Save $100, $500, $1,000, Or $5,050: The Sticky Note Savings Challenge That Works For Your Budget
You’ve probably seen me save $5,050 in 100 days with sticky notes — a simple system that caught attention from Bustle and even landed me on Good Morning America to talk about cash budgeting and money weekends.
But here’s the thing: Not everyone can start with saving $5,050 — and that’s okay. Saving should meet you where you are.
That’s why I created three Sticky Note Challenge tiers, so whether you’re working with a tight budget or just getting back on track, there’s a version of this that can help you start saving in a way that’s real, doable, and effective.
Let’s break down how it works, how to choose your savings goal, and how to actually stick to it (even if life tries to shake you up along the way).
Why Sticky Notes?
There’s something powerful about seeing your progress visually. Whether it’s peeling off a sticky note or transferring a dollar amount from checking to savings, it reinforces that you’re building toward something real — and that matters.
This method helps you:
Set clear, visual goals
Build a habit around saving
Stay encouraged even when saving feels hard
And no — you don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be consistent.
*If you don’t want to save a lot within a short period of time, you can check out this older blog post for some additional tips and use them towards this challenge or saving in general.
Step 1: Audit Your Wallet
Before you dive into the challenge, you need to understand what your money is already doing.
Start with a quick review of:
Your income: Know how much you’re bringing in after taxes.
Your fixed and flexible expenses: Think rent, groceries, subscriptions, and everything in between.
Your money leaks: Are there small purchases adding up over time? Do you see patterns in your spending? Could you take those random spending moments to move to make any of these saving tiers happen?
This audit isn’t just about what you spent — it’s also about guiding where your money will go next. Think of it as your personal strategy session. Take the data of the decisions you’ve been making when it comes to the plot when it comes to your money management, and pivot towards a better position.
Name your savings goal while you're doing this. Give it a title: “_____” “Solo Trip to Mexico,” or even “New Laptop by October.” I don’t want you to use these savings for your emergency fund, but for something that you enjoy. Heck, maybe financial security is your kink. When you name it, you claim it — and that creates clarity and commitment. Be intentional!!
Step 2: Choose Your Tier
Tier 1 — Save $100 (Your Starting Point)
This version is perfect if you’re just getting started or your budget can’t handle bigger pulls right now.
Use 30 sticky notes with these amounts:
10 notes: $1
10 notes: $2
5 notes: $5
5 notes: $10
Each time you save an amount, remove the note and place the cash in a box or make a transfer into your high-yield savings account (HYSA).
How long should it take? This can be done in 30 days, or stretched out longer if needed. The point is to build the habit and give yourself a cushion for life’s little hiccups.
Tier 2 — Save $500 (Take It Up A Notch)
This version is great if you’re new to saving or your cash flow is limited right now.
Use 50 sticky notes with these amounts:
10 notes: $1
10 notes: $2
10 notes: $5
10 notes: $10
10 notes: $15
Each time you save an amount, remove the note and place the cash in a box or make a transfer. I wanted to add this in because it’s super hard for some people to not only save money, but also find the money to save. Which is why I wanted to add this step into saving.
How long should it take?
This can be done over 2–3 months, or longer if needed. The goal is to build momentum.
Tier 3 — Save $1,000 (Stretch Tier)
This version gives you more of a push while still being reasonable.
Use 50 sticky notes with these amounts:
10 notes: $5
10 notes: $10
10 notes: $15
10 notes: $20
10 notes: $30
How to do it:
Pull one sticky note every 2–3 days, or as your budget allows. Whether you’re saving side hustle money or rounding up from daily purchases, this tier works well for building confidence and discipline.
Optional: Keep a jar or box to store your sticky notes, and consider keeping your saved cash in a labeled envelope until you can deposit it into a savings account. If you’re going digital, make small transfers from your checking account into your HYSA weekly.
Tier 4 — Save $5,050 (The OG Challenge)
This is the one you’ve seen all over my social channels — 100 sticky notes, numbered $1 to $100 (no repeats).
You can go in any order — start with smaller numbers first if you’re easing in or mix it up to stay motivated.
Why this works:
It challenges your habits while keeping you in control. And visually watching those sticky notes disappear is satisfying and affirming. You’re stacking wins, one note at a time.
Fund tip:
Track your progress each week and choose days that work for your lifestyle. Sundays? After payday? Be consistent.
Step 3: Store Your Savings
Your storage system is part of your strategy.
Options:
Use a jar, box, or envelope if you prefer physical cash
Transfer saved amounts to a High-Yield Savings Account (HYSA) for interest gains. For these types of challenges, I love Ally and their sinking funds or savings buckets within their HYSA
Label digital folders for each savings goal to keep things organized
Whatever method you choose, make sure it’s visible and easy to interact with. Saving isn’t passive — it’s a practice.
Step 4: Set Check-In Points
Don’t wait until the end of the challenge to reflect. Set regular check-ins (weekly or monthly) to ask:
What’s working?
What’s not?
Is this pace realistic for me right now?
Use this time to adjust. You might need to shift amounts or take a pause. That’s not failure — that’s financial flexibility.
Be Firm With Your Intention, Flexible With Your Implementation
Life happens. Maybe your car needs unexpected repairs or your hours at work shift. Don’t abandon your savings challenge altogether.
Instead, ask:
Can I reduce the amount I’m saving this week?
Can I pause and restart next month?
Can I change tiers without giving up?
The point is to stay focused on the why behind your savings goal. Your method can evolve — your intention stays the same.
Final Thought
Saving money doesn’t have to be boring, restrictive, or overwhelming. The Sticky Note Challenge gives you a tangible way to track progress, stay accountable, and get excited about your financial goals — whether you’re saving $500 or $5,050.
Let me know in the comments:
Which tier are you starting with? What are you naming your savings goal?
Be sure to check out:
My original Sticky Note Challenge video
[Link] The new smaller increments video (coming soon!)
The Bustle article featuring the challenge (here)
Compound Interest/Bonus: Got Questions? Let’s Talk
I now offer an Ask Me Anything service, where you can get direct insight from me on how to align this challenge with your real-life budget, adjust for your season, or navigate money mindset shifts along the way.
Whether you're unsure how to pick your tier or want help with adjusting mid-way — I’ve got you.
