Coffee for Less
Buying coffee at a coffee shop is probably one of the least attractive things to do if you consider yourself a bargain shopper. However, I must admit, I am guilty of this pleasure. There is a coffee shop across the parking lot from my place of employment, and I frequent there at least once per week. However, even in my budget conscience mind, I try to save money where I can.
First, this establishment has a loyalty program. I have a punch card that they punch after each purchase and after so many purchases I get my free cup of coffee. Let’s say that your local coffee shop offers you the 10th cup of coffee free through a punch program. Effectively you are getting 10% off the cost of each cup that you buy. Sometimes people forget to carry their card or do not bother with the hassle. This is a mistake, because you are cheating yourself out of free coffee! Sometimes these punch card programs are not really advertised, so just ask them next time you are in your local coffee shop and you might find out they do have one.
Second, my local coffee shop has a cup program. They actually gave me a plastic re-useable cup, branded with their logo. I bring it in each time and save $.50 off the cost of each cup. Not every coffee shop will give these cups away; some require you to buy them. However, if you are regular, it will pay for itself quickly in most cases. Plastic cups are a big expense for coffee shops so if your coffee shop does not offer this, suggest it to them. Also, you will be doing a favor to the environment.
You can sometimes save by using gift cards, especially if your coffee shop is a national chain. On EBAY and other gift card sites (just search Google) you can buy gift cards at a discount. Usually about 10% off and shipping is free. While this is not a great savings, every little bit helps. If you frequent a coffee shop on a regular basis, saving 10% will certainly add up in the course of a year.
If you are addictive to coffee like me, you go to the coffee shop even when you know it is not a wise money saving move. However, I think it is very relaxing to sit down and enjoy a cup of coffee, and sometimes you cannot put a price on that. I do not buy any of the specialty drinks such as a mocha or latte, as they cost well over $3, and that does not make good financial sense. I stick to the regular coffee of the day, with a little sugar and milk. I enjoy it tremendously and to me it is worth the expense.
Buying coffee at a coffee shop is probably one of the least attractive things to do if you consider yourself a bargain shopper. However, I must admit, I am guilty of this pleasure. There is a coffee shop across the parking lot from my place of employment, and I frequent there at least once per week. However, even in my budget conscience mind, I try to save money where I can.
First, this establishment has a loyalty program. I have a punch card that they punch after each purchase and after so many purchases I get my free cup of coffee. Let’s say that your local coffee shop offers you the 10th cup of coffee free through a punch program. Effectively you are getting 10% off the cost of each cup that you buy. Sometimes people forget to carry their card or do not bother with the hassle. This is a mistake, because you are cheating yourself out of free coffee! Sometimes these punch card programs are not really advertised, so just ask them next time you are in your local coffee shop and you might find out they do have one.
Second, my local coffee shop has a cup program. They actually gave me a plastic re-useable cup, branded with their logo. I bring it in each time and save $.50 off the cost of each cup. Not every coffee shop will give these cups away; some require you to buy them. However, if you are regular, it will pay for itself quickly in most cases. Plastic cups are a big expense for coffee shops so if your coffee shop does not offer this, suggest it to them. Also, you will be doing a favor to the environment.
You can sometimes save by using gift cards, especially if your coffee shop is a national chain. On EBAY and other gift card sites (just search Google) you can buy gift cards at a discount. Usually about 10% off and shipping is free. While this is not a great savings, every little bit helps. If you frequent a coffee shop on a regular basis, saving 10% will certainly add up in the course of a year.
If you are addictive to coffee like me, you go to the coffee shop even when you know it is not a wise money saving move. However, I think it is very relaxing to sit down and enjoy a cup of coffee, and sometimes you cannot put a price on that. I do not buy any of the specialty drinks such as a mocha or latte, as they cost well over $3, and that does not make good financial sense. I stick to the regular coffee of the day, with a little sugar and milk. I enjoy it tremendously and to me it is worth the expense.