Have you heard of this thing called the Bi-Weekly Savings Challenge? It’s been all the rage lately, popping up everywhere on Pinterest and even in casual conversations with friends. At first, I was skeptical.
Can it really work for hard-working folks like us, who are trying to stretch every dollar? I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to feel like I’m surviving on bread and water just to save a few bucks.
But here’s the deal. I’ve done some digging and am excited to share my findings. This bi-weekly savings challenge, my friend, can be a total game-changer for your savings account.
I’ve been there, and I’ve seen the impact firsthand. Get ready to say goodbye to money stress and hello to financial freedom!
What’s the Bi-Weekly Savings Challenge?
Simply put, the Bi-Weekly Savings Challenge is a structured savings plan where you save a specific amount of money every two weeks. The beauty of this challenge is that it’s flexible.
Typically you will start off saving a smaller amount and then save more as time goes on.
You can adjust the amount based on your income and expenses. For instance, you could save $50 every two weeks if you’re feeling ambitious. But if you’re tight on funds, even $10 or $20 can make a big difference over time.
Why Should You Care?
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Another savings plan? Really?” But hear me out. This isn’t just any savings plan. It’s a savings plan for people living on a tight budget. It’s manageable, it’s flexible, and most importantly, it’s effective.
If you decide to save, let’s say $500 a month and you have no game plan or idea on how to go about it, you most likely won’t save that amount. With the Bi-Weekly Savings Challenge, you’ll be able to consistently save money without feeling like you have to live on bread and noodles. It’s a slow increase each week in savings.
How to Start?
Starting the Bi-Weekly Savings Challenge is simple. First, decide how much you can realistically save every two weeks. Most people start off small and bump up their increments by $5.
Here’s an example:
- First two weeks: $5
- Second two weeks: $10
- Third two weeks: $15
- Fourth two weeks: $20
If you kept up with this plan for a one-year challenge, you would have $1,655. I’ve included free printables to help you track your savings at the end of this blog post.
Be honest with yourself. If you think $5 seems too small, remember there’s no point in setting a high goal and then feeling miserable because you can’t reach it.
This savings challenge is meant for those who need to change their mindset, prove that they can save, and start off small because funds are small to begin with.
Next, open a separate savings account for this challenge. Trust me, it’s easier to save when you don’t see the money lying around in your regular account.
You must complete your monthly budget to have a clear idea of how much money you can save.
Sticking to the Plan
Now, the real challenge is sticking to the plan. It’s easy to start something, but maintaining it? That’s where the struggle lies.
Here are a few tips to help you stick to your plan.
- Set reminders: I’ve set bi-weekly reminders on my phone to transfer money to my savings account. It’s a small step, but it works wonders.
- Track your progress: Seeing your savings grow is a huge motivator. Keep a record of how much you’ve saved. You’ll be surprised at how quickly it adds up!
- Reward yourself: Saved successfully for a few months? Treat yourself to something nice. Just remember not to go overboard!
Printables
I’ve included different free printables to help you choose which savings plan you want to try.
Download the 100-day savings challenge increments from $5 to $25 a day.
Download a $5 12 week paycheck printable tracker.
Download the blank weekly savings tracker.
Giving the bi-weekly savings challenge a try may seem daunting initially, but remember: every big journey starts with a small step. And this challenge could be the first step towards a more secure financial future.
Ready to take on the challenge? Let’s do this together!
Start today and share your progress with us. Let’s inspire each other to save more and live better. Good luck, my friends!