The Price of Fizz

Rethinking the Cost of Everyday Cravings

The other day, while making a quick grocery run for some milk and cheese for a last minute recipe I wanted to try, I felt the familiar pull to go down the soda isle - something I’ve found myself doing more and more lately.  Ever since Georgia and I discovered OLIPOP, our favorite probiotic soft drink, we’ve been hooked on its fizzy goodness.  This newfound addiction is constantly pulling us down isles of the grocery store that we vowed to avoid, the very ones where impulse buys lurk.  Up until a few months ago, we steered clear of these areas and our wallets were all the happier for it.  

But here’s the thing…every now and then, indulging in what brings you joy is ok. I wouldn’t be a very good coach if I told you to lock away your cash and survive on ramen just to save a buck. We all spend money on things we don’t necessarily need, but that add enjoyment to our lives. Unlike in my last article, this isn’t about your Gazingus Pin - the thing you accumulate endlessly without questioning why.  Instead, I’m talking about purchases that could easily be swapped for something else, often at a lower cost.  

For many, it’s their daily Starbucks ritual. It’s justified with excuses like time, convenience, and just plain habit. After all, brewing coffee at home takes effort, and it’s not free either, right? But the reality is, making coffee at home is easier than ever and far more affordable. You can find a pour-over funnel, filters, and quality beans all for less than $30 and it will pay for itself in a matter of weeks. Sure, it takes a few minutes to make and maybe a little time to learn how to make it properly, but those same minutes are often spent waiting in line to purchase an overpriced cup of pick-me-up on a busy Monday morning. Coffee is a textbook example of something that can be replaced with a little creativity.

But what about our probiotic soda addiction? Well, it turns out, crafting a cost-effective and healthy soda at home is pretty simple.  Sparkling water mixed with juice or flavored syrups can mimic the experience of most store-bought sodas for a fraction of the cost.

Now, I’m not saying alternatives will always provide the satisfaction that you desire.  Some days, there is nothing that can replace the feeling of drinking a perfectly carbonated beverage or a well frothed cappuccino at your local coffee spot, but by getting creative and minimizing these purchases, you will start to find a lot more money in your budget each month that you can put towards the things that bring you lasting happiness, not just fleeting pleasure.