Save savings challenges to money (picture: Nappy, Pexel)
Saving can be a real challenge – especially if you don’t have a specific plan.
This is exactly where the Spar Challenge comes into play. With simple and motivating rules you can to cover money regularlywithout it feels like waiver. Whether small amounts in everyday life or larger sums for a specific goal-a savings challenge not only makes saving efficiently, but also surprisingly entertaining.
In this article we show you how a savings challenge works, which variants there are and how you can adapt it to your goals.
What is a savings challenge?
A savings challenge is an entertaining and effective way to consistently cover money.
It is based on clear, often playful rules that motivate you to regularly save small or larger amounts – without it feels like a great waiver. The highlight: SPAR-Challenges make a kind of competition with yourself, in which you can see steadily progress and in the end can be proud of the result.
How does a savings challenge work?
The principle is very simple: you determine a certain period of time and a rule how much you want to save. This can be as individual as your own goals. Whether it is about putting a larger sum aside at the end of the year or simply changing habits-a savings challenge gives you a clear framework.
Why are saving challenges so effective?
Spar challenges work because they divide the saving into manageable steps and even be fun. Instead of putting yourself under pressure, you can start with small amounts and still achieve great success. At the same time, the clear rules help to strengthen their discipline and achieve savings goals – without the feeling of having to do without everything.
Overview: The best savings challenges and how they work
SPAR-Challenges are a creative and motivating way to save the topic of saving money into everyday life.
They not only help to build a regular savings routine, but also make the process more tangible and often even entertaining.
The best thing about it: There are a variety of savings challenges that can adapt to your financial goals, your lifestyle and budget.
1. The 52-week challenge: small amounts, great effect
The 52-week challenge is one of the best known and simplest savings challenges. It is based on a clear principle: Every week you save a defined amount that increases week after week. At the end of the year, they saved a considerable amount without much effort.
This is how it works:
- In the first week they save 1 euro, in the second week 2 euros, in the third week 3 euros – and so on up to the 52nd week, in which they save 52 euros.
- At the end of the year they have a total of 1,378 euros saved.
Example: If you want to save for a vacation or a larger goal, put the money aside in a money box or on a separate savings account. The steadily increasing amounts train their discipline and almost make saving a ritual.
Variant: For larger savings goals you can double the amounts – 2 euros in week 1, 4 euros in week 2 and so on. This saves you at the end of the year 2,756 euros.
2. The 1 euro challenge: perfect for everyday life
The 1 euro challenge is ideal for everyone who wants to save money without much effort. Here you save whenever you have a 1 euro coin in your hand.
This is how it works:
- Every time you find a 1 euro coin in your wallet, put it in a money box.
- Alternatively, you can also save all coins below 2 euros (e.g. 1 euro and 50 cent coins).
Example: If you pay with cash every day, you can easily save 50 to 100 euros per month – without it noticeably loaded your budget. This money is perfect for minor wishes or short -term goals.
Tip: Use a transparent money box to see your progress. Visual results are particularly motivating!
3. None output-day challenge: conscious consumption made easy
The none output-day challenge helps you to avoid unnecessary expenses and to save money in a targeted manner. On one or more days a week, they undertake No money.
This is how it works:
- Set a fixed day a week where you completely do without expenses-no coffee-to-go, no snacks on the go, no online shopping.
- The money you save on that day put aside.
Example: If you always spend 10 euros on a coffee and snacks on Mondays, save 40 euros a month on this day – and and almost 500 euros a year.
Tip: Use these days to use remnants in the refrigerator or plan activities that cost nothing, such as a walk or a film evening at home.
4. The temporal challenge: save without noticing it
With the temporary challenge you save without consciously notice. The key is to always put the remaining money aside.
This is how it works:
- At the end of the day, empty your wallet and put all the change in a money box.
- Alternatively, you can also round up the amount – e.g. B. with a purchase of 19.30 euros, you will provide 0.70 euros.
Example: If you pay with cash every day, you can save 30 to 50 euros per month – ideal for small extras such as birthday gifts or spontaneous expenses.
5. The 5-euro challenge: a real classic
The 5-euro challenge is simple and effective: every time you get a 5 euro note in your hand, you save it.
This is how it works:
- Place every 5-euro note you receive in a money box.
- Alternatively, you can also transfer the amount directly to a savings account.
Example: If you put three 5-euro notes on average per week, save over 700 euros a year – without you realizing it.
6. The monthly doubling challenge: for ambitious savers
This challenge is particularly exciting: Every month, double the amount you want to save.
This is how it works:
- In the first month they save 10 euros, 20 euros in the second month, 40 euros in the third month – and so on.
- At the end of the year you have a sum of 2,460 euros saved.
Tip: For smaller budgets you can adjust the amounts, e.g. B. with a starting amount of 5 euros instead of 10 euros.
7. Weather Challenge: Save after the temperature
This challenge brings an unexpected but exciting turn to save: The temperature determines how much you save.
This is how it works:
- Look at the current maximum temperature in your city every Sunday. The number of degrees (e.g. 18 ° C) corresponds to the amount in euros you save.
- In summer, the amounts can be higher, while saving smaller sums in winter – a natural balance.
Example: If the maximum temperature is 25 ° C on a Sunday, you save 25 euros this week. At the end of the year, depending on the weather, you could have saved several hundred euros.
8. Household Challenge: Saving through self-discipline
This challenge not only helps you to save money, but also to deal with your household more consciously. The aim is To use as many unused foods, products or supplies as possiblebefore you buy new ones.
This is how it works:
- Undertake not to buy new foods (except fresh goods) for a month, but to use your supplies.
- They put the money you save aside.
Example: If you otherwise spend 300 euros a month on food and only need 150 euros through this challenge, you save 150 euros – without it feeling after waiving.
Tip: Plan meals in advance and become creative with the food you already have.
9. Remaining amount challenge: Save with every account statement
With this challenge you save every time you check your account – the amount that would be necessary to open up the next smooth sum.
This is how it works:
- Look regularly at your account balance. Is he z. B. at 241.67 euros, complete the next full 10 position (250 euros). You put the difference of 8.33 euros aside.
- Alternatively, you can also round up to the next 50 or 100 sum, depending on the budget.
Example: Check your account weekly, can easily get together 30 to 50 euros a month – ideal for small savings goals.
10. Social media challenge: reward for digital breaks
This challenge is perfect if you want to save some money at the same time and reduce your screen time. Every time you avoid social media, put a small amount back.
This is how it works:
- Set a goal, e.g. B. to save 1 euro for every hour without social media.
- Alternatively, you can save a fixed amount (e.g. 5 euros) for every day without social media.
Example: If you insert two social media-free days per week and save 5 euros each, you will get 40 euros a month-and at the end of the year to 480 euros. At the same time, they create more time for productive activities.
Whether you travel 1 euro per day or target larger goals with growing amounts-savings challenges are a motivating way to regularly put money aside. Choose the challenge that suits you and start directly.
Even small steps can make a big difference in the long term – and the best thing about it: you have fun.
Which savings challenge suits you? Find it out!
SPAR-Challenges are available in many variants-from small amounts in everyday life to ambitious savings destinations.
But which challenge suits you best?
This depends on your personal situation, your savings destinations and your everyday life. With the right questions you will find the perfect method to save money effectively and motivated.
1. Do you have a fixed savings goal?
If you have a specific goal – such as a vacation, a larger purchase or building an emergency cushion – challenges with a clear structure are particularly suitable.
- Recommendation: The 52-week challenge is ideal if you gradually want to save a larger sum. The monthly doubling challenge is also perfect for achieving ambitious goals.
2. How flexible is your budget?
If your income fluctuates or you can save smaller amounts, challenges make sense to adapt to your everyday life.
- Recommendation: The temporal challenge or the 1 euro challenge can be easily integrated into your everyday life without strain your budget.
3. Would you like to rethink consumption habits?
If you also want to deal with money more consciously in addition to saving, Challenges are ideal that help you avoid rash expenses.
- Recommendation: The none output-day challenge or the household challenge support you in living more economical and sustainable.
4. How much time do you want to invest?
Not every savings challenge requires a lot of planning. If you like it uncomplicated, there are simple methods in which you save without thinking about it.
- Recommendation: The 5-euro challenge or the social media challenge save time and adapt flexibly to their everyday life.
5. Are you looking for a playful challenge?
If you want to be motivated by seeing progress and keeping yourself exceed yourself, Challenges are ideal with clear rules.
- Recommendation: The weather challenge is saved, while the monthly doubling challenge appeals to particularly ambitious savers.
Conclusion: Every Spar Challenge has its charm
The best savings challenge is the one that suits your lifestyle and your destinations. Whether small or large, spontaneous or structured – the right method not only saves easier, but also more motivating. Try different challenges to find out that you enjoy the most. In the end, it counts that you achieve your financial goals step by step.