I'm not--and likely never will be--wealthy. So I need clever little methods to help me get to the places I want to see; gift the people I love; and build a little slush fund in case I suddenly get invited to the Academy Awards and need some bling.
Here are three ways I stash money:
1. The Coin Jar-- No points for originality here. People have been saving coins since coins were invented. I'm sure that coin jars crop up in archeological digs. But there's a reason that zillions of us empty our pockets and purses at the end of the day: It all adds up. Quarter by dime by nickel by penny, it's a painless way to get a hundred bucks. I love the sound of the coins clunking when I toss them in. Low-tech, too...my container is a metal Tanqueray Gin container from a Christmas gift many years ago. The gin is long gone, but that bright green can holds about $150 when full. In fact, it's full right now.
I use my coins to fund my travel--after I take the coins to Coinstar (Yes, I know I have to pay, but my rationale is...well, I don't actually have a rationale. I just do it.) I take the folding money and put it in my travel envelope. Unless I get a $5 bill...
2. The $5 Bill Ploy: Again, I can take no credit for this. About three or four years ago, I read about a woman whose entire saving strategy was to keep every $5 bill that came her way. She figured that $5 isn't such a huge amount that she would miss one or two. Yet it was definitely faster than The Coin Jar. Seemed like a solid plan, so I decided to try it. Shazam!! It is brilliant! True enough, when I get a $5 bill, I don't spend it. I bring it home and tuck it in a charming ceramic milk bottle that I bought during my one-and-only trip to Leavenworth, Washington. Then I forget about all the $5 bills--until it's time to take my grandchildren somewhere. You would be surprised how those Lincolns add up.
The most recent time I tapped into the supply, I had $350. Not a huge amount, but enough for a day's outing. Nina, Joey, and I had a great time at a kids' museum and a fancy lunch where I let them order whatever they wanted. Saedy, Payton, and I did pretty well at Wet n' Wild. Great memories for not much cash.
But my REAL savings scheme?
3. The Andrew Jackson Travel Fund: Here's where I am always thinking up new and creative ways to get to my next trip. Many, many years ago, when I was an ICU nurse, a co-worker told me to save $5 a week to take vacations. That's what she did: "It's only $250 a year, but it's $250 I wouldn't have otherwise..." And so, I began to do the same. Over the decades, the weekly amount grew. In lean times, a few months would pass between deposits. But as soon as I could, I'd be back at it. As a single mom, it could take a few years to save enough. Now I try to make it a game: Making an ATM withdrawal? $20 to the fund. Using the debit card to pay for groceries? An extra Jackson into the envelope. Any luck with the occasional lottery scratch-offs? You guessed it...India, here I come!
Little money becomes big money. Big money makes dreams come true.
What's your savings secret? We all want to know!!
Recent Comments