The Coffee Factor

Like most people, I like to save money. And, like most Americans, I like to drink coffee. I like strong, well brewed coffee. We have 3 coffee makers at home; a french press, a drip machine and a decent espresso/cappuccino machine. That said, I often like to go out for a coffee at one of the great local coffee houses in Boulder, Colorado.

When well brewed coffee, including specialty coffee drinks, are available at an independent like at Trident or Vic's, which all have experienced baristas, why go to a chain? I do admit that on a rare occasion I will buy at Starbucks but they do not have the market cornered here. In any case, no matter where you go, your coffee habit can add up to significant money if you don't watch your wallet. Three bucks or better for each latte. This is the coffee factor.

Three Type of Folks

If you are really on a budget, then maybe every penny counts to pay the basics of food, clothing and housing. You may rarely if ever treat yourself to a coffee house beverage. If you are very wealthy, then you probably attained that wealth in part by making deals that made economic sense. Yet, the cost of a mocha whatever is so noise level that you probably tip more than the cost of the drink.

If you are in the middle, like me, then you may have some discretionary cash but that can dribble away pretty quickly with the cost of movies at $10 and a modest dinner for 2 approaching $50 and coffee house drinks at $3 plus.

Small Change for the Folks in the Middle

Let's look at doing small things to save for that cup of java. You will need a coffee mug that you don't like to drink out of. This mug will be your coffee bank.

Put your spare change in the coffee bank. When you feel like a cuppa, use this change. This change can be from your pockets or found under seat cushions, found in the washing machine, found on the ground or on the floor of your car. If you have whittled down the twenties in your wallet to a few singles, before you get more money from the ATM, take one or two of those $1 bills and put them in your coffee bank.

Clip $1.50 worth of coupons for products that you need and use them at a major grocer that offers doubling. You'll have $3 more discretionary dollars for 5 minutes of your time. If you want, put the $3 in your coffee bank.

If you play scratch lotteries, then put your winnings aside for your coffee. Say, you buy a $2 ticket and win $10, your real winnings are $8 which goes towards 3 coffees! Put that $8 in your coffee bank too. You won't be rich and you still will lose money most of the time, but if this is your enjoyment anyway, then why not spend your winnings on something you enjoy as well. There are many ways to fill the coffee bank. Do what works best for you and enjoy your joe.

Copyright 2007 by Mindy Makuta. Mindy and her husband own a small resort in Lyons, Colorado where they host outdoor weddings and family reunions. To learn more about Boulder, Colorado, visit 168Colorado.com/Boulder, on their web-site that helps plan Colorado vacations, including referrals for where to stay and what to do when you get there. For ideas on planning a wedding, romantic gifts and more, see WeddingsandRomance.com, her web-site which covers topics of concern for before, during and after the wedding.