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.)