Level Up Your Money: An 8-Week Gamified Savings Challenge

Starting the new year with a plan can make all the difference to your finances. At Two Birds One Loan, we believe saving and budgeting doesn’t have to be boring it can be fun, motivating, and rewarding. That’s why we’ve created an 8-week gamified savings challenge to help you take control of your money and build smart habits that last all year.

Week 1: Track & Tally

Goal: Know Where your Money Goes

Challenge: Track all your spending for 7 days, including coffee, groceries, and bills.

Tip: Keep a notebook or use a budgeting app to note every purchase awareness is the first step to control.

Week 2: Cut the Extras

Goal: Identify and Reduce Unnecessary Spending

Challenge: Cancel at least one subscription you don’t use or need.

Tip: Check recurring payments like streaming services, apps, or memberships and decide if they really add value.

Week 3: Automatic Savings

Goal: Make Saving Effortless

Challenge: Automate $10–$50 per week into a savings account.

Tip: Treat this like paying yourself first even small amounts add up over time.

Week 4: Meal Prep Master

Goal: Save on Groceries and Reduce What you Spend on Takeaway

Challenge: Plan and Meal Prep at Least Three Lunches or Dinners for the Week.

Tip: Cooking in batches not only saves money but also helps you eat healthier.

Week 5: Round-Up Bonus

Goal: Make saving a little fun

Challenge: Use a Round-up App or manually round up spare change into a savings account.

Tip: Even your coffee change can go toward your home deposit or financial goals.

Week 6: Debt Drop

Goal: Reduce Small Debts

Challenge: Pay off your smallest credit card or personal loan balance.

Tip: This “snowball” method gives you momentum and motivation to tackle larger debts next.

Week 7: No-Spend Will Power Week

Goal: Strengthen Self-Control

Challenge: Commit to one full week with no unnecessary spending.

Tip: Plan activities that don’t cost money, like walking, cooking at home, having a friend over for coffee at home or check out what free community events might be on.

Week 8: Reward Yourself Wisely

Goal: Celebrate Progress Without Breaking the Bank

Challenge: Treat yourself to a small reward under $20 or a non-monetary treat.

Tip: Celebrate wins to stay motivated but keep it smart your long-term goals come first.

How to Make the Most of the Challenge

Track your wins each week and note your progress.

Celebrate milestones and reward yourself for completing multiple challenges in a row.

Reflect at the end of each month, review your progress, see what’s working, and adjust your plan.

Keep building habits, by the end of eight weeks, these small, consistent actions will have a big impact on your finances.

Our Final Thoughts

2026 is the perfect year to take control of your money. This challenge isn’t about perfection it’s about progress!

By tracking spending, cutting unnecessary costs, automating savings, and celebrating small wins, you can build habits that strengthen your borrowing power, boost your savings, and help you reach your financial goals faster.

Get in touch with The Birds Team for all of your loan requirements.