Ever wondered how the Piggy Bank got its name?

According to Charles Panati’s Extraordinary Origins of Everyday Things, people were saving money in kitchen pots and jars made of a clay called pygg, hence “pygg jars”.   By the 18th Century, pygg jar had become pig bank.  Potters began casting the bank in the shape of its common, everyday name.

If you’re anything like me, these days you’re more interested in filling your piggy bank than ever before.   It’s become a kind of fun game for me.

Lately, I’ve been making note of what I’ve been doing differently to ‘feed my pig’.  Here are my favorite ten ways.

1. I don’t buy things I don’t need. And yes, sometimes I NEED dark chocolate.

2. I don’t buy things I can’t pay for on the spot. This has been a gradual shift.  I stopped using credit about 20 years ago.  That’s simplified my life (and helped my balance sheet) a lot.

3. I try to remember that money is a resource not a goal. I am a firm believer that money doesn’t buy happiness.   It can afford a sense of freedom though.  So I see money as something to use not to worship or hoard.

4. When I do make a purchase, I remove something from my home to offset bringing in something new. This has been an amazing shift!   Each time I buy something I have to consider what I’ll release.  Space is finite.  Stuff is not.

5. I look for deals. DUH…

6. When I don’t see deals, I ask for them. Hey, I’ve heard NO before and I’ll hear it again.  Never hurts to ask!

7. I use the internet to surf for savings on things though coupons , bardering and vacation home exchanges.

8. I consider value before price. A few years ago, it was time for a new ‘fridge.  I did my research, determined what I was looking for in a ‘fridge and looked for the best deal I could find (from my favorite local merchant) and went for it.  In short, a deal isn’t a deal if you won’t LOVE the end result.   And I LOVE my ‘fridge!

9.  I pay attention to the little things. Yep, they really do add up. Little things are also indicators of larger things – IE – I spend money on what I value.  Keeping track of every penny I spend helps me pay attention to whether or not I’m valuing the right things.

10.  I let go of guilt. Choices happen and so do mistakes.   When I make a financial one, I do what I can to make it better then let go.   In my book, guilt is the most useless feeling out there.

So here are some of the ways I’m feeding my pig these days.  How do you feed yours?