Keep The Change

I'm a walking dinosaur, and I know it. One way I can prove that point would be showing you “what's in my wallet.” Along with debit / credit cards, drivers license, insurance cards and a few mementos, I carry definite proof that I am the oldest of old school. I (almost) always have cash with me. Cash? Like money? Are you kidding? Nope, I have it with me.

And one time it came in real handy. A friend of mine and I were off to Emery County to broadcast a football game one Friday afternoon when we found a hamburger joint in Ferron, Utah that looked like a good place to stop. (It was the Grub Box Drive In, by the way. If you head that direction it's worth the stop!) As we were getting ready to order we saw a sign that said “no credit cards accepted!” We, my friend had no cash on him, but I did and we were able to have a great meal. (By the way, they now do take cards)

The other proof I submit of my ancientness is on my dresser where you would find not one, but two change jars. You remember them, right? The place you threw your coins at the end of the day.

While it may sound way out of fashion in our modern society, there actually are some good reasons to have a change jar.

A change jar is an easy and simple way to save money. Small amounts of loose change can quickly add up over time, and can be used for emergency expenses, vacations, or other financial goals.

Having a change jar can help create a savings habit. By getting into the habit of dropping loose change into a jar, you can create a mindset of saving money regularly.

A change jar can also help promote financial discipline. By choosing to save loose change instead of spending it, you are making a conscious decision to save money and practice discipline in your spending habits.

Keeping a change jar can help reduce clutter in your home. Instead of leaving loose change scattered throughout your home or car, you can collect it in one central location.

A change jar can be a great tool to teach children about the value of money and the importance of saving. Encouraging children to collect and save their loose change can help them develop good financial habits at an early age.

By saving small amounts of money over time, a change jar can help improve your overall financial well-being. Saving even small amounts can help create a sense of financial security and stability, which can reduce stress and anxiety related to money.

I counted the contents of my change jars a few years back and was stunned by how much was there, and I'm sure my count was not accurate as I don't have one of those fancy change counter devices. And I've tossed more coins in there since I lasted counted, though with less frequency than I used to. I do use debit cards, I'm not a monster.

So, is it time for you to put up a coin jar in your home? Try it! It could be good for a change.