How much should I save per week?
A good target is 10% to 20% of your take-home pay each week, but if that's out of reach, start with $10 to $20 a week and raise it as you can.
To get your weekly number, take your monthly savings goal, multiply by 12 and divide by 52. Dividing by 4 comes out too high, because a month is a bit longer than 4 weeks.
Find my savingsWeekly savings by monthly take-home pay
Paid every two weeks? Double the weekly number and move it each payday.
| Monthly take-home | 5% | 10% | 20% |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,500 | $17 a week | $35 a week | $69 a week |
| $2,500 | $29 a week | $58 a week | $115 a week |
| $3,500 | $40 a week | $81 a week | $162 a week |
| $5,000 | $58 a week | $115 a week | $231 a week |
How to pick your own number
- Start with what's usually left at the end of the month. That money is already free.
- Add what you could trim from your biggest flexible category, like takeout or shopping.
- Go a little under that total, so a rough week doesn't break the plan.
- Move it right after payday, before you can spend it.
If you have high-interest debt or no cushion
Your number might need to do different jobs. Many people build a small cushion first, then split between saving and extra debt payments. The best order depends on your rates and your situation, and Budjet doesn't give debt advice.
Is $20 a week worth it?
Yes. $20 a week is $1,040 a year, and that covers a lot of the surprises that usually land on a credit card. It also builds the habit, which is what makes $50 a week possible later.
Questions
$100 a week is $5,200 a year. On a $2,500 monthly take-home that's about 17%, which is close to the common 20% target.
Weekly or every payday works best for most people, because small amounts move before you can spend them.
Start with $5 or $10 a week and look for one flexible category to trim. If rent takes most of your pay, the answer may be income or housing rather than small cuts.
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Checked November 2026. Other apps change their prices, so confirm on their sites. Sources: InCharge, Varo.
Budjet gives budgeting guidance, not investment, tax or credit advice.