Obviously the best way to save money on coffee is to avoid Starbucks altogether but since this is a ritual for many of our lives, here's a list of ways to save:
1. Buy a Starbucks machine: Whether it's a Starbucks Verismo brewer which will be on sale very soon, the Starbucks Pods or K-Cups that regularly drop in price, you make virtually the same beverage at a fraction of the price. Starbucks K-Cup Deals at 48% off can be found here. The top $12 Keurig Pumpkin Spice Combo back for $12 + Free Shipping is here.
2. Ask for light Ice! In my opinion, Starbucks (like most places) fills up your cup with an inordinate amount of ice. Ask your barista to go "easy on the ice" and if you regularly drink an iced medium beverage, a tall (small) light iced drink should suffice. If you regularly drink a large (or Venti), ask for a Grande and enjoy a medium with almost the same amount of beverage while saving serious cash.
3. Buy discount Starbucks cards: Yes, these exist all over the place. As long as the retailer is reputable, used and reloaded Starbucks cards (usually with odd amounts like $38.10 instead of $40) bring huge savings.
4. Use the Starbucks app: The points add up fast for app users who are frequent Starbucks visitors, scoring free drinks, alongside other perks like free drinks on your birthday.
5. Consider the free shaker flavors: Instead of paying extra for a shot of vanilla, a reminder you can shake as much cinnamon, chocolate, nutmeg or vanilla at every counter (where the napkins are) in every Starbucks. No, the flavor is not identical but you can easily save a lot of cash (and calories) over the course of a week.
6. Bookmark Groupon and Living Social: These two websites feature regular Starbucks coupons in the form of half-price gift cards throughout the year.
7. Bring your own mug: The $0.10 discount per drink may not seem like much but if you go to Starbucks almost every day or a couple of times per day, the savings add up while you benefit the environment.
8. Stalk Starbucks: Following Starbucks on Twitter or liking them on Facebook will put additional discounts on your radar like half-price Frapuccino happy hour notifications, $2 treat receipts and other offerings.
Matt Granite is host and producer of "Ways to Save", a daily deal and consumer news segment for TV, web and USA Today. No company pays us to feature their products.
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