Money savings challenges to try

Savings challenges for every goal: 

Are you just starting your money-saving journey or looking to buy your first home? Find a savings challenge that suits you. Choose from easy, manageable goals to more ambitious money saving challenges – it's all about what fits your lifestyle.

1p Challenge – Small steps, building a beginner savings pot

The perfect starting challenge for anyone wanting to dip their toes into smart savings. Great to start at the beginning of the year, but can start anytime. 

The 1p challenge is about starting small, saving just 1p on day one, 2p on day two, 3p on day three and so on. By the end of the year, you’ll have saved £671.61.

It’s a loose change challenge and shows that small, steady steps can lead to big wins. This is true whether you're looking to build on your emergency fund or saving for smaller goals.

Why it works: It’s fun, flexible, and gamifies saving. Perfect for a no-pressure introduction to mindful spending. And there's nothing to stop you from adding a couple of extra pennies in each day.

Start small and build big! This printable tracker helps you save a few pennies each day. Over a year, you can save more than £650. It is great for beginners or anyone wanting an easy win.

52-Week savings challenge – Build a habit

Looking to step up your game by saving a larger set amount each week, increasing as you go. 

The 52-week savings challenges is a more ambitious savings challenge. Saving £1 on week one, £2 on week two, and so on. Stick with it for 52 weeks and you’ll build financial discipline while saving £1,378 in a year.

Top tips: Use a savings account that offers a guaranteed interest rate. You might also think about a unit-linked savings product (capital at risk).

This type of product invests in the stock market. Check out the Unity Mutual Stocks and Shares Flexible ISA*. Use our easy ISA calculator to see how your savings can grow.

This challenge supports both short-term and long-term goals and creates that all important structure in your saving.

Save steadily with this printable weekly tracker—starting with just £1 and increasing each week. By the end of the year, you'll have over £1,300 tucked away without even noticing it’s gone.

The Unity Mutual home purchase savings challenge – dream big

For those ready to start with a bigger savings goal, like their first home - maximising your ISA allowance is a great step. With our home purchase savings challenge, we focus on maximising your Lifetime ISA* allowance.

By saving £77 a week, you'll hit the £4,000 annual cap by the end of the tax year. With the added benefit of receiving the 25% government bonus (up to £1,000 per year). That means £5,000 a year toward your first home.

Why it’s worth it: It’s the ultimate example of empowerment through saving regularly. It aligns perfectly with a long-term goal, and turning your saving mindset into homeownership.

Big goals need a smart plan. Use this downloadable tracker to break your home deposit target into manageable chunks. Every box ticked brings you one step closer to your keys.

Ready to start saving?

Before you dive in, do a quick spending audit. We recommend you map out your month, thentry a 30-day no spend challenge, and see where your money is going. 

Ask yourself:

• What's my money mind-set, what's important to me (travelling, seeing friends and family)?
• What can I dial down my spend on?
• Can I start a round-up challenge on purchases?
• Am I building toward an emergency fund or a savings goal?

Tips for building a positive financial future

• Budgeting is your friend, even small budgets can grow with the right strategy.
• Stay consistent. Think long-term. Track your progress and celebrate those savings milestones.
• There's no one-size-fits-all. Flexibility is key – choose the challenge that suits your lifestyle, and leaves you enough to enjoy life.
• Make it fun – use apps, printables, or a fun savings jars to gamify your saving, whatever works for you.
• Money coaching and accountability buddies can help you stay motivated.
• Consider setting up a Direct Debit, automating the savings process makes it even easier to save.

From freelance to financial security: Ruth’s £75-a-month savings strategy

Financial Marketer Ruth has taken on a practical money-saving challenge. Looking to build financial security while still enjoying life. She explains:

“I started my savings challenge last year when I stopped freelancing and had a more regular income. I started putting just £25 a month into my Lifetime ISA as well as my Cash ISA, and Flexible ISA. Three different pots to balance my short-term needs with longer-term goals. I’ve got an emergency fund, whilst also dipping my toe into stocks and shares, and I’m thinking ahead for later life.

I’ve still left room in my budget for travel and time with friends. It’s a realistic start, but I’m aiming to increase those monthly targets as my income grows.”

Getting started with saving

No matter if you want to save for a deposit, improve your finances, or save better, there’s a challenge for you. Start today. Your future self will thank you!

If you'd like to chat to one of the team about our savings and investment products, why not book a call today.

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