# How do I do a savings challenge?

Pick a goal and a schedule, then save a set amount each week or payday and mark it off on a tracker. In the 52 week challenge you save $1 in week 1, $2 in week 2 and so on, reaching $1,378 by week 52. ProfitDrawer's savings challenge printables also include a 100 envelope challenge totaling $5,050, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's own planning example turns a $400 goal into $20 a week for 20 weeks.

**How to run one:**

1. **Choose the goal and date,** for example a $1,000 emergency starter or a holiday fund.
2. **Pick a challenge that fits your cash flow:**

| Challenge | How it works | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 52 week | $1 in week 1 up to $52 in week 52 | $1,378 |
| 52 week, reverse | $52 first, ending at $1 | $1,378 |
| 100 envelope | Envelopes 1 to 100, save each number once | $5,050 |
| Fixed amount | Goal / weeks (CFPB example: $400 / 20 weeks) | $20 a week |

3. **Save on a set day,** such as payday. The CFPB suggests picking a frequency that fits, like once a week, once a month or once per paycheck.
4. **Move the money to savings** right away, automatically if you can, so it does not get spent.
5. **Color in or tick off** each amount; the visible progress is the point.
6. **Miss a week? Restart, do not quit.** The CFPB tip is not to worry if you missed a goal and try again next week.

The reverse 52 week version front-loads the big amounts, which can suit months after a tax refund. The printables include goal trackers from $500 to $10,000 in US Letter and A4.

- Source: [Building your savings? Start with small goals (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau)](https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_ymyg-savings-booklet.pdf)
- Updated: 2026-10-29
- Published: 2026-10-29
- Category: Personal budgeting
- Canonical: https://profitdrawer.com/answers/how-do-i-do-a-savings-challenge.html
- Publisher: ProfitDrawer (https://profitdrawer.com)