Most of you know that I have a huge addiction to Starbucks. The funny thing is I get decaf coffee. I just love coffee every morning after my workout. I love the taste, the smell, I love the people who work there and it just makes me happy.
One day several weeks ago John came home and teasingly told me that he had read an article in some money magazine that listed the top ten ways to retire early. Guess what was number one, stop drinking Starbucks everyday and make your own coffee. We laughed and joked about it a few more minutes and that was that.
Somehow the thought must have lingered in the back of my mind and one day I decided to do the math. I totaled the cost for the year and thought not bad, it could be worse. I justified the number by telling myself I don’t drink, so I’m not spending money on alcohol. The next thing I did was really stupid! I decided to think more long term. I know I have been going to Starbucks everyday for roughly ten years. I multiplied my yearly total by ten and freaked out!!! I have spent over $20,000 on coffee. Now I officially feel stupid. What a waste! What was I thinking? That is almost two nice trips to Europe and I drank it!
After recovering from my financially induced state of shock, I decided to stop going to Starbucks everyday. It turns out I wasn’t addicted at all. It was just a habit as part of a routine, who knew?!?! I really don’t even miss it. My new rule is I can still go socially but that’s it. In the last three or four weeks I have been twice. Now maybe John can retire a few days early.
P.S. Just to clear my conscience I have to admit that I have now returned to my prior addiction, caffeine free diet coke but I am trying to keep it to one per day. No one’s perfect
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