12 Monthly Money Saving Challenges Everyone’s Using to Save Big

Ready to turn saving money into a fun adventure every month?
With a monthly money savings challenge, each month becomes a new opportunity to boost your nest egg, crush your financial goals, and make every dollar count. Whether you’re aiming for a dream vacation or just a healthier bank balance, a little challenge each month can lead to big rewards by year’s end!
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12 Free Monthly Savings Challenges
For each monthly money challenge below, you’ll find one unique saving example and one way to earn for each month. Click on that challenge to see more for each month!
1. January Savings Challenge
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Take A Trip. The cheapest month to fly is January and the best flights to save will be found midweek (Tuesday and Wednesday). But beware, destinations like ski resorts or warm-weather vacation spots might still see higher demand and prices. |
Earn More |
Offer Winter Services. Provide snow shoveling, salting, or driveway clearing services. Or offer to take down holiday decorations for neighbors. These are great ideas for kids and teens to earn extra income too! |
See more ways to save and grab the free printable – January Savings Challenge >>
2. February Savings challenge
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Swap Valentine’s Meals. Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a lunch or brunch date instead of dinner. Many restaurants offer lower prices during the day. Pro Tip: Save money by celebrating the weekend before or after Valentine’s Day. Better yet, skip the crowds and create a romantic meal at home for a cozy, budget-friendly celebration. |
Earn More |
Sell handmade Valentine’s cards, jewelry, or Valentine’s Day date kits on platforms like Etsy or at local markets. Check out these additional money-making craft ideas. |
See more ways to save and grab the free printable – February Savings Challenge >>
3. March Savings Challenge
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If you give up something for Lent each year, consider giving up a habit that drains your wallet. A few years ago, I gave up alcohol, benefiting my health and savings. |
Earn More |
Spring clean and sell unused items. Declutter your home and sell items you no longer need. It’s a win-win for your mental health AND your wallet. |
See more ways to save and grab the free printable – March Savings Challenge >>
4. April Savings Challenge
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Use your tax refund for good. Set aside at least half of your tax refund for your future. This could mean paying off debt, investing in yourself or the market, or bulking up your emergency fund. |
Earn More |
Turn a spring hobby into a side business: Offer lawn mowing or gardening services to neighbors. Or start a photography side hustle for families looking for affordable family photos. |
Bonus! Make Easter a budget-friendly affair:
Easter doesn’t have to be expensive! From gifts to food, you can make it an unforgettable holiday on a dime. Check these out:
- 30 Cheap & Cheerful Easter Activities for Kids
- How to Save Money on Easter Brunch or Dinner
- 15 Awesome Easter Basket Ideas for Kids (That Are Budget-Friendly!)
See more ways to save and grab the free printable – April Savings Challenge >>
5. May Savings Challenge
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Plant a money-saving garden: May is the perfect time to start a vegetable or herb garden. Growing your produce can save money on grocery bills while providing healthier food. |
Earn More |
Finish up your spring cleaning with a garage sale. Declutter your home and then sell items at yard sales or flea markets. With warmer weather, more people are likely to be out. This increases the potential to make great money. |
See more ways to save and grab the free printable – May Savings Challenge >>
6. June Savings Challenge
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Grill at home. Skip eating out and instead dine al fresco this month (before it gets too hot). Extra bonus: You don’t have to clean up as much when you eat outside! |
Earn More |
Lawn Care and Landscaping: Summer is a peak time for lawn care needs. Offer lawn mowing, gardening, and landscaping services to neighbors. |
See more ways to save and grab the free printable – June Savings Challenge >>
7. July Savings Challenge
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Plan Budget-Friendly Vacations: July is prime time for travel! Keep costs down by planning a staycation or going camping to enjoy the great outdoors without the expense of pricy hotels. *If you have a more expensive vacation coming, plan ahead with the vacation savings challenge! |
Earn More |
Offer Pet Services: Many people go on vacation in July and need someone to take care of their pets. Offer pet sitting, dog walking, or pet boarding services. |
See more ways to save and grab the free printable – July Savings Challenge >>
8. August Savings Challenge
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Utilize Energy-Saving Techniques. This month is a scorcher for many. Keep your air conditioning costs down by using fans, keeping blinds closed during the day, and setting your thermostat a few degrees higher. |
Earn More |
Provide End of Summer Childcare. Summer camps and daycare programs may end before the school year starts. Offer babysitting services for parents who need extra help in between. |
See more ways to save and grab the free printable – August Savings Challenge >>
9. September Savings Challenge
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Meal Planning and Prep. September is my favorite time of year to get organized with meals. I especially love to: – Batch cook and freeze meals – Plan weekly meals: Plan meals around what you have, weekly grocery store sales, and seasonal produce. We also find a rotating meal plan to be a lifesaver. Or you could try a free month meal planner. |
Earn More |
Freelance Online Work: Many websites and publications ramp up their content production in the fall (and especially before the holidays!). Offer your writing, editing, graphic design, or social media marketing services. |
See more ways to save and grab the free printable – September Savings Challenge >>
10. October Savings Challenge
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Make Halloween Costumes More Affordable. – DIY and use everyday clothing and accessories, or repurpose old costumes. – Shop at thrift stores to find unique items at a fraction of the cost. – Organize a costume swap with friends or neighbors. – Check out dollar stores for affordable decorations and costume accessories. |
Earn More |
Check out seasonal Jobs. Look for temporary positions in retail, hospitality, or event staffing around Halloween and upcoming holiday events. |
*Start Planning for the Holidays!
Start budgeting and buying gifts early to take advantage of early sales.
- Save ahead with the free Christmas saving challenge!
- Open a holiday fund.
- Make homemade gifts to save money and add a personal touch.
- Create a detailed plan and budget for holiday gatherings.
- Purchase smaller gift items for teachers and neighbors in bulk.
See more ways to save and grab the free printable – October Savings Challenge >>
11. November Savings Challenge
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Save With Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals: Make a list before shopping. Theen, look for discounts on items you have planned to buy. (Be careful to avoid mindless browsing and impulse purchases) |
Earn More |
Sell Handmade Holiday Gifts or Treats. November is the perfect time to market custom gifts, such as jewelry, crafts, or personalized items. You can also bake and sell goodies like pies, cookies, or breads. |
See more ways to save and grab the free printable – November Savings Challenge >>
12. December Savings Challenge
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Stay Focused On Your Holiday Budget. Plan and set limits on gifts, travel, and entertainment expenses before the craziness begins. And Make Smart Purchases. Do your kids’ stockings really need to be stuffed with plastic toys that will be forgotten in days? Is it a must to mail out a stack of Christmas cards that often end up in the trash? Focus on meaningful, thoughtful Christmas gifts and experiences rather than spending on things that won’t last. Read Things I Stopped Buying At Christmas for more ideas. |
Earn More |
Try being a delivery driver. With the surge in online shopping and delivery food during the holiday season, companies hire temporary delivery drivers to handle the increased volume of packages. |
See more ways to save and grab the free printable – December Savings Challenge >>
What’s Next?
Choose a free monthly savings challenge and get started! Then, return back to this post when you’re ready for a fresh month.
Next, keep the momentum going. Become a part of the Wealthy Woman community and receive my best tips for wealth-building. Begin now!