13 Mini Saving Challenge Ideas to Jumpstart Your Savings

Want to save money but feel like your budget’s too tight? I totally get it—bills, groceries, and life in general can make saving feel out of reach.

But here’s the good news: you can start small and still make real progress. Mini savings challenges are a simple, low-pressure way to build the habit—plus, they’re actually fun!

One of my favorites is the no-spend challenge. I didn’t save a fortune, but those small wins added up fast and gave me the momentum to keep going.

Ready to kick off your own savings journey?

Start with a mini challenge—and don’t forget to download my free printables to make it even easier (and more motivating)!

Mini Savings Challenges: What They Are and Why They Work

Mini savings challenges are small, specific goals or tasks designed to help you save a small amount of money within a defined time frame. If you find the idea of tackling bigger goals overwhelming, these challenges can be a great way to ease into saving without feeling overwhelmed. Here’s why they work.

1. Easy to start and stick with

The beauty of these challenges is that they’re incredibly easy to start. Whether you’re a busy mom juggling family expenses or just someone looking to boost your savings for a dream vacation, you can participate in these challenges with whatever you have.

You don’t need to completely revamp your entire budget or strive for a six-figure income to take part. This simple approach removes the pressure and allows you to take small steps that fit your current financial situation. It’s a refreshing change from traditional saving methods, where you often need to commit large sums of money upfront.

2. Add an element of fun to saving

When you approach saving as a challenge, it transforms the routine task of saving money into a fun game. This shift in perspective can motivate you to save more and enjoy the process along the way.

3. Help build good financial habits

When you commit to these challenges, you’re training yourself to think about your spending and saving. You start to understand where your money goes and become more mindful about unnecessary purchases. These insights not only help you save during the challenge but can also instill a lifelong habit of financial responsibility.

12 Fun and Easy Mini Savings Challenge Ideas 

Ready to take on the challenge? Here are some fun and simple mini savings challenge ideas that you can start right away.

1. The Fishbowl Challenge

Looking for fun family savings ideas that everyone can enjoy? Start the Fishbowl Challenge!

For this challenge, you’ll need some scraps of paper and a large bowl. On each piece of paper, write down different dollar amounts. You might want to stick with a range from $1 to $5 for most of the papers. If you want to spice things up a bit, add a few with larger amounts like $10, $15, and even $20. If the family decides to raise the stakes, maybe include a $50 option. This variation adds excitement because you never know what you might pull from the bowl. 

Once you have all the papers ready, fold them up and place them in the bowl. You can decorate the bowl; this makes it more attractive and fun. Each day, every family member gets the chance to select one paper scrap from the bowl. Whatever amount is drawn from the bowl is the amount you will add to your family savings account for the day. At the end of the month, you’ll be amazed to see how much you’ve saved together!

To maximize your savings, here’s one pro tip: keep a buffer fund. A buffer fund gives you a little extra money to cover unexpected expenses without tapping into your savings.

2. Save-a-Latte Challenge

The “Save-a-Latte” Challenge is a fun, visually motivating mini-savings strategy designed especially for coffee lovers who frequently buy coffee on-the-go. This printable tracker helps you visualize the money saved each time you skip purchasing your usual latte or coffee shop beverage, and instead, add those funds directly into your savings.

Save this printable to Pinterest so you can easily find it anytime you need it, or simply print the image below to start your “Save-a-Latte” Challenge today! Alternatively, sign up below to receive this printable directly in your inbox.

3. Round-Up Challenge

In this challenge, you round up every purchase you make to the nearest dollar. Whenever you make a purchase, whether it is small or large, look at the total amount. For instance, if you buy a coffee for $3.70. You would round this up to $4.00. The remaining $0.50 is what you save. 

If you often use a credit or debit card for your purchases, consider using budgeting apps like Acorns or Qapital. These apps automate the process of rounding up your purchases. When you make a purchase, these apps will take the change and send it straight to your savings account. You don’t have to think twice about saving money because it gets done for you.

If you prefer paying in cash, you can implement this challenge with a simple change jar. Every time you get coins back from a cash purchase, simply drop them into the jar. Over time, this jar can fill up significantly, giving you a nice little boost for your savings.

4. $1-a-Day Challenge

The beauty of this challenge lies in its simplicity: you save just one dollar every day. It’s a manageable and realistic goal that anyone can incorporate into their daily routine.

To start the challenge, find a designated place to keep your savings. This could be a jar, an envelope, or even a savings account. Every day, drop one dollar. A practical tip is to think about saving the dollar first before you spend it on daily expenses. If you’re more comfortable with digital banking and if possible, set up an automatic transfer that moves a dollar from your checking account to your savings account each day.

In the first week, you will have saved a total of $7, which is a great start. After 10 months, if you have stayed committed to saving every day, you will have saved $300.

To successfully complete this challenge, track your progress.You might find it helpful to download my free printable below. This tracker will provide you with a visual tool to mark off each day you save a dollar and see your growth. 

Save this printable to Pinterest so you can easily find it anytime you need it, or simply print the image below to start your “$1-a-Day” Challenge today! Alternatively, sign up below to receive this printable directly in your inbox.

5. The No-Spend Challenge

This challenge is straightforward: you commit to not spending money on non-essential items for a certain period of time. The primary goal is to save money, but it also helps you evaluate your spending habits and think more critically about what you truly need versus what you simply want.

Set a clear time frame. It could be a week, a month, or however long feels right for you. If you are new to saving challenges, starting with a short period, like one week, might be more manageable. 

During the challenge, you will only spend money on essentials, such as groceries, bills, and transportation. Learn more about how to do a no-spend challenge here.

6. Savings Roulette Challenge

Want to add excitement to your savings routine? Try the Savings Roulette Challenge!

First, create or find a roulette wheel (homemade spinner or digital version) and assign different amounts of money (e.g., $1–$20) to each section. Spin the wheel daily or weekly, and save the amount it lands on.

Pro tip: Open a dedicated savings account for this challenge to easily track your progress and avoid temptation to spend!

7. The Water Only Money Challenge

This savings challenge helps you save money and make healthier choices by only drinking water for one month. Skip your usual soda, coffee, or wine, and track how much money you’re saving. To make water more enjoyable, try infusing it with fruits or herbs like lemon, cucumber, or mint. At the end of the month, put your savings toward your emergency fund or debt payoff goals!

Save this printable to Pinterest so you can easily find it anytime, or print the image below to start your “Water-Only Savings Challenge” today! Prefer email? Sign up below to get this printable sent directly to your inbox.

8. 30-Day Minimalism Challenge

Did you know that you can save money while decluttering your space? You can achieve this with the 30-Day Minimalism Challenge.

To get started, take a good look at your belongings, identify what you no longer need or use, and sell those items. The money you earn goes straight into your savings.

Let’s break it down: each day for thirty days, you will pick a specific item or category of items that you’re ready to part with. For instance, on Day 1, you might start with a single item, like an old shirt that’s been sitting in your closet. On Day 2, you could sell two pairs of shoes you rarely wear. You might sell a book, a gadget, furniture, or anything else that has been taking up unnecessary space in your home. Continue this pattern, and by the end of the challenge, not only will you enjoy a clutter-free environment, but you will also have some extra cash saved up.

You can sell your items through online marketplaces like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or even have a small garage sale right in your neighborhood.

Save this printable below to Pinterest so you can easily find it anytime, or print the image to start your “Minimalist Living Saving Challenge” today! Prefer email? Enter your email in the form below to get this printable sent directly to your inbox.

9. The Random Act of Saving Challenge

Have you ever thought about saving a little extra when the opportunity knocks? This challenge encourages you to seize those moments and put aside whatever you can.

Instead of sticking to a strict saving schedule, you save on your own terms. Anytime you have spare change or a little extra money from your everyday purchases, you set it aside specifically for savings. For instance, if you planned to spend a certain amount on groceries but ended up spending less, take the difference and save it. If your grocery budget is set at fifty dollars but only forty is spent, consider saving that ten-dollar surplus. You can put it in a savings account or add it to your jar.

Another idea is to save unexpected amounts of money. If you receive a cash gift for your birthday or find a twenty-dollar bill in your coat, resist the temptation to spend it casually. Set aside this money for your savings challenge instead. You might be surprised at how quickly these random savings add up, providing you with a safety net or funds for future goals.

10. The Temperature Match Challenge

If you love keeping an eye on the weather and want to boost your savings without feeling the pinch, this challenge is for you.

Basically, you will save an amount of money based on the highest temperature of the day. Each day, you’ll check the temperature in your area. You can easily find this information on weather apps, local news websites, or even through a quick search on your phone. For instance, if the forecast indicates a high of 72 degrees Fahrenheit, you’ll save 72 cents that day.The next day, if it climbs to 88 degrees, you’ll save 88 cents and so on. Simple, right? It’s like turning your daily weather check into a little money-making game. 

This challenge can be particularly rewarding during summer months when temperatures are typically higher, making it a great way to save up for a vacation or any special goals. To help you keep track of your savings throughout this challenge, you can download my free printable tracker.

11. Spare Change Jar

To start the Spare Change Jar Challenge, all you need is a jar or container—anything from a mason jar to an old coffee tin works perfectly. Just make sure it’s big enough to hold a growing pile of coins over time.

Choose a time frame that fits your lifestyle—a month, three months, or even a full year—and make it a habit to drop in your spare change daily. Every time you get coins from a purchase, toss them in the jar instead of spending them.

At the end of your challenge, take your jar to the bank or a coin machine and see how much you’ve saved. You might be surprised by how quickly those little coins add up!

12. One Week Pantry Challenge

Skip your regular grocery shopping for a week and instead use only what you have stored in your pantry and refrigerator.

Many families waste a lot of food every year. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a family of four throws away food worth about $1,500 annually. By taking on this challenge, you can help to cut down on waste and save money for your family. 

Make a list of all items currently in your pantry and refrigerator. This can include canned goods, grains, frozen vegetables, and any leftovers. Once you have a list, plan your meals for the week. For example, you might have a can of beans, some rice, and a few vegetables. These can come together to create a delicious stir-fry or a hearty soup. 

Involve your kids in the process. Let them help in the kitchen and encourage them to think of new recipe ideas. This will not only make the cooking process more fun but also teach them valuable life skills.

13. Make Extra Money Challenge

Take on a side hustle to make an extra $100 a month. This small goal can have a significant impact on your finances when put into savings.

A side hustle is any type of work you can do in addition to your main job. There are many different options available, and you can choose one that suits your skills and interests. For instance, if you’re good at writing, you might take on freelance writing jobs. If you enjoy crafting, think about selling your handmade items on platforms like Etsy. 

The more side hustles you take on, the quicker you can reach your goals. If you’re wondering how to save money fast, this challenge is perfect for you. Just make sure that you do not overextend yourself. Choose side hustles that fit easily into your schedule.

Tips for Sticking to the Challenges

While starting a mini savings challenge might seem easy, staying committed and focused to your goals can help you in the long run. Here are easy savings tips to help you stick to these challenges and keep your goals in sight.

1. Set realistic goals. 

When you know where you’re going, it becomes much easier to get there! Whether you aim to pad your emergency fund or save for a dream purchase, having a clear goal can help you stay motivated and focused. Strike a balance, and always be honest with yourself about what you can realistically achieve. 

2. Involve the whole family for fun.

Involving the whole family in a savings challenge can be fun. Think about it—you can all pitch in, support each other, and work together towards a shared goal. 

3. Use visual trackers.

Visual trackers like printable savings charts turn abstract numbers into something tangible and inspiring. When you mark your progress on a chart, you can visually appreciate what you have accomplished. This reinforces a positive mindset, encouraging you to continue working towards your next goal.

4. Celebrate small wins.

As you progress on your saving journey, take the time to celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Acknowledging your progress can inspire you to continue the effort and make your goal feel more attainable. 

Try out one of these challenges this month, and see how it goes! You might be surprised at how quickly your savings can grow. Remember, every little bit counts, and soon you’ll be well on your way to achieving those bigger financial goals.

Share your favorite mini savings challenge in the comment below. You might inspire someone else to start their own savings journey!