I am a total coffee addict.Sometimes I wonder if my level of addiction is wrong.
I hope not. Because I think that I would have to attend some sort of support group to give it up.
I have also been known to bring many people down with my addiction. It is not as fun to be alone in your addiction--the more addicts with you, the merrier. Right? Just ask my father-in-law, my friend Pam, and my neighbor across the street. I have dragged them all to the dark (roast) side. Not to mention my husband.....as he always says, "I used to be content with truck stop coffee until I married Sarah." Poor guy--he now spends his days longing for a good mocha from Starbucks.
All of this to make a point--a coffee addiction can get expensive! If I gave in to my cravings every day, I would spend roughly $23 a week on my coffee habit. And that does not include the coffee that I brew at home also.
Because of our need to stick to a budget, I do not indulge in gourmet coffee drinks every day. In fact, most weeks I only buy a coveted brew on Monday mornings during
this blessed half hour. But I do drink a cup or two......or perhaps three....at home every day. And it can get expensive.
So this is how I keep my coffee addiction frugal:1) I bought a Gevalia coffee pot. I had previously bought one when we lived in Wisconsin, and when we moved they sent me an invitation to rejoin for $5. I know a deal when I see one......a relatively nice coffee pot and 1 lb. of excellent coffee for $5.
Fabulous. Normally Gevalia will charge around $15 for this deal, but that is still a great price! (
Just make sure when utilizing this deal that you cancel your membership after your first shipment. Or you will continue paying too much money for coffee that, frankly, is worth it but NOT a frugal investment.)
2) I buy a pound of
my favorite coffee beans, and then grind them together with
a cheaper bean. Usually I can do a half/half ratio and it tastes fine. And my
to-die-for blend lasts much longer this way....
3) The only time I buy name-brand coffee creamer is when it is on a major sale or if I have a major coupon. (Or if I don't have time to get to Target.....) I have discovered that I actually like Target-brand creamer. Usually I cannot stand nameless creamers, but this one is pretty good. And costs $1-$2 less than International Foods or Coffee Mate!
4) I grind my own beans every day or so. There is SUCH a difference in taste! And you actually save money in the long run because you only grind what you will use. Therefore it does not get old and stale-tasting......which is when I throw it away and waste money. :-)
5) Lastly, I pay for my Starbucks indulgence with gift cards.
Rarely do I pay out of pocket anymore. Between gifts from friends and family, rewards from
My Points, and
reward points from my bank, I have not bought myself a mocha in a long time--the gift cards cover it. Plus I take advantage of all of Starbucks'
great deals right now, and ToddlerWorld is good to go in the coffee department!
Now I am off to finish my cup of coffee........
