An article in the LA Times entitled “Bean Counters Note: Coffee At 10-Year High” says it all. The mortgage and gas crises along with skyrocketing food prices are causing many consumers to blow their budgets and begin cutting the fat. If your morning cup of Joe has made your non-essential list, don’t give it up yet. Here are seven ways to save on coffee.

1-Get Savvy

Consumers really need to get savvy. Educate yourself on the per pound price by using a calculator when you shop--then keep a list of commonly purchased items handy. You will be able to evaluate prices better and not be swayed by the word ‘sale’.

2-Warehouse Deals

Shop the warehouses like Sam’s Club and Costco to buy in bulk. Again, break this down to the cost per pound to make sure you are getting a deal. If you don’t have a warehouse card, ask someone who does to pick it up for you.

3-Sales

Look for sales. Know the day the sales are listed in the paper and check regularly. You can’t beat a good two-for-one sale.

4-Use Coupons

Coupons are great in and of themselves; however you can increase their value in several ways. Look for Double Coupon Days. Many stores offer them. Look through the newspaper or the local ‘penny saver’ papers generally delivered weekly to your home. You can also ask your store manager if and when this is offered.

Here is how it works. On Double Coupon Day, the store will double the value of your coupon. Check the fine print though--some stores may only do this for a coupon of a certain value like less than one dollar. If you can use a double coupon for an item already on sale, you may end up getting your coffee free!

5-Stop Wasting

Only make what you use. If you find yourself with excess coffee in the pot, make less.

6-Stop the Snobbery

Stop being a coffee snob and try some of the local coffee shops. In fact, do a taste test. You may find that the coffee in the local deli tastes better than your gourmet cup.

The same goes for supermarket brands. Try one of the supermarket brands of ground coffee; you might really like it.

7-Shop the Economy Stores

I scoured the shelves of my local 99 cents store the other day and found coffee. Take a walk through a few because different bargain stores carry different items

Wal-Mart! I discovered this store recently. Yes, I know that sounds ridiculous given Wal-Mart’s popularity and controversy. You could survive in this store. It has everything and if you are pinching pennies, more likely dollars these days, it is the place to be. Just trawl the aisles and you are bound to find coffee at a great price.