Summer Savings Challenge: $100 by Labor Day
Summer is here in central Wisconsin, and while fewer Americans are planning vacations this year due to rising costs, that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the season while building your financial future. What if we told you that you could save $100 by Labor Day without drastically changing your lifestyle?
Nearly half of Americans saved less money in 2024 compared to 2023, but this summer can be different. At Public Service Credit Union, we believe saving money should be achievable and even enjoyable. That's why we're challenging our members to put aside just $100 by Labor Day using our proven savings tools.
Why $100 Makes a Difference
Before you think $100 isn't worth the effort, consider this: 42% of Americans plan to spend less this summer on activities like concerts and travel than last summer, and nearly half plan to spend under $500. That extra $100 could be the difference between staying home and taking that weekend trip to the Wisconsin Dells you've been dreaming about.
More importantly, completing this challenge builds a savings habit that can transform your financial life. Savings challenges are designed to help make saving money more interesting—and something you could stick with. Once you see how easy it is to save $100 in ten weeks, you'll be motivated to tackle bigger financial goals.
Three Ways to Reach Your $100 Goal
Method 1: The Weekly Climb Challenge
Save a small amount each week that gradually increases:
| Week 1 | $5 |
| Week 2 | $7 |
| Week 3 | $9 |
| Week 4 | $11 |
| Week 5 | $13 |
| Week 6 | $15 |
| Week 7 | $17 |
| Week 8 | $19 |
| Week 9 | $21 |
| Week 10 | $23 |
Total saved: $140 (giving you a $40 bonus!)
Set up automatic transfers from your Surge Checking Account to a Side Shares savings account every Friday. Since you're increasing by just $2 each week, it feels manageable while building momentum.
Method 2: The Steady Saver Approach
Transfer exactly $10 every week for 10 weeks straight. It's simple, predictable, and perfect for budget planning. Use our online banking to schedule these transfers automatically, so you never have to remember to make the deposit.
Method 3: The Holiday Club Hack
Our Holiday Club Accounts aren't just for December savings! Open one now and deposit $100 immediately. With our 1% APY, you'll earn interest while your money grows. By October 1st (the automatic payout date), you'll have your $100 plus interest—just in time for fall activities or holiday shopping.
Supercharge Your Challenge with PSCU Tools
Surge Checking Account Benefits If you haven't opened our new Surge Checking Account yet, now's the perfect time. You'll earn an industry-leading 10% APY on your first $1,000. Even better, be one of the first 90 members to open an account and you'll be entered to win a $90 gift card—almost covering your entire savings challenge!
Powerhouse Money Market Accounts Once you've saved your first $100, consider moving it to a Powerhouse Money Market Account. With competitive dividend rates and easy transfers through online banking, your money works harder while staying accessible.
Automatic Transfer Magic Set up automatic transfers that match your payroll schedule. Get paid every other Friday? Schedule your savings transfer for the same day. When saving becomes as automatic as paying bills, you're more likely to stick with it.
Make It Fun: Track Your Progress
Create a visual tracker on your refrigerator or use our mobile banking app to watch your balance grow. Each week, mark off your progress. Small wins add up to big results, and seeing your balance increase provides motivation to keep going.
Consider making it a family challenge. Kids can save spare change in a jar while parents tackle the weekly transfers. Some banks and budgeting apps can automatically round up for you. If you pay for something with cash, you can stash the coins for savings. Our Mastercard debit card makes this easy with mobile banking transfers.
“If you haven’t opened our new Surge Checking Account yet, now’s the perfect time.”
Smart Summer Spending Tips
While you're saving, you can still enjoy summer in Wausau without breaking the bank:
Take advantage of free concerts on the 400 block
Explore our beautiful hiking trails instead of paying for entertainment
Pack picnics for outdoor adventures rather than dining out
Use our financial calculators at publicservicecu.org to plan larger purchases
According to Trustpilot's 2025 Summer Spending Survey, 55% of respondents report budgeting and saving for spending on summer activities, proving that smart planning allows you to enjoy the season responsibly.
Your Support Team
Remember, you're not doing this alone. As your local credit union, we're here to help you succeed. If you need assistance setting up automatic transfers, have questions about our savings accounts, or want to discuss your broader financial goals, our team is ready to help.
Need assistance?
Call us at (715) 842-9865
Email info@publicservicecu.org
Visit our Wausau branch
Kyle, Bonnie, Tanya, and Cayden are all here to support your financial journey, whether you're just starting to save or ready to tackle bigger goals like a home purchase or retirement planning.
Start Today, Celebrate Labor Day
Don't wait until Monday or next week. The best time to start saving is right now. Log into your online banking, set up that first transfer, and mark Week 1 complete on your calendar.
By Labor Day, you'll have more than $100 in savings and a powerful new habit that can change your financial future. More importantly, you'll have proven to yourself that reaching financial goals is absolutely possible with the right tools and support.
Ready to take the challenge? Your future self will thank you for starting today.
Ready to open a savings account or need help setting up automatic transfers? Visit publicservicecu.org or call (715) 842-9865. Our team is here to help you succeed with your summer savings challenge and beyond. Note: Powerhouse Money Market Accounts require a $10,000 minimum balance to open and earn higher rates.