💰 5 Fun Budget Challenges That Actually Work

Turn your money goals into a game — and actually enjoy sticking to your budget.

If you've ever set a budget on the first of the month and completely abandoned it by the fifth — you're not alone. Sticking to a budget can feel restrictive, boring, and (let’s be real) sometimes just... ugh.

But what if budgeting could be fun? Like, actually fun. Think sticker charts, scratch cards, colour-in trackers, envelope games. A little bit of creativity can go a long way when you’re trying to stay motivated with your money.

In this post, I'm sharing 5 fun budget challenges that actually work — because I’ve done them, my readers have done them, and they don’t feel like punishment.

🤔 Why Budgeting Feels Hard (and How to Change That)

First, let’s talk about why budgeting is tough to stick to:

• You feel like you’re saying “no” to everything

• There’s no immediate reward

• It can feel overwhelming or emotionally heavy

• You don’t have a clear reason why you’re budgeting

• You’re not tracking your wins

This is where budget challenges come in. They give you a structure, a focus, and a built-in sense of progress.

Plus — they're fun. And yes, you're allowed to have fun while working toward your goals.

✨ What Makes a Budget Challenge “Work”?

For me, a good budget challenge must be:

✅ Easy to follow

✅ Visually motivating

✅ Flexible for different income levels

✅ Actually helps you reach a goal (savings, debt, spending awareness)

✅ Encourages you — not shames you

The ones below tick every box. Let’s get into it!

🏆 1. The “No Spend” Bingo Challenge

You’ve probably heard of a “No Spend Day” before — but this gives it a fresh twist.

Instead of saying no spending all month, this challenge gives you a bingo card full of small, doable “no spend” tasks like:

• No Spend Day

• Cook at home instead of takeaway

• Use something you already own

• DIY your coffee

• Swap with a friend instead of buying

• Declutter and sell 1 item

🎯 The goal: Complete a row or fill your whole card!

🖨️ You can print your bingo card and stick it to your fridge, or grab one of my pre-made trackers inside The Girl Budgets freebie library.

💡 Why it works: You’re focusing on action, not restriction. Plus, the game element gives you instant wins.

🪙 2. The Spare Change Round-Up Challenge

This one’s a low-effort win — perfect if you want to save without thinking about it too much.

Every time you make a purchase, round up to the nearest £ or $, and save the change.

Example:

• You spend £3.60 → round up to £4 → save £0.40

• You buy something for £12.20 → round up to £13 → save £0.80

You can do this manually using a savings tracker, envelope, or jar — or automate it with banking apps that allow round-ups.

📆 Set a time frame — 30 days, 6 weeks, a school term — and see how much you can build!

💡 Why it works: It’s small, consistent, and adds up fast. You barely notice the difference in spending — but the savings are real.

🎯 3. The “Cash Envelope Dice Game”

This one’s from the cash stuffing community — and it’s a favourite in my binder!

Here’s how it works:

1. Label 6 envelopes (or 12 if you’re feeling spicy)

2. Assign amounts to each (e.g., £5, £10, £15…)

3. Once a week, roll a dice to see which envelope you stuff

4. Optional twist: If you roll the same number twice, double it!

👛 You can use this challenge for:

• Emergency fund

• Christmas savings

• Fun money

• Back to school

💡 Why it works: It makes saving feel like a game — and the dice adds just enough

unpredictability to keep it interesting.

🎨 4. The Colour-In Savings Challenge

One of the easiest ways to stay motivated is visually seeing your progress. And nothing beats a colour-in tracker.

Whether you’re saving £100 or £5,000 — a printable tracker with cute icons, milestones, or goal amounts makes all the difference.

Each section represents a small chunk of your goal — and every time you save, you colour it in.

📚 You’ll find seasonal ones (Summer, Autumn, Holiday) and goal-based ones (Emergency Fund, Sinking Funds, etc.) in The Girl Budgets shop.

💡 Why it works: Dopamine hit every time you colour in a square. Seriously.

🧁 5. The “Treat Yo’Self” Guilt-Free Budget Challenge

This one’s a mindset AND money challenge.

Every week, challenge yourself to save something small just for you — £1, £2, £5 — and stash it in a “treat” envelope.

Here’s the catch: You’re not allowed to use it for bills, groceries, or emergencies. It’s purely for you. To rest. To enjoy. To feel proud of your progress.

Ideas:

• A new book

• Fancy coffee

• Solo cinema trip

• Your favourite takeaway

• That bath oil you’ve been eyeing

💡 Why it works: So often we cut out all joy when budgeting. This keeps you from burning out — and reminds you that you are worth being taken care of.

📊 How to Track Your Progress

Budget challenges are more effective when you can track your wins. Here’s how:

• Use printable trackers (I've got a whole collection)

• Post your progress on Instagram or stories for accountability

• Keep a money journal

• Use highlighter pens or stickers

• Add a visual goal thermometer

💬 Real Talk: Fun Doesn’t Mean Frivolous

Sometimes people think fun = silly or not serious. But here’s what I believe:

You’re more likely to stick to your goals if they feel:

• Encouraging

• Personal

• Positive

• Celebratory

You’re not failing because you haven’t followed some intense budgeting spreadsheet to the letter.

You’re just human. And humans need motivation, joy, and small wins.

These challenges help you build those wins in.

✅ Choose Your Fun Budget Challenges (and Let’s Go!)

So which one are you going to try first?

Here’s a quick recap:

1. No Spend Bingo – For mindful spending

2. Spare Change Round-Up – For lazy saving

3. Cash Envelope Dice Game – For making saving fun

4. Colour-In Trackers – For visual motivation

5. Treat Yo’Self Challenge – For balance + self-kindness

You can do one at a time or mix them up throughout the year.

🎯 Final Thought: Budgeting Should Work For You

I want you to feel confident with your money. I want you to enjoy seeing your progress. And I want you to know that fun and financial discipline can absolutely go hand in hand.

You’re not behind. You’re not bad with money. You just need the right tools — and a little encouragement.

💌 Let me know in the comments or on Instagram @thegirlbudgets which challenge you're trying this month — I’d love to cheer you on!