Each of the last three times I've been in a grocery store, I've seen people using the CoinStar machine to cash in a bag or jar of change. It seems like a lot more than usual. But I guess it is almost the end of the month and folks are hard up... understandable about why they would cash in coins, but why are they paying 10% as a service charge? We save our coins up in a gallon glass jug, and cash it in when it gets near full. It's typically about $250-$300. I would never think of dumping it in a CoinStar machine and paying $25-$30 bucks for a few minutes of convenience... Especially if I was so hard up that I NEEDED to cash in my change. As far as I know, banks will still give a customer free paper rolls. I have a little plastic coin stacking rack that we use that makes it super easy. I think I paid $5 or so for it years ago.
Ratchet Straps!
Is there a more useful item to keep on hand in the truck tool box? They are so much more versatile than bungee cords for large items (not to mention safer - ever had a bungee cord snap loose and come back to hit you?) and far easier to get tight than rope. You can secure loads of trash going to the dump. You can keep that new furniture (or gun safe) upright in the back to bring it home. You can keep the generator from sliding around when you take it in for service. In a complete Without Rule of Law (WROL) situation, you can use it to secure captured looters (although handcuffs would probably work better). If you don't have any, you really ought to get several in a variety of sizes. Today I used one to secure my grill in the back of the truck to take to work for an end of summer cookout.
The Latest On Isaac
Isaac is a slow moving Cat 1 Hurricane as he moves to make landfall near the Mississippi/Louisiana border. They said a little while ago that the storm surge could involve two consecutive high tides because he is so slow. A lot of heavy rain and long term high winds make for a big risk for trees to come down. If you are in the area, be careful and alert, and let us know how you fare.
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ReplyDeleteI don't know if Coinstar works the same everywhere, but the ones in the grocery store & Walmart here will give you 100% of your coins' value if you take it in a store gift card.
I think most will do that, but most people take the cash and pay the fee.
DeleteI have noticed that the people using the Coinstar machines appear to be those under 35. These same people, from observations in Walmart, buy, almost exclusively, prepared foods. Is this group the 'convenience' generation?
ReplyDeleteI think RiverRider has it right, lazy, not convenience.
Deleteratchetstraps, a big +1. they call me "strapman" in some circles:).....the bad part is that some of those coins were stolen/looted from older relatives, and may even have silver content.that crime has gotten epidemic in these parts now. this winter when the weather turns sour i'm going to the bank and buy rolls of coins looking for silver ones. my bank has a coincounter free to customers.....convenience generation? no. lazy generation, and helpless.
ReplyDeleteRR - the machines kick out coins that are too damaged or worn, and some people actually just leave them in the return tray. I always check when I walk past and typically pick up a dime or a nickel for my troubles. Once I got a silver pre 65 dime.
DeleteGood plan for the winter, especially since your bank gives the free service. Let us know how it turns out.
Amazon and Lowes will give you full value gift cards for using Coinstar
ReplyDeleteI actually enjoy rolling my own (coins that is). It's a relaxing, no stress task that I look forward to. I bring over a good light and look through my coins for key dates...I keep anything questionable for a better look later.
ReplyDeleteI keep the nickles and pre 1982 pennies against a rainy day and use the rest to pay at regular stores...I ignore the funny looks and it saves me a trip to the bank. The best use for these coin rolls is when the kids spend their allowance and come back for more...for a 'necessary' item. Sometimes when they see the coins it turns out the items weren't so necessary after all.
It took me a minute on "rolling my own" lol!
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