Crazy Money! Pennies and Gifts from God

It’s Crazy Money Day! 

Businesses across the country are reporting penny shortages. The U.S. Department of the Treasury placed its final order in May for the blank metal discs used to mint them. Once exhausted, pennies will no longer be made. It’s estimated that ending production could save the government $56 million annually.

Years ago, a man rolled a wheelbarrow full of coins into the Department of Motor Vehicles to pay a $3,000 bill. That’s crazy! Another man, Otha Anders, collected pennies for decades. He filled 15 five-gallon containers with them. His homeowner’s insurance policy stopped covering the coins. So, in 2015, he cashed them in for over $5,000, which he applied to a dental bill. He was so committed to saving pennies that he originally said he would never spend one. He found the first one on the ground and saved it because it reminded him that life is a gift from God, and he continued to save them for the next 45 years. He believed that spotting a lost or dropped penny was an additional God-given reminder to always be thankful. He would stop where he was and say a prayer whenever he found a penny.

Are you aware of God’s generosity in your life? He provides for us daily in ways we often fail to recognize. We don’t have to look very hard to experience His loving-kindness if we simply open our eyes and hearts. Whether we see a penny today or not, let’s thank Him for all He’s entrusted to us.

And if you need help navigating your finances, a Crown online course or trained Budget Coach can set you on the path to financial freedom.  Go to crown.org and click “Get Help Now.” Start today at crown.org.