Savings Challenge

Family · ages 8–18 with a parent · ~10 min start, then 1–2 min/week

A goal without a number is a wish. Write the number, protect the plan, and track every step on this page.

How we run this. Name the goal in plain words + dollar amount. Fill where money comes from each week + weekly total. Divide for weeks (rough math OK). Draw one guardrail rule before week 1. Mark one box per week only after money is set aside — not promised.

Done when. Goal + amount + weekly plan + guardrail filled, and week-1 has a plan (even if first box unmarked). Skipping allowed; note “skipped”; erase nothing.

1. The goal

I am saving for Amount needed

2. The plan

Where the money comes from	Amount per week
Part of allowance / chore pay
Part of job or gig pay
One-time gifts set aside
Weekly total toward the goal

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The calculation

Weeks to reach the goal (amount needed divided by weekly total)

3. The track (12 weeks)

Mark one box per week once that week's savings is set aside — not promised, set aside. If you skip a week, write “skipped” next to the box. Do not erase.

Skip notes

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4. The guardrail

Write the one rule that protects this goal (example: "I do not spend from this jar without a family conversation"):

Guardrail rule

5. The hard week

Some weeks money is tight. Plan that week now, while things are calm. Skipping is allowed — write “skipped” and keep going.

A hard week for me might look like

What I will do that week (save a smaller amount, skip and note it, or talk it through with family)

Tip: decide the trigger that lets you spend anyway — like a genuine emergency — before the challenge starts. Rules made in calm moments survive tempting ones.

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