For over a long time, people are developing their own theory over Starbucks Coffee’s secret ingredient and why it is so addictive. I am one of the millions around the world who had fallen under Starbucks’ spell, and I came to a point where I was almost a hundred percent convinced their coffee’s secret ingredient is crack. How it gets one so hooked is just so remarkable I couldn’t help believeing that.

Just think about it, you splurge on one latte – - – and pretty soon you’re dying for another one – easily forgetting it costs $4.50 a cup. One day after another you go out and feel like you gotta have your daily dose, else your day won’t begin. And you truly believe it is the only brand in the world that could start your day the way you exactly want it. You are aware it’s kinda pricey versus other coffee, yet you don’t seem to mind. And before you realize it, you’re selling blood and even filling out applications hoping to qualify for an employee discount. Well, okay, you may have not gone that far – at least not yet.

In Save.net, we talk a great deal about different stuff that affects everyone financially – - – directly or indirectly. Oftentimes, we blame our poor choice of plan we got for our phone, or the loads of electronics we have around the house for our skyrocketing bills, or for the car you insisted on buying besides knowing you won’t get it fully paid even after you retire. Yet, we never realize that even the petty spending costs us lots of cash intended for our retirement or at least to cover some of our bills that are w-a-y piling up. Petty they may be, as how most of us look at it, but when done repeatedly, for a long period of time – - – it could cost you your retirement.

You spend on something almost every single day without realizing you can actually do without it. $5 or less for a cup – - – it may not be that big deal to you. But if you do the math, at one cup a day, that’s $135 for the entire month (there goes your car payment), or a painful $1,642.50 for the entire year (not to forget – - – you just drank your vacation money! – - – just that!). Now, they have added some yummy baked goods in their menu, subtly tempting you to spend even more. And don’t even tell me you won’t give in. Are you that strong to break free that easy from Starbucks’ spell?

But I’m not saying that you should give up coffee – - – or Starbucks – - – altogether. Coffee, even the best brands, doesn’t have to cost you outrageous money. One good alternative of keeping yourself from being broke is to make it at home. The World Wide Web has hundreds of recipes for lattes, cappuccinos, macchiato, its frozen counterparts and the rest of the tempting treats Starbucks uses to cast spell on its millions of consumers. Just a quick search on the internet would yield you an incredible list. These recipes don’t take really much time to whip up an incredibly great cup that will take you to the seventh heaven.

Just a while back I found an espresso machine for less than $5. It even came with matching little cups. Talk about hunting for the best bargain. Well, a regular coffee pot is fine too, and many would agree. If you think you’re not into regular coffee, you might think about going for a different brand. But not even the best coffee beans would cost you a $100 per month. With the advent of advanced technology, modern coffeemakers have neat features that allow you to put the coffee in at night, and wake up to it brewing in the morning – - – pretty convenient huh? Pour it into a thermos, head to work, and you’re sure to have a day’s supply of freshly brewed coffee.

They say that the best flavors are enjoyed when you grind the beans yourself. You can have them ground right where you purchased them, free of charge. You can also look around for a budget grinder (there’s plenty in Amazon). Just remember – - – the shorter the time between grinding and brewing, the better your coffee would turn out to be. After all, that’s what all coffee lovers are seeking for right?
After reading this post, I wouldn’t say people will eventually stop drinking Starbucks. I, personally, still crave for the Starbucks brand even when it’s just regular coffee. The brand has now been made available in stores across United States, even in Wal-Mart and Target. Now, they have it in various flavors – - – all equally heavenly. If you’re among those who admittedly couldn’t break away from the mighty coffee brand’s spell as of yet, consider buying bulk. It helps you save some bucks. If you find it more convenient to do your shopping from home, you can get incredible deals on Starbucks Whole Beans bag in different sizes from Amazon. $28 on a 40 oz. whole beans in French Roast flavor (Starbucks, of course) – - – that’s a lot of savings. If you the patience to browse more (which you need if you intend to save some bucks), you can even come across better deals.

If you have the time to register at Starbucks’ official webpage (click on My Account and register a new account and enter your mailing address and other basic information), they send in free coupons from time to time via mail. While you’re at it, you can also register for a Starbucks Card (which doesn’t cost anything, you only pay for the value you want to load to your card – - – anywhere from $5 to $100 – - – and has no expiration dates. You can find it among the options in their homepage). Anyone who has a card get lots of free coupons account from the discount coupons and even gift cards!

What’s more, you can use your Starbucks Card to purchase bulk coffee. They give out free coupon for a purchase of a pound of coffee beans online. When shopping in their store, you get a free coffee for the same purchase, but you can opt to ask for a coupon instead (which you have the choice when you wanna make use of it – - – smart, huh?). Checking their site from time to time will acquaint you with more surprises as they give out more coupons from time to time. Well, since you couldn’t break free from Starbucks’ spell, or maybe you refuse to, at least go an extra mile to make sure your little pleasure won’t cost you your car mortgage, vacation money, or worse, your retirement savings. For more money-saving tips, check more of Save.net’s upcoming posts. Til then – - – and take it easy on the coffee!