Think about that venti-triple-shot-non-fat-no-whip-mocha-latte you may get from Starbucks every morning – and then think about how much that costs you.  Monthly coffee expenses can cut a huge hole in your wallet and go completely unnoticed.  Here are some savvy tips to quality home-brewing – worth every penny saved!

The Coffee Pot – Having a coffee maker at home is the first step toward saving those two-to-four wasted dollars a day.  Most home-brewers cost less than your monthly java expenses: the cheapest models weighing in at a mere $9 from Mr. Coffee. Self cleaning mechanisms, boldness controllers, grinders and alarmed timers can help you to prep your Joe before you turn-in for the night – guaranteeing a piping hot vat of barista-quality coffee waiting for you in the morning.  Even those more expensive models ranging from $60-$80 are totally worth the extra perks!

The Beans – If you value the mocha, hazelnut, veranda-style blends – there are homemade options available for you.  Trader Joe’s offers a wide variety of flavors and strengths comparable to the fancy stuff you usually splurge for – but if you’re feeling really savvy then remedy your own flavor with the help of household spices. Buy some regular run-of-the-mill beans and store in jars with cinnamon sticks, chocolate chips, nuts and spices to create your own flavors. You’ll save money in the market by making your own gourmet flavors!

The Cup - Buy one or two reheat-able thermoses to transport your coffee with you to work, in the car, to the office, to the game … You’ll save money (and trees!) by not using paper cups every morning!

Savvy Savings Tip: Buy whole beans in bulk, measure out your beans for the week and freeze the rest! Save on quality and quantity by preventing the beans from going bad in your pantry.