Learn to save money at Starbucks! kktryj / Flickr
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
It’s no secret that I love coffee. A while ago, I even revealed my coffee addiction was costing me major moolah because I was charging my purchase. I’ve reformed my ways since then. If you can’t give up the trips to Starbucks, I share five tips to saving money while still getting your fix.
jekert gwapo/Flickr
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
I have a confession to make. I am addicted to coffee – the pricey frapps and ice blended drinks. But that’s not my only problem. In order to keep up with my caffeine addiction I’ve been charging the drinks on my credit card. Not smart at all, especially when I carry a balance.
I didn’t realize how bad it had gotten until I was reviewing my e-bill and noticed almost half the charges made were at coffee shops. My addiction began about six months ago when I took on more responsibility at work and couldn’t get out of the newsroom until 10 or 11 p.m.
Waking up extra early didn’t help either. By 3 p.m. I needed a pick me up and walked to a local coffee shop for my fix. If I didn’t have cash on me I would simply charge my $4 drinks. In no time my habit added up to $20 a week. Now I pay for my indulgence plus interest.
I shared my dilemma on the Bargain Babe Facebook page and many readers offered solutions that I am implementing. Here’s my plan. First, I’m going cold turkey. I had my last ice blended drink this weekend. I am not frequenting any coffee shops for a while and most importantly I am working hard to pay off my credit card debt. Note to self, don’t use plastic to pay for food or drink!
I am also fighting my expensive coffee addiction one tea bag at a time. Compared to coffee, tea is less expensive and doesn’t add extra calories (unless you add cream). I am using my coffee maker at home more often, as reader Janna suggested:
“I make my own cappuccinos now. I have a Senseo, which I *love* ($.25 per cup). I warm up some milk in the micro, then foam it up with an Aerolatte; simply awesome. For the counter space saved over a home espresso maker and the cost you can’t beat it.”
Having worked at a juice bar, I have enough experience to tackle making coffee at home. I also have an Aerolatte so I just need to commit to doing it myself.
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