Frank and I keep a change jar in the guest room. We try to throw any loose change we have in pockets or wallets into it. Even if I know I have exact change, I’ll usually break a bill just to help fill the jar. It’s not very large, but about once a year or so, we’ll have between $150-$200.
In the days pre-Bea, we filled the jar much more rapidly than now. One year we bought a bottle of Dom Perignon. One year we bought steaks and a bottle of wine three times our normal budget. Last year, we went on a lunch date and had exactly enough to cover our three course meal plus bottle of fancy wine.
When Bea was born, we wondered if the change jar would end up going toward household expenses, since we’d be down one income. Once the thought crossed our minds, we decided to choose to spend any change on ourselves – this would be just for us, just for splurges.
Even thought it’s taken longer to fill, I love watching the change in the jar grow. It’s a good reminder that romance, splurges, and just the two of us are the foundation for our family. I’m sure that, as we add kids, it will take even longer, but I’m guessing that means the dates and bottles of wine will be sweeter because we’ve had to work harder for them.
We’re quite a ways from this next jar filling, but I’m looking forward to seeing how we choose to spend our loose change.
Linking up with Kate Motaung’s Five Minute Friday, a time to write without editing.
Annie Rim 
This is a wonderful idea Annie. It reminds you to spend a little on yourselves.
Thanks, Colline! It’s easy to forget with kids…
That is true. I admit to being a culprit of this.
I love the idea of using a simple change jar to invest in your marriage. Thank you for sharing your great use of spare change. Have a lovely weekend.
Thanks for stopping by!
What a fresh perspective on the word prompt today. And a tender reminder of caring for each other. This will be a beautiful example to Bea.
Thanks, Debby! Yes, I need to remember that even these small actions are watched.
Great idea for the change jar! Ours is a small jar, and we try to use up the change whenever we can. I like the idea of saving it up for a special treat.
I love using it for treats – otherwise we just wouldn’t.
I love this, Annie. I’m going to adopt it FYI. 🙂
Can’t wait to hear what you splurge on!
Love this, Annie! What a wonderful idea to save up change so you can use it to make memories with your honey. Have fun filling that jar!
Thanks, Jeanne! 🙂