Want to level up your savings while having a blast? Check out these 11 awesome money games for adults that’ll make growing your bank account feel like play!
1. The Rainbow Savings Game
Grab a bag of Skittles or any colorful candy. Assign each color a specific dollar value. For example:
- Red = $10
- Orange = $20
- Green = $50
Every week, pick a candy from the bag. Whatever color you pick, that’s the amount you save that week. It’s simple, it’s colorful, and it’s effective. Plus, watching your piggy bank grow in such a fun way can be extremely satisfying. Feel the thrill of meeting your savings goals, one color at a time!
2. The 40% Rule Savings Challenge
Navy SEAL David Goggins says we typically operate at only 40% of our true potential. Why not apply that mindset to your personal finances? Take your original savings goal and boost it by 60%. Aiming to save $400? Take it to $640! Set an aggressive savings goal and break through your limits. You’re more capable than you think—prove it to yourself!
3. Craft Your Own Savings Board Game
Get creative! Draw out a game board on a large piece of paper. Each spot on your game board represents a savings target—$5, $20, $100, and so on. Set milestones with tangible rewards—maybe a small treat for hitting $100 or a nice dinner for reaching $500. Roll the dice, move along the board, and watch your savings grow. Turning your financial goals into a game adds excitement and makes every step count.
4. 52-Card Pickup Savings Challenge
All you need is a deck of cards. Assign a value to each suit. For example:
- Hearts = $10
- Diamonds = $20
Draw a card every week. Save the amount associated with that card. This challenge keeps things unpredictable and fun. You’ll never know how much you’re saving until you draw! Plus, after 52 weeks, you’ll have saved a significant chunk of extra money—perfect for an emergency fund or other financial goals.
5. End-of-Receipt Savings Challenge
Ever notice those “You Saved $X” lines at the bottom of your store receipt? Time to turn those phantom savings into real money. Whenever you shop and get a receipt that shows savings, put that amount directly into your savings account. This game will make you rethink the value of every purchase—every “you saved” amount becomes tangible. Watch your emergency savings or nest egg grow without even feeling the pinch!
6. 1% More Savings Challenge
Challenge yourself to save just 1% more of your monthly income each month. Start with whatever you’re comfortable saving—say, 5% of your income. Next month, increase it to 6%. Then 7%. You’ll barely notice the difference in your spending habits, but over time, these small increases add up big. In just a year, you could double or triple your savings rate—putting you closer to financial freedom.
7. Be Your Own Employer
Treat yourself like an employer—and match your own contributions! For every dollar you save, match it with an extra 50 cents or $1. Matching your savings boosts your motivation and helps build your emergency fund quickly. The best part? You control the match rate. The higher the match, the bigger the reward!
8. The 10% Gross Pay Savings Challenge
Most financial experts say to save at least 10% of your income—but let’s make it interesting. Instead of saving 10% of your take-home pay, challenge yourself to save 10% of your gross pay—before any deductions. Yes, it’s tougher. But nothing worthwhile comes easy. Build the habit of saving more, and soon enough, your financial security will be leagues above the rest.
9. Double the Distance, Half the Time
Want to see how far you can push your money-saving abilities? Try this: double your target amount while halving the time frame. If your initial goal was $500 in six months, change it to $1,000 in three months. It’s a fierce challenge that will make you rethink your discretionary spending. Cut back on streaming services, cook more meals at home, and give up that expensive habit—you’ll be amazed by what you’re capable of.
10. The Jerry Seinfeld Savings Chain
Jerry Seinfeld motivated himself to write every day by marking an “X” on a calendar. The goal? Never break the chain of Xs. Use the same strategy for your savings habits. Set a daily savings target—whether it’s a dollar or $10. Mark an X on your calendar for every day you successfully save. Keep the chain going as long as you can. There’s something incredibly motivating about seeing an unbroken chain—you won’t want to let yourself down!
11. Gamify Your Savings with Apps and Board Games
Take your savings game to the next level with apps and games that blend fun with financial literacy:
- Kit by Commbank: Teaches earning, saving, and spending for kids, but adults can join in to learn alongside.
- Build Your Stax: An online game that teaches investing and wealth-building. It’s great for teens and adults alike.
- Zogo: Financial concepts with real rewards like gift cards. Perfect for learning about personal finances while having fun.
- Cashflow: A board game that emphasizes investing, budgeting, and escaping the rat race—perfect for a game night with friends.
These games teach essential financial literacy concepts while making the learning process engaging and interactive.
Savings Apps & Games
| Game | Age Group | Key Skills | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kit by Commbank | Kids | Earning, saving, spending | App |
| Build Your Stax | Teens & Adults | Investing, wealth-building | Online game |
| Zogo | Teens & Adults | Financial concepts | App with gift card rewards |
| Cashflow | Adults | Investing, budgeting, money management | Board game & digital versions |
By turning saving money into a game, you’ll stay motivated, engaged, and on track to reach your financial goals. Whether you prefer apps, online games, board games, or DIY challenges, there’s a perfect savings game out there for you. Ready, set, save!
Addictive Savings Challenges to Try Next
When it comes to savings, variety is key. Want to switch it up? Here are some more challenges to keep you motivated:
No-Spend Challenge
Pick a spending category—maybe streaming services, dining out, or your favorite subscription box—and commit to zero spending for an entire month. You’ll quickly discover how much extra money you can put into savings just by cutting out a few luxuries. No-spend months are perfect for boosting your savings while showing you which spending habits you can do without.
Pantry Challenge
Time to get creative with what you already have. The pantry challenge is simple: for an entire week (or more!), cook only with what’s already in your pantry or fridge. No extra trips to the grocery store. You’ll save money and get rid of food clutter—it’s a win-win!
The Nearest Dollar Challenge
Every time you make a purchase, round up to the nearest dollar and stash away the difference. Bought a coffee for $3.25? Round up to $4 and save that extra 75 cents. You’d be surprised how quickly small amounts can add up over a period of time. Use apps that automate this process for you, like Acorns, to make it seamless.
The 52-Week Money Challenge
This classic is a fan favorite for a reason. Start by saving $1 the first week, $2 the second week, and so on until you’re saving $52 in the final week of the year. By year’s end, you’ll have over $1,300 saved—perfect for your emergency fund or holiday expenses.
Subscription Cancellation Challenge
Audit your subscriptions. Streaming services, meal kits, monthly product boxes—are you really using them all? Cancel any that don’t provide value, and put that money into savings instead. You’ll be amazed at how much money you can save each month by trimming down the extras.
Money Games for Financial Literacy
Saving doesn’t have to be serious. In fact, making it fun helps you stick with it longer. Here are more money games and savings challenges to help boost your financial literacy while keeping it entertaining:
- Bingo Cash: Play bingo for real cash prizes! It’s a fun way to score some extra dollars for your savings goal.
- Solitaire Cash: Love card games? Compete in solitaire tournaments to win real cash rewards—then add your winnings to your savings account.
- Yatzy Cash: Play Yatzy and win real cash to put toward your savings. Turn a game night into an opportunity to grow your finances.
These games are great for those moments when you need a break—they’re fun and can help you grow your nest egg, too.
Build Better Financial Habits with Special Challenges
Make saving money a habit. How? By challenging yourself! Try these special challenges to see what works for you:
The 26-Week Challenge
Instead of saving weekly for a year, save every two weeks for 26 weeks. Adjust the amounts based on your budget. The end result? A hefty savings sum in half the time of a traditional year-long challenge.
The Money Management Game
Use tools like Excel or Google Sheets to create a money management game for yourself. Track every dollar in and out, and give yourself points for savings and deductions for unnecessary spending. By gamifying your spending categories, you’ll become more conscious of where your money is going and how you can save more.
Conclusion
Savings don’t have to be dull or overwhelming. With these money games for adults, you’ll stay motivated, engaged, and on track to hit your savings goals—whether you’re building an emergency savings fund, paying down debt, or saving for a special trip. Keep it fun, keep it challenging, and keep leveling up your finances.
ALSO READ: How to Recycle Old Computer Monitors & Electronics for Cash
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Money games make saving fun and engaging, encouraging you to stick with your savings goals. They also provide a safe space to practice financial skills and concepts.
A: While some games are designed for kids or teens, many are perfect for adults of all ages. Choose games that align with your financial knowledge and goals.
A: Absolutely! Playing money games with others can make the experience even more enjoyable and motivating. Challenge each other and celebrate your savings wins together.
A: Many of these games can be played with items you already have at home, like a jar, calendar, or deck of cards. Some games may require downloading an app or purchasing a board game, but there are options for every preference and budget.
