How to Budget Your Coffee Expenses

Coffee is a habit that can get expensive. The average person spends around $1,100 annually on coffee, which comes out to $3/day.  This is mostly due to purchasing coffee from shops instead of brewing it at home. Also, purchasing fancy drinks like lattes and cappuccinos cost more to make even if you make it on your own. 

Here are some tips to making sure your coffee addiction doesn't take a toll on your wallet:

Brew Your Own

 This is the cheapest route. Although it is more convenient to have someone else brew your coffee, you are paying for it, literally. Coffee-makers are super cheap and within a week it will pay for itself.  If strength is what you’re looking for, stick to dark roasts. If that’s not enough, there is a coffee brand called “Death Wish.” It is the world’s strongest coffee, at least twice as strong as any other coffee out there. 

Coffee Over Cappuccinos

Coffee is much cheaper than fancy drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. Even making them at home. A cappuccino maker is  ten times the price of a coffeemaker.

 Where To Buy

If you can’t brew your own and want the most bang for your buck, Starbucks has the strongest coffee out of the coffee shop chains. A Venti (large) runs under $2 which falls under the average annual coffee budget.

Have A Coffee Budget

An easy way to do this is to get a coffee card, like at Starbucks where you can refill it every week to make sure you don't go over your budget. Another way is to have a "coffee fund" where you just throw in a dollar or two when you have it and and pull from there.

5 Tips to Cut Back On Food Expenses

Food is a large necessary expense. However, many people spend way more on food than they need to. Here are some tips on how to cut down on your food expenses.


Keep Eating Out to a Minimum

It's so convenient to have someone else do the cooking, but when you spend $15 a meal each time you go out, that really adds up. Just think about how many meals you could have bought at the grocery store for that price! Eating out should be a treat, not a daily expense.

Stock Up On Canned Foods

They are super cheap and will last forever, so you can't go wrong here. They are also quick to make so you can easily add some green beans or yams to any meat of choice and voila! Simple, quick dinner!

Buy Only What You Plan To Use

Each time I shop, I tend to buy like it's the apocalypse.  I pack my buggy full of food that I know I won't eat for at least another week or so, but for some reason I feel compelled to get it. Plan your meals and only buy what is essential!

Buy Appropriate Portions

Many times I find myself throwing out food I didn't get to and now it has gone bad. Don't feel pressured to buy the whole bundle of bananas or to get the "big salad" for a few dollars more if you know you won't even get a chance to eat all of it.

Know What Meat To Buy

Let's face it. Meat is the biggest expense. You can go vegan or you can learn to buy smart! I personally love those frozen chicken bags. There are around 10 chicken breasts for under $10! Other cuts of meat that tend to run cheap are: Untrimmed Beef Brisket, Pork Shoulder, Flank Steak and Burgers.