Hey there, and welcome back to the blog!
Today, I’m sitting down with my friend Sam, who—fun fact—is an accountant and someone who quit smoking nearly two years ago. So basically, he knows his numbers and how to kick a tough habit. If anyone can walk us through the actual financial perks of quitting smoking, it’s Sam.
Let’s get into it. Welcome, Sam!
Sam: Thanks, Ashley! Excited to be here—and yes, let’s get down to the financials!
Ashley: Love it. No fluff, straight to the money talk! So let’s kick it off with the big one—how has quitting smoking impacted your finances?
Sam: Honestly, it’s been a game-changer. Right from the start, I was saving around £10 a day, just from not buying cigarettes. That might not sound like much in the moment, but it adds up fast. In the first nine months, I saved over £2,700—and that’s without even thinking about the extra costs that go along with smoking.
Ashley: That’s wild! £2,700 in under a year? That’s basically a holiday, a new laptop, or a hefty emergency fund.
Sam: Exactly! And the best part is, that’s just the beginning. Most people only think about the cost of the cigarettes themselves, but there are so many hidden expenses that disappear when you quit.
Ashley: Ooh, do tell. What kinds of hidden costs are we talking about?
Sam: Things like lighters, ashtrays, breath mints, extra laundry runs to get the smoke smell out, air fresheners for the car... even things like more frequent dental cleanings. And let’s not forget health insurance. Since I’ve quit, my premiums have gone down because I’m considered lower risk now. Those are the kinds of costs that sneak up on you—but they really add up over time.
Ashley: Wow. So it’s not just what you save—it’s what you stop spending without even realizing. Kind of like trimming the financial fat, yeah?
Sam: Exactly. And once I realized how much I was saving, I started a separate savings account and labeled it “Cigarette Fund.” Every week, I’d transfer the amount I would’ve spent on cigarettes into that account. Watching that grow was incredibly motivating. It turned a bad habit into a visible, positive gain.
Ashley: That’s such a clever move. It’s like turning your old vice into a new investment. What are you doing with that money now?
Sam: A few things, actually. I put a chunk of it toward a weekend getaway—something I wouldn’t have done before. But more than that, I’ve started putting money toward things that support my overall health. I joined a gym, started cooking more at home with better ingredients, and even tried out a few fitness classes. Quitting smoking made me want to take better care of myself across the board.
Ashley: I love that ripple effect. Quit smoking, save money, get healthier—it’s like a triple win. Have you noticed any shifts in how you think about money since quitting?
Sam: Oh, absolutely. I’m a lot more intentional with my spending now. Smoking used to be a mindless purchase—I didn’t even think about how much I was spending. But now, I weigh my spending more carefully. It’s made me more aware of how small, regular expenses can really snowball over time.
Ashley: That’s such a great insight. It’s not just about cutting one cost—it’s about gaining control of your money in a bigger way. Any advice for someone out there who's thinking about quitting, especially from a money-saving perspective?
Sam: Definitely. First, track how much you’re spending on smoking right now. A lot of people are shocked when they see the yearly total—it’s often thousands of pounds. Then, set a goal for what you’ll do with that money once you quit. Whether it’s a holiday, paying off debt, or just building savings, having something specific in mind makes it more real.
Also, celebrate the little wins. Even if it’s just a fiver saved that day—put it aside, give yourself a high five, and keep going. And if you slip up? Don’t stress. Just get back to it the next day. The benefits will still be waiting for you.
Ashley: You make it sound so doable, Sam. I think sometimes people forget that quitting smoking doesn’t just benefit your lungs—it can completely transform your wallet, too.
Sam: Exactly. Quitting changed my life in ways I didn’t expect. And if sharing my experience helps even one person take that step, then it’s all worth it.
Ashley: Thanks so much for being here, Sam. Your story is such a powerful reminder that the benefits of quitting go way beyond the physical. It’s financial freedom, confidence, and control—all rolled into one.
Sam: My pleasure, Ashley. Thanks for having me!
Ashley: And thank you, reader, for tuning in. If you’re thinking about quitting smoking, remember: the health perks are huge—but don’t sleep on the money side of things. Whether it’s saving for something big or just having a little more breathing room in your budget, quitting could be the most rewarding investment you’ll ever make!