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Original poster

I have so much money and I don't know how to spend it

164 replies

StealthPolarBear · 29/12/2020 10:58

OK now I've drawn you in...
I have amassed a pile of copper and fives.probablt about a fiver in total (not putting my address so I don't get robbed).
I'm completely stuck on how to spend it. I had the bright idea of using it at a self service check out in a quiet time (so as not to annoy the cashier or others) but these are all card. You don't see charity boxes any more. I'm not prepared to go to the bank for this, and I don't think they'd thank me either :)
Before anyone starts, yes I do know there's a pandemic on and I do have other problems.

OP posts:
Candiscophonous · 29/12/2020 11:00

Can’t you just pour it in the counting machine at tesco? Coinstar is it called? Then get a nice coffee or a magazine or something?

iamabox · 29/12/2020 11:00

Take it to your local corner shop, they may need change.

SmellyPooHead · 29/12/2020 11:01

Our sainsburys have a machine outside where you can changed coins up. They charge a commission though

Original poster
StealthPolarBear · 29/12/2020 11:01

I don't think out local medium sized tesco has. Acoinstar but will look.
Would a small shop really thank me for paying for a fivers worth of stuff in twos and ones? I'm sure he'd be very pleasant and polite as he always is but I suspect inwardly he'd be cursing.

OP posts:
Original poster
StealthPolarBear · 29/12/2020 11:02

Looks like I need to find one of these machines then, thanks. I'm not often in a big supermarket, try to avoid them.

OP posts:
Chicchicchicchiclana · 29/12/2020 11:03

Large supermarkets will have a coinstar counting machine. You get a voucher to spend in the shop, they take something like 7p in every £.

One time I did this and I got exactly £6.00. The other thing I needed to do in the supermarket that day was get some passport photos - price of which were £6.00! I still can't quite get over it about 10 years later Grin.

inquietant · 29/12/2020 11:04

Take it to a charity shop as a donation, we do this regularly.

TheGriffle · 29/12/2020 11:04

Save your 2ps for the next time you are able to go to a seaside when times are better and blow them all on the arcades.

Original poster
StealthPolarBear · 29/12/2020 11:04

I like that- the neatness would appeal!
I've just been in the coop, had to go in twice as had too much to lug round in one go (and still managed to forget the one thing I went for - washing up liquid) and spent exactly £18 both times which mildly amused me.

OP posts:
cortex10 · 29/12/2020 11:06

If you bank with HSBC some branches have counting machines that allow you to pay it into your account with no commission (unlike the supermarket machines).

Lweji · 29/12/2020 11:06

Yours would be the first small shop that I know that wouldn't thank customers for change.

What I normally do, though, is to keep as many coins with me and use them to facilitate change at small shops.
No point in collecting them, you only create the problem you're struggling with now.

Chasingsquirrels · 29/12/2020 11:06

@TheGriffle

Save your 2ps for the next time you are able to go to a seaside when times are better and blow them all on the arcades.
Oh yes, this!
EternalOptimist7 · 29/12/2020 11:06

I was going to say arcades - DD12 & I bond over 2p machines.

Sittinginmyoodie · 29/12/2020 11:07

Coinstar

Or put them in little bags and take them to the bank or post office to cash in.

Original poster
StealthPolarBear · 29/12/2020 11:11

Lweji it's not that I collect them as such but I don't have a purse, just a phone holder with space for notes and cards. Pound coins and most silver go into a pickled onion jar which I use for the dc in normal times for breakfast club, own clothes day, cake sale day etc. So the smaller coins just sort of lie around.

OP posts:
Original poster
StealthPolarBear · 29/12/2020 11:12

Arcade is a brilliant idea... Except if I won I'd have even more :)

OP posts:
DelphineWalsh · 29/12/2020 11:14

Just bag it up and pay it into the bank. They weigh the coins not count them.

Original poster
StealthPolarBear · 29/12/2020 11:15

I don't really go anywhere near the bank and don't want to make a special trip.

OP posts:
Downunderduchess · 29/12/2020 11:17

Do you pass any homeless people on your way to the shops etc.? You could give it to them.

Sweettea1 · 29/12/2020 11:18

Bag them up and ask local post office/cornershop to change it otherwise keep saving them you will surprise how much it all turns into. We empty our jar once a year towards dc holiday spends £70 they got in September.

RhusTox · 29/12/2020 11:18

Save them for the penny falls as someone else suggested.

Imagine the joy!

Papatron · 29/12/2020 11:20

Have you tried giving your pile of cash a big hug? I'm reading a self-help book at the moment and it says that I should always embrace change.

TooManyPlatesInMotion · 29/12/2020 11:20

Definitely save them and use them on the arcades when they are able to open again. Hours of amusement for kids and adults alike!

Original poster
StealthPolarBear · 29/12/2020 11:21

No homeless people. Maybe I do just need to find a decent sized jar and start properly saving it. At the moment it's in a memo purse, held closed with an elastic band, in a small plastic bag, and in a separate pile. Next time we finish a jar of coffee I will save it

OP posts:
Oliversmumsarmy · 29/12/2020 11:21

Why wouldn’t you just bag it up and pay it into the bank.
Certainly would never use one of those machines that count it for you

Or just take a handful when you go shopping and pay it into the self service machine.

We always have a jar of change on the go. Every so often we make up the bags for the bank. Dp is the worst with change. He leaves it in piles around the house.
Dc once went through all his hiding places and made up over £70 to bank