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$300 12-Week Christmas Money Saving Challenge

MoneyWhitney CarlsonComment
$300 12-Week Christmas Saving Challenge | He and She Eat Clean

I know, I know...a lot of challenges all at once but that's just the mood I've been in. ;-) Our 30-Day Full Body Fitness Challenge starts on the first (or you can start now, if you want!). We haven't had a finance challenge in awhile so why not now?!

I promise I am going to post more soon about our lifestyle, how we live below our means, and share more about how we save (you can read about some of it here and here). There's just a lot of different angles for me to go into and I get overwhelmed so that's why I haven't published it yet. ;-) BUT I did want to go ahead and publish this 12-Week Saving Challenge so that you have time to get started before the holidays. Read on though, there's more.

My family wasn't that crazy about birthdays, and by crazy, I mean we weren't over the top. Growing up, Christmas was always our big holiday. Just a side note, my family has been selling Christmas trees for over 30 years at our family farm. Christmas was when our entire family got together and it was truly a special day and time. We did also get a lot of presents for Christmas but nothing extreme, especially compared to some stuff I've seen lately. When Scott and I got married we did continue on with the what some would consider "over the top" Christmas. We didn't really spend a lot of money but still felt the need to exchange gifts even if it was something that we already knew about (which it always was).

Fast forward, now Scott and I don't give each other gifts. Instead we save our money for trips and other experiences. People always ask how we travel so much and it's because we don't give anniversary, birthday, Christmas gifts, or gifts for any other holiday or made up holiday in between. I'm not saying that this is the answer for everyone but it allows us to spend money on what truly matters to us, instead of spending money on things.

RELATED: Read about our travels.

Not only do we save the money we don't spend on traditional gifts to travel but we also try to donate our time and money to charities throughout the year and during the holidays. The way that we look at it is there are so many people in this world who have so much less than we do. Instead of buying each other something that's just going to sit around we would rather help other people. That's why I wanted to create this challenge. You can use this challenge to save money to buy gifts for your friends and/or family or you could use the challenge to save money to use for "random acts of kindness" throughout the holiday season - and even continue it into the new year! No judgement here - it's your challenge and you use the saved money as you see fit.

If you follow this money saving challenge you will end up saving $300 in 12 weeks. This amount of money can easily be saved each week if you cut back on your dining out, drinks out, and unnecessary and small purchases that you probably overlook right now. Things like buying coffee, soft drinks, appetizers, and desserts add up quickly! Skip those!

If you do plan on using this money for "random acts of kindness" some ideas are paying for a strangers gas, food, or even put together bags for the homeless or a local hospital! The possibilities are endless! You don't have to spend money to be kind to others though, you can volunteer with local organizations or visit nursing homes or hospitals. Hopefully what you receive in return will encourage you to continue this after the holidays.

Looking for a printable version of this challenge? We've got you covered! Join our newsletter and you will be taken to a black and white printable version right away! Grab the printable challenge here.

$300 12-Week Christmas Money Saving Challenge | He and She Eat Clean

5 Money Quotes to Motivate You!

MoneyWhitney CarlsonComment

If you are new here you may not know that we are just as passionate about finance as we are about fitness (maybe even more!). Definitely check out some of our money/budgeting challenges and also our shopping tips! You can read more of our "finance story" here.

We're not perfect, but we strive to be as disciplined and responsible as possible by living within our means; it's simple - we focus on the things we need in our pursuit of happiness, not the things we want in the relentless chase for status.  

Just like with fitness, everyone will have their own journey but use these quotes to motivate you to live your own life and take control of your financial future.

Are you really living life or just paying bills until you die?
“Simple can be harder than complex: You have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple. But it’s worth it in the end because once you get there, you can move mountains.” -Steve Jobs
"Beware of little expenses. A small leak will sink a great ship." -Benjamin Franklin
Collect Moments Not Things | He and She Eat Clean
5 Money Quotes to Motivate You | He and She Eat Clean

Beginner 6 Month Money Challenge

MoneyWhitney CarlsonComment
Beginner 6 Month Money Challenge | He and She Eat Clean

We have beginner and advanced workout challenges so why not have the same for our finance challenges?! If you are having a hard time completing any of our other money challenges, try this Beginner 6 Month Money Challenge! This one is a little bit shorter time commitment (but I think you'll want to continue it!) and a little less each month as well.

You will probably be surprised at how easy it is and how proud of yourself you will be for saving $500! Small things like skipping drinks ($2 for soda or tea and $8-$12 for alcohol) really adds up! Also skipping appetizers and desserts will help your waistline and wallet!

This money doesn't have to all come from saving though. You could also find things to sell around your house that you aren't using anymore. Do you have workout equipment (come on, we all do it!) collecting dust? When was the last time you wore the 12 pairs of designers jeans you have? Remember, just like with fitness small changes really add up! You CAN do it!

>>>>> The Ultimate List of Ways to Save: 18 Ways to Save $15,000 in 2018!

Looking for a printable version of this challenge? We've got you covered! Join our newsletter and you will be taken to a black and white printable version right away! Grab the printable challenge here.

Beginner 6 Month Money Challenge | He and She Eat Clean

After 6 months you can start this one over or move on to one of our other challenges! View all of our money challenges here.