Top Summer Money Savings Challenge to Try

Ready to stack some savings without the stress? A summer savings challenge is the perfect way to build better money habits while still having fun. Whether you want to boost your emergency fund, pay off debt, or just stop wasting cash on stuff you don’t need, these short-term challenges make it simple.

Pick one, track your progress, and watch your savings grow—one small win at a time. You don’t need a big budget to make a big impact.

It’s all about building smart habits in a short amount of time. Pick one and see how much you can save before summer’s over!

No-Spend Weekend Challenge

This challenge is all about cutting back without feeling like you’re missing out. Try spending zero dollars from Friday night to Sunday night. Use things you already have at home instead of buying something new.

Cook meals from the pantry, watch free shows, and plan fun at-home activities. It’s a great way to reset your spending habits. If done a few times, it can help save money fast and shift how you think about needs vs. wants.

To learn more: 7-day No Spend Challenge for Beginners

$5 Bill Savings Challenge

Every time a $5 bill lands in your wallet, stash it away instead of spending it. It’s simple and adds up quicker than you think. You don’t have to change your whole life—just commit to putting those fives aside.

After a few weeks, you might be surprised at how much is saved. It’s an easy money saving challenge that builds discipline without stress. Great for folks who need a low-effort way to start saving.

To learn more: 25 Best Money Saving Hacks to Save Fast and Not be Broke

Pantry-Only Meal Challenge

Skip the grocery store and cook with what’s already in your kitchen. Go through your shelves, freezer, and fridge, then plan meals around what you’ve got. It forces you to get creative and waste less.

This challenge can save money on food and also help you see what you’ve been buying too much of. It’s a smart move for those trying to cut down their food budget. Good for learning how to make the most of what’s already paid for.

To learn more: How to Do a Pantry Challenge and Cut Grocery Expenses

52-Day Savings Challenge

Set a small amount of money aside each day for 52 days. Start with $1, then build up slowly if you want. It’s not about how much you save, but sticking with it daily. A similar concept to the popular 52-week money saving challenge.

This challenge builds strong habits that last. Even small amounts add up when you stay on track. It’s a helpful savings method for people who want better money habits without making big changes.

To learn more: Your 52 Week Money Saving Challenge + Free Printable

100 Envelope Challenge (Mini Version)

Use 100 small envelopes, number them from 1 to 100, and draw one each day or week. Put that amount of money in the envelope. Use a mini version by doing fewer envelopes if needed.

It turns saving into a simple game that anyone can do. This money saving plan works well because you stay active and involved. A good fit for someone who wants to build up savings in a short time.

To learn more: The 100 Envelope Challenge: Easy and Fun Way to Change Your Life!

Spare Change Jar Challenge

Any time you have coins in your pocket or wallet, toss them in a jar. You don’t have to think much about it—just do it daily. Over time, all those small changes can add up to real money.

This challenge makes saving feel easy and stress-free. Great for anyone wanting to save money without planning too much. Good habit to build if you want to stop wasting loose change.

To learn more: 20 Fun Savings Challenges to Teach Kids about Money

Zero Dining Out Challenge

Try skipping restaurants and fast food for a set time, like eating at home for five days in a row. This challenge helps lower your food costs and makes you more aware of how much eating out adds up.

You may learn a few tricks and tips in the kitchen, but this is a solid way to cut back without giving up good meals. Also helps with planning and better choices around spending.

To learn more: 15 Smart Meal Planning Hacks to Save Money on Food Fast

Sell One Thing a Week Challenge

Look around and pick one thing each week you no longer use. List it online or have a garage sale. You’ll clear space and make some quick cash.

This is a great savings challenge that pays off in multiple ways. One, it helps you notice what you really need, and two, what just takes up space. Also, it shows you how impulse purchases can add up quickly. An easy way to start saving and feel more in control of your money.

To learn more: How to Sell Unwanted Items and Make Money Fast

30-Day Subscription Detox

Cancel or pause all your monthly subscriptions for one month. That includes streaming, apps, boxes, and anything else that auto-renews. You’ll see what you miss and what you never needed in the first place.

This challenge cuts down monthly costs fast. A strong way to find extra money in your budget. It works well for those who want fewer bills and more control.

To learn more: 20 Ridiculous Items to Cut From Your Budget

Walk or Bike Instead of Drive Challenge

Choose walking or biking instead of driving whenever it makes sense. You’ll save on gas and wear-and-tear costs. It’s not just about money—it helps create mindful habits. This challenge can free up more room in your budget without major changes.

Good for short trips, errands, or even your commute if it’s close. A practical way to spend less without feeling limited.

To learn more: 15 Brilliant Tips to Cut Expenses and Save $500 Fast

DIY Everything Challenge

Try fixing, cleaning, or making things yourself instead of paying for services. Look up how-to videos, borrow tools, or ask friends for help. It’s about learning and saving at the same time.

You’ll notice fast how many things you can do on your own. This challenge builds confidence and cuts out extra spending. Great for people who want to take more control over their money.

To learn more: 15 Pointless Items to Declutter to Start Becoming a Minimalist

Save the Difference Challenge (Round Up Purchases)

Round up every purchase and save the difference. If something costs $4.25, save the remaining $0.75. Use a jar or bank app to keep track. This is something your grandma likely did.

Over time, these small savings add up without you noticing. It’s a money saving method that runs in the background. Easy for folks who like to save without changing their full routine.

To learn more: 15 Useful Frugal Lessons from the Great Depression that Still Work Today

$1 a Day Challenge

Save just $1 a day for as long as you want. It sounds small, but after a while, it adds up. You don’t need a big goal to get started—just build the habit. Use a jar, envelope, or savings app.

This challenge is a low-pressure way to start thinking about how they handle money every day. Works well for people who want to save without stress.

To learn more: 10 Crazy Simple Smart Saving Strategies You Need to Know

Declutter and Sell Challenge

Go through each room and find stuff you no longer use. Sell it online or at a local market. You’ll make some money and clear out space at the same time.

This challenge helps you focus on what matters. Good for people who want to save money and stop buying things they don’t need. Simple way to turn clutter into cash.

To learn more: How to Flip Items Online for Profit

Free Entertainment-Only Challenge

Skip anything that costs money and stick with free fun only. That means free local events, board games, library trips, or streaming what you already pay for.

You’ll still have fun, just without the spending. Helps build smart habits around how you spend free time. A great money saving plan for cutting back without feeling bored.

To learn more: 10 Affordable Ways to Have Fun This Summer

Cash-Only Spending Challenge

Use only cash for all spending and leave cards at home (maybe even frozen in ice). It makes you think harder before you buy. Once the cash is gone, you’re done spending for the week.

This challenge teaches strong money habits and helps control impulse buys. Works well for those who want to stay on budget.

To learn more: 15 Things You Should Only Pay For in Cash

Track Every Penny Challenge

Write down every dollar you spend for a set time. Use a notebook or a phone app. You’ll see patterns and habits you didn’t notice before.

This challenge helps you take charge of your money. A smart first step if you want to stop overspending. Good for anyone who wants more control without changing everything at once.

To learn more: 15 Genius Steps to Track Your Spending Like a Pro

Save $10 More Each Week Challenge

Start with $10 the first week, then add $10 more each week after that. Week two is $20, week three is $30, and so on. You’ll build savings fast in a short amount of time.

This challenge builds discipline and gives you a clear goal. It’s tough, but doable if you plan right. Great money saving method for those who like structure.

To learn more: 15 Mini Savings Challenge Printables To Save More Money

Weekly No-Spend Day Challenge

Pick one day each week when you spend no money at all. Use what you already have and plan ahead to make it work. It trains you to pause and wait 24 hours to think before buying.

This challenge is simple but powerful. Good for building habits and saving over time. A helpful plan for anyone trying to cut back little by little.

To learn more: 25 Fun Ideas for a No Spend Weekend: How to Have Fun for Free

Skip One Luxury Challenge (Coffee, Soda, etc.)

Pick one small item you buy often and cut it out for a few weeks. Coffee, soda, snacks—anything you don’t need but buy out of habit. You’ll be surprised how much those small things add up.

This challenge helps break habits and free up cash. Great for people who want to start saving without cutting everything all at once. A solid step toward more mindful spending.

To learn more: Save $1000 NOW with these Money Saving Tips

Find the perfect money saving challenge for you

There’s no one-size-fits-all way to save money. Some people do best with small daily habits. Others need bigger weekly goals. The key is to pick one challenge that fits your life and stick with it.

Over time, you’ll start seeing the results. These simple plans can help build better habits, lower spending, and get you closer to financial stability.

Looking for more ways to save? Follow Money Bliss to find the perfect money saving challenge for you and download your free printable.

To learn more: Top 20 Epic Money Saving Challenges Unveiled to Save Money

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