Smith 
This post is a bit different from my usual style, but I just had to share it. Like most people I know, I love coffee. So, if you’re looking for ways to save money on your coffee habit, this is for you. Grab a cup and let’s dive in.
Besides death and taxes, two things I know for sure: people love coffee and people love saving money. If you’re running to get your coffee first thing in the morning, these tips might save you hundreds, even thousands, of dollars a year. Sounds too good to be true? Think about this: coffee is the second most traded commodity in the world, just behind oil. It’s a $10 billion per year industry, and Americans consume around 10 pounds of coffee beans per person annually.
Let’s say you buy a large $4 mocha every day on your way to work or school. That’s over $80 a week, and if you add lunch or an afternoon coffee, it adds up quickly. Here are some tips to put some of that money back in your pocket:
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Expensive Doesn’t Mean Better
A blind taste test by NYMag food critic Adam Platt ranked Starbucks last! With Starbucks coffee at $2.11 versus Dunkin’ Donuts’ $1.79, switching could save you almost $230 a year. Brewing at home? Using Starbucks beans could save you over $1200 annually, and Dunkin’ Donuts beans over $1000. That’s enough for a family trip to Disney World! -
Get Creative
Love Starbucks Frappuccino? Opt for an iced latte instead and ask for extra syrup. Or, buy a black coffee and add your own milk, cream, and sugar. Another trick: get a double shot of espresso in a large cup and add your own milk to make a latte. Experiment; it’s fun and saves money. -
Gift Cards
Gift cards might not directly save money, but you can get them cheaper on Craigslist or eBay. Your company might sell discounted gift cards too. If your coffee habit is pricey, this tip could help. -
Re-Use Your Grounds
Used coffee grounds can deodorize your fridge or freezer, act as natural fertilizer in your garden, and even keep cats and ants away. To stretch your coffee, mix 50% new grounds with used ones. Adjust the ratio to your taste. -
Spice It Up
Add whole cloves, dried blueberries, grated orange or lemon peels, cinnamon sticks, toasted nuts, cocoa, or nutmeg to your coffee grounds. You can even use liquid extracts like vanilla to flavor your coffee. -
Members Only
Join a coffee club if you buy your own beans. Coffee clubs often offer savings compared to buying beans sporadically. A quick Google search for “coffee club” will show you tons of options. -
Natural Energy Fix
If you drink coffee for the caffeine, consider exercising or eating fresh fruit instead. Studies say an apple can give you more energy than a cup of coffee. Plus, exercise has numerous health benefits. -
Buy a Coffee Maker
Investing in a quality coffee maker can save you a lot. It’s cheaper than buying coffee pods or hitting the drive-thru. While pod coffee makers are convenient, the cost of pods can add up. -
Buy From Big Retailers
Some major retailers now offer Fair Trade coffee at affordable prices. This supports farmers and offers consumers a less expensive option. -
Buy a Mug
Using a reusable mug can cut down the temptation to buy coffee from expensive cafes. Tools like a thermos and coffee maker help too. -
Froth Your Own Milk
A $2 milk frother from Ikea can save you money. Just don’t get carried away and buy more than you need! -
Look for Free Coffee Deals Online
Remember “free coffee Mondays” at McDonald’s? Sites like CoffeeNate.com often have giveaways. -
Wait for a Mistake
Sometimes baristas make the wrong drink. If you’re patient, you can snag the mistake drink for free instead of it being thrown out. -
Grind Your Coffee Fast
Don’t grind your coffee too far ahead. It loses flavor within 20 minutes of being ground. -
Coffee Ice Cubes
Make coffee ice cubes for your iced lattes. They won’t water down your drink. -
Make Your Own Creamer
Store-bought flavored creamers can be pricey. Make your own at home for a fraction of the cost. Tons of recipes are available online.
