Did you know that you can save hundreds of euros by putting aside the change that you find in your pocket?
Steps
Step 1. Go to the bank and get some coin boxes
Step 2. Take the loose change out of your pockets and put it in a piggy bank at the end of the day
Step 3. Continue this every day until your piggy bank fills up
Step 4. Separate the loose change into cents, 10, 20, 50 cent, or 1 and 2 euro coins
Step 5. Count 50 coins of 20 cents, which are equal to 10 euros
Step 6. Put the 20 cent coins in one of the containers and close it
Step 7. Repeat until you can no longer reach 10 euros with 20 cent coins
Step 8. Count the other coins and repeat the sixth step with the other containers
Step 9. Repeat steps from the fifth to the eighth until all the coins are stored in containers
Step 10. Deposit coins directly into your account instead of having them exchanged for banknotes
Step 11. Do something nice with your savings
Advice
- Many banks prefer to accept your coins if you have an open account with them. They may ask you to write your account number on the container.
- Don't wait until you have many full piggy banks and do it all at once, it will feel like more money.
- There are many places where you can find loose change, such as in the sofa cushions, under the seats of your car, and on the street (if you keep your eyes glued to the ground and want to collect it).
- If you are a waiter in a place where they tip, save all the coins they give you, don't get them changed. By saving all the change, you will have a lot of money aside at the end of the month, and it won't affect your monthly earnings too much.
- Instead of using piggy banks, you can also take advantage of clean, empty water bottles or empty jars.
- Check vending machines, especially those used to change bills into coins. They are great places to find coins, even foreign ones!
- Learn the basics of coin collecting and you'll be able to spot rare pieces.
- Check that the containers all have the right amount of coins.
- Some banks don't count loose change and have self-service machines. Just put the coins in it, collect the receipt and take it to the nearest counter.
Warnings
- Make sure there is the correct amount of coins in the container, or the bank will not accept it.
- Self-service coin deposit machines are also a possibility. These machines accept coins, count them, sort them and give you a receipt that can be converted into cash.
- Banks are usually reluctant to provide services to people who are not their customers, but if you let them explain why you should transfer your account with them, they could still help you.
- Self-service machines are not necessarily 100% accurate. Expect a 2% discrepancy, which could also be in your favor.
- If your bank does not have a coin counting machine, ask if they can refund the cost of the deposit, in part or in full. Asking costs nothing.
