At Clark.com, we’re all about helping people save more money. And our goal is to help you increase the amount in your savings account.
How To Save $1,000 in 15 Weeks
Introducing: The 15-Week Savings Challenge! If you follow these simple steps, you’ll have $1,000 saved in 15 weeks.
Here’s how it works:
- Download the Save $1,000 in 15 Weeks chart to your computer and print it out.
- Open a high-yield savings account (or use an account that you already have).
- Transfer each week’s set amount in the chart from your checking account into your savings account.
- Cross off the week in the chart after you transfer the money into your savings account.
To begin, you’ll transfer $20 on week 1 into your savings account. Then you’ll transfer $47 on week 2 into your account for a total of $67 after two weeks. After four weeks, you’ll have nearly $200 saved. The highest deposit amount is only $97, and the amounts steadily decrease as we approach the end of the challenge.
Keep it up for 15 weeks and you’ll have $1,000 in your savings account!
Tip: If you don’t want to follow a chart, you can transfer $67 into your savings account every week instead. You’ll still end up with more than $1,000 in 15 weeks!
Tips To Help You Reach Your Savings Goal
It’s not always easy to start saving money. Here are some ideas to create more financial breathing room in your life.
Reduce Expenses
- Switch to a cheaper cell phone provider. Ditching a major network for a cheaper alternative can save you hundreds of dollars every year. Cell phone expert Dallas Cox has a guide full of the best plans you need to know.
- Try a cheaper streaming service. Cutting the cable TV cord is a great way to reduce your monthly expenses without sacrificing entertainment. But even paying full price for a live TV streaming service like YouTube TV can cost you $780/year. Instead, try a free trial of a comparable service like Sling TV ($40/month) or even a free streaming service. The features may surprise you!
- Manage your subscriptions. Recurring automatic payments can become so habitual that you don’t even notice when the money leaves your bank account. Are you really using and enjoying all of the services you’re paying for? Run through your last few statements to see if there are any charges you can cut.
- Work out at home. Gym memberships are notoriously expensive. Luckily, there are free ways to work out at home without sacrificing your health. See if any of these free apps can replace a brick-and-mortar gym — and the bill that goes along with it.
- Switch your car insurance. How long have you been with your current insurance provider? Here’s the thing: You are not rewarded for loyalty! Get a few quotes to see if you can reduce this monthly expense. This guide to the best auto insurance companies can help you get started.
Make Extra Cash
- Find missing money. There might be missing money in your name that is waiting to be claimed. It’s free and easy to check.
- Take surveys online. Filling out surveys online isn’t going to get you rich. But if you have spare time, it’s an easy way to earn a few bucks. Clark.com’s Christopher Smith tested Swagbucks and tells you everything you need to know.
- Sell old stuff. Check your closets and other storage areas for old items you no longer need. They may be worth some money! Here are a few places you can sell your items.
- Advertise on your car. This opportunity isn’t a fit for everyone, but it’s a great way to get paid for driving. Christopher tested Stickr.co and made about $70/month. There are a few catches so read his full Stickr.co review before you sign up.
- Deliver food. Food delivery has seen a big surge since the coronavirus pandemic started. Dallas from Team Clark drove for DoorDash, GrubHub and Postmates to see how much you can really earn. In her first 10 hours with Postmates, she made nearly $100!
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