Here we are a couple weeks now into our 52 week challenge, and I just wanted to take a moment to make sure everyone else is still on track. These initial weeks are the easiest due to the low denominations, but our crucial to developing our thinking towards saving. The sooner we get in the habit now of stashing away some money, the sooner we will see the pile of money in the jar grow.

We have two clear, glass jars set out for our 52 week challenge; one for my wife and one for me. Just the other day, Mrs. InACents was decluttering the kitchen counter, and elected to put the jars into the cupboard, out-of-site. I quickly pointed out that despite them being in a cupboard we go in several times a day to get drink glasses, I do not want them to be out of site, and out of mind. The whole purpose is to get us trained to see that jar everyday, and remind us of the power of saving.

Even during these initial weeks, I have noticed a large difference in the way Mrs. InACents attempts this challenge versus my own. My wife tends to never carry around cash, as I have trained her to put everything on the card to maximize our rewards. However, somewhere in her deep, cavernous purse there is usually a stray couple of dollars from somewhere in her daily routine. I, on the other hand, like to take a minimum amount of cash out each pay so I have it in my wallet to purchase small items (lunch, etc.). So I usually have $40 or less in available cash on hand.

Therefore, when it comes to our 52 week challenge jars, my wife and I already have seen different approaches. I, with cash in pocket, have no problem placing the weeks cash allowance into the jar. $5 this week, not a problem. Mrs. InACents, however, is taking a different approach, with placing an initial $40 into the jar, which will tie her over until week 8+.

I see my goal as training myself to continue to save, while I am suspecting Mrs. InACents is doing the lump-sum challenge purely out of respect to comply with my ideas.

We will see how things continue to pan out over the coming weeks and see if any patterns, or lack-there-of start to appear. I know we just began, but have you stuck with the process so far?

Save Money, Travel More!