Winter and the flu season in full swing I decided today that I was going to get on board with putting a few more healthy things into my diet. My brain plan is to replace my daily coffee and bring on the green tea. Having none I walked down the grocery store on my break at work and picked up two boxes of flavoured green tea. Since it all tastes the same to me I picked up two boxes that were on sale for $2 off over most of the other brands.

When I went back to work I did the math. I usually bought two or three coffee or teas a day at about $1.50 a pop. That's pretty $23 a month I have been spending during the week on coffee and tea. When I buy my own from the grocery store it's .19 cents a tea. That is a considerable amount of savings. I figure it was about $700 a year I could save by not going to the coffee store everyday. Imagine how much more you would save if you are buying your fancy pants designer coffees.

Here are some frugal tips to get you through:

1. Buy your coffee or tea in bulk or when on sale. Shop around and get the cheapest price possible. If you are trying to save money don't buy expensive brands. Regular brands will do just fine.

2. Grab yourself nice custom mugs to drink out of so you always have one ready to go when you need it. I have about three on the go. One at work and two at home. I found a nice brand that was inexpensive and keeps my tea warm for quite a long time. That way they don't get cold and you don't have to throw them out beacause they get cold too fast.

3. Most place I have ever worked in have communal sugar, sweeteners and milks. There are usually big bowls of sugar packets sitting around from the big whigs having meetings. Save by using those during the day.

4. Stick to the plan. I was telling my friend how to save and he complained how awful homemade coffee tastes compared to coffee shop coffee. You will get used to the taste. You have to get the monkey off of your back. It takes time but stick to it. Remember the goal.

5. If you must go to the coffee shop, find a place that has a rewards card so at least you get the odd freebie.