How the 52 week savings challenge works
You save a small amount in week one and add a fixed step every week for a year. In the classic version you start at $1 and add $1 each week, so week 10 is $10 and week 52 is $52.
Total = weeks × first deposit + increase × weeks × (weeks − 1) ÷ 2 · Classic: 52 × 1 + 1 × 52 × 51 ÷ 2 = $1,378
The slow start makes it easy to begin. The catch is that the last month costs $202, right when holiday spending peaks. The reverse order fixes that.
How to use the calculator
- Keep the classic settings or change the first deposit and weekly increase.
- Pick an order: classic, reverse, or even deposits of the same amount each week.
- Set your start date to get the real date of every deposit.
- Enter a savings goal if you have a target. The chart rescales to hit it.
- Tick each week as you save and watch your balance grow.
Popular versions of the challenge
| Version | First week | Weekly increase | Total after 52 weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic | $1 | $1 | $1,378 |
| Double | $2 | $2 | $2,756 |
| Five dollar | $5 | $5 | $6,890 |
| Mini (50 cents) | $0.50 | $0.50 | $689 |
| Even $20 | $20 | $0 | $1,040 |
Classic, reverse or even: which should you pick?
Classic suits you if you're building the habit from nothing. Reverse suits you if you're motivated now and want the hard weeks behind you. Even suits you if your income is steady and you'd rather automate one fixed transfer.
If your pay arrives every two weeks, tick two weeks at a time on payday. For a savings game with more variety, try the 100 envelope challenge. To save for a specific bill by a specific date, use the sinking fund calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much do you save in the 52 week savings challenge?
The classic challenge saves $1,378. You deposit $1 in week one, $2 in week two and keep adding a dollar each week until you deposit $52 in week 52.
What is the reverse 52 week challenge?
You start with the largest deposit and work down. Week one is $52 and week 52 is $1. The total is the same $1,378, but the big deposits come early when motivation is highest, and the small ones land near the holidays.
Can I start the 52 week challenge in the middle of the year?
Yes. The challenge runs for 52 weeks from whatever date you start. Set your start date in the calculator and it lists the exact date of every deposit.
How do I save $5,000 or $10,000 in 52 weeks?
Type your target in the savings goal box. The calculator scales every weekly deposit to hit that number. For $5,000 the first week is about $3.63 and the last is about $188.68.