14 Money Saving Challenges For Couples To Try Together

Look, I get it. Talking about money with your partner can be awkward. But when couples work toward a shared financial goal, something shifts. You stop seeing money as stressful and start treating it as a team challenge.

From my experience, successful couples aren’t the ones earning the most; they’re the ones who make saving fun and purposeful. The good news? You don’t have to live on ramen or overhaul your lifestyle. Money-saving challenges create structure, accountability, and even a bit of healthy competition.

Why Couples Need Money-Saving Challenges

Building Financial Teamwork

Taking on a savings challenge together strengthens your partnership. One of you might catch a budget leak, while the other finds creative ways to cut costs. You’re not just saving; you’re learning to function as true financial teammates.

Money issues are a major cause of relationship stress, but couples who share financial goals argue less and trust more. Regular communication about money keeps you aligned and focused on the same vision.

Creating Accountability and Momentum

Saving alone can be tough, but when your partner’s counting on you, it changes everything. You motivate each other to stay on track and celebrate every win together.

The first few hundred dollars saved build momentum, turning small progress into lasting habits. Before long, you’re not just completing a challenge; you’re strengthening your relationship and your financial future at the same time.

1. No-Spend Weekend Challenge

This is one of the challenges to help you save money as a couple that goes beyond spreadsheets and budgets. 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.

The beauty here? You’re forced to get creative and remember what you loved doing together before shopping became the default activity. Plus, those two weekends alone can save you $100-200 monthly. Over a year, that’s real money, enough for a nice vacation or a chunk toward your debt payoff 🙂

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. The small amounts early on mean zero friction. Nobody struggles to find an extra dollar or two. But by midyear, you’re in a rhythm, and the habit sticks.

Here’s what I love about this one: The momentum builds naturally. Week 26, you’re dropping $26. By week 52, you’re saving $52 weekly. That’s not pocket change anymore; that’s real money you’ve successfully committed to. And you did it without deprivation.

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, either the smallest or the one with the highest interest rate. Set a 30, 60, or 90-day timeframe, 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. Watching that number drop does something psychological to your brain; it motivates you to find even more money to throw at it. Couples who tackle debt together stay together (at least on finances). The communication alone strengthens your partnership.

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 actually 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.

You’ll realize how much your cards masked your spending. That $5 coffee you tapped without thinking? When it’s actual cash, suddenly you’re reconsidering. Most couples report saving $50-100 during a single cash-only week just from thinking twice before buying.

5. 30-Day Declutter Challenge

This is about making money and clearing mental space simultaneously. 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. (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. You discover you don’t need as much stuff as you thought. That realization? Priceless.

6. Spare Change Jar Challenge

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. Give yourselves a deadline.

You’ll be shocked at how quickly it adds up when you stay consistent. Most couples are surprised to find $200-300 accumulated over six months. It doesn’t feel like a sacrifice because it’s pocket change, literally. But compound that over time, and it becomes meaningful money.

7. DIY Challenge

This was one of our favorites, especially because it allowed 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 own 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.

The real win? You remember that you’re capable. You don’t need to pay someone for everything. That confidence transfers to other areas of your finances too.

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, this challenge helps you save big on food and reset without losing the joy of good food. Ever wondered why couples who cook together stay together? It’s the combination of teamwork, creativity, and creating memories that costs nothing.

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.

Don’t 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. Plus, thrifting is sustainable; you’re extending the life of quality items and keeping things out of landfills. It feels good on multiple levels.

10. Pantry And Freezer Challenge

The truth is, there are a lot of gimmicks out there, but this is one of the simplest and most 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’d forgotten existed, spices we’d 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. Most couples who do this report saving $100-150 in grocery costs while reducing food waste significantly. You’ll also become more creative in the kitchen out of necessity.

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. Meal prep together is bonding with benefits. You’re literally building your week together while saving money and eating better. That’s a win on three fronts.

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 collection. Not only did we save money, but the gifts felt more meaningful than anything money could buy.

Try it for Valentine’s Day, 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. These moments? They matter more than the price tag ever could.

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. Reading together creates inside jokes, gives you things to talk about, and costs basically nothing.

Libraries are seriously underutilized resources. Between free books, free audiobooks, and free digital resources, you’re looking at unlimited entertainment for zero dollars. That’s hard to beat.

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 got to slow down, chat more in the mornings, and laugh at our barista fails.

Here’s the real insight: those daily habits are where money actually leaks away. Nobody notices one coffee. But 30 coffees? That’s real money you can redirect toward your actual goals.

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. A shared goal creates momentum.

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.

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. Communication is where most couples either succeed or fail with money.

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. Celebration reinforces the behavior and keeps motivation alive.

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. That’s what actually matters.

Pin this for later!

Final Thoughts

Here’s the truth: saving as a couple isn’t just about money it’s about teamwork, trust, and shared vision. When you plan, budget, and save together, you’re not just building a bank account; you’re strengthening your relationship.

Start small, stay consistent, and celebrate progress along the way. You’ll be amazed at how financial harmony can deepen emotional connection. Your future selves will thank you for every intentional choice you make today.