52 Week Challenge

The 52-Week Savings Challenge from Lion’s Share Federal Credit Union is designed to help you build better money habits, grow confidence, and strengthen your financial future — one week at a time.

The 52-Week Savings Challenge

Saving doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. This challenge makes it simple.

Each week, save the dollar amount that matches the week number:

Week 1: Save $1
Week 2: Save $2
Week 3: Save $3
…
Week 52: Save $52

By the end of the year, you’ll have $1,378 saved — just by staying consistent.

Complete the challenge and you’ll be entered to win $500.

Are you saving for a home?

Building an emergency fund?

Paying down debt?

Gaining peace of mind?

Build a Budget That Works for Real Life

Budgeting isn’t about restriction. It’s about clarity and control.

Step 1: Track What’s Coming In and Going Out
For at least one month, record everything you earn and spend. This helps you see where your money is going and where small adjustments can make a big difference.

A notebook, spreadsheet, or budgeting app all work. If you want extra help, consider popular budgeting tools such as:

YNAB (You Need A Budget) – goal-focused budgeting that helps you assign every dollar a job.
EveryDollar – easy-to-use zero-based budgeting from Ramsey Solutions.
Goodbudget – envelope-style budgeting you can use across devices.
PocketGuard – shows how much you have “safe to spend” after bills and goals.

Step 2: Separate Needs From Wants

Needs: housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, minimum debt payments
Wants: Everyday lifestyle expenses that feel good in the moment but aren’t essential — like eating out at restaurants or grabbing takeout, monthly subscriptions (streaming services, apps, memberships), refreshing your wardrobe with new clothes or accessories, and entertainment spending (movies, concerts, outings, hobbies, or events)

Knowing the difference helps you make intentional choices, not impulsive ones.

Pay Yourself First (This Is Where Saving Sticks)

One of the easiest ways to build savings is to treat it like a bill.

Set up an automatic transfer to your Lion’s Share share account with every paycheck. Even a small amount adds up — especially when paired with the 52-Week Challenge.

After savings, focus on obligations that appear on your credit report like:

Mortgage
Auto loan
Credit cards

Your payment history is the single biggest factor in your credit score — and better credit means paying less in interest.

Why Credit Improvement Matters (A Real Example)

The average used vehicle costs about $25,000.

Over a 72-month loan:

A 5.99% rate (top-tier credit)
vs.17.99% rate (subprime credit)

That difference can cost $11,217 over the life of the loan — or $155 more per month.

Saving, budgeting, and improving credit work together. Tools like Credit Sense can help you monitor progress and stay motivated — but building habits is where it starts.

Smart Budgeting Tips to Stretch Your Dollars Further

Review your monthly statements to spot spending patterns
Revisit bills you should shop annually:
- Phone & internet
- Auto, home, or renters insurance
- Memberships & subscriptions (are you actually using them?)
Apply a 30-day rule before buying non-essential items
Look at student loan options (including Sparrow resources)
Explore debt consolidation through HELOC or home equity loans when appropriate

Need help? We’re happy to meet with you one-on-one to walk through your options.

Start January 1

Begin with just $1.
Save weekly, bi-weekly, or automate it — whatever fits your life.

We’ll help you get started.

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