How to Count Change

Have you ever counted a large pile of coins only to lose track when you're just about finished? There's definitely an easier way to count coins without spending all day ending up back at square one. Count change by following a few helpful hints.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Purchase coin wrappers at your local dollar store or pick up some at your bank for free.
2. Separate coins into categories. Group all pennies in one pile. Group nickels, dimes and quarters in their own separate piles.
3. Count pennies one through 10, then begin again at one. This eliminates you losing track. Once you count out fifty pennies begin to slip them into a wrapper.
4. Close coin wrapper by folding in both ends.
5. Continue counting out the remaining pennies in separate groups prior to wrapping them.
6. Begin counting out the nickels, dimes and quarters following the same procedure.
7. Place an address label on filled change wrappers that you plan to cash in at your bank. Most banks require identifying information, and doing this beforehand will save you time at the bank.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't let your change collection get to big before you sort your coins. Otherwise, you'll be too overwhelmed with a large pile of change to count.
• Keep in mind that automated coin-counting machines will charge a hefty fee for counting your change.
• Remember to get a stack of coin wrappers when you're at the bank. Save money by not having to buy coin wrappers. Keep your coin wrappers and address labels in the same spot for easy retrieval.