Flavor Your Coffee

Following the coffee post, it occurred to me that making your own flavored coffee is another way to save some money. So I've compiled some recipes for mixes to premix, shake well, and store.

Mocha Mix

• 1 1/3 cups sugar


• 1 cup non-dairy creamer


• 2/3 cup instant coffee


• ¼ cup nonfat dry milk


• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa

Cinnamon Spice Mix

• 1 1/3 cups sugar


• 2/3 cup instant coffee


• ½ teaspoon cinnamon


• ½ teaspoon nutmeg


• ½ teaspoon allspice

Vanilla Mix

• 3/4 cup sugar


• 3/4 cup non-dairy coffee creamer


• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Amaretto Mix

• 3/4 cup sugar


• 3/4 cup non-dairy coffee creamer


• 1 teaspoon almond extract


• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Add a teaspoon or so to taste in your coffee for an inexpensive alternative to store bought brands. Enjoy!

Coffee Break

When you're trying to stretch your budget, you're willing to make sacrifices in several areas. You'll cut back on ordering pizzas or eating out so often. You'll switch to cheaper versions of brand-name items. But some things you just won't touch. If you're one of those people who must have coffee in the mornings, you probably haven't even thought of any ways to try to save some money there. But even with something you love and feel you can't live without, there are always ways to cut costs here and there.

Try blending your favorite brand with a cheaper version. You can still have enough of the flavor of your favorite while stretching it out, saving money and making it last longer.

If you drink lots of coffee, don't be afraid to buy larger quantities of your favorite brand. Take advantage of sales and stock up, or buy bigger packages than you normally do. Coffee can stay fresh for awhile unopened.

Get a thermos and take the rest of your pot of coffee with you to work, rather than tossing it down the drain. That can also help save money if you have a habit of stopping by Starbucks on your way to work.

When your budget is tight, you have to get creative to save money without giving up too much. Look for other ways to stretch your money you haven't tried before.