So we've all read those articles about collecting your loose change as a painless way to save money. Truth be know, I've always done this, and then every few months I'd cash in the change and deposit it into my savings account.
However, my brother shared this little secret with me. Don't touch the change jar for the entire year. That's the key. He's used his loose change to go Christmas shopping for the past few years and has always managed to save at least $300. In order to prepare for the December 2009 holiday season, you need to start collecting your loose change now. Here's what you need to do:
- Use bills -- and no change -- whenever you use cash to make a purchase.
- At the end of each day, dump all of your loose change into a large jug or piggy bank (anything that can hold an enormous amount of coins)
- When you're ready to go shopping, take your change to the nearest TD North Bank (formerly Commerce Bank). They'll sort and count your change for free (you don't even need to have an account with them).
