Frugal Coffee Drinking: Part I in a Three Part Series

Coffee is an occasional pleasure of some, a pleasant routine for some and an absolute necessity for others.  I gave up coffee for Lent and did not expect to feel the withdrawal as much as I did.  This is the first part of a three part series about frugal ways to make, drink and enjoy your coffee. 
This installment is the frugal way to enjoy your daily cup of coffee when you are away from home.  We will then explore more and more frugal ways to indulge in subsequent posts.

• Look for coupons:  often Dunkin Donuts, McDonalds and others put coupons in mailers or the Sunday paper.  Subway even had a buy any drink and get a breakfast sandwich free! 
• Know where to go.  McDonalds makes a great cup of coffee for $1, any size.  This is still reasonably expensive, considering what you can make it for at home, but if you want to dine out, this is a potential option. 
• Take advantage of sales and promotions.  For example, Starbucks is having half price Frappucinos through May 15 from 3-5 pm.  Dunkin Donuts often offers $.99 coffee from 3-6 pm.  
• Buy a gift card or if your school, team or organization participates in the SCRIP program, this is a great way to budget yourself.  Simply buy a card at the amount you want to limit yourself to for the month.  Once it's gone, it's gone!