Southern Illinois Money Savers

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Last time I talked about cutting down on take out and although this has been a problem for me over the years it does not compare to my beverage problem.  Seriously, in just a minute you will understand.

About 6 years ago I was totally addicted to diet Coke, I drank it morning noon and night I finally decided it was making me sick and I quit cold turkey which was horrible.  However it wasn’t too long until I NEEDED something to replace it.  That is when I took up Dr. Pepper, real Dr. Pepper.  Now I couldn’t drink as much Dr. Pepper as I did Diet Coke because it was full of calories so I would just run to the gas station to get one when I was in need.   Overtime each of those little stops begin to add up.

Then about a year and a half ago I quit Dr. Pepper and all was going well for about 6 months and we went to Florida on vacation and I allowed myself to drink Cherry Coke, the real stuff.  Well I came home wanting Cherry Coke at least every other day if not more.  I wouldn’t buy it and keep it in the house because I would just drink it all but stopping at the gas station to get a soda every day or every other day adds up fast especially if the kids get one too.

For the next 8 months I tried to quit but every time I did I found myself stopping in Casey’s or Hucks to get a Starbucks Frappuccino which happens to cost a ton more than a fountain soda.  74cents for a fountain soda as opposed to $3 for a Starbucks.   Seriously this was wiping out my eat out budget faster than you can imagine so we would just add more to the eat out budget.

Then about 3 months ago I just said enough is enough and stopped the soda cold turkey.  I will admit it has been difficult and I still occasionally treat myself to a Starbucks however this is no longer a several time a week occurrence.

At home I am keeping juice, milk, filtered water in a pitcher as well as a pitcher of sweet and unsweet tea in the fridge.  This helps keep the urge away from wanting to go buy unnecessary beverages that are blowing our budget and are not even good for us to begin with.

I also make coffee in the morning, I normally drink it black but if I feel like I am craving a Starbucks I just doctor it up with milk and sugar which curbs that craving.   I have also been making hot tea with milk and honey for myself and the girls which curbs that sweet drink craving.

Now I am sure most of you don’t have a soda addiction where you find it necessary to run to the gas station to get a soda from the fountain on a regular basis however there are still things you can do to save in the beverage area.

1. Drink water when out to eat.  (this can save a ton especially when a lot of places are about $2 each)
2. Purchase a Brita Pitcher instead of bottled water.  We have 2 of these and keep them full of water at all times. We have been using these for years and have discovered the filters do last a little longer than the recommended time. 
3. If you must drink soda, gatorade, Starbucks or whatever your beverage of choice may be, purchase it at one of your local stores when it is on sale.  Don’t visit the gas station every time you want one. (like I did)
4. Try making your own at home.  Make your own tea, lemonade, coffee, etc.  I have even been working on perfecting a homemade version of Starbucks.  When I get it really good I will post a recipe. 

What beverage can’t you live without?