$aving money?

I have recently been on a cheap coffee kick. My l-o-v-e of coffe is nothing new; it is my vice of choice and I'm not ashamed to admit I need a cup (or three) to get me started in the morning. And one in the afternoon for the two-o-clock blues. And preferably one at dinner; decaf, though, cause I'll be up all night! :) It's not just the caffeine, I love everything about coffee- the smell, the warmth, the flavors... I can have as many varieties of coffee as icecream (including coffee icecream!).

I could sing the wonders of coffee all day long, but you know what I can't sing the wonders of? THE PRICE. I worked at a coffee shop during my previous year at college, and that's where I credit my eyes being awakened to the gloriousness that is expensive, albeit confusing, and the many concoctions that are coffee. Latte, cappucino, espresso, fresh ground, etc- I love em' all. And during working hours? FREE. Non-working hours? HALF PRICED. Not bad, for a starvin' college student.

My wallet began to take a hit this summer as I no longer worked at the Cafe but still craved coffee, so I started to detox and cut back- somewhat. And to clarify, I'd drink my parents' brew and MAYBE buy one cup a week- progress, but still spending my hard-earned $$ at overpriced (but wonderful) coffee shacks. Now that I am working again, I do have a little extra spending money- but I'm still not making enough to spend $2-4/day on coffee. (for ONE cup- I KNOW RIGHT?!). Thus, cheap(er) coffee.

I enjoy paying $1.06 for a cup of coffee in the morning- a cup of coffee that is surprisingly hot & delicious. (Count the number of times I said delicious in this post, I dare you- my adjectives this morning are astoundingly diverse.) I can justify spending that money- especially when I can pay for coffee with change. Yep, I'm that girl in the drivethru- and why shouldn't I be? I'm not ashamed to save my dollar bills for more important things. (Like shoes. Shoes are always more important than coffee.)

What I don't enjoy is the lack of interaction with the people at McDonald's as opposed to the barista (read: fancy name for 'coffee maker') at other coffee establishments. I enjoy being asked how I'm doing, the joys of conversation, and being asked if I'd like anything else. I LOVE one-on-one interaction; I thrive on being near people, and when I get my $1.06 cup of joe, there is a lack of said social gatherings. I am a number, not a valued customer. But I'm cool with that- I'm taking that extra money and banking it for the future, my friends. I can deal with a little less customer service and save money! (I AM Pennsylvania Dutch- saving is in my blood).

So tell me... what do you sacrifice to save a little extra $$ here or there?