Piggy Banks... Not Just For Children!

In my attempt to save 2K in 12 months, I have decided to revisit my childhood. I am saving all my change in a piggy bank.

I purchased a plain ceramic pig from Michael's Art & Craft Store. I actually purchased a set of 3-pack of smaller ceramic pigs from Michael's, and a couple paint pens. I used a 40% off one item coupon to knock down the cost as much as possible.

Initial cost of pigs: $9.99
Sale price: $5.99
Paint pens: 3 x $.99= $2.97
Total Price: $8.96 plus tax

Of course, I could have made a piggy bank for no money at all, but being the crafty gal that I am, I couldn't resist the opportunity to go out and make one that is exactly what I wanted. If you don't care about the looks of your piggy bank, use a simple jar, milk jug, or coffee can. My only advice is choose something that isn't too big. Changing your coins in once every couple months will keep you motivated. And if you can't trust yourself, cut a slot in the top and seal the rest of the container so you can't touch the money until you change in your coins.

If you want to do this as a family activity with kids, try making your own piggy bank out of paper mache.

Why did I get 3 pigs, you ask? Well, I gave one to my roommate. Although this seems like a nice gesture it was purely selfish. I decided I would be more motivated to save my change if we were having a change RACE. So he decorated the "seams" of the pig with paint pen to look like baseball stitching. For a guy, its a creative, great looking piggy bank! I decorated mine with random doodles. I used the third pig as part of a present for my friend who just bought a condo, a creative house warming present. Anyone who just made the largest purchase of their life needs to save a couple pennies, right?

If you're looking for a great, original, and inexpensive gift for someone, consider decorating a piggy bank. This would be perfect for any child, and just as perfect for a graduate. Know someone headed to college? Write "BEER FUND" on it and voila! no longer a gift for a little kid. Know someone saving for a motorcycle? Write "HARLEY FUND" on it and it will be perfect! Someone has made a business out of this... although I think that anyone, even those with little creativity or artistic talent, can make their own for way cheaper.

I have been following one rule. Don't spend any change. At the end of each day I empty out my purse, wallet and pockets and put my change in my cute little piggy bank. The other day at the gas station counter my total bill came up to a dollar and four cents. I was thinking.... "Yessssssssss" (Napoleon Dynamite style). The lady thought she was being nice by taking four cents out of the "give a penny, take a penny" bowl, but I was thinking... nooooooo, that would've been 96 cents for my piggy! What a nerd I have become.

I have technically been cheating on my 2K in 12 months, because I have been saving change since May 1st. But Monday is the big day where I plan on heading to the bank to see how much change I have managed to save up! I can't wait! Although it looks like it is a close race between my roommate and myself, I am nervous. He just started a job detailing cars. Since it is detailing for a car dealership, the cars are already sold from their original owners, he gets to keep all of the change he finds while detailing. You wouldn't believe how much he comes home with every day!

Now go out to your car, clean it out, and use all the change you find as the start to your very own piggy bank. Every penny counts!