We’re not here to lecture you about your health. Considering only the financial consequences, it makes a lot of sense to quit smoking as soon as you can. If you’re currently trying to get out of debt, one of the easiest ways to potentially save thousands of dollars every year is to kick an expensive habit. Money spent on tobacco products adds up quicker than you think. Here are some tips to help you quit burning (or vaporizing!) your hard earned cash.
One piece of debt advice – if you quit smoking, use the savings to pay off debt.
Savings If You Quit Smoking
According to the CDC, the average pack of cigarettes in 2014 was a bit over $6. If you smoke 4 packs per week, that is a monthly cost of $96. Per year, the savings from quitting smoking are over $1,100!
That kind of money can be extremely helpful when trying to work on debt management. The faster you can repay the debt, the less interest you will pay. This means you will be saving money on interest and will be free to use your money faster than if you continued to smoke.
Tips & Advice to Help Quit Smoking
There are a number of methods that people have used to quit smoking. Consider using your desire to eliminate debt as a motivation to stop smoking or vaping. Here are a few methods that could help you quit smoking.
Smoking Cessation Aids
There are a number of products designed to assist your efforts. Some of these products fight the chemical addiction, others help break the psychological habit.
- Nicotine Gum – The various nicotine-containing gums that are available serve to ween smokers slowly off of nicotine. They also offer and activity for your mouth when cravings arise.
- Patches – Nicotine patch systems usually work to incrementally reduce the level of nicotine in your system to ease your body off the chemical addiction.
- Electronic Cigarettes – There are two forms of E-cigarette. Some contain nicotine and can be used like patches to slowly reduce chemical dependence. Others contain zero nicotine but serve to satisfy the habitual act of smoking when cravings arise.
- Medication – The most common medications are Zyban or Chantix. These allow you to continue smoking while you quit.
- Alternative Methods – Acupuncture, hypnosis, or psychotherapy are alternative methods that you could also consider. Although their effectiveness and cost can be questionable.
- Support Groups – A good route may involve finding a support group either locally or online.
No matter what method you choose, cutting tobacco out of your monthly expenses can help you make progress on your debt management. Again, be sure you commit to your strategy! Just think of the many long-term benefits, both financial and health-related, to giving up your smoking habit.
If you’re struggling to pay off debt, ACCC can help. Schedule a free credit counseling session with us today.
