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amfirstpocketchange 12 Can small purchases really build savings? We tested it in Birmingham — Being thrifty isn’t the only way to save money. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Saving money sounds great…until you actually have to remember to do it.

Between coffee runs, quick errands and grabbing lunch with friends, most of us are spending money throughout the day but not necessarily setting any aside.

With Pocket Change accounts from AmFirst, money is automatically set aside with every purchase you make, meaning it’s easy to start small and grow your savings over time. We took a typical day around Birmingham—coffee, errands, lunch and a quick thrift stop—to see how Pocket Change adds up in real time.

A gradual way to grow your savings (that actually sticks)

amfirstpocketchange 10 Can small purchases really build savings? We tested it in Birmingham — Over time, you’ll accumulate savings without even noticing. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

In the simplest terms, it works like this: Every time you use your debit card, your purchase is rounded up to the nearest dollar—and the difference is automatically transferred into a separate savings account.

So if you spend $10.01, it rounds up to $11.00, and $0.99 goes straight into savings.

“Think of it like paying with cash and tossing the change in your pocket.

At the end of the day, instead of leaving that change on the dresser, Pocket Change rounds your debit card purchases up to the next dollar and automatically moves the ‘spare change’ into a higher-yield savings account.”
Emily Sammons, Director of Process & Systems at AmFirst

There’s no need to manually transfer money or rethink your budget—it’s designed to help you start small, stay consistent and build momentum over time.

A day of spending (+ saving) in Birmingham

amfirstpocketchange 4 Can small purchases really build savings? We tested it in Birmingham — Started the morning with a coffee run to Cala downtown. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

We took a typical day around Birmingham—coffee, errands, lunch and a quick thrift stop—to see how Pocket Change adds up in real time.

First stop: a morning coffee run at Cala Coffee with a friend.

Total: $20.28 → $0.72 saved

Next, a stop at the gas station to fill up the tank before heading into the day.

Total: $39.30 → $0.70 saved

By lunchtime, it’s time for a quick bite at The Electric.

Total: $16.56 → $0.44 saved

Later that afternoon, a quick thrift run at Sozo Trading Co..

Total: $8.45 → $0.55 saved

At the end of the day, all those small amounts are combined into one simple daily transfer into your savings account, making it easy to track while your savings continue to build.

How Pocket Change savings add up over time

theelectriceast 7 scaled 1 Can small purchases really build savings? We tested it in Birmingham — Lunch with my work besties? Just another chance to add to my savings. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

When you add it all up, the total saved in one day was $2.41.

It may not sound like much—but that’s the point. This approach is built on small, consistent actions that grow over time without requiring big changes.

“Small round-ups can add up faster than most people expect because they happen consistently with everyday spending. It’s a simple ‘set it and forget it’ way to build a savings habit.”
Emily Sammons, Director of Process & Systems at AmFirst

If your daily spending looks similar, that could turn into:

~$17/week
~$70/month
~$800+ per year

Even better, those savings earn dividends (like a high yield savings account), helping your balance grow over time. Rates can fluctuate, but you can always check AmFirst’s current rates on their site.

Why it works (especially for busy Birmingham locals)

amfirst 1 Can small purchases really build savings? We tested it in Birmingham — Sometimes, a typical day in Birmingham can add up to more than you think… starting at the gas station. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Traditional money-saving practices can feel like one more thing to keep up with. Pocket Change flips that by automating the process, using purchases you’re already making and moving small amounts you likely won’t miss.

“It’s a great fit for anyone who wants to build savings without changing their routine. Especially people who are new to saving, busy families, and anyone who prefers small, frequent contributions.”
Emily Sammons, Director of Process & Systems at AmFirst

It’s especially helpful if you’ve struggled to save in the past—instead of starting big, you’re starting small and letting consistency do the work.

Over time, those small amounts could help cover:

A weekend getaway
Gas money
Holiday shopping
Or just a little extra financial cushion!

Ready to start saving without thinking about it?

amfirstpocketchange 6 Can small purchases really build savings? We tested it in Birmingham — Technically, shopping is *saving* you money… so you probably *should* buy that daily coffee. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

If you’re looking for a simple, low-effort way to build your savings, Pocket Change accounts from AmFirst make it easy to start small—and let it grow automatically from there.

Ready to start saving? Learn more about Pocket Change with AmFirst.

Not a member? Click here to get started.

AmFirst is federally insured by the NCUA.

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