Money Habits That Stick - Gamifying Savings (Part 2)

In this episode of ThimbleberryU, we continue our discussion on gamifying savings by shifting from the “why” to the “how.” Last time, we explored the psychology behind gamification. Today, we walk through the specific steps to design a savings game that’s personal, sustainable, and motivating.


We begin by stressing the importance of having a vivid goal. It’s not enough to have a vague intention—our goals need to be visualized, named, printed, and emotionally connected to. Once the goal is in place, we choose a structure that fits our personal motivation style. For some, it's a streak counter; for others, it’s hitting milestones, unlocking levels, or incorporating random rewards. The key is to tailor the game mechanics to what actually drives us.


Next, we build structure around the game by defining clear rules—written rules—to eliminate ambiguity and reduce the temptation to bend the system. Amy emphasizes the importance of including predefined exceptions so we can respond to life’s inevitable hiccups without feeling like we’ve failed. Automation plays a huge role in eliminating friction; it ensures that we follow through without having to rely on willpower.


We also talk about the power of accountability. Whether it’s a partner or a regular financial check-in, accountability helps us track wins, adjust strategies, and stay committed. And because humans respond to incentives, it’s critical to build a reward ladder. These rewards should be meaningful but proportionate—ideally no more than 10% of what we’re trying to save. We also look at the value of experience-based rewards, which generate longer-lasting satisfaction than material purchases.


To ground the theory, Amy shares a story about “Alex,” who gamified her weekday lunch spending. By creating a simple challenge, defining her rules, and building in smart rewards and penalties—including donating to a “liked but not loved” charity—Alex turned a small change into a sustainable habit.


When setbacks happen, we encourage listeners not to see them as failures. Reset the streak, learn from the moment, and evaluate whether the original goal was realistic. Symbolic penalties and honest reflection can help restore momentum.


We wrap up with a lightning round, debunking the idea that gamification is childish or time-consuming. It’s backed by behavioral science and can be managed with minimal effort through automation. Finally, we suggest starting small, being flexible, and aiming for traction—not perfection.






To get in touch with Amy and her team at Thimbleberry Financial, call 503-610-6510 or visit thimbleberryfinancial.com (https://thimbleberryfinancial.com/) .