• Order a short-size coffee in a tall cup. James says the next time you order a coffee at Starbucks you should ask for a short drink in a tall cup. The barista will likely fill the cup three-quarters full. By the time you add cream and sugar, James says you'll have a tall drink for the price of a short one.

• Split a Venti with friends.  Order a 24 ounce Venti Frappuccino, along with two tall 12 ounce cups, James recommends. You'll save a few bucks by splitting the drink yourself..

• Order a Chai Tea and make your own Latte. James recommends ordering a Chai Tea, which will come with water and a tea bag. To turn it into a Latte, ask the barista for some steamed milk separately. James said you should be able to get 1.5 inches of steamed milk for free. Combine the tea and milk and you've got a Chai Tea Latte. Total savings: a little more than $1.

For more Starbucks menu hacks, visit James' blog.

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Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, a Democrat, has decided to run for governor. (Ben Gray for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Credit: Ben Gray for the AJC