All frugal homes should have a change jar. I firmly believe this. I made a change jar for Donnie’s and my first apartment eight years ago, and we’ve been using it ever since. It is an absolutely effort-free way to accumulate a nice little stash of “extra” money. Whenever we pay for something with cash (which is almost always), we toss the change in the jar. When the jar is full, we cash it in. That’s all there is to it. Not exactly rocket science. Yet the cash from the change jar has always been a blessing. Over the past few years, we’ve used the change jar money to make charitable contributions, bolster our savings, and have a little extra spending money on vacation. During our younger, broker days, we often used money from the change jar to buy groceries or pay bills.
Seeing firsthand how much benefit can be reaped from such a miniscule effort is what leads me to believe that even the smallest changes can yield big results. You don’t have to overhaul your entire lifestyle to become more financially secure. It’s possible to save thousands of dollars a year by adopting just a few frugal habits. You can overcome debt, build savings, and consume less of our earth’s precious resources while still having a wonderful, full life. You can get the things you really want, without borrowing against your future. And the best part is, you can start making those small changes today.
There are a million things you can do, right this very minute, to get started on the road to financial freedom. Turn down the heat. Clip a few coupons. Resolve to make dinner at home tonight, and really do it. Or, just put a few coins in a jar. Whatever first frugal change you decide to make, do it today, and don’t ever look back.
4 comments:
I have always done this, too! I keep one in the laundry room to catch all the loose change in pockets. When it's full, there is usually enough that it is worth the wait!
We also have a change jar.
"Turn down the heat. Clip a few coupons. Resolve to make dinner at home tonight, and really do it. Or, just put a few coins in a jar."
In the last 3 months I have been doing all those things you mention. Really starting to do more couponing though.
I'm determined to become debt free and to live without the stress of worrying about money any longer. I have a 5 year goal. I hope I'm not being unrealistic.
We have a change jar, too and it has come in so handy when we want to take a weekend trip. Most times we have enough to cover a tank of gas or food along the way. Sure helps out!
I have been saving change for years and the benefits have been great. Each year, when we go on vacation, I bring rolls of quarters for both the parking meters and for my son to spend in the arcade. It is convenient and economical way to have some fun.
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