You’ve heard of the 75 Hard Challenge for mental and physical toughness; now let’s apply some of that challenge-style discipline to your finances. We’re calling it 75 Hard Finance Challenge or #75Hard$.
Nervous? You should be – but for good reason.
At the time my fingers are flowing across the keyboard, the U.S. has a giant TBD on whether or not we’re headed into recession…again. Amidst tariffs, trade wars, interest rate uncertainty, and market volatility, the state of the economy and the way you spend money are up in the air.
No time like the present to give your finances that ‘summer-ready bod’ that they need to be recession-ready. And if a pending recession doesn’t spur you into action, maybe these signs will resonate with you better.
Here’s where we’re headed.
- The original 75 Hard Challenge Overview
- The NEW 75 Hard Finance Challenge Overview
- Reasons for these rules, science/behavior/etc.
- Free download tracker
- Extra support
75 Hard Challenge Overview
The 75 Hard challenge is a 75-day program designed to build discipline and mental toughness. It involves six daily tasks: two 45-minute workouts (one outdoors), adhering to a chosen diet with no alcohol or cheat meals, drinking a gallon of water, reading 10 pages of a self-improvement book, and taking a daily progress picture. The core idea is to foster mental resilience and create new habits through strict adherence to these daily rules.
The Six Rules of 75 Hard
1. Tw0 45-minute workouts
Participants are required to complete two 45-minute workouts daily, one of which must be outdoors, regardless of weather conditions. This promotes consistent physical activity and encourages pushing boundaries.
2. Follow a diet.
Participants must adhere to a chosen diet plan, but cheat meals and alcohol are strictly prohibited, as detailed by Andy Frisella in his 75 Hard program.
3. Drink a gallon of water.
Staying hydrated is crucial, with participants aiming to drink at least one US gallon of water daily. This promotes overall health and well-being.
4. Read 10 Pages of a Self-Improvement Book
This rule emphasizes the importance of mental development and knowledge acquisition, encouraging participants to focus on self-improvement and personal growth.
5. Take a Progress Picture
Taking a daily picture helps participants track their physical changes throughout the 75 days and serves as a visual reminder of their progress.
5. No Alcohol or Cheat Meals
These rules are designed to build discipline and self-control regarding food and beverage consumption.
Whew! Tough stuff, right? YES! I completed this challenge once before…and swore I wouldn’t do it again. That may have been too aggressive – I feel like I ‘could’ use that push, but my perimenopausal bod says no, that’s not the answer. I digress. You can read about my 75 Hard journey here.
75 Hard Money Challenge Overview
Similarly, the 75 Hard Money Challenge is a 75-day program designed to build financial discipline and awareness. It involves six daily tasks: two finance related tasks totaling 45 minutes (budgeting and increasing income), adhering to a chosen daily spending limit on discretionary items with no credit card use, journaling a gratitude list while outdoors, reading 5 pages of a finance-related book, and using a daily progress tracker. The core idea is to foster financial resilience and create new habits through strict adherence to these daily rules.
The Six Rules of 75 Hard Money
1. Two 45-Minute Workouts traded for 45 Minutes of Finance Tasks
Creating, adhering to, editing and implementing a budget or spending plan for your money is one of those two tasks. The second is working to increase your income through a side hustle, efforts towards promotion or new job, networking, etc.
2. Follow a Diet traded for Adhere to a Spending Limit
Similar to a diet for your nutrition; you’re going to cap your money calories at a challenge amount for yourself. You get to determine the daily dollar limit on discretionary items; think restaurants, delivery, take-out, Amazon, Target, etc. You are allowed to ‘roll over’ your funds from day to day for a larger weekly purchase – but you can’t roll over past the weekend. Monday starts fresh.
3. Drink a Gallon of Water traded for Outdoor Gratitude Journal
Staying hydrated with gratitude, practicing contentment and detoxing from the screen at least for a short time. Daily gratitude practice of 5 items, over 10 minutes.
4. Read 10 Pages of a Self-Improvement Book traded for 5 Pages of a Finance Book or Podcast
If we aren’t growing we’re dying. You’ll no longer be able to use the excuse that you don’t “know” anything about finances. You’re using this time to educate yourself.
5. Take a Progress Picture traded for Use a Progress Tracking Sheet
Keeping track of your growth and progress with a visual reminder of where you’re at and staying accountable to your goals is the name of the game.
6. No Alcohol or Cheat Meals traded for No Credit Card use.
This rule is intended to wean you away from using your credit card and help you rely on what you have right now, exercising self control, discipline and patience.
Breaking the Rules Down Further
1. 45 Minutes of Finance Tasks
a. Budgeting – making a plan for your money in advance is what we’re after here. It’s more than a bills tracker, it’s a spending plan for your groceries, dining out, vacations, auto maintenance and more.
- Create your budget
- Implement your budget
- Consider your budget allocations
- Figure out if envelopes, physical or electronics would be helpful for you
- Finesse your budget, guaranteed it’ll need edits – lean into being flexible
- Track your expenses, both bills paid, groceries spent and your discretionary spending
- Reconcile your budget
- Transfer money into savings
- Pay off debt
- Calculate your net worth
- Utilize a debt payoff calculator to create a payoff strategy
- Create savings funds
- Negotiate with your creditors for lower interest rates
- Research the best app or budgeting tool for your needs
- Spend time reflecting on your money stories or scripts to improve your relationship with money
- Understand your money mindset and work to improve if needed
- Calculate what you need in your emergency fund
- Talk with your financial advisor about your retirement or investments
- Meet with a coach to audit your plan or help with strategy.
Increasing your income – stop being stagnant and start reaching for what’s next. Whether that’s with your current career, or the creation of a temporary side hustle or permanent business idea, you’re dedicating time to putting more money in your pocket.
This time can be spent in a variety of ways – don’t let this list limit you, toss it into Chat GPT and finesse your task list to suit your situation.
- Sell stuff that you don’t use anymore.
- Put a space or car up for rent on a site like peerspace or turo.
- Get a temporary gig driving for Lyft or Doordash
- Take your hobby and craft a plan to make money from it
- Implement the above plan
- Attend networking meetings
- Make coffee dates with referral partners or others that could help your business
- Update your resume
- Practice interviewing
- Audit your social media sites for potential recruiters
- Practice interviewing
- Take a class or course to increase your skills for promotion
- Meet with your leadership team to find out steps you can take to get a promotion
- Prep for asking for a raise
- Then do it
- Learn how to negotiate your next salary increase
You may spend all of your 45 minutes on budgeting related tasks one day, or 5 minutes of budgeting and 40 minutes of increasing income – doesn’t matter to me; mix and match to suit your needs.
2. Adhere to a Spending Limit
In advance you’re going to decide how much you want to make your daily limit on discretionary items. Think food or drinks that isn’t created in your kitchen, purchases that aren’t necessary i.e. Amazon or Target-ish purchases. This does not include basic grocery shopping needs, gas for your car, sports registration for your kid, or your chiropractor co-pay.
A $5 daily limit might be what your budget can handle – or maybe it’s $50 – you do you; make it a challenge for yourself. Look at your past spending for 2-4 months and determine what you’ve been at and then consider cutting it in half. Don’t eliminate it, I want to help you create sustainable habits, not hate your life. And maybe you’ll find some creative ways to continue using.
Once you set your limit, you are allowed to ‘carry over’ that money through the weekend. But you start fresh on Mondays.
For example; if you have a $10 daily limit your spending could look like this.
- Monday – $9 ($1 Carry Over)
- Tuesday – $10 ($1 Carry Over)
- Wednesday – $0 ($11 Carry Over)
- Thursday – $4 ($17 Carry Over))
- Friday – $0 ($27 Carry Over)
- Saturday – $32 ($5 Carry Over)
- Sunday – $8 ($7 Carry Over Math – but NOT carried over because Monday is a clean slate.)
When we create spending limits for ourselves we give ourselves the opportunity to create awareness around what triggers our spending, and begin to make strategies or boundaries to support your goals.
For example, if you find that you’re natural inclination is to hit the drive-thru or reach for the doordash app when you’ve had a long day at work – you’ll recognize this and begin to research how to support yourself with things like meal planning or prepping, utilizing a crockpot service like beehive meals, or capping your work day at 4:30.
You’ll begin to notice how much ‘sales’ may influence your spending or email marketing might really get to you and decide to proactively avoid a few locations or unsubscribe to Fabletics who sends at least 10 emails per week. LAST CHANCE FOR 80% OFF!
You’re creating all kinds of awareness that is going to serve you now, and moving forward.
3. Outdoor Gratitude Journal
An attitude of gratitude will help you stay present, mindful, and content with what you already have. Keep a running list on paper with at least 5 items each day, reflected on for 10 minutes daily while you’re outdoors.
Let’s break this down further – because this is layered with benefit.
- UCDavis documents the benefits of being outdoors daily, including improving our mental abilities and reasoning, physical wellness, and mental health. We need the Vitamin D folks! Put your toes in the grass, bask in the sunlight, or simply journal while listening to the rain.
- According to this WebMD article, 25% of us don’t remember the last time our phone was not by our side. So, let’s have a mini detox from our phones while we’re practicing our gratitude. We’ll call it a two for one deal. Just be present with your thoughts, the quiet, and maybe a cup of coffee.
- Calm shares 6 benefits of gratitude practice of which I’ll highlight – reminds us of what’s important (you’re unlikely to list a discretionary purchase item on your list), and reduces comparison, therefore creating more contentment…and when you realize that you are indeed okay with what you have right now, they desire to spend takes a back seat. I wrote about this topic as well in 2021.
You’re going to end up with a list of 375 thoughts, items, or reflections of gratitude by the end of this challenge. That is a powerful reminder to keep you focused. THEN you can snap a photo and keep it on your phone.
4. 5 Pages of a Finance Book or 15 Minute Podcast
Time to dig into your inner nerd, but notice that this rule is quite flexible from the original that was 10 pages of reading – no listening. I get it, financial learning is not necessarily the most fun; so, we’re doing it in small doses of 5 pages per day or listening to a podcast for at least 15 minutes.
No more excuses that you don’t know – you’re taking the time over the next 75 days to know some things! I bet you’ll soak up more knowledge about finances in the next 10 weeks than you have in the last 10 years.
I polled the internet for a few resources for you if you’re drawing a blank on where to start. Use this as inspiration, and feel free to find your own resources as well.
Top 20 Financial Education or Money-Related Books
| Book Title | Author | Focus Area | Book Overview |
|---|---|---|---|
|
The Total Money Makeover |
Dave Ramsey |
Personal Finance |
Proven step-by-step plan for debt elimination and wealth building. |
|
Your Money or Your Life |
Vicki Robin & Joe Dominguez |
Personal Finance / Life Design |
Transform your relationship with money and align it with your values. |
|
I Will Teach You to Be Rich |
Ramit Sethi |
Personal Finance |
Modern, fun guide to automation, investing, and guilt-free spending. |
|
The Barefoot Investor |
Scott Pape |
Personal Finance |
Practical, story-based money plan focused on simplicity and action. |
|
Smart Women Finish Rich |
David Bach |
Personal Finance (Women) |
Empowers women to take control of their financial future. |
|
The Psychology of Money |
Morgan Housel |
Money Mindset |
Explores how behavior and emotion shape financial success. |
|
Money: Master the Game |
Tony Robins |
Mindset / Investing |
7-step blueprint to financial freedom from top investors. |
|
Rich Dad, Poor Dad |
Robert Kiyosaki |
Financial Education |
Contrasts traditional views with entrepreneurial wealth-building.
|
|
You Are a Badass at Making Money |
Jen Sincero |
Money Mindset |
Motivational read to overcome limiting beliefs around money. |
|
The Soul of Money |
Lynne Twist |
Spiritual / Money Mindset |
Reflects on money’s purpose and our values-driven use of it.
|
|
The Simple Path to Wealth |
JL Collins |
Investing / FIRE |
Straightforward advice on stock market investing and freedom. |
|
The Bogleheads’ Guide to Investing |
Larimore, Lindauer, LeBoeuf |
Investing |
How-to guide based on low-cost, long-term investing philosophy. |
|
Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits |
Philip Fisher |
Investing |
Timeless stock-picking strategies for long-term investors. |
|
The Intelligent Investor |
Benjamin Graham |
Investing |
Value investing classic; Buffett’s favorite investing book. |
|
Unshakeable |
Tony Robbins |
Investing / Mindset |
Focuses on financial resilience and market calm during storms. |
|
Profit First |
Mike Michalowicz |
Small Business Finance |
Game-changing system for managing cash flow and owner pay.
|
|
Financial Intelligence for Entrepreneurs |
Berman & Knight |
Business Finance |
Teaches financial literacy for better business decisions. |
|
The Millionaire Next Door |
Stanley & Danko |
Wealth Habits |
Surprising study on the frugality and habits of the wealthy. |
|
Secrets of the Millionaire Mind |
T. Harv Eker |
Money Mindset
|
Helps reset financial beliefs to align with wealth attraction. |
|
Die With Zero |
Bill Perkins |
Intentional Spending
|
Encourages optimizing life experiences over saving endlessly. |
And to follow that up, another list of podcasts to add to your library for commuting, walking, and other multitasking activities.
Top 20 Financial & Money Podcasts (2025)
| Podcast Title | Author | Focus Area | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
The Ramsey Show |
Dave Ramsey |
Personal Finance |
Practical advice on budgeting, debt elimination, and wealth building. |
|
BiggerPockets Money |
Mindy Jensen & Scott Trench |
Personal Finance / Real Estate |
Strategies for financial freedom through real estate and smart money habits. |
|
Planet Money |
NPR Team |
Economics / Finance News |
Engaging stories that explain economic concepts and financial trends. |
|
We Study Billionaires |
The Investor’s Podcast Network |
Investing / Wealth Strategies |
Insights from billionaire investors and their investment philosophies. |
|
Motley Fool Money |
Chris Hill & Analysts |
Stock Market / Investing |
Weekly analysis of stock market trends and investment opportunities. |
|
Money Guy Show |
Brian Preston & Bo Hanson |
Personal Finance / Investing |
Discussions on wealth-building, retirement planning, and financial strategies. |
|
ChooseFI |
Brad Barrett & Jonathan Mendonsa |
Financial Independence / FIRE |
Exploring paths to financial independence and early retirement. |
|
Afford Anything |
Paula Pant |
Personal Finance / Lifestyle Design |
Balancing spending, saving, and investing to live a meaningful life. |
|
The Clark Howard Podcast |
Clark Howard |
Consumer Finance / Saving Tips |
Advice on saving money, avoiding scams, and smart consumer practices. |
|
Girls That Invest |
Simran Kaur & Sonya Gupthan |
Investing / Financial Literacy |
Empowering women and minorities through accessible investing education. |
|
The Investing for Beginners Podcast |
Andrew Sather & Dave Ahern |
Investing Basics |
Simplifying investment concepts for novice investors. |
|
The Indicator from Planet Money |
NPR Team |
Economics / Quick Insights |
Short episodes explaining work, business, and the economy. |
|
Money for the Rest of Us |
J. David Stein |
Personal Finance / Investing |
Exploring how money works and how to invest it wisely. |
|
HerMoney |
Jean Chatzky |
Women’s Finance
|
Financial advice tailored for women at various life stages. |
|
Smart Passive Income |
Pat Flynn |
Online Business / Passive Income |
Strategies for building online businesses and generating passive income. |
|
Invest Like the Best |
Patrick O’Shaughnessy |
Investing / Business Insights |
Conversations with leading investors and business thinkers. |
|
Millennial Investing |
Robert Leonard |
Investing / Millennials |
Investment strategies and financial advice for millennials. |
|
DIY Money |
Quint Tatro & Daniel Czulno |
Personal Finance / Budgeting |
Practical tips on budgeting, saving, and investing. |
|
The Side Hustle Show |
Nick Loper |
Entrepreneurship / Side Income |
Ideas and strategies for building side businesses and extra income streams. |
|
The Bogleheads on Investing |
Rick Ferri |
Investing / Index Funds |
Discussions on passive investing and financial planning. |
5. Use a Progress Tracking Sheet
Accountability is an essential tool in habit creation and moving change. You must keep track of your progress with a visual reminder each day. This should take no more than 5 minutes.
Get your free #75Hard$ Tracking resources here.
Visual tracking can keep you motivated, on track and continue to create awareness as you tackle new money habits. Tracking was a key motivator for one of my clients, Sally – read her story here.
6. No Credit Card Use
I’m not saying, no – not ever. But if you’re trying to challenge yourself, “get better” with your finances, and perhaps pay off some debt – let’s not use the tool that likely got you into some debt during this challenge.
Now, if you have your kids’ dance lessons on your credit card that you pay off in full each month – I’m not going to hunt you down to tell you that you failed the challenge. You understand the intent here; practice living within your means – if it’s in your checking account, it’s up for grabs to pay bills, use your daily spending limit and simply avoid overextending yourself by using a credit card.
I believe that you can use a credit card responsibly , but just like the original 75 Hard challenge with no alcohol or cheat meals…you can have a drink and a bowl of ice cream responsibly; but they can’t be slippery slopes – that lead to more drinks/bowls than intended.
Begs the question about credit use altogether; sometimes we trick ourselves into feeling like we’re winning all the miles, rewards and cash back when – we may not be. You can also read this client success story as well, beginning with credit card use, and ending in millionaire status.
Summary
Are you ready to dig in? Here are your marching orders.
- Pick your start date.
- Talk to your partner, if coupled.
- Find 75 minutes in your day to complete these tasks – be proactive.
- Download your tracker, and get started.
Mark your calendar for 45 minutes of finance/income tasks. Set a reminder for your 10 minutes of outdoor journaling, and another for your 15 minutes of reading/podcast. Wrap up your day with a calendar reminder for 5 minutes to track your progress.
Six Rules of 75 Hard Money
Don’t look back – you can make incredible progress toward your goals with 75 minutes per day, over 75 days. I can’t wait to see what you can do! Follow over on instagram @journeytoinfluence and share your progress, so that we can celebrate with you.
Support
If you’d like extra support in accomplishing this challenge, we have a few options to help support you.
Budgeting Tool Spreadsheet & Video Instructions $75
Use the tool that we coach our clients to start with, complete with emergency fund calculator, net worth tracker and various budgeting formats to suit your needs.
Grab an extended single coaching session with one of our coaches to audit your current budget or get support creating your initial budget.
Learn more about our coaching team here.
Thank you for joining me on my journey to influence.
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