Taking Small Actions and Seeing Big Results
Happy New Year!
A fresh year feels like a giant reset button with new goals, new energy and new possibilities. If one of your big dreams is more financial freedom, this simple 30-day money saving challenge will help you build momentum fast.
Free Printable: Includes a “Why Are You Doing This? section to keep your purpose front and centre.
Quick Start
- Pick your target: $1,000 in 30 days (or adjust).
- Move about $33.34/day into savings (or $16.67/day for a $500 goal).
- Print the tracker and check off each day.
- Aim for 2–3 no-spend days per week.
- Track every purchase (10 seconds) to spot leaks.
Why a Money Saving Challenge Works
Short but focused challenges turn big goals into doable steps:
- Clarity: one goal, one timeline.
- Quick wins: daily check-offs build confidence.
- Momentum: small habits you can keep for the long haul.
Saving Money isn’t about restriction, its about creating freedom for your future self.”
– a thrifty life –
Facing your finances doesn’t mean giving up everything you love (keep your Netflix and your yoga class!). It’s about finding balance, taking responsibility, and making SMART choices that you can actually stick to.
Step 1: Set Yourself Up for Success
We’ll aim for $1,000 in 30 days—but make this work for you.
Math made simple
- $1,000 ÷ 30 ≈ $33.34/day
- $500 ÷ 30 ≈ $16.67/day
- Choose the daily number that fits your reality.
Make it meaningful
What are you saving for: debt payoff, an emergency fund, a trip, your first home? Tie your goal to a purpose so it sticks.
Use tools that keep you honest
- Printable tracker (with space for your WHY) → get it here: US Letter · A4
- Mason jar/envelope system or a separate savings account for daily transfers
- A simple notes app to log spending
Step 2: Know Your Numbers
A quick audit = instant clarity.
- Track every expense for a week.
- Scan bank/credit statements for “leaks.”
- List your basic monthly living expenses.
Easy wins that add up: pack lunch, shop the pantry first, eat out less, cancel unused apps/subscriptions, and make coffee at home.
Your 30-Day Action Plan
Use the tracker to check off each day. Maintain your daily habits and follow the weekly theme.
Daily (repeat all month)
Daily (repeat all month)
- Move your daily amount into savings.
- Log every purchase (10 seconds).
- Check off your tracker box.
Week 1: Awareness
- Track every expense.
- Eliminate one small, frivolous spend.
- Identify one impulse trigger and plan an alternative.
- Calculate your core monthly expenses.
Week 2: Take Action
- Do 2–3 no-spend days.
- Cancel unused subscriptions.
- Pack lunches for the week.
- Swap one store-bought item for DIY (coffee, cleaning spray, snack).
Week 3: Get Creative
- Choose free entertainment (library, park/beach day, game night).
- Thrift first for anything you “need.”
- Declutter and sell/consign 3–5 items.
Week 4: Growth
- Total your savings.
- Decide which habits you’ll keep.
- Set your next step: another 30 days or a specific target (e.g., $2,500).
Grab the printable tracker:
Staying Committed (When Life Happens)
You’ll veer off track sometimes, and that’s totally normal. What matters is the next choice.
- Use a 24-hour pause before non-essential buys.
- Add friction: remove saved cards from shopping apps.
- Keep the tracker visible (fridge!) and re-read your WHY.
- Even hitting half your goal is progress worth celebrating.
The Bigger Picture
This challenge isn’t about restriction; it’s about creating space for what truly matters. A small savings net lowers stress, gives you options, and funds your priorities. Push beyond 30 days, set new goals, and apply this method to other parts of life.
Start today: print the tracker, set your daily amount, and check off Day 1.