Do you want to take the 52-Week Money Challenge? 

Before saying no, consider it is a simple way to accumulate $1,378 over the next year.  Before saying yes, realize that while it is easy to save small amounts at the beginning of the year, it becomes increasingly harder to save larger amounts at the end of the year on a weekly basis.   Take a look at the table below to see how your money accumulates each week.

image source

For more information, click here. 

Teaching Suggestions

You may want to use the information in this blog post and the original article to:

• Stress that even small amounts of money over time can increase the amount available for savings or investing.
• Discuss how monitoring your spending habits can “find” the money that can be used for savings and investing.
• Talk about the need for financial discipline when managing, saving, and investing your money.

Discussion Questions

1. In the above table, you begin by depositing $1 the first week, then each week, the amount you save increases. Where can you find the money needed to fund this type of savings program–especially toward the end of the year?
2. Assuming you achieved the 52-week challenge and you now have $1,378 dollars in the bank. Would you leave it in the bank, pay your bills, or invest the money?  Justify your choice.
3. After completing one 52-week challenge, would you take another money challenge? Why or Why Not?