How to save my change
How I did it: My partner and I saved all of our loose change and divided it by denomination into 4 piggy banks when we moved in together. A year ago they were so full we didn't have anywhere to put new change, so we took it to the bank and holy moly, it was $336 +/-! That's over $100 a year! So that was just motivation to start all over again! The only change that doesn't go in there is the occasional handful to replenish the meter stash that lives in our cars.
Lessons & tips: 1.) I already had 4 piggy banks, so it was fun to divide the change, but since the modern change machine doesn't differentiate, use whatever you have handy that you like.
2.) DO NOT USE COINSTAR or any other kind of change machine that asks you for a percentage of what you put in it. Every bank in the universe has a change counter at their main branch that is free for members, except maybe REALLY small start-ups. You just have to call and ask where it is.
3.) Hide the jar, bank, whatever from your everyday view. That way your not tempted to dip into it.
4.) We really wanted to use it as a treat and buy a new TV with it, but we decided to behave like adults and put it in a joint CD to use as seed for a house down payment. Between that and the $25 each that we direct deposit from our paychecks, that amount has more than doubled. Yay.
Resources: Paying for things in cash.
