NatWest has introduced a simple savings challenge designed to help people steadily build a pot of up to £780 over the course of 2026.
Savings challenges provide a simple, structured way for individuals to accumulate money over time, making the process feel more achievable and even enjoyable. Because each challenge sets clear rules, such as saving a set amount each week or gradually increasing contributions, it helps remove the guesswork and encourages consistency.
They are also flexible, with numerous versions to suit various goals, whether someone wants to save a small emergency fund, prepare for Christmas, or work toward a larger financial objective.
The 12-month savings challenge is a simple way to gradually build up your savings over the course of a year.
The idea is to save a little more each month by multiplying the month number by £10. So in January, which is month 1, you save £10.
In February, month 2, you save £20. In March, month 3, you save £30, and so on. As the months go by, the amount increases steadily.
By the time you reach December, you will be saving £120 for that month.
If you follow the pattern for the full year, you will end up with a total of £780 saved.
The bank added: “This method gradually gets you into the habit of setting aside a larger amount as the year progresses.”
Some savings challenges focus on setting aside money every day or week, rather than just once a month.
One well‑known example is the 52‑week £1 challenge, which runs for a full year and gradually increases the amount saved each week.
You start by saving £1 in week one, £2 in week two, £3 in week three, and continue adding an extra £1 each week as the year progresses. If you stick with the pattern for all 52 weeks, you’ll end up with an impressive total of £1,378 saved.
