I Saved $3,800 From Spare Change 💪💰

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Hello Reader,

Hey, it’s Bola here!

I want to share something simple that surprised me last year.

The small savings experiment my friend Nikki and I tried

In April of 2025, my friend Nikki and I decided to try a small experiment. Nothing fancy or complicated. Just a simple savings binder where we would put aside the spare cash we normally would have spent on things like eating out, fast food, or small non-essentials with the kids.

The idea was straightforward: every time we didn’t spend money on something unnecessary, we’d take that amount and put it into our binders instead.

It was a "no pressure" and "no big goals" type of challenge.

Why I didn’t think I’d stick with it

I wasn’t even sure how well I’d stick with it because I’m not really a cash person, and the idea of going to the ATM regularly felt like a stretch for me. But I committed to the process, and over time, going to the ATM, became a fun part of my routine because I knew my spare change cash savings was growing.

What those small savings turned into

By November, those small amounts had added up to $3,800 in my binder!

All from money that would have otherwise disappeared into small, everyday spending.

When I hit that milestone, I started a new binder. And so far in this second round, I’ve already saved over $2,000.

And my friend Nikki? She's saved more than $5,000 in total!

Why small amounts matter more than you think

The biggest takeaway from this experience?

It's been a reminder that small savings are incredibly powerful.

We often think saving money has to involve huge amounts or big sacrifices. But in reality, it’s usually the small, consistent choices that build real momentum.

The $20 you didn’t spend on takeout...
The $10 you skipped on impulse snacks...
The $40 family fast-food run you replaced with dinner at home...

Those small decisions can quietly build thousands of dollars over time.

Seeing your progress makes saving easier

What also surprised me is how motivating it felt to see that cash money accumulating in the binder. Watching those envelopes fill up made the progress tangible in a way that digital savings sometimes doesn’t.

If you’ve been struggling to stay consistent with saving, something like a savings binder can be a really powerful tool.

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Want to try a savings binder too? Here's how it works

If you want to try this yourself, keep it simple.

You can use a savings binder like I do, or even a separate savings account if you prefer to keep things digital.
The key is not to overwhelm yourself with a big savings goal right away. Instead, start by saving the “spare change” moments in your life, the money you didn’t spend.
Take that amount and set it aside in your binder.
Do it consistently, and over time those small amounts can turn into something really meaningful.

The goal isn’t perfection, it’s simply building the habit of choosing to save.

If you’re curious, you can check out the savings binder I use here.

Join our free savings challenges

And if you want extra support and accountability, we have some fun and free savings challenges on the Clever Girl Finance course platform.

They’re designed to help you stay motivated, track your progress, and build your savings step by step.

Remember: building wealth doesn’t always start with big leaps.

Sometimes it starts with a small envelope, a little discipline, and the decision to keep going. Small amounts and consistent actions can equal big results over time!

📺 On YouTube

Tune in to this YouTube video on, No Savings. No Investments. Here's Exactly What I'd Do to Start Over!

Be sure to Clever Girl Finance YouTube channel for more great videos!

📖 On the blog

🎧 On the podcast

The High 5 Banking Method That Helps You Organize Your Money & Thrive With Sahireny's Pierce

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Talk soon ❤️
Bola

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