Could You Survive a Budget Challenge?

You say you're ready to cut back and stack up—but could you really stick to a strict budget challenge if your bank account depended on it? Let's find out.

Instructions: Pick the answer that sounds most like you. Tally your points and check your budget survival score at the end!

1. You’re told you can only spend on essentials for 30 days. What’s your reaction?

A. Let’s go! I’ve done this before and I love the discipline. (5 points)

B. I’m down—but I’ll probably slip once or twice. (3 points)

C. Oof. I’ll try, but this sounds HARD. (1 point)

D. I could never—I need my takeout and Target runs. (0 points)

2. You get an unexpected $100 during your budget challenge. What do you do?

A. Transfer it straight to savings or use it to pay off debt. (5 points)

B. Use half for a small treat, save the rest. (3 points)

C. Treat myself—I’ve been so “good,” I deserve it. (1 point)

D. What challenge? That money’s already spent. (0 points)

3. How do you plan your spending during a budget month?

A. I write out a strict plan with categories, caps, and trackers. (5 points)

B. I make a loose plan and track it weekly. (3 points)

C. I try to limit myself but mostly guess as I go. (1 point)

D. Plan? I just spend less and hope for the best. (0 points)

4. How do you handle cravings to shop or eat out during a challenge?

A. I have free/low-cost alternatives and accountability systems in place. (5 points)

B. I talk myself down or find a distraction. (3 points)

C. I usually give in, then feel guilty. (1 point)

D. I don’t fight the craving—I just go for it. (0 points)

5. How strong is your current impulse control with spending?

A. Very strong—I don’t buy without intention. (5 points)

B. Pretty good—I can resist most of the time. (3 points)

C. Weak—I fall for sales and online carts often. (1 point)

D. What’s impulse control? (0 points)

6. What’s your current motivation for wanting to budget better?

A. To hit a big savings or debt payoff goal—I'm focused. (5 points)

B. To build better habits and see where my money goes. (3 points)

C. Because I keep running out of money too early. (1 point)

D. I don’t know—everyone else is doing it I guess. (0 points)

7. Could you go 30 days without unnecessary spending (no Starbucks, no new clothes, no extras)?

A. Absolutely—it’s a fun challenge for me. (5 points)

B. I could do it with some support or a good reason. (3 points)

C. Maybe for a week... then I’d start slipping. (1 point)

D. Not a chance—I live for the little things. (0 points)

SCORE BREAKDOWN

30–35 Points: Budget Boss

You're built for the challenge! You’ve got the discipline, goals, and mindset to thrive in a no-spend season. Whether it’s 7 days or 90, you’re about that “stack now, flex later” life.

22–29 Points: Budget Bouncer

You’ve got good intentions and decent discipline—but your budget game could use a few guardrails. With structure and accountability, you could crush a challenge and make it fun.

13–21 Points: Budget Breaker

You mean well, but lifestyle habits and temptations keep throwing you off track. You may survive a challenge, but you’ll need tools, community, and serious motivation to make it work.

Below 13 Points: Challenge? What Challenge?

Budget challenges are NOT your love language right now—but that’s okay. Awareness is the first step. Try a mini challenge first (3–5 days), build up your discipline, and reward yourself the smart way.