Cheap Living Guide - Changes In Your Coffee Habit That Can Save Money -- New York Magazine

Caffeinate Efficiently

Even the smallest changes in your coffee habit can save hundreds of dollars a year. The following calculations assume two cups of coffee a day, either purchased at a store or brewed at home.

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Published Nov 2, 2008

Rethink Your Grande
In a blind taste test of seven coffees, our food critic Adam Platt ranked Starbucks’ $2.11 cup of coffee last. Which is fortunate, since you can save $233 a year by switching to the $1.79 cup at Dunkin’ Donuts. But if you love Starbucks, drinking it at home will save you $1,222.

Be a Frugal Gourmand
Abraço’s cup of coffee came in first in Platt’s rankings, but it also costs a hefty $2.50 at the store. Save $547 switching to his second favorite, the $1.75 cup at Gimme! Coffee—or save $1,345 brewing Abraço’s Counter Culture beans yourself.

Annual Savings: $1,565
(For an Abraço patron who switches to the cheapest alternative, brewing Dunkin’ at home.)

Drink Only at Dives	Get a $14 Haircut
Swap Clothes	Slash Your Bills
Take Your Kids Public	Repair, Don't Replace
Surf the First Wave of Panic-Selling	Recycle Your Romances
Go Generic	Kick Your Cab Habit
Eat Like a Prince at Pauper’s Prices	De-Stress for Less
Trade Babysitting	Whittle Down Your Mortgage
Embrace Low Fashion	Switch Your Supermarket
Paint Your Own Damn Nails	Become Your Own Super
Caffeinate Efficiently	Negotiate Everything
Knock Off Your Favorite Suit	Drink Good Cheap Wine
Be Your Own Restaurant	Dodge the Broker's Fee
Have Fun Frugally	Trade In Your Dog for a Fish
Rent a Dress	Plus: Quick Savers!