52-week savings challenge
Save $1 in week one and $52 in week 52.
The 52-week challenge is the classic savings challenge for a reason: it starts so small that anyone can begin. Save $1 in the first week, $2 in the second, and keep adding a dollar each week. By week 52 you have saved $1,378.
Every week is listed with its amount and a running total, so you can see exactly where you stand. If the bigger December weeks worry you, try the reverse version, which starts at $52.
How it works
Save $1 in week one, $2 in week two, and so on, adding a dollar each week. By week 52 you save $52, and the year’s total is $1,378. The sheet shows every week’s amount and the running total.
| After week | That week | Saved so far |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | $4 | $10 |
| 13 | $13 | $91 |
| 26 | $26 | $351 |
| 39 | $39 | $780 |
| 52 | $52 | $1,378 |
How to use it
- Write the date of each week, or just tick weeks off as you go.
- Each week, save the amount on that row and tick it off.
- Check the running total to see how far you have come.
Ways to use it
- Reverse it: start at $52 so December is easy.
- Double it: save twice each amount for $2,756.
- Pick weeks in any order and tick them off as you go.
Tips
- Round up early: saving $5 a week in the first month gives you a head start for the bigger weeks.
- An automatic weekly transfer that goes up a dollar each week does the work for you.
Questions
How much do you save with the 52-week challenge?
$1,378 in a year: $1 in week one up to $52 in week 52.
How much do you have after six months?
After week 26, you have saved $351. The second half of the year adds the remaining $1,027, which is why some people prefer the reverse version.
Can I start the 52-week challenge any time?
Yes. Week 1 is simply your first week.
Goes well with
- Reverse 52-week savings challenge Start at $52 in January, end at $1 in December.
- 2027 money goals worksheet Three money goals for the year, each with a plan and a monthly check-in.
More savings challenges
Save $2,027 in 2027
A year-long savings challenge with 100 boxes, from $5 to $36.
$1,000 in 100 days
One box a day for 100 days. Most are under $20.
$5,000 biweekly paycheck savings challenge
One amount per payday, 26 paydays, $5,000 by the end of the year.
$10,000 savings challenge
100 boxes, no envelopes or cash needed.
This printable is a general planning tool, not financial advice. Read the full disclaimer.