A hack that actually works? Why the 52-week money challenge is trending
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A hack that actually works? Why the 52-week money challenge is trending
Kat AokiDecember 30, 2025 at 1:28 AM
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What is the 52-week money challenge? (EKIN KIZILKAYA via Getty Images)
Some 60% of all Americans say they wouldn’t be able to cover a $1,000 emergency expense from their savings, according to Bankrate. The 52-week challenge is a money savings plan that offers a fun way to flip that statistic on its head, one small deposit at a time.
By following this simple strategy to a T, you could accumulate $1,378 in just one year — more than enough to cover a $1K emergency. But it’s really designed to build small amounts into strong savings habits, allowing for flexibility to change it up and save even more.
Intrigued? Here's how this straightforward method can help you build a robust savings habit — or set aside money for a short-term goal — no matter your current financial situation. And because it starts when you do, no matter the time of year.
The simple math: How $1 a week becomes $1,378
The 52-week money challenge is a savings plan that's gained popularity through TikTok and other social media. The concept is beautifully simple: You start by saving $1 in the first week, $2 in the next week, $3 the next, and so on. By week 52, you put away $52 — for a total of $1,378 saved for the year. Enough to handle that unexpected car repair or surprise medical bill without reaching for a credit card.
Here's a look at how your savings can grow under the 52-week money challenge.
Amount you contribute
Total saved
Amount you contribute
Total saved
Week 1
$1
$1
Week 27
$27
$378
Week 2
$2
$3
Week 28
$28
$406
Week 3
$3
$6
Week 29
$29
$435
Week 4
$4
$10
Week 30
$30
$465
Week 5
$5
$15
Week 31
$31
$496
Week 6
$6
$21
Week 32
$32
$528
Week 7
$7
$28
Week 33
$33
$561
Week 8
$8
$36
Week 34
$34
$595
Week 9
$9
$45
Week 35
$35
$630
Week 10
$10
$55
Week 36
$36
$666
Week 11
$11
$66
Week 37
$37
$703
Week 12
$12
$78
Week 38
$38
$741
Week 13
$13
$91
Week 39
$39
$780
Week 14
$14
$105
Week 40
$40
$820
Week 15
$15
$120
Week 41
$41
$861
Week 16
$16
$136
Week 42
$42
$903
Week 17
$17
$153
Week 43
$43
$946
Week 18
$18
$171
Week 44
$44
$990
Week 19
$19
$190
Week 45
$45
$1,035
Week 20
$20
$210
Week 46
$46
$1,081
Week 21
$21
$231
Week 47
$47
$1,128
Week 22
$22
$253
Week 48
$48
$1,176
Week 23
$23
$276
Week 49
$49
$1,225
Week 24
$24
$300
Week 50
$50
$1,275
Week 25
$25
$325
Week 51
$51
$1,326
Week 26
$26
$351
Week 52
$52
$1,378
As you can see, the amount of money you’re saving each week increases gradually and never exceeds $52. These small increases make the money saving challenge accessible, allowing you to ease into the habit of regular saving.
🔍 Read more: How to build an emergency fund on any budget — and the best places to keep it
How to get started with the 52-week savings plan
You can embark on your 52-week savings journey in four steps:
Pick a good place for your savings. While a jar on your dresser might work, consider opening a high-yield account for your savings. These accounts offer higher interest rates and fewer fees than traditional savings accounts, helping your money grow much faster than at your neighborhood bank — backed by the power of compound interest.
Set up automatic transfers. Many banks allow you to schedule weekly transfers between bank accounts automatically, such as from checking to a savings account. This automated “set it and forget it” approach will help you stick to the plan without having to remember to save each week.
Choose weekly deposit amounts. Since the amount changes weekly, you’ll need to set up a schedule for each week. For example, save $1 in week 1, $2 in week 2 and so forth until you reach $52 in week 52. Some banking apps let you set recurring transfers with varying amounts, or set a reminder.
Consider using an app. Some budgeting apps are specifically built for the 52-week challenge, sending reminders and tracking your progress.
🔍 Read more: 8 viral money trends that go big on hype — but can leave you broke
4 reasons it beats "just save more money"
The 52-week money challenge works because it's the opposite of "simply save more": structured, achievable and designed to actually stick (when good intentions don't).
It builds momentum
Starting small and gradually increasing your savings by just $1 a week can help even the most challenged savers build confidence and momentum. This incremental approach not only makes the task of saving feel manageable but also leverages the Zeigarnik Effect — a principle that refers to the tendency for people to finish uncompleted tasks versus ones they haven’t started at all.
It creates good money habits
Consistent weekly savings helps establish a long-term habit of putting money aside. Studies have shown that it takes an average of 66 days to establish a habit.
The reason is because repetitive actions create new neural pathways in our brains, essentially rewiring our thought patterns and behaviors. (Popular neuroscientist and author Joe Dispenza discusses this concept in a 2016 TED talk.) When we consistently perform an action like saving money each week, we strengthen these neural connections, making the behavior more automatic over time.
It provides a sense of achievement
As you set aside money each week, you get to see tangible progress of your efforts — which in turn reinforces positive financial habits. In this digital age, budgeting and saving apps can enhance this experience, providing an interesting, visual way to track your progress toward set financial goals.
It’s flexible
This simple approach makes for easy modifications that might better suit your financial situation, lifestyle and goals — and help you stick with the plan. These changes might make for a more manageable and successful plan for your specific needs.
🔍 Read more: 20+ clever money tricks frugal people swear by (that actually work!)
Make it yours: 3 ways to customize the challenge
The beauty of the 52-week money challenge? You can easily personalize it to fit your budget while still arriving at the same savings amount at the end of the year — or significantly more, if that’s your goal.
Popular variations include:
Split it evenly. Can't stomach $52 a week so late in the year? Save $26.50 every single week instead. Same $1,378 total, no later-year sticker shock.
Reverse the challenge. Not sure that a year from now is the best time to be making your largest weekly payment? Start big with $52 in your first week and then decrease the amount by $1 each week after. This approach works great if you're flush with cash now — like right after a holiday bonus or tax refund — but expect a tighter budget later.
Go bigger (or smaller). Change your weekly increment to match your goals — saving an additional $2, $5 or even $10 per week. If you start with $2 and then increase the amount by $2 each week, for example, you’ll have $2,756 by year's end.
Ultimately, how you approach the challenge is up to you. If the 52-week money challenge doesn’t resonate with you — that’s perfectly fine. You can explore other popular budgeting strategies instead to discover the best fit for your financial personality. The best challenge is one you can complete.
🔍 Read more: 7 key signs you're going to be a millionaire one day
From emergency funds to vacations: What people save for
Saving without a goal is like making a peanut butter sandwich without jelly. Here are some exciting goals to strive for as you progress through the 52-week money challenge:
Build an emergency fund. If you don't have three to six months of expenses saved, the 52-week challenge is a solid start to build emergency reserves. The $1,378 might not cover everything, but it can help with an unexpected dental bill or surprise pet bill without needing to take on debt.
Invest for the future. Funnel your savings straight into a retirement account like a traditional 401(k) or Roth IRA. At a 7% average return, that $1,378 could grow to nearly $11,000 over 30 years — not bad for a year of small weekly deposits.
Go on a guilt-free vacation. That $1,300+ could cover a week in Mexico, a long weekend road trip or flights to visit family you haven't seen in ages.
Upgrade your home. Tackle that nagging repair or upgrade a room. Your savings could cover a fresh coat of paint, a new appliance, minor bathroom updates or an investment in your home's value.
Start a side hustle. Use it as seed money to launch that business idea you've been sitting on — whether it's building a new website, paying for a course or covering consulting costs.
Double down and reinvest. Already finished one challenge? Start again with higher weekly amounts. If you double you deposits (think: $2, $4, $6 ... ), you'll save $2,756 next year.
🔍 Read more: So, you've saved $10,000 — now what? 5 smart moves to grow your money
7 ways to stay motivated for all 52 weeks
Even with the best intentions, staying committed to a yearlong challenge can be difficult. Pick and choose from our tips to stay motivated and crush your savings goals.
Set weekly reminders. Use your phone or calendar app to prompt you when it's time to save.
Automate your savings. Even better, set up automatic transfers to your savings account each week to remove the temptation to skip a week.
Align with your income. If you're paid every other week or monthly, adapt the challenge to match your pay schedule.
Track your progress visually. Use a chart or graph to see your growth at a glance. Many of today’s best budgeting apps offer dashboards and fatures to track your progress at a glance.
Celebrate financial milestones. Treat yourself with a small award when you hit key savings targets of $500 or $1,000.
Find an accountability partner. Share your challenge with a friend or family member who can encourage you along the way.
Be kind to yourself. If you miss a week, don't give up — just pick up where you left off or make it up when you can.
Remember, it’s never too late to begin your savings journey, and every dollar makes a difference. By starting small and staying consistent and flexible, you can successfully tackle the 52-week challenge.
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About the writer
Kat Aoki is a finance writer who's written thousands of articles to help people better understand technology, fintech, banking, lending and investments. Her expertise has been featured on sites like Lifewire and Finder, with bylines at top technology brands in the U.S. and Australia. Kat strives to empower consumers and business owners to make informed decisions and choose the right financial products for their needs.
Article edited by Kelly Suzan Waggoner
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Source: “AOL Money”
