What's your share of $15 billion?

We all have some -- in a jar, on the dresser, in a desk drawer, in the car, maybe even in the cushions of the couch. I'm talking about the loose change that accumulates in our households. It is money saved but not working for us.

Did you know that the average family accumulates about $99 in loose change each year? The U.S. Treasury estimates that $15 billion dollars in loose change is sitting unproductively in homes and cars across America -- and not a nickel of that money earns interest.

It's time to get that money gathered up and deposited in a financial institution where it can go to work by earning interest. Saving that little handful of loose change every day doesn't seem like much, but it could turn into quite a savings or retirement account one day.

Feed the Pig

It's easy. Get the whole family involved with their own banks. Then go for it. Empty the change out of your pocket and into your piggy bank at the end of the day. Do that every day until the piggy bank is full. Then count 50 pennies (50 cents), 50 dimes ($5), 40 nickels ($2) and 40 quarters ($10) and wrap with the appropriate coin wrappers. Take the money to the bank and deposit it straight into your account, as opposed to trading for paper cash and spending it.

Receive your very own piggy bank at the extension's upcoming free workshop on Sept. 13 at 6 p.m. in Chanute. Meal, child care and door prizes are available. See www.southwind.ksu.edu or call (620) 244-3826 for details.

Caution: Counting machines cost you money

Be wary of the automatic coin counting machines at grocery stores and other locations. They typically keep 7 to 9 percent of your money -- that's $7 to $9 of the approximately $100 it took you a year to accumulate. Keep your cash by counting and rolling your coins yourself.

It all starts one coin at a time. Saving 50 cents a day in loose change adds up to $15 a month. Cut soda pop consumption by one liter a week -- that's $6 a month. Bring lunch to work -- that's $60 a month. Eat out two fewer times a month -- you save $30. Bounce one less check -- that's $25. Pay credit card bills on time to avoid a late fee of $25.

Look for more great ideas at www.feedthepig.org and www.americasaves.org.