If you’ve already read our guide on the best ways to save money in 2026, you know that “saving” is often easier said than done. The hardest part isn’t the math—it’s the habit.
That is where savings challenges come in. By turning your financial goals into a game, you can stay motivated, track your progress, and actually see your bank account grow without feeling like you’re sacrificing everything.
Here are five challenges to try on smartsave.top this year:
1. The Classic 52-Week Challenge
This is the “gold standard” of savings challenges because it starts small and builds momentum.
- How it works: In Week 1, save $1. In Week 2, save $2. By Week 52, you’ll be saving $52 that week.
- The Result: By the end of 2026, you will have saved exactly $1,378.
- Pro Tip: If you have an irregular income, try doing this in reverse (starting with $52) so you get the hardest part out of the way first!
2. The “No-Spend” Month
This is a “financial detox.” Pick one month in 2026 (February is great because it’s the shortest!) where you commit to spending money only on essentials.
- Allowed: Rent, groceries, utilities, and transport.
- Banned: Dining out, new clothes, gadgets, and subscription upgrades.
- The Result: Most people find they save between $300 and $1,000 in a single month just by cutting out “impulse” spending.
3. The Subscription Audit Challenge
In 2026, “subscription fatigue” is real. We often pay for apps, streaming services, and gym memberships we no longer use.
- How it works: Spend one Saturday morning going through your bank statements. If you haven’t used a service in the last 30 days, cancel it immediately.
- The Result: Cutting just two $15 subscriptions saves you $360 a year with zero effort.
4. The “Round-Up” Habit
This is the easiest challenge because it’s mostly automated.
- How it works: Many modern banking apps have a “round-up” feature. If you spend $4.50 on a coffee, the app rounds it up to $5.00 and puts the $0.50 into a savings vault.
- The Result: You won’t even feel the pennies leaving your account, but over a year, these “spare change” savings can easily total $200–$500.
5. The $5 Bill (or Local Currency) Challenge
This is a physical savings challenge that works wonders for those who still use cash.
- How it works: Every time a $5 bill enters your wallet, it becomes “invisible.” You aren’t allowed to spend it. Instead, you must put it into a jar or a safe at home.
- The Result: You’ll be surprised how quickly that jar fills up. It’s a great way to save for a specific “treat,” like a holiday or a new pair of shoes.
Which Challenge Will You Choose?
The best challenge isn’t the one that saves the most money; it’s the one you can actually finish. Start small, stay consistent, and let 2026 be the year your savings finally take off!
Want more tips? Don’t forget to check out our previous post on [Top Ways to Save in 2026].