I keep a coffee can under the kitchen counter, and every day, or whenever I have change in my pockets or purse, I toss it in there.

My husband’s pockets always seem to be filled with change too, which I find when I’m doing the laundry. That goes in the can as well.

It’s amazing how fast it all adds up, and it’s almost like free money…at least it feels that way. It’s money you don’t really miss. I then take it to a Coinstar machine at the local supermarket, which counts the money quickly and spits out a receipt that I bring to the cashier for cash. Each can is usually about $50-90.

Take that ”free” money and put it in a savings account.  Or, right at Coinstar, you can always redeem your money for gift cards or charitable donations (which you can use for tax credit later!).

It’s ridiculous how much extra we pay for branding and packaging, and how brainwashed we are by advertising. I used to think a well-known brand was better quality. But most generic foods are made by the same companies as the big brands anyway.

I’ve started buying generic food and other products whenever possible and have noticed little difference–except in the savings! Coupled with coupons, I’ve really reduced my grocery bills.