Starbuck's is the Whole Foods of the Coffee World: 10 Tips on How To Save Money and Still Enjoy The Bean - #moneyhungry (2024)

*In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsem*nt, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. Please read mydisclosure here.*

I love drinking coffee. It’s not unusual for me to stop by Starbucks once a week, or one of my favorite independent shops a couple of times a week for a lovely cup of coffee. I used to work at Starbucks and it has a very dear place in my life. Working at Starbucks I learned 10 tips on how to save money and still enjoy the bean!

A great cup of coffee is to be enjoyed by yourself, with friends, or with family. In fact, across the globe enjoying a well-made cup of coffee is a part of the daily fabric of life. Many hard core personal finance will tell you that you shouldn’t go out for coffee, and we are beaten over the head about the dreaded “latte factor.” The Latte Factor is an idea thought up by David Bach (who I love!) Where he talks about the long-term costs of seemingly small expenditures overtime. Let’s be clear, Mr. Bach’s premise is correct, small expenses add up, but I believe that you can still enjoy a cup of coffee without feeling guilty about it.

Sometimes a nice cup of coffee is the treat you need when things are a little rough.

10 Tips On How To Save Money at Starbucks

• I am in love with the Ibotta app. Earn rebates on groceries, clothes, and movies through growing your community and then redeem your Ibotta (affiliate link) earnings to purchase Starbucks cards (as of 1/1/2016 new affiliate sign-ups will receive $10 when they redeem their first deal within two weeks of signing up…this could change at any time). At the end of December I transferred $29 from Ibotta to my Paypal account but I could have transferred that money to a Starbucks card.

• Coffee Happy Hour-At different times during the year Starbucks offers a “Happy Hour.” It usually is a buy one get on free or half off deal during the afternoon hours. Go with a friend and lower the cost.

• Hello Shortie! Order a short cup instead of a Venti. Do even you know about the short? It is basically the European sized coffee that is available at Starbucks. It’s smaller than the Tall which is what most people consider the smallest size.

• Say “no” to extra shots-Keep your coffee simple if you’re on a budget. Order a short and enjoy your joe.

• Get to know the Baristas-You know, the wonderful people making your coffee! Say “Hi” connect with them and you would be amazed at the number of: free coffees and other deals you may get as a result. Don’t worry, they are given a certain number of free drinks a shift and sometimes they are able to share with beloved clientele!

• Wine tastings-Starbucks is expanding into wine and evening pairings. My baristas keep badgering (read encouraging) me to go to a free wine tasting…that they have EVERY THURSDAY. Will be going-STAT!

• Go only for special occasions-Instead of going every single day for a cup of coffee just go for special occasions.

• Say “no” to the yummy stuff…or get the smallest size. If I’m feeling hungry I try not to go out for coffee until after I’ve eaten. Every time I eat too much at Starbucks I ended up spending around $10 bucks! So, I really to avoid eating there or I’ll get something like a cashew snack pack or the cute little vanilla bean scones.

• Don’t be shy-Ask for gift cards from relatives/work/friends.

• Groupon/Living Social Deals-Capitalize on those deals when you see them. Typically they give you an extra five or 10 on your card!

Bonus!

Avoid international specialty drinks like the Flat White-it’s not even close in taste and it’s too expensive and depends on which barista is making it that day. I was in Australia for 2 months and developed an obsession with this specific drink. I have had phenomenal Flat Whites at local coffee shops so I will hold off for specialty drinks for awhile.

Avoid Treat Receipts-It feels like it should be a good deal but it’s really not because you’re being encouraged to go twice to Starbucks in one day. Most people will end up purchasing more than they intended and find that the deal wasn’t worth it.