Save A Penny A Day Challenge

Save A Penny A Day Challenge - Last Updated [May 2025]

Saving challenges this year are going like crazy. Many young people are taking part in these trends to work towards their financial goals. One of the most popular trends is the Penny a Day Challenge, which was first introduced by The Penny Hoarder, a personal finance website. The concept is simple: save just one penny on the first day, two pennies on the second day, and keep increasing by a penny every day. By the end of the year, you could save a significant amount—around $667—without even noticing the gradual increase. This challenge has gained traction due to its simplicity and the fact that it doesn't require a huge financial commitment upfront.

Are you ready to make savings? This guide will look at the 1p challenge, its benefits, and how to adapt this challenge to suit your living style.

What Is A Penny A Day Challenge?

The penny a day challenge is a money-saving technique that lasts 365 days. It works by increasing the saving amount every day by one penny. On the first day, you will transfer 1p second day you will transfer two penny and on the 365^th day, the amount will rise to £3.65. Once these smaller savings, the saved amount adds up to £667.95 for the 365-day challenge. Typically people start the challenge on the first of January. While at the start the challenge seems easy and manageable, it gets difficult to manage in the end. Reminding you of the money that could help you clear house deposits, make installments for a car, or have a shopping spree.

Being consistent with saving every day creates positive habits which could overall bring positivity to your financial well-being. It can be a good idea to record your savings in a challenge chart, log in to money-saving applications to mark your penny transfer progress and money saving gets easier to manage. Some savers prefer to save money in cash form in a jar or pot and like to watch it grow. While others prefer saving it in a savings account. Choose the way that suits you best.

1p Saving Chart:

You can track your saving progress with a saving challenge chart.

Create a handmade journal and record your savings. Another way is to create a chart and write down each day's saving amount like 1p, 2p, 3p, and so on. Strike the amount you transfer every day. That will help you check off each day and keep you tracked with your savings. It is a great way to help reach your financial goal.

How Is The 1p Challenge Helpful For Saving Money?

Saving regularly can be difficult. The 1p challenge is to motivate every day to build self-control, become persistent, and adopt positive habits. It might be harder to save during the festive season. Especially if you have expenses to make around that time. Consider variations below of 1p challenges to give yourself the best chance to save up for your dream.

Reserve 1p Challenge:

The Reverse 1p challenge is a saving challenge where you start by saving £3.65 on your first day. The amount then decreases by 1 penny the following day.

How It Works:

On day 1, you save £3.65

On day 2 you save £3.64

On day 3 you save £3.63

And on the 365^th day, you will only save 1 penny

Your total savings add up to £667.95. This is the reverse saving challenge in which you gradually decrease the saving number and every other day is a motivation day, that you'll be transferring less than the current day. That still makes £667.95.

52-Week 1p Challenge:

The 52-week challenge can be the more manageable method of saving. As the add-up amount remains similar throughout.

You still have 12 months, but days are replaced with weeks. By each week (any day of the week that suits you) you transfer money that is less than the coming week. Here you can begin savings with £1 in the first week, then £2 in the second week, £3 in the third week, and so on. After 52 weeks of consistent saving, you'll put away a good saving. If you get paid weekly, then daily savings will be quite difficult to manage.

1p Saving Challenge For Kids:

1p saving challenge for kids is great. They would learn money-saving methods and benefits at an early age. One way is to teach kids to save a penny every day. Every day when they put aside one penny, that adds up to £3.65 at the end of the year if it starts on the 1^st of January.

Saving pennies is a great way to teach kids to understand the importance of money. This could even develop good saving habits with patience and control on excessive shopping if they are ever going to. Opt for a jar where they can put their everyday 1 penny and watch their saving grow. If your kids have a savings account, that is even better. With it, they will learn about responsibility too.

More Challenges To Try This Year

Tailor Savings To Your Lifestyle:

While the classic 1p challenge is great for many, there are other challenges you can try that might better align with your lifestyle and financial goals. For example, our article "No-spend Challenge For A Year" can help curb unnecessary purchases. This variation, along with the 1p challenge, will give you the best chance to meet your financial goals.

Coupon-Clipping Challenge:

Another great way to boost your savings this year is by incorporating a coupon-clipping challenge into your routine. This strategy encourages you to be more mindful of your spending by using coupons on everything you buy. Whether it's clipping physical coupons from newspapers or using digital ones on your favorite shopping apps, this method can help you cut down on your everyday expenses. Combining couponing with the 1p challenge can accelerate your savings, as the money you save from using coupons can be directly added to your savings pot. This can be a perfect strategy to maximize your financial goals without sacrificing too much of your lifestyle.

Digital Tools and Apps to Simplify Your Savings

If remembering to save every single day sounds like a hassle, don’t worry—technology’s got your back. Apps like Monzo offer features like automatic round-ups or scheduled savings pots, so you can stash your pennies without lifting a finger. Similarly, IFTTT (If This Then That) can automate your savings by connecting your bank account to daily triggers, like moving £0.01 into a separate savings account each day.

These tools not only make the penny-a-day challenge easier to stick to but also help build good habits by keeping the process consistent and stress-free. A little automation goes a long way in making your savings goals achievable.

Conclusion:

The 1p challenge is a simple yet effective way to build up savings over time, helping you develop good financial habits without feeling deprived. Whether you choose the classic approach or try variations like the Reverse 1p Challenge or 52-Week Challenge, these methods are great tools for creating positive financial behaviors. Adding strategies like coupon-clipping or no-spend challenges can further accelerate your savings journey. The key is consistency and finding a method that aligns with your lifestyle and goals. Start small, stay persistent, and watch your savings grow steadily throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How much can I save with the 1p challenge?

By the end of the 365 days, you’ll have saved £667.95, thanks to the incremental increase in your daily savings.

Q. Can I start the 1p challenge at any time?

Yes, while it's traditionally started in January, you can begin the challenge at any time of the year and still save a significant amount.

Q. What’s the difference between the classic and reverse 1p challenge?

In the classic challenge, you increase the saving amount by 1p every day, while in the reverse challenge, you start high and decrease the savings each day.

Q. Is the 1p challenge suitable for kids?

Yes, it’s a great way for kids to learn about saving money, as they can track their savings and develop good financial habits early on.

Q. How do I track my savings?

You can use a savings chart, a handmade journal, or even money-saving apps to keep track of your daily contributions to stay motivated and on track.