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We finally did it.
After years of stacking cash and saving like it was a full-time job, we packed up our family, left New York, and moved to Michigan. It was everything we prayed for: a clean slate, a slower pace, and a chance to build something new.
But what no one tells you is: starting over will eat your savings alive.
We spent over $32,000 just getting here and settling in. Between the U-Haul, deposits, furniture, a new car, all the random “new house” stuff, and just living life with 3 kids… it added up real quick.
We didn’t go into debt (thank God), but now we’re basically back at zero.
Read this post here to read about where those 32k went for the move.
So this year, we’re rebuilding our savings from scratch – again.
But this time, we’re keeping it simple with real-life money saving challenges that actually work.
These aren’t trendy TikTok hacks or “stop buying coffee” nonsense. Some of these are the exact saving challenges we’re doing right now as a family to reset, stay focused, and grow our bank account without burning out.
To help you get started, I’m giving you 3 free printable trackers you can use to start your own savings journey! Find them down below by clicking on the pictures 🙂
Challenge 1: The $5 Bill Savings Challenge
This is one of the easiest money saving challenges to start with, and yup, we’re doing it.
Every time you get a $5 bill, you don’t spend it.
You stash it. Period.
You can save it in a physical envelope, a cash box, or a jar labeled “Don’t touch unless it’s an emergency.”
We’re doing this all year long. It adds up fast, and it doesn’t feel like a huge sacrifice.
Challenge 2: Pantry + Freezer Challenge
This money saving challenge is all about using what you already have before buying more.
For 2 full weeks, we’re not grocery shopping. We’re living off what’s in the pantry and freezer and yes, that includes that random bag of frozen peas I’ve been ignoring for months, that I swore I was going to do something with it.
The goal is to save our grocery money and get creative in the kitchen.
(And maybe finally clear out enough space in the freezer to close the door properly.)
Of course, make a big grocery haul so that you can have things to cook and therefore do the challenge.
Challenge 3: Weekly Budget Dates
This one’s more about consistency than cutting things out.
Every Sunday, I do a quick budget check-in. I check for whatever is left in the bank account. I look at:
- What we spent last week
- What we overspent on (for us, it’s usually food)
- Where we can save this week
- What’s going into savings even it’s just $5
These budget dates are non-negotiable. It’s one of those behind-the-scenes money saving habits that keeps you from falling off track halfway through the month.
Challenge 4: Save $10K in One Year
Let’s talk about big savings goals.
If you’re trying to go hard this year, the $10K in a year challenge breaks down to about $833/month or $192/week.
Sounds impossible? It’s actually not.
- Use tax refunds or bonuses
- Sell stuff you don’t use
- Cut back on extras for a while
- Side hustle it out
It’s aggressive, but it works, and that’s why I made a free printable to help you track every step of the way.
Click the image below to download the tracker and start your own $10,000 savings journey for free!
Challenge 5: Build a $1,000 Emergency Fund Fast
If you don’t have an emergency fund yet, start here.
This money saving challenge is about speed. Save $1,000 in 30 days, even if you have to get scrappy.
- Sell clothes, toys, anything
- Cancel a few subscriptions
- Do a no-spend weekend or two
- Take on a quick gig
Once you have that starter emergency fund, everything feels less stressful.
You breathe a little easier. You sleep better.
And if you need a way to stay on track, my 1000k in 30 Days printable can help you do this faster.
Challenge 6: 12-Week No Spend Sprint
This is a great beginner-friendly money saving challenge if a full no-spend month feels like too much.
Here’s how it works:
Each week, you cut one spending category:
- Week 1: No takeout
- Week 2: No Target runs
- Week 3: No online shopping
- Week 4: No random gas station snacks
It resets your habits without flipping your whole life upside down. You can rotate new categories every week for 12 weeks.
Challenge 7: 100 Envelope Challenge
I love this one because it’s so visual and satisfying. You label 100 envelopes (or use my printable), then save a small amount in each one until you hit $5,050.
Don’t want to do $1 to $100? Try $1 to $20 instead. Or do it backwards – highest numbers first.
It’s one of the most fun and flexible money saving challenges out there.
Click the image above to grab your free version and start stuffing those envelopes!
Challenge 8: Sell 25 Things
This one always surprises people; you’re probably sitting on money right now.
Walk through your house and find 25 things you no longer use, love, or need.
Toys, books, clothes, electronics, kitchen gadgets, decor… it all counts.
List them on Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, or eBay. Whatever you make, put it straight into savings.
Challenge 9: Pay Yourself First
I don’t care if it’s $5 or $500, but set up an auto-transfer to savings every payday.
This is one of the most important money saving challenges you can do consistently.
Why? Because it flips your mindset.
You’re not saving “if there’s anything left.” You’re saving first, because your future self is not optional.
Challenge 10: Cash Envelope Reset
Digital spending makes it way too easy to overspend.
Try this: pick 2–3 categories (like groceries, fun money, gas) and go cash-only for 90 days.
When the envelope’s empty, that’s it. You learn quick.
This challenge helps you become way more intentional, and helps avoid telling yourself “how did I spend $700?”
You Don’t Need to Do All of Them – Just Start
I’m not doing all 10 of these at once.
Right now, we’re focused on the $5 savings rule, weekly budget check-ins, and the pantry + freezer challenge. That’s where we’re starting.
You pick what works for you.
And don’t overthink it. Just pick one challenge, print the tracker, and try it for a month.
Then stack another when you’re ready.
Saving money doesn’t have to feel heavy or impossible.
It just needs a goal, tunnel vision and discipline.
