You know that feeling you get when you know that it’s time to break it off but you feel such a sense of security that it’s hard to just…let it go? (Go ahead and belt out the chorus to the Frozen song like you’re a preschooler in a mini van…I’ll wait here…)
That feeling is the reason I broke up with Starbucks.
I’ve been in a one-sided relationship with this coffee-house for about 10 years. I visit several times a week, I buy, I bring my loyalty card, I banter with the Barista and throw down close to $6 every single time I go. Heaven forbid that I’m hungry and working on location. Then were talking $10. In exchange I get 16 oz of syrup, soy milk, ice and coffee.
The fact that they are expensive is no surprise to me. I’ve been shelling out this money since I tasted my first Iced Grande Soy Caramel Machiatto my freshman year of college. I wasn’t a drinker in college but when I was stressed you can bet that I found a place to get my delectable, sweet swirling coffee beverage when I needed it. Me and that two tailed mermaid spent many a hour studying in dimly lit corners together. I’d leave the coffee-house with my brain too full, my eyes too tired and my hair smelling like a roasting room every time.
We had a good go at it. Some 10 years later I’ve decided it just can’t be a part of my life like it was. Oh sure, we can still be friends. We’ll see each other on Black Friday, Christmas and those nights I just need a break to hang out with other adult people. I certainly don’t hate Starbucks. It’s just time we spent a little time apart. I know it sounds so cliché but it’s not them, it’s me.
I’ve come to realize that I not only spend about $18 per week there but I also spend close to 1,000 calories a week. $18 per week is $936 per year. 1,000 calories per week is about 1/3 of a pound. That’s 3 hours on the elliptical runner. My go to, never changing, beverage of choice is just too expensive in calories and dollars. I deserve more money and less hours of wasted gym time.
To make the forward progress I need to make, both financially and with my weight loss efforts, we have to sever our ties. There is only one real way to do that. I have to cut up my Gold Level Rewards Card- Cardholder since 2009.
I’m not kidding myself. I know I’m just a cardholder to you. Yes, I’m aware I’ll no longer get my 12th drink free-after I spend $66. I’ll just be another non-color-coded-level-uped member of regular society. One of those people who orders a large rather than a Venti.
On the bright side, you’ve now made it possible for me to enjoy your iced coffee at home each morning for a fraction of the cost of one in-store.
So whatever happens, don’t go changing on me (unless you plan to reduce your prices). Keep brewing that same black magic. One day, when you don’t expect it, I’ll be back around to the coffee shop. When I come around then, distance will have made my heart grow fonder. I’ll enjoy sipping those calories and won’t worry about them one. tiny. bit.
I’m not worried about you. There are plenty of freshman college girls in the sea of sleep deprivation. You’ll find one of them and it will be as if this cardholder since 2009 never existed anyway.
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Kim’s is the party planning, cupcake loving, celebration catalyst behind the Thrifty Little Mom Blog. Kim was a pro event planner for over 7 years before she became a full-time blogger. Kim is the author of: Live, Save, Spend, Repeat: The Life You Want with the Money You Have. She’s been featured on Time.com, Money.com, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Day and more! Kim aims to inspire you to create parties, celebrations and gatherings that everyone loves!
Nicole @ House of Hermens says
Hi, my name is Nicole and it has been 10 months since I have had Starbucks! “Hi, Nicole!” Lol! I was spending about $15 a week on Starbucks coffee – way too much! I started learning how to make lattes at home, and my wallet is much happier! Starbucks is really overpriced and can quickly become a habit – and I am so glad you are calling them out on it. Cheers!
Kim Anderson says
“Hi Nicole!” That’s awesome! I’m about to publish a post in about a week on how I found a way to fund my Starbucks fix without spending my own money and I’m only going once a week now. lol Usually on Mondays because frankly…It’s Monday. lol It is expensive and I too used to go like 3-4 times per week and it killed our budget- our non-existent budget. Thanks for taking the time to share you own story!
Meg says
oh I struggle. I want to quit. I have a bad morning and it’s a pick me up. Sometimes it almost screams my name! I swear there’s some addictive additive, there must be!
Kim Anderson says
Meg- that’s no joke!!! I fell of the wagon this summer but recently set up an accountability system with a friend and now I’m back off the stuff. I have to stay out of Super Target or any grocery store that has one inside. lol
A.Malone says
I’m Canadian but I too had a daily affair with Tim Horton’s, affecionately nick named “Timmies” or nectar of the gods. I broke up with the mogel about 4 years agos after a long heart to heart lecture from Dave Ramsey. After crunching some numbers I was SHOCKED to find out I was drinking the dollar equivalent to our car insurance premium every year! Arugh!!! We broke up and I’m out of debt, frugal, and happy.
Kim Anderson says
That is and awesome story A.Malone, thanks for taking the time to share!
Sarah says
This was one of the best posts I’ve read in a long time!!! Thank you for making me laugh!! 🙂
I, too, broke up with Starbucks about two months ago. It was more of a “forced” break up though. We moved from AZ to NC and surprisingly, in NC there just aren’t near as many Starbucks as there were in AZ – especially ones with a drive-thru (completely necessary with a 2-year-old and a 1-year-old). It’s totally for the best as this has been a long time coming. My husband and I both went EVERY DAY, sometimes TWICE A DAY!!! It was bad. We both just ordered iced coffee, so we were spending anywhere from $8-$15…could be worse, but still, that’s a ton!!!!
Kim Anderson says
Sarah, I’m so happy you enjoyed the post. I’m in the same boat with needing a drive through except that I shop at Super Target and my church has a Starbucks serving cafe. Serious temptation everywhere I go. lol
Janell says
I found this hilarious post from the Frugal Friday Link Up Party. I couldn’t stop laughing. It is seriously expensive and fating. I gave them up long ago ans started making a copy cat frappe at home. May be as fatty but much easier on the pocket.
Kim Anderson says
Janell, I’m happy that someone picked up on the humor I was trying to convey. Making them at home is way cheaper! There are so many copycat recipes online too. I figured out how to make my own and it tastes pretty much the same especially when you put it in a re-used plastic cup with the logo on it!
Lux Ganzon says
It’s been a looooong time since I’ve bought my last Starbucks cup. Still, my heart ached a little when I saw the last photo. I actually gasped! LOL. Good for you, Kim. Let it go! 🙂
Kim Anderson says
Yes, cutting up that little card was harder than cutting up all my credit cards 3 years ago. lol