Two years ago, my husband and I took Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University class and we have been using cash for all of our everyday purchases ever since.  Since we’ve been on a “cash only” system, we end up with a lot of change.  That first year, I mainly looked at it as a “bonus.”  I used it at the vending machine at work or to treat myself to a Sonic drink first thing in the morning or during their “Happy Hour” when they are 1/2 off.

Last year, we decided to do something different and we started a change jar.  Any time we would have extra change, we would toss it in there.  We started in January and by the end of May, it was full.  We were going on a family vacation and I decided to cash it in to use as “fun money.”  My husband and I each made a guess as to how much was in the jar:  he guessed $30 and I guessed $60.  We were both surprised to find out that we had accumulated $98!  Those pennies, nickels, dimes and sometimes quarters really do add up!

We filled the jar again by Thanksgiving and cashed out for an Amazon gift card which was used to help pay for Christmas presents. 

Even our kids have gotten into this and have started throwing and change they find into the jar.  After just six weeks, our jar is already halfway full!

If you’re looking for a fun and easy way to save this year without taking money from your paychecks, a change jar is a great option!  It works for us.  I hope it will work for you, too!

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If you’re looking for ways to cut expenses, dollar stores can be a great resource.  In my area, we have the $.99 Store and Dollar Tree and I have found some great deals at both stores.

Here are some of my favorite dollar store bargains:

–Books:  you never know what you’ll find in the book section – I have found some great board books for my kids and some great hardcover books for myself by spending a few minutes browsing (this is definitely hit or miss)
–Cards:  cards for all occasions are 2/$1 at both stores – you can’t beat that!
–Coloring books:  if your kids love coloring books, you can’t beat getting them for $1 (and sometimes they are 2/$1!), and they usually have educational workbooks and flash cards, too!
–Craft supplies:  if you have kids who love craft projects, you’ll find lots of great, affordable options at the dollar store!
–Gift bags:  gift bags of varying sizes are $.79 at the $.99 store and $1 at Dollar Tree (these retail for $2-3/each at other stores, so this is definitely a steal!).  They have wrapping paper, boxes, and tissue paper, too!
–Holiday themed items:  if you’re looking for seasonal partyware, you can’t beat their prices
–Party supplies:  whether you’re having a themed party or you’re just looking for paper goods in coordinating colors, you can find it all for $1/each (cups, plates, plasticware, table cloths, napkins, and even banners or other decor) – I haven’t seen prices that cheap anywhere else!
–Pregnancy tests:  I know it sounds crazy, but the tests from the dollar store are really accurate (I’ve got a 3 year old now to prove it!), so why spend $7-10 on a “name brand” one?

Sometimes you can even find name brand ice cream (Dreyer’s) for $1!

Just remember – $1 can add up quickly and if you end up buying a lot of things you don’t need, it’s no longer a bargain.  You may want to leave your kids at home.  Mine are suckers for all the “junk” that they have there, too!

What are your favorite “dollar store finds”?

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please refer to my disclosure policy for more information.