Challenge yourself to better finances: Four tips for long-term saving

New Year’s resolutions are easily made but how many of us keep up our good intentions over the long term? If one of your resolutions was to ‘save more’, you might want to try a more creative approach to staying motivated. Instead of relying on traditional savings tips, why not try one or all of these challenges to inspire you to save more?

1. Dice challenge
Get some dice from an old board game and roll them once a week. Whatever total you get is the amount in euros you have to save. If you like, you can customise the challenge by rolling the dice every other day, for example, or by doubling the total you get.

2. Savings bingo
First of all, decide how much you want to save in total. Then divide that amount into 25 smaller amounts (e.g. between 2 and 50 euros) and write down these numbers in squares laid out like a bingo card. When you save a particular amount, cross off the relevant square on your bingo card. Aim: To cross off all the squares on your bingo card!

3. Turn your bad habits into savings
Ideal for New Year’s resolutions: Combine a savings amount with a bad habit you want to give up. Every time you reach for a cigarette, for example, or eat fast food, you have to transfer a predetermined amount into your savings account. This way, you’ll turn your bad habits into a chance to put some money aside.

4. Reverse 52-week challenge
Instead of starting with 1 euro per week and increasing the amount weekly, why not start with the highest amount and work backwards (week 1 = 52 euros, week 2 = 51 euros, etc.)? The advantage here is that as your motivation is at its highest in the first few weeks, you are more willing to put aside larger amounts, and by the end of the year you’ll hardly notice the amounts you’re saving.

So you see, savings challenges can be fun. Choose a method that suits your day-to-day life or combine several challenges throughout the year. The important thing is to stick with it and don’t give up.

You can also ask your bank about suitable savings tools or digital apps to help you save. Start 2026 with a savings plan and a positive feeling about your finances.