It seems that every time a news program has a segment on saving money, one of the first shots is taken at the $5.00 cup of coffee bought at Starbucks or another coffee retailer. True – this can be a source of savings (as much as $1,500 a year if you buy one cup a day), but most people aren’t likely to give coffee up altogether – they’ll just start brewing their own cup and take it to go.

If you are looking for a strategy that promotes savings in the home, consider the “Bean Counter.” A handy coffee bag clip that helps keep your beans fresh and measures them out for that perfect cup.