Finding $$

The other day I pulled out my wallet in search of a spare CTA (public transit) card for visiting friends. I hadn't used the wallet in ages as I've gotten used to carrying around a more conveniently sized card case. At any rate I "found" about $20 in dollar bills. Is it just me or is one of the best feelings ever finding money- even when it's your own!

I have found other people's money on a couple occasions. Once I was in high school and picked up $10 laying on the ground at the mall. Another time I found maybe $150 in the couch cushions of a lounge at Johns Hopkins, where I was working as a counselor for the CTY program. No one ever reported it missing/inquired so I got to keep it. And fairly recently I spotted a $100 bill on the ground at an airport, but I could tell immediately who had dropped it and she sure was relieved to have it back! That made me feel good too.

I've lost money as well, most memorably on a high school trip to Disney World where I lost my wallet, which must have had close to $200 in it. Man oh man was that the worst feeling ever. I kept thinking about how hard my parents had worked so I could have that money.

One thing I never used to do was pick up coins. I see lots of coins lost or abandoned on the sidewalk or on the bus/train, mostly pennies but occasionally some silver shine as well. These days I've realized how much change can add up, and will pick up whatever I see. As I explained in this recent post I use a credit card for 98% of my purchases, so it takes me a long time to gather coins. I can't wait until I have enough to take to one of those machines and get a gift card in return (no fees!) I know a lot of you snowflake that extra money to put toward bills etc., but I tend to squirrel them away for treats.

Here's to hoping that you find more than you lose!