13 Ways to Save Money on Cigarettes

                                                         

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. According to the American Lung Association, lung cancer causes more deaths than colorectal, breast and prostate cancers combined. Approximately 158,040 Americans are expected to die from lung cancer in 2015, which accounts for approximately 27 percent of all cancer deaths.

The average cost of one pack of cigarettes is $5.51. In New York a pack of cigarettes costs $12.85. Prices range from $5.25 to $12.85 nationwide. The average cost of tobacco state tax for one pack of cigarettes is $1.60. Tobacco state taxes range from $.17 to $4.35. Federal cigarette tax is $1.01 per pack. Including state and federal taxes, an additional cost of $1.18 to $5.36 is added on to the retail price of one pack of cigarettes depending on your state. 

My mother was a chain smoker and I inhaled second hand smoke for 23 years until I moved out on my own. I vowed that I would never become a smoker and I haven’t. Smoking cigarettes is an expensive habit. If you choose to smoke cigarettes here are 13 ways to save money.

1. Make your own. Roll your own cigarettes by buying your own tobacco and rolling paper with or without a filter http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icEhn1rQHE4.
2. Substitute. Buy a substitute or generic brand of cigarettes.
3. Bulk. Buy a carton of cigarettes instead of individual packs.
4. Compare. Call your local grocery and liquor store to compare prices.
5. Online. Shop online at sites such as smokin4free.com or bestcigarettesshop.com.
6. Reduce. Only smoke half a cigarette during each smoke break.
7. Change habits. Avoid smoking when you first wake up. Smoke after each meal or only when you have a strong urge.
8. Double. Buy at least two packs at a time. Many manufacturer coupons apply towards purchasing 2 packs.
9. Natives. Buy cigarettes from Native American reservations because they don’t pay tobacco taxes.  Search online for American Indian or Native American reservations or your state + American Indian reservations to find one near you.
10. Alerts. Sign up for email or text alerts about coupons, discounts or specials. Some manufacturer sites offer coupons such as Marlboro or Camel.
11. Coupons. Sign up for manufacturer coupons.
12. Traveling. Tobacco tax varies by state. Buy your cigarettes before you leave to travel.
13. Electric. Buy electronic cigarettes or ecigarettes at sites like EverSmoke.