10 Money Saving Games That Make It Fun To Save

Last updated: October 26, 2023

Welcome to the frugal side of life, where saving money is not just a necessity but a fun and rewarding game! These money saving games are a great way to make saving money fun, and increase the balance of your savings account. 

We all know the importance of financial prudence, but who says budgeting has to be boring? 

There are so many ways you can hit your savings goals without feeling like it’s a drain on all your fun. 

No matter if you’re in urgent financial need and have to rein in your spending, or just want to boost your bank account so you have extra money available for a rainy day, these savings games are the best way to do it. 

Turn the money-saving journey into an exciting adventure with these 10 money-saving games that you can play solo or with friends and family. Let the games begin!

Top 10 money saving games for the whole family

All your family members can do their part and get involved in your money challenge. 

These games are all suitable for people of any age. Get young children involved to help them develop a fun way to manage money. 

1. The No-Spend Challenge

Challenge your willpower and bolster your savings by embarking on the No-Spend Challenge. When it comes to money saving games, this is an essential one if you’re really strapped for cash. 

What it is:

The objective is clear for this game: refrain from non-essential spending for a designated period. 

Whether you opt for a single day, an entire week, or even a month, the key is committing to spending only on absolute necessities. 

It’s a test of discipline that goes beyond just financial gains, offering insights into your spending habits and the potential for substantial savings.

How to play: 

To play, set your chosen timeframe and adhere strictly to the essentials. Keep a meticulous record of your spending, contrasting it with your typical habits. 

Here are examples of things you should avoid purchasing during this challenge:

• new clothes, shoes, or accessories that are not immediately necessary
• movies, concerts, theme parks, or other entertainment activities
• don’t eat at restaurants or order takeout. Stick to home-cooked meals
• non-essential subscription services like streaming platforms, magazines, or premium apps
• purchases of new gadgets, video games or electronics that are not urgently needed
• decorative items or new furnishings for your home
• only buy essential personal care items, and avoid splurging on cosmetics or skincare products
• new supplies for hobbies or crafts unless it’s necessary for income generation
• delay purchasing gifts for non-urgent occasions or celebrations until after the challenge
• non-essential trips or vacations

In general, just refrain from making impulse purchases or buying items on a whim. Stick to your predetermined list of necessities.

This challenge is such a great way to regain control of your spending and see what really constitutes a necessity. If you are in any financial difficulties then a no-spend challenge is the best thing you can turn to help turn things around quickly. 

2. Budget Bingo

Transform your budgeting journey into an engaging Bingo experience with this most creative of money saving games. 

What it is:

The goal is to achieve your budgeting objectives while enjoying the challenge in a bingo-style format. 

How to play:

Start by crafting a bingo card tailored to your financial goals.

Populate the card with specific tasks that you’d like to achieve that will save you some money. Then you mark them off once you’ve done them. 

Here’s a list of ideas for what to put on your Budget Bingo card:

• Brown-Bag Lunch: Bring lunch from home instead of buying
• No Coffee Shop Visits: Brew coffee at home to save money
• Use Coupons: Collect and use coupons for groceries or other purchases
• Meatless Monday: Plan a day without meat to save on grocery costs
• No Online Shopping: Avoid making any non-essential online purchases
• Public Transportation: Use public transportation or carpool instead of driving
• DIY Cleaning Products: Make your own cleaning products to save on expenses
• Movie Night at Home: Skip the theater and have a movie night at home
• No Alcohol: Avoid purchasing alcoholic beverages for a set period
• Homemade Snacks: Make snacks at home instead of buying pre-packaged ones
• Unplug Electronics: Conserve energy by unplugging electronics when not in use
• No Fast Food: Eliminate fast food expenses for the duration of the challenge
• Buy Generic: Choose generic brands over name brands to save on groceries
• DIY Gifts: Make homemade gifts instead of buying expensive ones
• No New Clothes: Refrain from buying new clothing items for the challenge
• Thrift Store Finds: Shop for clothing or household items at thrift stores
• Cancel Non-Essential Subscriptions: Pause or cancel unnecessary subscription services
• No Dining Out: Cook meals at home and avoid dining out during the challenge
• Buy in Bulk: Purchase non-perishable items in bulk for cost savings
• DIY Home Repairs: Attempt minor home repairs instead of hiring professionals

You can customize this list based on your preferences and budgeting goals!

As you successfully implement these measures, mark off the corresponding items on your card. 

The ultimate aim is to complete a row or the entire card within a predefined timeframe, turning your budgeting milestones into a rewarding and visually satisfying game. 

This playful approach not only makes budgeting more enjoyable but also adds a touch of excitement and motivation to your financial planning efforts.

Related: 15 Funny Ways To Save Money

3. DIY Gift Exchange

Revamp your gift-giving routine by turning it into a heartfelt and budget-friendly game. If you and your family give gifts at Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter or any other holiday you can help cut everyone’s costs by playing this fun game. 

What it is: 

Save money on gifts by crafting personalized, homemade presents that carry a unique touch. Rather than reaching for your wallet for special occasions, introduce a challenge among friends and family to create their own gifts.

How to play: 

To play, encourage participants to unleash their creativity and showcase their skills in crafting meaningful presents. 

This not only adds a personal touch to the gifts but also transforms the act of giving into a creative and enjoyable endeavor. 

By embracing this game, you not only express love through thoughtful, homemade gifts but also encourage a spirit of creativity and resourcefulness, all while keeping your budget happily intact. 

It’s a win-win for both your wallet and the joy of giving, and it benefits everyone taking part.

4. Cash-Only Week

Elevate your financial mindfulness through the Cash-Only Week challenge, designed to heighten your awareness of spending habits. 

What it is:

The primary objective is to shift from digital transactions using your debit card or credit card to relying exclusively on physical currency for a specified period. This deliberate choice forces you to be more conscious of your expenses, which brings a heightened sense of financial awareness.

It’s also a really good way to use up your loose change that you might not otherwise elect to spend, opting instead for digital payment methods when it’s not necessary. 

How to play:

To play, pick a designated timeframe where your transactions are conducted solely in cash. 

This intentional shift in payment method encourages a more thoughtful approach to spending, as the tangible nature of cash reinforces the value of each purchase. 

By consciously choosing where your money goes, you enhance your financial mindfulness, curbing unnecessary expenses and gaining a clearer understanding of your spending patterns. 

The Cash-Only Week isn’t just a game; it’s a transformative exercise in financial consciousness, empowering you to make more intentional and informed choices with your money. Your checking account will thank you! 

5. The 30-Day Savings Challenge

The 30-Day Savings Challenge is a structured approach to gradually increase your savings over the course of a month. 

​What it is:

The concept is simple: you start with saving just a small amount on the first day and incrementally increase the savings amount each day. By the end of the 30 days, you’ll have accumulated a significant sum. 

How to play:

Decide on the initial amount you want to save on the first day. This can be as little as $1 or any amount that fits your budget.

Next you determine how much more you’ll add to your savings each day. For example, if you start with $1, on the second day you save $2, on the third day $3, and so on.

The beauty of this challenge is its flexibility. You can choose to start with any amount on the first day and increase it each day according to your own budget. 

If you prefer, you can also do a reverse challenge, starting with a higher amount and decreasing it each day.

Make a chart or use a savings app to track your daily contributions. This visual representation can be motivating and helps you stay on track. Don’t forget to set daily reminders or allocate a specific time to ensure you don’t miss a day.

Many participants find the cumulative effect surprising. Even though you start small, the savings grow significantly by the end of the month. I was really shocked at just how much I managed to save in 30 days the first time I did this challenge. The good news is that even if you start with just $1 on day one, by day 30 you will have saved $465 which is a really significant amount of money. 

The 30-Day Savings Challenge is a fantastic way to jumpstart your savings journey. If you carry it on to the end of the year too you’ll really have a good money pot going, and for this reason it’s one of the money saving games on this list that you’ll want to keep repeating. 

6. Coupon Clipping Race

Elevate your frugality game with the Coupon Clipping Race. This money-saving challenge is designed to maximize savings through a friendly competition. 

What it is:

The objective is to challenge friends or family to a race of finding and utilizing the most coupons. The winner, determined by the highest savings percentage at the end, claims a small prize, turning the pursuit of discounts into a game of frugal finesse.

How to play: 

To play, engage participants in the thrilling hunt for savings through coupon clipping. Whether it’s scouring newspapers, digital platforms, or loyalty programs, the goal is to discover and use coupons strategically. 

This game not only enhances your couponing skills but also transforms the usually solitary act of saving money into a lively and communal experience. 

It’s a delightful blend of frugality and friendly competition that not only fills your wallet but also adds a touch of excitement to the art of smart shopping. I mean, coupons are a lot of fun to hunt down!

Coupons are an awesome way to save money when you’re on a tight budget, and give you very easy ways to save on items at the grocery store in particular. 

7. Meal Prep Competition

Transform meal planning into a culinary adventure with the Meal Prep Competition, where the objective is to plan and prepare cost-effective meals for the week. 

What it is: 

The game plan is to challenge others, be it friends or family, to a friendly competition of culinary creativity. 

The goal? Stick to a fixed budget while crafting the most delicious and budget-friendly meals imaginable.

How to play:

To play, set the stage for a gastronomic showdown. Participants embark on a mission to create meals that are not only tasty but also mindful of the budget constraints. 

By doing so, this game not only stimulates creativity in the kitchen but also cultivates a keen awareness of how to make the most of your grocery budget. Meal prepping is an excellent way to cut costs if you don’t have much money, and the best part is you get to think out of the box when it comes to your recipes. 

It’s a win-win scenario, satisfying both your taste buds and your wallet, proving that delectable dining experiences can be achieved without breaking the bank.

8. Savings Jar for Goals

Turn your financial goals into a visual journey with the Savings Jar for Goals game, designed to help you save for specific objectives. 

What it is:

For this money saving game you set up a dedicated savings jar for a particular goal. This could be a dream vacation, a shiny new gadget, or building an emergency fund. 

How to play:

The game plan is simple but powerful—every time you resist the temptation to spend, deposit the money into the jar. A piggy bank works just as well too. 

If you sometimes fall victim to an impulse buy when you’re out and about, like an ice cream, a new pair of shoes or something from the app store, put those dollar bills into savings instead every time you abstain from the spend. 

As you contribute to the jar, watch your progress accumulate, providing a visual testament to your financial discipline. This game transforms the act of saving into a rewarding and motivating experience. 

It not only serves as a constant reminder of your objectives but also reinforces the connection between financial restraint and achieving your dreams. Witness the power of small, consistent contributions as you move closer to realizing your financial goals.

9. Second-Hand Shopping Challenge

Embark on a thrifty adventure with the Second-Hand Shopping Challenge, where the objective is to embrace thriftiness by exclusively purchasing items from second-hand sources. This is hands-down one of my favorite money saving games. 

What it is:

The game plan is simple yet impactful: set a budget and challenge yourself or others to buy clothing, furniture, or any other necessities solely from thrift stores or second-hand markets.

How to play: 

To play, redefine your approach to shopping by exploring the wealth of treasures available in the realm of second-hand goods. Setting a budget adds an extra layer of challenge, encouraging savvy spending and creative exploration. 

This game not only promotes a sustainable and eco-friendly shopping ethos but also demonstrates the budget-friendly joys of second-hand finds. 

Discovering hidden gems becomes a source of pride, proving that style and practicality need not come with a hefty price tag. It’s a game that not only benefits your wallet but also contributes to a more sustainable and mindful way of living.

10. Energy-Saving Contest

Transform energy conservation into a spirited household competition with the Energy-Saving Contest. With energy bills spiking this is a good way to get some financial entertainment while working on specific savings to do with your gas and electricity consumption. 

What it is:

The objective is straightforward: conserve energy and reduce utility bills within the household. The energy bill challenge involves challenging household members to actively participate in reducing energy consumption.

Set a savings goal that you would really love to achieve. For example, decide to knock 5% or even 10% off your regular monthly bill by being frugal with electricity. 

How to play:

To play, encourage family or housemates to be vigilant about energy usage. Simple acts such as turning off lights, unplugging devices, and being mindful of overall energy consumption can earn points. 

This game not only fosters a culture of energy consciousness but also turns sustainable living into a collaborative and rewarding effort. It can help your household create a new habit when it comes to energy conservation, so all your bills in the future are lower than they would normally be. 

Witness the positive impact of small changes in habits as you engage in a friendly competition that not only benefits the environment but also offers a tangible incentive for being energy-efficient.

Saving money doesn’t have to be a monotonous task. By transforming it into one of these money games, you can add excitement, creativity, and a sense of achievement to your financial journey. Pick a game, rally your friends or family, and make the path to financial stability an enjoyable adventure. Your wallet—and future self—will thank you!

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