Saving Challenge Showdown: 52-Week, 100 Envelopes, No-Spend & More

If you’ve ever wondered whether the 52-week challenge beats the 100-envelope craze, or if a no-spend month can really move the needle, this saving challenge showdown is for you. Below, we compare the most popular methods head-to-head so you can pick the right fit, start fast, and actually stick with it. You’ll learn the purpose of each challenge, what you need to get started, clear step-by-step instructions, how to scale up (or simplify), and how to track your progress without burning out. This guide is designed for busy professionals, families, students, and anyone who wants a structured, motivating way to save money.

Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Everyone’s situation is different. Consider speaking with a qualified financial professional for personalized recommendations.

Key takeaways

• There’s no single “best” challenge—the right one depends on your cash flow, motivation style, and how fast you need results.
• Automation multiplies success: pairing any challenge with automatic transfers or round-ups reduces friction and boosts follow-through.
• Start small, scale gradually: begin with a low-pressure version to build confidence and momentum, then level up.
• Track simple metrics like weekly deposits, streaks, and percent of income saved to see real progress.
• Mix and match: rotate challenges seasonally or run a short sprint (e.g., 30 days) alongside a long-term plan (e.g., 52 weeks).
• Make it visible: use envelopes, jars, or a habit tracker to transform an abstract goal into a daily nudge.

The 52-Week Money Challenge

What it is (and why it works)

You save a small amount in Week 1 and increase the amount by a consistent step each week for 52 weeks. The classic version starts at 1 and ends at 52 (in your currency), but there are many variations. It works because it’s gradual, predictable, and habit-forming—the increase is modest enough that your budget adapts.

Core benefits

• Builds a weekly saving habit with steadily rising amounts.
• Works for planners who like to see a full year mapped out.
• Easy to share with a partner or family.

Requirements & low-cost alternatives

• Requirements: A savings account, calendar or tracker, and weekly transfer capability.
• Low-cost alternatives: Paper chart, spreadsheet, or a free habit-tracking app. Cash envelopes if you prefer physical saving.

Step-by-step (beginner-friendly)

1. Pick your step size. Classic: 1–52. Conservative: 10–10–… (same amount each week). Accelerated: start at a higher base.
2. Automate the transfer every week (e.g., Monday morning).
3. Pre-plan spikes. The final months are larger—budget for them now.
4. Track completion with a simple checkbox or color-in chart.

Beginner modifications & progressions

• Beginner: Reverse it—start high in Week 1 when motivation is fresh, then decrease.
• Intermediate: Double the amounts in months with five weeks.
• Advanced: Pair with a no-spend weekend once per month to supercharge deposits.

Frequency, duration, metrics

• Frequency: Weekly for 52 weeks.
• Duration: 1 year.
• Metrics: Total saved year-to-date, number of weeks completed, percent of weeks automated.

Safety, caveats, mistakes to avoid

• Caveat: The final quarter can be heavy—plan around holidays or tuition season.
• Mistakes: Forgetting to automate, not budgeting for the bigger weeks, skipping without a catch-up plan.

Mini-plan example

• Week 1: Automate a 1-unit transfer; check off your tracker.
• Week 2: Increase to 2 units; review calendar for upcoming high-expense weeks.
• Week 3: Add a small side income deposit (e.g., selling one unused item) to stay ahead.

The 100-Envelope Challenge

What it is (and why it works)

Label 100 envelopes with numbers (1–100). Each time you pick an envelope at random, you deposit the amount written on it. It blends gamification (random draws) with visibility (seeing envelopes fill up), which keeps motivation high.

Core benefits

• Fun, tactile, and family-friendly.
• Randomness spreads out big and small deposits.
• Clear finish line: 100 filled envelopes.

Requirements & low-cost alternatives

• Requirements: 100 envelopes (or a digital equivalent), a marker, and a safe storage place.
• Low-cost alternatives: A single binder with numbered sleeves, or a spreadsheet with virtual “envelopes.”

Step-by-step

1. Number 100 envelopes (1–100).
2. Shuffle and store in a box or drawer.
3. Draw 2–3 envelopes per week, deposit the amounts, and log them.
4. Bank it monthly to avoid keeping large cash at home.

Beginner modifications & progressions

• Beginner: Use 50 envelopes (1–50).
• Intermediate: Cap the highest envelope at a comfortable number and duplicate lower values.
• Advanced: Add a “bonus” envelope for windfalls (tax refund, bonus, side gigs).

Frequency, duration, metrics

• Frequency: 2–3 picks per week.
• Duration: ~8–12 weeks for aggressive savers; ~6 months for moderate pace.
• Metrics: Envelopes completed, remaining high-value envelopes, average weekly deposit.

Safety, caveats, mistakes to avoid

• Caveat: Cash at home carries risk; deposit regularly.
• Mistakes: Drawing too many high-value envelopes early, inconsistent logging, or skipping draws after a tough week.

Mini-plan example

• Week 1: Draw envelopes 7 and 18, deposit cash, log totals.
• Week 2: Draw 5 and 23; move completed envelopes to a “done” box.
• Week 3: Draw 10 and 31; make a bank deposit with all completed envelopes.

The No-Spend Challenge (Weekend, Week, or Month)

What it is (and why it works)

For a set window—often a weekend, a week, or a full month—you spend nothing on non-essentials. Essentials like rent, utilities, meds, and scheduled bill payments continue. It works by interrupting habits, revealing impulse triggers, and freeing cash quickly.

Core benefits

• Fast savings in days—not months.
• Resets lifestyle creep and surfaces subscription waste.
• Builds mindful spending and creativity (cook-from-pantry, free entertainment).

Requirements & low-cost alternatives

• Requirements: A written list of what counts as “essential,” calendar reminders, and a tracker for no-spend days.
• Low-cost alternatives: Free printable trackers, a notebook, or a digital habit app.

Step-by-step

1. Define “essential” vs. “non-essential.” Be specific (e.g., coffee at home allowed; coffee shop not allowed).
2. Pick a window (start with a weekend).
3. Prep your environment: stock pantry basics, plan free activities, queue recipes.
4. Track daily—log each successful no-spend day and total cash redirected to savings.

Beginner modifications & progressions

• Beginner: Start with a no-spend weekend twice a month.
• Intermediate: A no-spend workweek (Mon–Fri) with planned exceptions.
• Advanced: A 30-day no-spend with one pre-approved “cheat” day for events.

Frequency, duration, metrics

• Frequency: One window per month or quarter.
• Duration: 2–30 days.
• Metrics: No-spend streak length, total saved during challenge, number of impulse purchases avoided.

Safety, caveats, mistakes to avoid

• Caveat: Beware rebound spending after the challenge—plan a “normalization” week.
• Mistakes: Vague rules, social pressure, ignoring pre-planning for meals or transport.

Mini-plan example

• Weekend: Plan free activities, cook from pantry, log savings daily.
• Monday after: Transfer the saved amount to a separate account.
• End of month: Review triggers; cancel one unused subscription.

The Round-Up (Spare Change) Challenge

What it is (and why it works)

Each time you spend, your purchase is rounded up to the next whole unit (or a preset increment) and the difference goes to savings. Many banks and apps support this automatically. It works because it’s invisible and effortless, turning everyday transactions into continuous micro-savings.

Core benefits

• Set-and-forget micro-deposits—minimal willpower required.
• Excellent for people who resist manual transfers.
• Scales with your spending frequency.

Requirements & low-cost alternatives

• Requirements: A bank or app that supports round-ups, or a manual weekly “spare change” transfer.
• Low-cost alternatives: A spreadsheet to total weekly “change” from receipts, then one transfer.

Step-by-step

1. Enable round-ups in your bank or app.
2. Choose the round-up rule (nearest whole unit, fixed amount per transaction, or multiplier).
3. Set a weekly sweep—move the accumulated micro-savings into your main savings account.
4. Review monthly and adjust the rule if too aggressive or too light.

Beginner modifications & progressions

• Beginner: Round up to the nearest half-unit.
• Intermediate: Add a weekly top-up (e.g., every Friday, add a small fixed amount).
• Advanced: Multiply round-ups by 2x during months with extra income.

Frequency, duration, metrics

• Frequency: Per transaction, with weekly sweeps.
• Duration: Ongoing.
• Metrics: Average weekly micro-savings, total monthly round-ups, number of transactions saved.

Safety, caveats, mistakes to avoid

• Caveat: Round-ups don’t replace planned saving; pair with a target transfer.
• Mistakes: Over-optimizing the rule without reviewing results, ignoring fees on external apps.

Mini-plan example

• Today: Turn on round-ups and set a Friday sweep.
• This week: Monitor how much accumulates.
• End of month: Increase multiplier if total is below your goal.

The $5 Bill Challenge (or Fixed-Denomination Swap)

What it is (and why it works)

Every time you receive a $5 bill (or your local small denomination), you put it aside—no exceptions. It’s simple, tactile, and surprisingly effective because it leverages randomness and novelty.

Core benefits

• Zero setup; instant start.
• Works well alongside other challenges.
• Fun to involve kids or a partner.

Requirements & low-cost alternatives

• Requirements: A jar or envelope, regular access to cash.
• Low-cost alternatives: A digital denomination rule (e.g., every time you see the number “5” in a receipt total, transfer a small amount).

Step-by-step

1. Choose your denomination (e.g., 5s).
2. Create a dedicated jar and label it.
3. Deposit immediately when you receive the bill; log weekly totals.
4. Bank monthly to avoid keeping too much cash at home.

Beginner modifications & progressions

• Beginner: Use coins instead of bills.
• Intermediate: Add a second trigger (e.g., whenever it rains, also deposit one bill).
• Advanced: Increase denomination during high-income months.

Frequency, duration, metrics

• Frequency: Each time the denomination appears.
• Duration: Ongoing.
• Metrics: Number of bills collected, average weekly deposit, months to reach a target.

Safety, caveats, mistakes to avoid

• Caveat: Cash-light lifestyles may generate slow progress—pair with round-ups.
• Mistakes: “Borrowing” from the jar, inconsistent banking.

Mini-plan example

• This week: Save every 5-unit bill you touch.
• Friday: Count and log the total; deposit if over your threshold.
• Month-end: Decide whether to step up to 10-unit bills.

The 30-Day Incremental Savings Sprint

What it is (and why it works)

You save a small amount on Day 1, slightly more on Day 2, and so on for 30 days. The increments can be flat (e.g., each day add the same amount) or escalating (e.g., +1 each day). It’s a short, intense sprint that delivers quick results and a confidence boost.

Core benefits

• Rapid accumulation in a single month.
• Excellent for kick-starting an emergency fund.
• Highly adaptable to any budget.

Requirements & low-cost alternatives

• Requirements: A daily reminder, a tracker, and a savings account.
• Low-cost alternatives: A wall calendar and a highlighter.

Step-by-step

1. Choose your pattern: flat, escalating, or reverse.
2. Set daily reminders (same time each day).
3. Automate where possible—use a scheduled daily transfer.
4. Evaluate at Day 15—adjust the remaining amounts if needed.

Beginner modifications & progressions

• Beginner: Save only on weekdays (20 days).
• Intermediate: Add a weekend bonus of a slightly higher amount.
• Advanced: Pair with a no-spend week inside the 30 days.

Frequency, duration, metrics

• Frequency: Daily.
• Duration: 30 days.
• Metrics: Completion rate, total saved, days automated vs. manual.

Safety, caveats, mistakes to avoid

• Caveat: Daily tasks can fatigue—batch every 3–5 days if needed.
• Mistakes: Skipping without a catch-up mechanism, picking amounts that outpace your cash flow.

Mini-plan example

• Days 1–10: Save 1 unit per day.
• Days 11–20: Save 2 units per day.
• Days 21–30: Save 3 units per day; transfer all to your emergency fund.

“Weather Wednesday” (or Date-Based) Challenge

What it is (and why it works)

On Wednesdays, you deposit an amount based on the day’s high temperature, rainfall, or the calendar date. The novelty keeps it fresh, and the predictable cadence (weekly) creates a habit.

Core benefits

• Fun and seasonal; great for families.
• Flexible amounts that vary with the weather or date.
• Builds a weekly saving ritual.

Requirements & low-cost alternatives

• Requirements: A weekly reminder and a rule (e.g., deposit an amount equal to the date on the 1st, 11th, 21st, 31st).
• Low-cost alternatives: Skip weather; use calendar-based rules only (e.g., save the day-of-month).

Step-by-step

1. Pick your rule: temperature, rainfall, or date.
2. Set a consistent day—Wednesday is popular, but any day works.
3. Automate the minimum (e.g., a base deposit) and add the “weather” bonus manually.
4. Cap the maximum so extreme weather doesn’t blow your budget.

Beginner modifications & progressions

• Beginner: Base deposit only; add a small bonus for sunny days.
• Intermediate: Temperature-based with a reasonable cap.
• Advanced: Add a matching pledge when milestones are hit (e.g., hit 8 straight weeks).

Frequency, duration, metrics

• Frequency: Weekly.
• Duration: Ongoing or seasonal.
• Metrics: Weeks completed, average weekly deposit, streak length.

Safety, caveats, mistakes to avoid

• Caveat: Weather can be extreme; always set a cap.
• Mistakes: Forgetting to log manually, choosing an unpredictable metric without a floor/ceiling.

Mini-plan example

• Rule: Every Wednesday, deposit 10 units + 1 unit for each 5 degrees over 20°C (cap bonus at 5 units).
• This month: Track 4 Wednesdays; aim for a 4-week streak.
• Month-end: Increase the base by 2 units if you hit all 4.

The 1% Better Savings Rate Challenge

What it is (and why it works)

Increase your savings rate—the percent of income you save—by 1% each month (or quarter) until you hit your target. It’s grounded in tiny, sustainable increases that compound over time without shocking your lifestyle.

Core benefits

• Integrates with your budget; no envelopes or daily tasks.
• Scales with income and life stages.
• Sustainable because the increments are small.

Requirements & low-cost alternatives

• Requirements: Access to payroll or bank automation, a budget, and a percentage target.
• Low-cost alternatives: Manual transfers scheduled on payday.

Step-by-step

1. Audit your current savings rate (total monthly savings ÷ monthly net income).
2. Set a target (e.g., 15%) and a schedule (1% increase each month).
3. Automate the increase on payday.
4. Trim expenses or redirect windfalls to absorb each new 1%.

Beginner modifications & progressions

• Beginner: Increase 0.5% per month.
• Intermediate: 1% per month with quarterly reviews.
• Advanced: 2% per month until you feel it, then stabilize.

Frequency, duration, metrics

• Frequency: Monthly (on payday).
• Duration: Until target is reached; reassess yearly.
• Metrics: Current vs. target savings rate, months to goal, total saved year-to-date.

Safety, caveats, mistakes to avoid

• Caveat: Don’t starve essential categories; rebalance as prices change.
• Mistakes: Skipping the audit, raising the rate without automation, forgetting to review insurance, subscriptions, and debt payments.

Mini-plan example

• Month 1: Automate +1% on payday.
• Month 2: Add another 1%; cancel one unused subscription to fund it.
• Month 3: Increase 1% and redirect any windfall; pause increases if cash flow is tight.

The “Save the Windfall” Challenge

What it is (and why it works)

You commit a fixed percentage of every windfall—tax refunds, bonuses, gifts, side-gig earnings—to savings. It’s powerful because windfalls are less emotionally painful to save than regular income.

Core benefits

• Large, irregular boosts to savings without affecting day-to-day life.
• Flexible percentages based on size or source.
• Pairs well with any other challenge.

Requirements & low-cost alternatives

• Requirements: A rule (e.g., save 50% of every windfall), a dedicated savings or sub-account.
• Low-cost alternatives: Manual transfers the day the windfall arrives.

Step-by-step

1. Set your rule (by percentage and by source).
2. Create a “windfall” sub-account and name it after your goal.
3. Transfer immediately upon receipt—no delays.
4. Review quarterly to adjust the percentage.

Beginner modifications & progressions

• Beginner: Save 25% of windfalls; keep 75% for life.
• Intermediate: Save 50%.
• Advanced: Save 75–100% until a key goal (e.g., emergency fund) is fully funded.

Frequency, duration, metrics

• Frequency: Whenever windfalls arrive.
• Duration: Ongoing.
• Metrics: Windfall capture rate (% saved), time to goal after each windfall, average windfall amount.

Safety, caveats, mistakes to avoid

• Caveat: Don’t count on windfalls—build a base with automation.
• Mistakes: Delaying the transfer, vague rules, spending leakage from the dedicated account.

Mini-plan example

• Today: Set a 50% windfall rule.
• Next windfall: Transfer your 50% the same day.
• Quarterly: Review and increase to 60–75% if comfortable.

How to Choose the Right Saving Challenge

Match the challenge to your temperament and timeline:

• Need fast results for a specific goal? Choose the 30-Day Sprint or No-Spend.
• Prefer predictable, steady progress? Pick the 52-Week or 1% Better challenge.
• Love gamified, tactile systems? Try 100 Envelopes or $5 Bills.
• Want a low-effort baseline? Turn on Round-Ups and add a weekly sweep.
• Expect irregular income? Add Save the Windfall as a permanent rule.

Pro tip: Stack one passive method (round-ups, 1% Better) with one active method (no-spend, 30-Day Sprint) to capture both steady and accelerated gains.

Quick-Start Checklist

• Name your goal and amount (e.g., “₨120,000 emergency fund” or “$1,000 travel fund”).
• Choose one primary challenge and one backup.
• Open or label a dedicated savings account or sub-account.
• Turn on automation (weekly or payday).
• Print or create a digital tracker.
• Set calendar reminders and a weekly 10-minute review.
• Pre-commit “friction reducers”: meal plan, unsubscribe from promos, freeze a credit card in your wallet.
• Pick your measurement metrics and a simple reward for monthly completion (free, non-spend treat).

Troubleshooting & Common Pitfalls

“I missed a deposit.”
Don’t abandon the challenge. Either roll forward (extend your end date by a week) or split the missed amount over the next two weeks.

“The amounts got too high.”
Scale the rule down and keep going. For example, halve the remaining steps or switch to a flat weekly amount for the final month.

“Cash-based challenges don’t fit my lifestyle.”
Go digital. Use a labeled sub-account, a spreadsheet, or an app. Physical envelopes are optional.

“I rebound-spent after a no-spend month.”
Schedule a normalization week: return to your usual budget but keep one or two no-spend rules (e.g., coffee at home) for another two weeks.

“Round-ups aren’t adding up.”
Increase the multiplier, add a weekly top-up, or pair with a weekend no-spend.

“I lost motivation.”
Shorten the feedback loop: pick challenges with faster wins (30-Day Sprint), invite an accountability buddy, or make progress visible with a chart you update daily.

“My income is irregular.”
Anchor deposits to windfalls and paydays, not fixed calendar dates. Use percentages rather than fixed amounts.

How to Measure Progress (Without Spreadsheet Burnout)

Track no more than three metrics at a time:

1. Total saved year-to-date (YTD).
2. Challenge completion rate (e.g., 18/30 days, 12/52 weeks).
3. Savings rate (total saved ÷ net income), updated monthly.
4. Streaks (consecutive weeks you hit your goal).
5. Windfall capture rate (% of windfalls saved).

Create a weekly 10-minute ritual: update the tracker, reconcile your account, and decide a tiny improvement for next week (e.g., increase round-up multiplier or plan one extra home-cooked meal).

A Simple 4-Week Starter Plan

Week 1 — Build your baseline

• Turn on round-ups and set a Friday sweep.
• Open or label a goal-named sub-account.
• Automate a small weekly transfer (even 1 unit).
• End of week: review your first round-ups; adjust the rule if needed.

Week 2 — Add a quick win

• Run a no-spend weekend (Sat–Sun).
• Cook from your pantry; plan one free activity.
• Transfer the exact amount you would have spent on dining out or entertainment.

Week 3 — Sprint

• Start a 7-day mini-sprint (e.g., 2 units per day).
• Keep a visible tracker on your fridge or phone.
• If a day is missed, double the next day’s amount or extend to an 8th day.

Week 4 — Lock in a habit

• Choose your long-term anchor: 52-Week or 1% Better.
• Automate the first step (next Monday).
• Final weekend: review the month’s total saved and set the next month’s micro-goal.

Side-by-Side Comparison (At a Glance)

• 52-Week: Long runway, predictable, great for planners. Tougher in later months; plan ahead.
• 100 Envelopes: Gamified and visual; can be fast or moderate. Manage cash risk; bank often.
• No-Spend: Immediate impact; mindset reset. Needs clear rules to prevent rebound.
• Round-Ups: Effortless baseline; works in the background. Add a top-up for faster progress.
• $5 Bills: Tactile, fun; depends on using cash. Try a digital “denomination” trigger.
• 30-Day Sprint: Rapid gains in a month. Watch for daily fatigue; batch if needed.
• Weather Wednesday: Weekly ritual with novelty. Always set caps for unpredictable metrics.
• 1% Better: Budget-integrated and sustainable. Requires a monthly review to rebalance.
• Save the Windfall: Big leaps when money arrives. Don’t rely on it alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Which saving challenge is best for beginners?
Start with round-ups for a baseline and add a no-spend weekend for quick momentum. Then pick either 52-Week (steady) or 30-Day Sprint (fast).

2) Can I run more than one challenge at the same time?
Yes—combine a passive method (round-ups, 1% Better) with an active method (no-spend, 30-Day Sprint). Avoid running two demanding challenges simultaneously.

3) What if I live cash-free and can’t do envelope or bill challenges?
Use digital envelopes (sub-accounts) and a spreadsheet tracker. The principles are the same: label, deposit, track, celebrate.

4) How much should I save each week or month?
Work backward from your goal and deadline. If that number feels heavy, halve it and extend the timeline. Consistency beats intensity.

5) How do I stop rebound spending after a no-spend challenge?
Plan a normalization week with your standard budget, keep one or two no-spend rules, and redirect a small “treat” amount to avoid feeling deprived.

6) What’s the difference between the 52-Week and 30-Day Sprint?
The 52-Week challenge is a gradual habit-builder; the 30-Day Sprint is a time-boxed push for fast results. Many people do the sprint first to seed an emergency fund, then move to 52-Week for maintenance.

7) How do I make sure my bank transfers actually happen?
Automate transfers and set a weekly reminder to check the logs. If a transfer fails, make a manual catch-up within 48 hours.

8) Should I prioritize paying off debt or saving?
Build a small starter emergency fund to avoid new debt, then focus on high-interest debt while maintaining minimum saving automation. For personalized prioritization, consult a financial professional.

9) How can I stay motivated for a full year?
Bake in visible progress (trackers), gamify streaks, schedule monthly reviews, and attach a non-spend reward to milestones (e.g., a picnic, a day trip).

10) What if my income is irregular?
Use percentage-based rules and windfall savings. Time deposits to paydays and windfalls rather than calendar dates; keep a bare-minimum automation to maintain momentum.

11) Do micro-savings like round-ups actually matter?
Yes—especially as a baseline habit. They’re not a complete plan, but when combined with planned transfers or sprints, they materially boost totals over time.

12) How do I choose a challenge for a shared household?
Pick something visible and collaborative—100 Envelopes, Weather Wednesday, or $5 Bills—then hold a 15-minute weekly huddle to count progress and set the next step.

Conclusion

There isn’t a single champion in this saving challenge showdown. The best challenge is the one you’ll start today, keep next week, and still like next month. Anchor your plan with a passive method like round-ups or a rising savings rate, then layer in short sprints or gamified challenges when you need a boost. Keep it simple, keep it visible, and let automation do the heavy lifting.

Copy-ready CTA: Pick one challenge above, automate the first step right now, and check it off your tracker before you close this page.

References

1. 52-Week Money Challenge: How It Works and Variations, Forbes Advisor, 2023, https://www.forbes.com/advisor/banking/savings/52-week-money-challenge/
2. What Is the 100 Envelope Challenge?, Ramsey Solutions, 2024, https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/100-envelope-challenge
3. No-Spend Challenge: Rules and Tips, The Balance, 2023, https://www.thebalancemoney.com/no-spend-challenge-5077612
4. How Round-Up Savings Features Work, NerdWallet, 2024, https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/banking/round-up-savings
5. Save Automatically (Tools and Tips), Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 2024, https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/budgeting/saving/
6. Building an Emergency Fund: Getting Started, Bankrate, 2024, https://www.bankrate.com/banking/savings/how-to-build-an-emergency-fund/
7. SMART Goals: A How-To Guide, MindTools, 2024, https://www.mindtools.com/ato6vih/smart-goals
8. Budgeting 101: Zero-Based Budgeting Explained, Investopedia, 2024, https://www.investopedia.com/terms/z/zero-based-budgeting.asp
9. Saving Windfalls: Best Practices to Reach Financial Goals, The Balance, 2024, https://www.thebalancemoney.com/what-to-do-with-a-financial-windfall-1289589
10. Tips for Automatic Savings Transfers, FDIC Money Smart, 2024, https://www.fdic.gov/resources/consumers/money-smart/