Friday, January 20, 2012

A Loonie Spar'd is Twice Got

This old juice bottle serves as my piggy bank. The small opening means I have to work to get the coins out and that is a sufficient enough deterrent to keep me from plundering it. Besides, I like to see it slowly fill up over the months. And fill up it does. About three times a year.I pay cash for most everything. I hate the thought of needlessly paying bank fees on my debit card and I've never owned a credit card. Paying cash keeps me a little more accountable for the purchases I make. I need that tangible transaction of paper and coin passing from my hand to another.

And so, in a nation of loonies and toonies (and no, that is not a disparaging remark toward my fellow countryfolk) the change does add up. To keep my pockets light I've returned to, the possibly long forgotten practice and childhood pursuit of, saving my pennies.

In an era of plastic, PayPal and email transfers I wonder if the change jar has become obsolete in most households even asthe average household debt in Canada is at a record high and savings dismally low. Maybe a pleasant evening spent rolling coins while listening to Ideas on CBC is considered too fuddy duddy, especially when one could be spending all that scrilla on frothy lattes. (I recently met a man who buys 4-6 [6!] übersuperventi coffees a day!)


Well, I don't mind getting all Scrooge McDuck on my change jar a few times a year, especially when the jar typically yields $300 or more each time ($373 in my most recent jar!), which works out to be nigh on $1000 a year. That might seem like small patates for some, but I'm a zealous believer in small actions having a big impact. An extra grand saved every year is a big deal for me, and if I can do that by simply tossing my pocket change into a jar, well, I will definitely take that to the bank!

(Dear would be thieves,
My change jar is empty now, so even if you did find out where I live, there's like six bucks in there. If you need $6, I'll gladly give it to you. [Unless you're planning to spend it on a latte. There are better things to do with someone else's money.] And by the time the jar is full and ready to be emptied again I'll probably be living somewhere else, since I'm moving this year. In the meantime you can start your own change jar and then you won't need mine!


Oh, and that's about the only thing of 'value' in my place. The rest is a lot of second hand stuff, things pulled off the side of the road, an aging laptop and a small stereo that's about 10 years old. Please don't take the thrift store, framed needlework on the walls, my triptych print of the Garden of Early Delights or the hand crocheted lace handkerchiefs my great-grandmother made. I do treasure those even though they don't have much market value.

And finally, if thievery is your current occupation, perhaps you should consider pursuing a life of frugal abundance. Personally, I find it deeply satisfying, stress free and wholly engaging. I sleep well at night, and you know, you really can't put a price on a good night's sleep.)

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

FOURTEEN bonus points for linking to the Willy Waller 2006 vid.

Tony R said...

I think a thief would have a hard time stealing your jar...Have you ever weighed it? :)

Amber said...

C'est très le fun!

Tony, you have a point. I cetertainly get a workout schlepping my vast fortune to the bank!

Jerry said...

I have a purple Crown Royal sack that is my change holder. The top is a bit easier to get into than your jar,however...

I don't gather as much as I used to anyway as I do use debit card. No credit card here either though. Sure is hard to not have one in this world sometimes.

Amber said...

Ah yes! Gotta love those Crown Royal bags. Great for change, marbles for the kids, dice for the nerdy D&Ders, or a 17 year old's stash. So versatile!

I once had a friend tell me that if I ever want to own a home, I'll have to get a credit card to establish a credit rating. But I managed to do that by getting a line of credit through my bank, (which is long paid off and I don't touch) and by paying off my student loan.

But it is tricky not having one sometimes. Making reservations and renting a car can't be done without one. Frustrating.

Tony R said...

I wonder if a prepaid/reload able visa would work. Just put $200 on it or so...would also work for online purchases where PayPal is not available.

Amber said...

Tony, does a prepaid credit card exist? That would be brilliant! Going to look it up now...

Tony R said...

Totally does, I know that Visa has one for sure. Master card too I think. Here in the states, you can usually find them at the checkout lanes in super markets around the holidays.