Piggy Banks -Breaking Habits

Break that habit with a piggy bank and a goal!

Many families have used piggy banks or some variation of coin banks to help household members break a habit while financing a family goal at the same time. "Cursing jars", as a classic example, have been used at home to help people break the habits of using particular words. In this case, whenever a household member says a word already deemed inappropriate, he or she is obligated to deposit a pre-determined amount of money into the family piggy bank. Of course, this money must come from that person’s own savings. The reward of such discipline is two-fold: it not only helps to build up a savings (that the whole family will eventually share), but it also helps those individuals to become more aware of their habitual behavior. Developing awareness is perhaps the most crucial step to overcoming undesired habits, whatever those habits may be. Usually an agreed upon goal or activity that the entire family can enjoy will be funded by the piggy bank’s collection.

There are many other ways in which piggy banks can serve as reminders to better ourselves. In addition to the above "penalty" example, you can get quite creative with a "reward" method. For instance, some people that wish to stop smoking reward themselves by depositing a quarter for every cigarette that they don’t smoke. Others deposit coins each time they manage to fend off their sweet tooth, avoid losing their temper, and – for procrastinators – follow through with their daily agenda. With the funds saved over time (you’ll be surprised how quickly it adds up), you may decide to make a car payment, start a new hobby, or take a nice weekend trip with friends. The formula is simple: first, make your goals achievable. Second, persevere. Third, only spend your piggy bank money on something you will enjoy and appreciate (it is recommended to decide what you would buy before the first deposit). After all, you’ve changed for the better – reward yourself with something you wanted in the first place! For those harder to break habits, be encouraged by knowing that your piggy bank's savings will be that much bigger, reflecting the increased effort you put into your goal. While this "reward method" is simply the inverse of the "penalty method" above, both can serve you equally well -- you simply must determine which method is in your better interest. One way or another, a greater reward is in store for you, both monetarily and in the feeling of self achievement.

What habits do you have that you would like to break? How much are those habits worth to you? Can you pay yourself with small change for a job well done, each and every time you don’t give in to your habit? With such intentions the change in your piggy bank will add up very quickly, and before long, you’ll be a little wealthier, a lot more proud of yourself, and inspired to tackle the next aspect of yourself that you would like to change, all while funding a rewarding investment at the same time.