Drink Savings
Last weekend I spent close to $40 on alcohol. That is a little out of the norm for me, but it does happen once and while. I began thinking that I was dumping a great deal of money down my throat for no other purpose than to be social. I then thought of other drinks that I have on occasion such as, coffee, milk shakes, pop, milk etc. This stuff can really and up $$$ wise and some if it is not exactly healthy either. My plan is to only drink tap water (cheapest), milk and I don’t want to cut out my diet Dr. Pepper because I love it. It is difficult to estimate my savings if I only drink water, milk and diet DP for a year but based on some spending habits I have looked at it could be upwards of around $2,000. I am going to be conservative and use $1,500.
I am not going to push this on the rest of the family as it is a personal choice I am making and I don’t feel it would be fair for me to ask them to make the sacrifice. After a beer or two tonight I will begin fresh tomorrow morning.
Estimated yearly savings: $1,500
Total yearly savings for implemented strategies: $2,040
Total savings missed for strategies not implemented: $240
Difference: $1,800
I’ll be interested to see how you progress. I have decided to cut down on the amount of soda I drink and replace it with water, so I’m sure I’ll notice a savings as well. Hope we both see big increases in our bottom lines.
I am interested as well to see how it goes. It is the social occasions that may hamper me and my wallet.
Here’s the best solution for you:
1) Buy stainless steel coffee cup, make coffee at home
2) Buy zero water filter instead of drinking tap (contrary to what Toronto mayor David Miller once said, tap water really doesn’t taste like Perrier)
The savings can really amount. Even if you spend $5 a week buying coffee, at 52 weeks per year you’re looking at over $250. Booze can be really expensive as well and would represent the most significant cost. I must have spent around $200 this past holiday season but then again you only live once.