Untaken Trails
  • Home
  • About
  • Multi-Day Trails
    • Bucket List
    • 2024
      • Arizona Trail
    • 2023
      • Gros Morne National Park
    • 2022
      • Pioneer Footpath
    • 2021
      • GDT Section C
      • The Boreal Trail
    • 2020
      • GDT Section B
  • Dayhikes
  • Gear
    • Gear We Use
    • Gear Reviews
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • How I’m Saving $10,000 for the Appalachian Trail And How You Can Too

    If you’ve been following my journey as I plan to hike the Appalachian Trail in two years, you’ll know that saving for the trip is a big part of the process. My goal is to set aside $10,000 over 104 weeks.

    Most $10,000 savings plans are designed to be completed in just one year, which can be a heavy hit to your finances. Stretching the goal over two years makes the weekly amounts more manageable and easier to stick with long-term.

    To help others on a similar path, I’ve created two free resources you can download:

    • A PDF tracker for those who prefer paper
    • An Excel spreadsheet for those who like to track and customize digitally

    Here’s how they work:

    The PDF
    Print it out and follow the columns from top to bottom—or jump around and fill in a square each week. Once all 104 squares are complete, you’ll have $10,000 saved.

    Savings PlannerDownload

    The Excel File
    My personal favorite. You can enter the exact amount you save each week, whether it’s a regular deposit or a little extra from unexpected income. The spreadsheet updates automatically, showing you how much you’ve saved and what’s still ahead.

    10000-Savings-PlanDownload

    I’m already nearly $3,000 into my savings goal and staying on track.

    Whether you’re planning a long-distance hike or just want a slower, more flexible way to save, I hope these tools help you along the way.

    Cheryl

    May 3, 2025
    2027, Appalachian Trail, Bucket List
    appalachian trail, bucket list, budget, future, planning, preparation, Saving, tips

©2023 All rights reserved.

  • Facebook
  • YouTube