Saving money with an Espresso Maker
A few weeks ago Linda made one of her best purchases to date – an espresso machine. Basically since we have been married, our finances have been on a pretty tight leash. Our budgeting method allows us to both have a weekly “allowance” of money to be spent any old way we like. I saved for quite a few months to buy my ‘72 Thinline Telecaster while linda spent most of her money each week on coffee drinks. Opposites do indeed attract. 
But a few weeks ago she decided to “invest” in the Mr. Coffee ECM160 Espresso Machine
Linda tells me that her Lattes that she makes are just about as good as the $4 ones from Starbucks and cost a fraction of the price to make. And with the machine itself only costing about $40, I am pretty sure it has already paid for itself!
Win an Espresso Machine for yourself!
So, in honor of my lovely wife saving money with an Espresso Machine, I thought it would be a perfect Free Stuff Friday giveaway. If you would like to be entered to win, just head over to the forums and leave a comment before next friday.
And a few Blog Carnivals from the week… Personal Finance, Money Hacks, Pecuniary
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Great giveaway Bob! That sounds like a great machine.
May I also suggest to others who might be considering a “Starbucks alternative” – a Keurig Single Cup brewer. They don’t brew lattes, but they are wonderful machines! And all as good as Starbucks. Each “K-cup” brews a fresh cup (many different brews to choose from) for about 50 cents/cup. Our branch offices even have them now and clients love them.
I have never met someone that was not happy with their Keurig. They recently became available at Walmart, but also Kohls, Target, etc, or direct order through the company at greenmountaincoffee.com.
http://www.greenmountaincoffee.com/shop/Accessories/Single-Cup-Coffee-Makers
This is a great idea, but the major reason I go to Starbucks is SOCIAL.
That’s where I go for one-on-one time with my kids, where my wife and I go to get away from the kids, and where I get together with friends for an inexpensive outing. Where else can you go and spend a couple of hours with someone for under $5? (I confess, I buy the basic tall coffee for $1.70–no lattes!)
I’m all for saving money, but we also need to balance it against building a coccoon at home that we never leave.
to get espresso that is better than “just about as good” …
you really need a burr grinder to grind the beans fresh – and – a espresso machine that uses pressure at the correct temperature – NOT steam to make the brew. more expensive equipment but still long term savings over going out and having someone else make your espresso.
Hey! Does Linda care to share how she makes those Starbucks quality lattes?
yea, maybe I will have her put her “secret” recipe up when she gets it mastered
Really need to make my own coffee,helping out my kids financially has got me busted,now im trying to get back on track and still hope to have a retirement without debt but no savings will be there,hope to win the expresso machine ,put my name in for one,great idea
Starbucks is a social place that offers real great coffee! And for those who really want to save money, the answer would be that machine. Thanks for the information again bob.