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Regardless of our money style, we all need to save for the future – whether it is creating an emergency fund, saving for college or planning for retirement. For those living paycheck to paycheck, saving money is particularly challenging, but it can be done. I like this simple savings plan I read about in a magazine a few years ago. It’s a 52-week plan, where you put a little bit of money aside each week. At the end of a year, you’ll have saved $1,378 without even missing the money.

Here’s how it works. In week 1, you save $1. In week 2, you save $2. In week 3, you save $3, and so on. Set it inside in an envelope with the weeks and dollar amounts marked on the outside. When you deposit your weekly savings, check off that week and dollar amount on the front. As you check each week off, imagine the sense of accomplishment as your savings add up! The key for making this plan successful is to tell yourself you CANNOT touch this money no matter what. Pretend this money doesn’t exist.

Many people like to start this plan on January 1, as a way to kick off the New Year with new money habits. If that works for you, great, but remember that the largest deposits will be made during the holidays. If that will be challenging for you, consider starting this plan mid-way through the year instead – maybe July 1. That way the largest deposits will take place in June the following year.

Any savings plan that gets you to save is a good one, even if it is a simple one. If you are not a faithful saver like Frugal Freddy or Wise Wesley, I encourage you to give this 52-week plan a try, and let me know how it works for you. I know you can do it!

~ Meka, Penny Smart Girl