Spending money is easy. The reward is immediate and obvious.
Saving money is harder. The process is long and can feel restrictive.
But saving money is really important. Having savings gives you security. It helps you handle unexpected expenses with less stress. And most people have short or long-term goals that require real savings - buying a house, paying off a loan, or retiring someday.
That’s why I like to turn saving money into games.
Money Games are small, temporary challenges I set for myself to make saving feel more concrete - and more fun. Instead of trying to be perfect with money all the time, I give myself a simple rule, a short timeframe, and a clear constraint.
For February, my money game is this:
I’m limiting myself to $10 total on drinks for the entire month.
Coffee, soda, drinks at restaurants - it all comes out of that $10.
This idea isn’t new for me. One of the first money challenges I remember was in middle school. When my siblings and I wanted texting on our phones, it cost about $10 a month. We agreed with our parents that when we went out to eat, we’d only order water. Texting instead of soda was well worth it.
This month’s version is easier than it sounds. I spent about $10 in January to stock up on a few essentials, and I already have plenty of non-essential drinks at home: Poppi cranberry, Alani Nu energy drinks, Zero Beer, and Kirkland K-cups. I’m also traveling for work, and the office has a Coke Freestyle machine and coffee bar… those will taste really good later this month.
The goal isn’t restriction. It’s awareness.
Drinks (and food) are one of those categories where spending often feels small but adds up quietly. Turning it into a game forces a pause where better money decisions can happen.
Money Games can be something you tackle with a friend or partner, or a quiet challenge you set just for yourself. Either way, talking about them out loud builds in accountability and makes it more likely you’ll follow through.
Want to play along?
Try spending $10 or less on drinks over the next 7 days and tell me how it goes.
Try spending $10 or less on drinks over the next 7 days and tell me how it goes.
Game on.