Loose change really does add up. Do you have a jar full of loose change or does it just pile up in random areas of your home? Either way, I bet you’d be surprised if you collected it and cashed it in. According to USA Today, the Transportation Security Administration just added up all the lose change left behind by travelers and it added up to $409,085.56! That’s a lot of change!
You have to practically undress to make it through security, but usually people put their change in those round bowls with their keys, phone and other personal items. Are that many people really forgetting their change? The article said some foreign travelers may willingly leave their change knowing it will be of no value for their trip. However, I think it’s just that people don’t value change. After all, most of us just toss it in our purse or pocket when we get it. Then toss it around our house. You don’t realize how much it adds up until you pick it all up.
A lot of people go through security checkpoints so these numbers are miniscule compared to the number that fly but 20-cents here and 10-cents there really does add up. Maybe these numbers will have passengers taking another look.
So what happens to all this loose change that turns into big bucks? The TSA said it tries to return items that are left behind with their owner, but if that’s not possible the money funds TSA operations. The article said there is legislation pending to change that.
How about Americans change their habits? Value that loose change. Look for it around your house this weekend, and let me know how much you find.
Related link you may like:
Top 10 finds – yes snakes and turtles included – at TSA checkpoints
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