Shacked Up? Cash In!

Seattlest has a sophisticated aesthetic. We also, as of late, have a live-in boyfriend, who brings to our shared home not just his sparkling wit, but also a quart mason jar and white plastic mini-trashcan, both packed with loose change.

This coin "collection" hardly counts as bedroom decor, so we were shocked to learn there's something like $10 million sitting (interest-free!) in mugs and ashtrays all over the country, according to Coinstar the Bellevue-based business that charges to count your money (8.9 cents on the dollar; the fee is waived if you take a gift card instead.)

What? You're still sitting there? Make like Scrooge McSeattlest, and lug that soon-to-be community property to the nearest Coinstar kiosk. It's not gold-digging. Duh. They're not even copper.

The emerald green machines are located, unfortunately, near the checkstands in the high-vis section of the supermarket, and work like penny slots in reverse. Pour in your jackpot and prepare to wait an excruciatingly long time. The jingle of assorted coins will be deafening. People may stare at you; panhandlers will glare at you. Tell them a penny saved is a penny earned. Tell them you're turning clutter into liquid assets -- in our case $26.04 on a Starbucks card.

Tell them... Oh, just tell them to keep the change.