From Spare Change to Shs 27 Million: The Coke Bottle Savings Story
A man from West Yorkshire, England, has saved a remarkable amount of money through an unconventional method. Over the past four years, he accumulated over £5,000—equivalent to approximately 27 million Ugandan Shillings—by consistently depositing £1 coins into a Coca-Cola bottle.
Kyle Greenwood, 34, recently shared a video on TikTok showing the moment he emptied his makeshift piggy bank. The video, which features him pouring the coins out and sorting them into carrier bags, quickly went viral, amassing over 1.6 million views. Greenwood’s unusual saving method has inspired many viewers to try similar techniques.
Greenwood began his saving journey during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially, he intended to use the saved money for a new car or a vacation. However, as the savings grew, he decided to use the funds to help purchase his and his partner’s first home.
He described the experience as a test of discipline, revealing that he was tempted to spend the money several times but remained focused on his goal. The Coca-Cola bottle, a gift from his grandfather, became a symbol of his commitment. Greenwood’s goal was to fill it up entirely.
In his video, set to Abba’s “Money, Money, Money,” Greenwood and his partner, Cat, made guesses about the total amount saved. Greenwood estimated £4,651, while Cat guessed £4,855. When they finally counted the coins, the total came to £5,005.20, surpassing both their predictions.
In the comments section of the video, viewers reacted with humor and curiosity. Some joked about the amount being enough for small treats, while others admired the dedication required to save such a sum. One commenter remarked on the possibility of using the money for vacations, highlighting the impressive result of Greenwood’s efforts.
According to Zoopla, the average deposit for a house in the UK is around £22,500. While Greenwood’s savings do not cover the entire amount needed, they represent a significant step towards his home-buying goal. He advised others to start saving small amounts and watch their savings grow, emphasizing that his journey began with just a single £1 coin.
