Last Updated on October 10, 2012 by Mike

Obviously, your health should be the most important reason for you to consider quitting smoking. However, there are several financial considerations that can help motivate you as well. The cost of smoking goes far beyond just the price of a pack of cigarettes.

Escalation

Most people start out smoking maybe just a few cigarettes a day, but over time as their addiction increases, they smoke more. As their habits grows, the cost of buying cigarettes goes up accordingly. Cigarette prices vary state-by-state, but for comparison’s sake we’ll say the cost of a pack of cigarettes is $6.50. If you smoke a half a pack a day, you’re spending $22.75 per week. Once, you go up to a pack a day, you’re spending $45.50 every week. A pack a day translates to $182.00 a month and $2, 372.50 per year. What is worse is that many chronic smokers smoke more like two to three packs a day. How would you feel if your boss said to you he or she was cutting your annual salary by that amount? Essentially that is what you’re doing.

Healthcare

It’s a proven fact that smokers have higher healthcare costs and pay higher health insurance rates. It’s hard to pinpoint an exact number, but as your lungs continue to grow worse, your healthcare costs rise considerably. Think about how much your co-pay is everything you visit the doctor and keep in mind that, as a smoker, you’re likely to double or triple the number of doctor visits you have to make during the course of a year. Additionally, you can expect to pay more for dental cleanings in order to rid your teeth of nicotine residue. Your dental costs will go up as well because nicotine ruins your teeth.

Asset Loss

Everywhere you smoke, the order permeates the area. Did you know that smoking affects the trade-in value of your car? Dealers pay less for cars previously owned by smokers because of the additional cleaning charges, not to mention the fact there may be burn holes in seats that lower the value of the car as well. The same holds true for your home as well. Nicotine builds up on the walls, which means they need to be painted more frequently. Plus, when you go to sell your home, buyers will offer less if it reeks of cigarette smoke.

Think of what you could do if you could put over $2,300 a year back in your budget. You could eat out more, take more vacations or invest that money in a 401k for your retirement. The hard part though, is making the decision to quit so that you can free up more of your income.

About the Author: Brian Raj has been fascinated with the changes in his life after he quit smoking after a 21 year habit. He feels better, looks better, and is saving money, which he plans to put towards going back to school. He’s currently studying ultrasoundtechnician.info and related sites to choose the perfect healthcare career!