This year is all about saving money every day while trying to increase your income potential. If you did one thing each day that could save as little as $5 over the course of a year, you could have an extra $1800 in your pocket at the end of the year. Not all of these tips may apply to you, so to keep it fair, not all of them will apply to me.
Honestly, this might be one of those savings tips that probably only applies to me. I’m a HUGE tea drinker. I come by it honestly, though. My great-grandmother used to tell my mother that at the rate she drank tea, she was going to be reincarnated as a tea bag.
My dad wasn’t much better. I remember every morning my father would have a cup of Lipton Tea with a bit of Sweet-N-Low and he’d sit down at the head of the kitchen table and read the paper. I’d walk in, sit in the chair next to him. Without a word he would hand me the funnies, and I’d “sneak” sips from his tea. My mom would then walk in, see me drinking the dreaded Sweet-N-Low and proceed to ruin the quiet portion of our morning.
I still can taste my Dad’s tea. I still drink out of his old cup. My tea taste, however, has diversified. In fact, tea can be an expensive habit to have. They span a wide variety of types and quality, hot and cold brew. I love Lipton, and green tea, and Good Earth tea, Constant Comment, Chamomile, Sleepytime Wellness, and Peppermint just to name a few.
One of the ways I save money on drinking tea is simple: I use the tea bag twice. We always had a small tea plate next to the stove where the kettle sat. After steeping your tea, you put the bag on the plate for the next cup. Honestly, I have a thermos for tea and I only put one tea bag in there, for about six cups of tea! Even if you like your tea really strong, you can put two or three tea bags aside to make that third or fourth cup. Sometimes you can use it to make your own blend: I recommend Sleepytime Wellness with green tea.
I spend about $30 a year on tea, adding to my current stash. Even if you just make iced tea, by cutting your tea bag usage in half, you should be able to save $5 a year. In the specialty tea world, that’s barely a box.
365 Days of Saving: $430 Annually
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Good reminder! I always try to save my bags… but by the time I return to it to make another cup, it looks creapily dried out, so I end up adding it to the compost bin. I need to follow your lead and just brew up a bigger initial serving to enjoy the brew longer : ).
P.S. Loving this new format – the brevity but practicality of the helpful hints are wonderful! Very easy for a quick, inspiring read.
Ooohh..great idea! I love tea, especially peach tea!
I am loving your tips and can't wait for the next one!
@Jules: I know the creepy dried out ones. But when you think about, tea starts out dry, just not in a colored paper strainer.
Thank you for your comments;I'm glad you like the new format. I kept thinking: "I know I do small things everyday, and they're usually the most fun."
@A.Marie: If you like peach tea, this summer take some peach iced tea, and add peach sorbet (the real fruit kind, not the cream kind) and a bit of rum. Blend for a divine summer adult beverage. It's one of my favorites!