Have you ever watched a commercial or read an advertisement or an article about a new idea or product and thought:

Hey - that's my idea - I've been doing that for years!

That happened to me last night as I watched a television commercial for Bank of America and their new program called Keep the Change.

Each night when I come home I empty my pockets, wallet and purse of loose change and put it in a jar. The change is from each dollar that I've broken to make a purchase. The change is for something totally selfish JUST FOR ME. Not the kids or the house - just me. Last year I saved enough to go away for a weekend with my friends to a cabin. This year I'm saving for a trip abroad. I can dream, can't I?

So then I hear about this program where Bank of America will round up every check card purchase you make to the nearest dollar and the difference will go into a savings account. Bank of America is helping you save in an easy, PAINLESS, way. And you don't have to roll the coins!

It's a great idea. Is it enough to make me change from my current bank to Bank of America? No. The thought of closing an account and opening a new one is just more work than I have time for. Would I save more money if I switched? Yes. So maybe I'll think about it.

That's not the point.

The point is that here is a company that has found a new way to stand out from their competition to make something boring and ordinary - fun, interesting and valuable!

Hats off to B of A.