America is a country that heavily relies on coffee. Coffee is the most popular beverage in America, beating tap water, tea, soft drinks and juice. According to Drive Research, nearly 3 in 4 Americans drink coffee every day and 51% of people purchase coffee from a coffee shop at least once a week.
Find Out: Mark Cuban Reveals Why He Keeps a Strict Budget Everyday
Advertisement: High Yield Savings Offers
Read Next: How To Get $340 Per Year in Cash Back on Gas and Other Things You Already Buy
Many coffee lovers will buy a cup of coffee every day, usually on their way to work, to help themselves wake up and prepare for their day. However, coffee shop prices have increased about 40% since before the pandemic, and while the average cost of a cup of coffee from a coffee shop is around $6, this can add up when you buy multiple cups a week or even multiple cups a day.
However, a financially savvy coffee lover doesn’t have to choose between saving money and indulging in their daily pick-me-up. Here are several ways you can spend less on your daily cup of coffee.
Pay With Cash Instead of a Card
When you buy things with cash, you can physically see how much of your money is going away. When you choose to buy your coffee with cash instead of a credit card, it may cause you to think twice about making the purchase or potentially splurging on an extra treat while you’re there.
Avoid Hanging Out in Coffee Shops
If you work remotely, doing your work at a coffee shop instead of in your home is a great way to change your environment and keep yourself engaged. However, when you spend hours at a cafe, it’s easy to buy another beverage or a food item once you finish your initial cup of coffee. If you want to watch how much you spend on your coffee, limit the days you work at your local coffee shop.
Be Aware: 5 Unnecessary Bills You Should Stop Paying in 2024
Bring Your Own Cup
Many national coffee shop chains, such as Starbucks and Peet’s, offer discounted coffee for customers who bring their own refillable cups. Not only is this a more sustainable option, but you can save 10 cents on your daily coffee.
Purchase During Happy Hour
Many national chains and even some local coffee shops will offer discounts during designated happy hours. Buying a coffee during these times rather than before work can ensure you save money while still getting your required caffeine dose.
Order a Smaller Size
When you’re trying to wake yourself up before work, getting the largest coffee available is understandable. However, a medium or small coffee may get the job done just as well as a large size. Additionally, the Mayo Clinic states that 400 milligrams of caffeine is a healthy amount for adults, but less is recommended depending on your age or if you have certain health conditions. To put this in perspective, a venti-brewed coffee from Starbucks has 410 milligrams of caffeine.