Caffeine. It’s the lifeblood of America. Just as our cars need gasoline, our bodies seem to run by constantly refueling our coffee tanks. When sleep is low, our feet have a way of putting one in front of the other until we find ourselves face-to-face with a smiling barista. Without thinking, our necessity for artificial energy moves our lips to order our delicious coffee and our hands to eagerly swipe our credit card. The machine is once again running on all cylinders! While the cycle goes around and around, however, the damage to our bank account rises. Here are some ways to keep yourself happy and caffeinated by spending less than you probably are now.
Where Does your Money Go? (The Three C’s)
When you pay for an expensive cup of joe, what exactly are you paying for? Is it the quality of the coffee? Are you spending a little extra for coffee brewed from handpicked, naturally grown Sidamo beans from Ethiopia? Maybe that is important to you. You may want to do a blind taste, though, before you continue to spend more than you need to. Expensive or fancy coffee doesn’t always mean it tastes the best.
Usually, you’re paying for the three C’s: convenience, consistency and comfort. It’s convenient to drive through a coffee shop and get handed a hot cup of your favorite coffee. It’s nice to expect and trust consistency, knowing that the product we want will be the same every time. My triple grande skinny vanilla latte ALWAYS tastes the same at Starbucks. It’s enjoyable to have a comforting environment, making you feel welcome as you walk in the door and are greeted with a “how’s your day?”
While we love convenience, consistency and comfort, we don’t need them with our coffee. We can save a lot of money by sacrificing these luxuries.
How Can you Spend Less?
1) Become a Home Barista
Homemade coffee is so boring! That does not have to be true! Become a home barista! Apart from being a fun new hobby, this will be sure to save you a heap of money in the long run. If you love your lattes, purchase an espresso machine. Sure, they aren’t cheap, but it will pay for itself quickly. (Remember, a medium-sized latte is often around $4 each time you buy!). You’re sure to have a great time learning and trying new drinks and impressing your friends with a perfectly frothed cappuccino.
Even without an espresso machine, you can add some spice to your brewed coffee. When grinding your coffee beans, add in some fun new flavors. Try cocoa, toasted almonds, cinnamon sticks or orange peels to start. Grind these new ingredients with your beans. Some you might not love… but others are sure to be a new hit!
2) Make Cheaper Choices
Ok, so you’re out of the house and your body just sent you an urgent message. It needs coffee, and it needs it now. So you find yourself in a coffee shop again. You still have a chance to save some money by being a frugal customer. You can try ordering other drinks than the common latte, which is espresso and steamed milk. Drip or brewed coffee is always the cheapest. You could also try an Americano (espresso and hot water) or a misto (also known as a “café au lait”), which is drip coffee and steamed milk. Both options are less expensive, and you may find you enjoy them more than a latte. As tempting as they may be, you should try to avoid fancy drinks like a Frappuccino or a seasonal special. They are often far more expensive than a simpler drink.
As you fight back heavy eyelids with another cup of coffee, think about how you can keep your beloved habit without spending too much money. In fact, you can save hundreds (if not over a thousand!) dollars each year by following some of these frugal steps to responsible caffeination.
What do you do to get your coffee fix without spending too much? Post your ideas here!
