I LOVED yesterday’s challenge. It didn’t take me long to clean out my freezer but I know what we have and I’m not worried about running to the grocery store. We have PLENTY in that freezer. This weekend’s snow storm can bring it because I can cook up a storm without even heading out the door.

Just as a reminder, each of the Financial Decluttering assignments should only take 10-15 minutes and you’ve only missed assignments to Clean Out Your Wallet, Clean Out Your Refrigerator Door, Clean Out Your Car Console, Clean Out Your Sock Drawer, Organize Your Coupons, Clean Out Kids’ Backpacks, Clean Out Your Purse or Bag, Clean Out ONE Pantry Shelf, Clean Off Your Desk. Then check out Clean Up Your Phone’s Apps, Clean Out Your Inbox, Clean Out the Junk Drawer, Declutter Your Shoes, and Clean Out Your Freezer.

Just a reminder, don’t forget to join the Financial Decluttering Facebook Group of over 1300 people for ideas and encouragement. You’ll love the photos of the clean wallets, clean refrigerator doors, car consoles, coupon binders, backpacks, purses, desks, shoes, inboxes, and more!

Now, on to the challenge!

Day 15: Count Your Change

We stash it in jars. We keep in cars. It’s found in between the cushions of the couch. All over the house and sprinkled in our possessions, we find change. It’s time to do a round up and count that change.

Why It Matters:

I once heard it said that if you haven’t counted your change, you’re rich. I know we may not feel like we’re rolling in the dough. But those who are truly destitute know how much money they have down to the last penny. So if you have change in your wallet or your car console, you have more than most.

Sometimes, we treat change like it’s not real money. It lays around our houses in piles and we view it almost like trash. Today, our challenge focuses on counting the change we have – and then doing something with it to make a difference. Quit acting like it doesn’t count. Begin the journey toward being a little more organized and a little more cash flush.

How to Do It:

• Round up all the change in your house. Find all your hiding spots. I know I have four.
• Count the change.
• Roll the change into wrappers. If you don’t have any, you can request them from your bank.
• Now, if you have more change than you think you can count, consider this. A) You’re awesome. B) You can use a machine like Coinstar. However, keep in mind if you’re getting straight up cash back, you’ll be charged 11.9% in fees (or $12 for every $100 which is a pretty steep cut). However, you can select a gift card instead of cash and not be charged any fees. A handful of vendors including Amazon participate in this program.
• After you cash in your change, be intentional about the money you “find.”
• If you have debt, use the the funds to make a little extra payment.
• If you don’t have debt, consider saving the money toward a specific savings goal.
• Going the gift card route? Buy items you NEED that won’t cause more clutter.
• Think about donating the change to someone or a charity that needs it more.
• When you’re finished, take a photo and post it to the challenge post in the Financial Decluttering Group. We’ll celebrate your victory. And/or post on Instagram with the #FinancialDecluttering Hashtag.
• You’ll get bonus points and virtual fist bumps for interesting discoveries.

How to Keep It That Way:

It’s OK to keep some change on hand. After all, sometimes we need it to pay at the store. However, keeping large amounts of coins amounts to clutter that’s actually cash. If you do continue to stash cash, do so with intention. Use your change as a date night fund or a way to save for your next vacation. Or use one of the ideas above to make the most of your change.

A Few More Thoughts:

I can’t wait to see all we achieve together this month. I’ll continue sharing my own journey in the Financial Decluttering Facebook Group and via e-mails. Be sure you subscribe for both.

Post a photo of your change victories and tips in the comments! I want to see what sorts of systems you use to organize.

Our new book Your Money, Your Marriage is now available! Be sure to check out videos on managing money together on Facebook.

My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out The Debt Free Devotional on Kindle.  

This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal, learn about a way to save, or maybe even something for free, I may end up making a small commission. All prices are subject to change.

Related posts:

Financial Decluttering Day 8: Clean Out ONE Pantry Shelf Financial Decluttering Day 4: Clean Out Your Sock Drawer Financial Decluttering Day 7: Clean Out Your Purse or Bag Financial Decluttering Day 9: Clean Off Your Desk