Money can be one of the most rewarding and, at the same time, most frustrating parts of a relationship. I still remember the first time my partner and I decided to “get serious” about our finances. We weren’t living paycheck to paycheck, but we also weren’t saving much.
We’d talk about wanting to take a trip, build an emergency fund, or finally pay off those lingering credit cards… and then life would happen.
What changed things for us wasn’t some complicated budgeting system. It was a simple savings challenge we stumbled on: a “no eating out” month.
It started as a fun dare, turned into a habit, and eventually helped us save over $300 in 30 days. But more than the money, it brought us closer. We cooked more, talked more, and even laughed about the cravings.
So, if you’re wondering whether savings challenges are worth it, the answer is YES, not just for your wallet, but for your relationship.
Whether you’re saving for a goal, getting out of debt, or want to be more intentional with your money, this blog post is packed with money saving challenges for couples that are fun and achievable.
14 Money Saving Challenges For Couples To Try Together
Below are 14 practical and rewarding money saving challenges for couples you can start today, each designed to bring you closer and strengthen your finances.
1. No-Spend Weekend Challenge
This is one of the challenges to help you save money as a couple that goes beyond spreadsheets and a budget.
For many couples, Saturdays and Sundays are when spontaneous spending creeps in, with brunches, errands, late-night deliveries, and impulse buys at Target.
With the no-Spend Weekend Challenge, you pick one or two weekends a month where you commit to spending nothing beyond absolute essentials. No takeout. No shopping. No streaming rentals. Instead, focus on what you can do: cook together, go for walks, host a movie night at home, or tackle a fun DIY project.
2. 52-Week Savings Challenge
If you like slow and steady goals, this challenge is perfect for you.
You start by saving just $1 in week one, then $2 in week two, all the way up to $52 in the final week. That adds up to $1,378 in a year, without feeling overwhelming.
To make it a couple’s challenge, decide if you’re having one joint savings account together or whether you both choose to save individually.
3. Debt-Free Challenge
Not every savings challenge is about stacking cash in a jar. Some are about freeing yourself from the weight of debt.
This one is personal for me. When we decided to tackle our credit card debt together, we made it a game: how much could we knock off in 90 days if we threw everything at it?
The key is to treat it like a mission. Start by writing down all your debts. Pick one to focus on (the smallest, or the one with the highest interest rate). Set a 30, 60, or 90-day time frame, and commit to putting every spare dollar toward it.
Track your progress visually, like having a chart on the fridge, a shared spreadsheet, or even sticky notes with the remaining balance.
4. Cash-Only Week Challenge
Here’s one that completely rewired how we approached spending. For one full week, ditch your cards. Use cash only for all non-bill expenses. Groceries, gas, lunch, if you can’t pay cash, you skip it.
When my partner and I tried this, we felt every transaction more deeply. Physically handing over money (instead of swiping or tapping) makes you pause and ask, “Do I need this?” And we started having actual conversations in the grocery store, “Do we get the brand-name or save a few bucks?” It sounds simple, but it’s powerful.
5. 30-Day Declutter Challenge
This is about making money and clearing mental space. For 30 days, commit to decluttering one small area of your home daily. It could be as small as a drawer or a closet shelf.
Here’s how we made it fun: We set a timer, turned on music, and competed to see who could find the weirdest item to donate or sell. (Spoiler: I won with a 2008 MP3 player still in bubble wrap). We sold unused gadgets, listed clothes on apps like Poshmark, and donated what we didn’t need.
Within a month, not only did we make an extra $300, but our space felt calmer, lighter, and honestly, it made us more intentional about future purchases.
6. Spare Change Jar Challenge
We didn’t just try one or two; over time, we explored different types of money saving challenges for couples, figuring out what matched our energy, goals, and personalities.
For this challenge, grab a jar, box, or even a fancy piggy bank. Then, every day or week, drop in your spare change, literally or digitally. We used to toss coins from our pockets, but now we also “round up” purchases using our bank’s savings feature and add the difference to a joint savings account.
The trick is to treat it like a game. Set a goal: date night fund, holiday gifts, or a fun splurge, and give yourselves a deadline. You’ll be shocked at how quickly it adds up when you stay consistent.
7. DIY Challenge
This was one of our favorites, especially because it permitted us to be resourceful instead of reactive.
For a set time, maybe a weekend, a week, or even a full month, commit to DIYing things you’d normally pay for. That could mean making your cleaning products, fixing minor home issues, brewing coffee at home, or even cutting your hair.
The beauty here isn’t just the money saved (though we cut costs by at least 20% that month), it’s what you learn. You start realizing how many things you’ve outsourced by default. More importantly, you do it together, watching YouTube tutorials, laughing through your mistakes, and celebrating tiny wins.
8. No Eating Out Challenge
For 30 days, commit to not eating out. No takeout. No drive-thru. No delivery apps. Instead, plan meals, cook together, and explore new recipes at home.
At first, we failed (twice!) because we didn’t prep well. But once we nailed down a grocery plan and set aside time for meal prep, it became fun and surprisingly romantic.
We made theme nights (Taco Tuesday, Pasta Fridays), turned on music, lit candles, and treated our kitchen like a date spot. Not only did we save over $400 in a month, but we also talked more, laughed more, and felt more aligned in our goals.
If restaurant spending sneaks up on you, the no eating out challenge helps you save big on food and reset without losing the joy of good food.
9. Thrift Store Treasure Hunt
Turn saving into a mini adventure. Once or twice a month, head to a local thrift store together with a small cash budget (maybe $20 or less). Your mission? Find something useful, beautiful, or valuable for the house, your wardrobe, or even resale.
We’ve found books, vintage kitchenware, barely-used jackets, and even a quirky painting that’s now our conversation piece. Once, we scored a $5 item that we flipped online for $60. Not bad for a Saturday stroll.
Do not see it like you’re buying secondhand. Think of it as training your eye for value, resisting impulse spending at big-box stores, and having fun doing it.
10. Pantry And Freezer Challenge
The truth is, there are a lot of gimmicks out there, but this is one of the simplest and adaptable couples saving challenges that actually work.
This challenge started as a way to “use up what we have,” but it quickly became a game-changer. For two weeks (or longer), you and your partner commit to eating only from what’s already in your pantry, freezer, and fridge. No grocery runs unless it’s for absolute essentials like milk or fresh produce.
We discovered cans of beans we had forgotten existed, spices we had never opened, and enough rice to host a dinner party. But more importantly, we realized how much excess we were carrying by buying food before finishing what we had.
11. 30-Day Meal Prep Challenge
This one takes teamwork. For a month, plan and prep your meals together each week.
Sundays became our “prep day,” and trust me, it was a vibe. We’d put on a playlist, assign chopping and cooking duties, and make 3–4 meals we could rotate throughout the week.
At first, it was a bit of a learning curve. But once we had a system, it saved us time, decision fatigue, and money, especially on those chaotic midweek evenings when takeout was tempting.
The secret sauce? You start eating healthier and spending less. Plus, it opens the door to talk about nutrition goals, food preferences, and maybe even try new cuisines. It’s bonding with benefits.
12. DIY Gift-Making Challenge
Holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and gift-giving can get expensive fast. So, we started a tradition: for one occasion each year, we could only give handmade gifts. No store-bought items.
At first, we were both nervous. But then I wrote a letter and made a photo scrapbook, and he built me a tiny wooden bookshelf for my growing book hoard. Not only did we save money, but the gifts felt more meaningful than anything money could buy.
Looking for more creative ways to save while showing your partner you care? These 18 experience gifts for couples that cost next to nothing are perfect for budget-conscious romantics.
Try it for Valentine’s, birthdays, or even “just because” dates. It sparks creativity, reminds you of what matters, and proves you don’t need a big budget to express big love.
13. 100-Book Challenge
If you both love to read, this is a gem. Together, aim to read 100 books combined or individually over a year (or less). Use the library, free Kindle books, or secondhand finds to keep it budget-friendly.
We took turns picking the next read, swapped favorites from our childhoods, and even created a tiny “book club” between us. Bonus? Fewer Netflix binges, more deep conversations, and a shared sense of growth.
14. The Coffee Break Challenge
This one hit home for us because we were both guilty of those sneaky $3–$5 coffee runs that added up way faster than we realized.
The challenge? For 30 days, no store-bought coffee or takeaway drinks. Whether it’s your morning latte, that midday iced coffee, or those cozy cafe dates, you commit to making your drinks at home.
We invested in a couple of fun syrups, tried frothing milk, explored pour-over and French press methods, and made our little kitchen feel like a mini café.
We didn’t just save money (close to $150 that month!). We’ve got to slow down, chat more in the mornings, and laugh at our barista fails.
7 Tips For Success
Whichever of these money saving challenges for couples you choose, your approach and mindset will determine your success. Here are a few tips that helped us stay connected and committed:
1. Set Shared Financial Goals
Start with why. Are you saving for a house? A trip? Debt freedom? When both of you are clear on the purpose behind the challenge, you’re far more likely to stick with it even when it’s hard.
2. Create A Budget Together
Don’t wing it. Even simple challenges work better when you both know what’s coming in, what’s going out, and what’s realistic. Budgeting together builds clarity and avoids blame games.
By the way, if you need help creating the perfect budget with your partner, I have written a guide to help you and your partner make a money plan that works for you both. Check out these 7 best budgeting tips for couples.
3. Always Communicate With Your Partner
Some weeks, saving will feel easy. Other times, it might feel frustrating. Keep the conversations open, honest, and free of judgment. You’re a team, act like one.
4. Review Expenses
Regularly take time to go over your spending. It doesn’t have to be a full spreadsheet party; even a quick weekly check-in can uncover hidden expenses or patterns worth tweaking. It helps you both stay aware, not surprised.
5. Make Decisions Together
Whether it’s choosing a cheaper grocery store or deciding to skip a weekend out, make those calls together. When one partner always carries the responsibility, resentment builds. Shared decisions build shared wins.
6. Regularly Discuss Finances
Don’t let money be a “once-in-a-while” topic. Set a recurring time, maybe Sunday nights or during your morning coffee, to chat about how things are going. The more normal you make it, the less tense it becomes.
7. Always Celebrate Milestones
Did you finish your first challenge? Save $100 together? Cut down a debt? Celebrate it! Small wins deserve recognition; they keep morale high and remind you that progress is happening.
Final Words On Savings Challenge For Couples
At the heart of every money-saving challenge is something deeper: the choice to grow together, not just financially, but emotionally too. In the end, money saving challenges for couples aren’t just about cutting costs; they’re about growing stronger together, one dollar and one decision at a time.
I’ll be honest: my partner and I didn’t always get it right. We’ve had moments of friction, miscommunication, and even temptation to quit. But every time we followed through even on the smallest challenge, we felt stronger as a team.
So, start where you are. Pick one challenge. Make it fun. Make it yours. Whether you’re saving $20 or $2,000, the real treasure is the connection you build along the way.
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