Finances FYI Presented by JPMorgan Chase

Saving money is a fundamental skill essential to your financial well-being and security. A 30-day savings challenge is the perfect way to kick-start your savings journey and gain vital money-saving skills. This month-long guide provides actionable strategies to help you achieve your savings goals while building a solid foundation for better money management.

Gamify Your 30-Day Savings Challenge

Consider gamifying your challenge before starting to add an element of fun and motivation to the process with these options:

Savings Bingo. Create or find a bingo card with different savings milestones for each day. Mark off the squares as you achieve each goal, and reward yourself as you complete rows.

Money Jar with Rewards. Designate a “reward jar” and add a small amount of money each day you successfully meet your savings goal. Use the collected money to treat yourself to something special at the end of the challenge.

Virtual Challenges on Apps. Use savings virtual challenges or apps that allow you to set and track your goals. Many of these apps come with badges, rewards, and progress tracking, turning the savings process into a virtual game.

30-Days of Savings Challenges

Day 1: Set Clear Goals. Whether it’s an emergency fund, debt repayment, or a specific purchase, a clear goal will guide your 30-day journey.

Day 2: Create a Budget. Develop a detailed budget outlining your income and expenses and identify areas for potential savings.

Day 3: Assess Subscriptions. Review and cancel unnecessary subscriptions and memberships. 

Day 4: Meal Plan for the Month. Take the day to plan your meals for the entire month using as many of the ingredients you already have in your kitchen as possible.

Day 5: Track Daily Expenses. Find a system for keeping a log of every expense throughout the month to create awareness and help you make more conscious decisions.

Day 6: Explore Free Activities. Find local free events or activities to enjoy. 

Day 7: Set up Automatic Transfers. Automate a portion of your income to be transferred directly into your savings account.

Day 8: Negotiate Bills. Contact service providers to work out better deals on bills, like your internet and cell phone.

Day 9: No-spend Day. Challenge yourself to a day with zero spending. 

Day 10: Sell Unwanted Items. Identify items you no longer need and sell them online or at a garage sale. 

Day 11: DIY Day. Try a do-it-yourself project instead of purchasing a service. 

Day 12: Opt for Generic Brands. Choose generic brands over name brands when shopping for groceries or everyday items. 

Day 13: Review Insurance Policies. Seek quotes and consider switching insurance policies to confirm you’re not overpaying for coverage. 

Day 14: Unplug Electronics. Save on electricity by unplugging devices when not in use. 

Day 15: Debt Reduction Strategy Day. Take a proactive step by creating a debt reduction plan that evaluates your outstanding debts and explores consolidation options and a goal date for paying them off. 

Day 16: Research Money-Saving Apps. Explore apps that offer discounts, cash back, or coupons. 

Day 17: Evaluate Transportation Costs. Consider carpooling, biking, or taking public transportation to lower transportation expenses.

Day 18: Meal Prep for the Week. Prepare meals for the upcoming week to reduce the temptation to eat out.

Day 19: DIY Products. Make your own household or beauty products using simple, eco-friendly ingredients. 

Day 20: Identify a Side Hustle. Explore opportunities for a side hustle or freelance work. 

Day 21: Research Investment Options. Investigate potential investment opportunities to diversify your savings for long-term financial growth.

Day 22: Review Credit Card Statements. Scrutinize your credit card statements to identify areas where you can cut back.

Day 23: Emergency Fund Boost. Allocate part of your savings toward growing or enhancing your emergency fund. 

Day 24: Negotiate a Raise or Promotion. If applicable, prepare and initiate a conversation with your employer about a raise or promotion. 

Day 25: Explore Free Learning Resources. Use online platforms to acquire new skills or knowledge for free. 

Day 26: Financial Literacy Deep Dive. Dedicate today to your financial literacy by reading a personal finance book, listening to a podcast, or subscribing to a financial newsletter. 

Day 27: Money Mindfulness. Practice mindfulness when it comes to spending by pausing to consider whether a purchase aligns with your goals before making it.

Day 28: Plan for Future Expenses. Anticipate upcoming expenses and incorporate them into your budget. 

Day 29: Celebrate Progress. Acknowledge, celebrate, and reward yourself for your progress during the 30-day challenge. 

Day 30: Review and Set New Goals. Evaluate your overall savings achievement, including what worked well and what challenges you faced. Set new financial goals for the future and consider continuing the challenge for another 30 days. 

A 30-day savings challenge is a transformative journey that boosts your savings and enhances your financial literacy. Stick to the habits developed during this challenge, and watch your financial well-being flourish.

Finances FYI is presented by JPMorgan Chase. JPMorgan Chase is making a $30 billion commitment over the next five years to address some of the largest drivers of the racial wealth divide.