Top Tips for Saving Money on Your Coffee Drinking Routine

Coffee. It’s playing a significant role in the quintessential office experience: wake up, dress for success, rush to the workplace and on the way, get a cup from Starbucks (or any boutique café, for that matter). On a usual day, one trip to your favorite coffee shop isn’t that financially devastating, with an average cup of joe costing between $2-$5. But over the course of a week, a month and year, what could be the impact of your coffee routine on your financial well being?

Here’s a rough calculation: If you skip a cup of latte at around $3.50 per day, you could save $105 in a month of $1260 in a year. That’s a good figure to save and redirect towards something more important (such as kids’ tuition or summer vacations to the Maldives). Even though we’re not asking you to give up your daily coffee ritual, modifying your coffee drinking routine might be the ideal thing to do if you’re trying to save some bucks.

Fortunately, there are a few simple ways to still enjoy your daily cup of joe without breaking the bank. With a few essentials, some imagination, and a little bit of work, you’ll be able to enjoy a cup every morning.

1. Brew at Home

Did you know that it’s possible to make gourmet-level coffee at home? All it requires is a burr grinder, high-quality beans, milk, and coffee maker to get started. Once you’re equipped with the essentials, different coffee syrup flavors can be used to achieve great tasting coffee (similar to what the gourmet line serves you). For instance, syrups like Pumpkin, Vanilla, Hazelnut and Almond ensure you’re able to enjoy Pumpkin Spice flavor every autumn and Gingerbread Mochas during the holidays. No matter the season, there’s a syrup for every occasion.

2. Look for Deals

Deal sites such as Groupon occasionally list deals for coffee outlets and local bakeries. You get credits when you sign up for deals. For instance, you might be able to buy a $20 credit to a local café for only $5, which means you get to enjoy three cups of brew absolutely free. Also, you can follow your favorite coffee store on social media for the latest information on happy hour discounts and other deals like free coffee Fridays. Many coffee shops nationwide also offer loyalty programs to their regular customers. You can sign up and earn points for discounted or free coffee each time you buy a drink. If you subscribe to their newsletter, they will also send alerts and promos for upcoming specials.

3. Try Alternatives

If you’re a regular at Starbucks, you’re aware how fast a Grande size latte can add up to pretty pennies. However, you can save a reasonable sum of money by switching to alternatives like Misto (café au lait). While its taste isn’t as strong as a standard latte, it’s still somewhat similar and enables you to continue your daily ritual. If you don’t like the taste of Misto, take Americano. It’s made with hot water and espresso, which enhances its taste. It’s costlier than a standard cup of coffee but much affordable than a specialty latte.

By taking these measures, you’ll quickly start to save on your coffee drinking routine without sacrificing quality or taste.

Becky Wilcox is a freelance writer who enjoys writing about beauty, fashion, technology and more.  She writes for Life with Lisa as well as several other blogs and websites.  Check back soon for more from Becky.