How to Save Money Without Giving Up Your Latte

I hate when financial experts tell me I need to cut back on my lattes. After all, it's the only luxury I have. It's not just about the drink; it's the act of getting the drink and feeling it in your hands and smelling the coffee. It's a morning perk I look forward to. Read on to find out how to save money without giving up your latte.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Spreadsheet

1. Make a budget and add a line for coffee.

2. Don't go to the coffee shop every day. Alternate days and make coffee at home. You can also downsize your order. Get a regular coffee for $1.50 or an Americano (which is really a latte without the expense -- just add half and half) for $2.00.

3. Open a high interest money market account. Look for the highest rates and the ones that don't require too much of a minimum balance and have no fees.

4. Learn frugality. Use things longer than usual. Spike your dish soap with water.

5. Don't use fancy name brand products.

6. Cancel cable. You can watch a lot of your favorite TV shows on the Internet now anyway.

7. Cancel your land line and just use your cell phone. Shop for better rates.

8. Get higher deductibles on your auto insurance. Call them and ask them for a reduced rate if you've been accident free.

9. Pay off your credit card debts.

10. Drink your lattes!

[DUSTYMILLS]

on 7/1/2008 We'll all need to live by these rules sooner or later, especially if our economy keeps going downhill. Thanks for the article, loved it!

[AbbyNormal]

on 4/24/2008 VERY GOOD ARTICLE! I don't have cable or satellite. I get 2 channels and on a windy day, maybe three! This is a great article. It really means, give up what really isn't important to you. So if you LOVE your lattes, by all means, keep buying them. Just don't spend money on something that isn't important to you.

[awstories]

on 1/26/2008 I wish I had an entertainment budget! Coffee is it for me. Those--voip and all that-- are good options if you have to keep cable.

[grouch]

on 1/26/2008 Ok so I have to say that I do not agree with step 6. Mostly because I am bias and work in the industry but really you have an entertainment budget and will spend it somewhere. If it is going out or doing something at home you will spend this money. If it is winter I would not suggest it. Plus look at this for starters you can bundle your services, called the triple play, with most providers. If you get voip service then your long distance bill is gone. Voip calls in the US don't cost extra, you will have kick butt internet, and TV to boot. Cable offers on-demand service so you can start and stop a show at your own pace, no other provider offers this technology. The pay on-demand movies are cheaper then going to the movies or renting and you get to view it for 24 hours. I know, cheesy, but you develop a loyalty to any business after you have been in the trenches. Go Cable or go home!