a small one on a tight week.
- Bi-weekly: save two weeks' amounts on each payday.
- Double it: save $2, $4, $6 and so on to reach $2,756.
- $5 version: save $5, $10, $15 and so on to reach $6,890.
Find the money in your grocery cart. Swapping one takeout night a week for a cheap home cooked dinner can cover most weeks of the challenge.
Where the money can come from
Cutting food costs is one of the easiest places to find extra dollars each week. Try our tips to save money on groceries, cook from your cheap pantry staples, or try a no spend challenge for a week.
If you leave your savings in an interest bearing account, the Investor.gov compound interest calculator shows how it can grow over time.
Tips to stick with the challenge
- Set up an automatic transfer each week so you never have to remember.
- Keep the chart somewhere you see it every day, like the fridge door.
- Pair each week with a small swap, such as packing lunch instead of buying it.
- Celebrate milestones. Week 13 puts $91 in the jar and week 26 reaches $351.
- Plan ahead for December, when the weekly amounts are biggest and spending is highest.
Doing it as a family
The 52 week money challenge is a great way to teach kids about saving. Let them drop the coins in the jar each week and color in the chart. You can also run a smaller version for them, saving 10 cents more each week, which adds up to $137.80 by the end of the year.
What to do with the money
Decide on a goal before you start, such as an emergency fund, a holiday fund or paying down a card. A clear goal makes the bigger weeks feel worth it, and you can move the money into one of your sinking funds when the year is done.
Frequently asked questions about the 52 week money challenge
How much do you save in the 52 week money challenge?
You save $1,378 by the end of 52 weeks.
Can I start the 52 week money challenge any time?
Yes. Start on any week and count 52 weeks from there.
What if I miss a week?
Catch up the next week or switch to the pick a number version so you can choose a smaller amount.
Where should I keep the money?
A separate savings account works best so it stays out of sight and earns a little interest.
