The $100 Monthly Challenge: How I Slashed My Spending in 4 Weeks

Sometimes the best financial challenges are the simplest ones. When inflation started squeezing my grocery and gas budget, I decided to take on a personal experiment: find a way to save $100 in 30 days without cutting out things I love.

Spoiler: I ended up saving more—and learning a lot about my spending habits in the process.

Here’s how you can do the same.

Week 1: The Subscription Audit

I started by canceling three services I wasn’t using—one streaming app, one digital magazine, and a cloud storage plan. Total saved: $42/month.
Tip: use a free app like Rocket Money or Truebill to track recurring charges automatically.

Week 2: Smarter Grocery Runs

I planned meals, stuck to a list, and skipped takeout. I used coupons in my grocery store’s app and switched to a store-brand coffee I actually liked better. Total saved: $33.

Week 3: Energy Awareness

Turning lights off, unplugging chargers, and adjusting my thermostat by just 2 degrees shaved about $10 off my electric bill. Small change, real result.

Week 4: The “No-Spend Weekend”

I challenged myself not to spend money for an entire weekend. Instead of shopping or eating out, I hiked with friends and made a movie night at home. Saved around $25—and felt refreshed.

Bonus Tip: Round Up Your Savings

Each week, I transferred the money I “saved” into a separate account labeled “Challenge Wins.” Watching that balance grow was incredibly motivating.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a complete lifestyle overhaul to start saving. Try the $100 challenge for one month—you’ll be surprised how easy it becomes once you see results.

Small steps, big wins—that’s the secret to sustainable saving.