If you’re frugal like I am, you save your pennies (and nickels, dimes, and quarters). I have a big jar that I throw all my loose change in.
Usually I just take the jar to the bank when it is full and cash it in. Two weeks ago I saw the first Coinstar machine in my area. Coinstar counts your change for you… for a price. You spend a whopping 8.9% to have them count your coins for you.
My first reaction was to just head to the bank. But after further research, I have learned that there is no fee to use Coinstar if you convert your change into a gift card. Gift card options include Amazon, Itunes,JcPenney, and Circuit City, to name a few.
I still think I’d rather have the cash (from the bank)… but if I had an item I really wanted from one of the select stores, I would use Coinstar. I’m thinking it may be a good way for me to be disciplined with my Christmas shopping. (Or the gift card could make a gift in itself!)
I also learned from Freebies4Mom that Coinstar is having a contest in order to educate people about its free service. Click here to register to win a $1,000 Amazon gift card. They’re giving away one gift card every month through Decemeber! 
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