So is it really possible to save money at Starbucks?

Serving up lattes is a big business (which is an understatement) — and there is no doubt that Starbucks customers love their coffee!

But if you want to save more save more this year, how can you save money and have your coffee, too?

Well, first we have to say that making your own coffee at home is your best bet when it comes to saving the most money over time. Cutting out small daily expenses is a great way to build good financial habits.

But if you just can’t resist a tall, hot, skinny, no-foam, extra caffeine — and whatever other way there is to drink coffee— daily fix, then you might as well save!

12 easy ways to save money at Starbucks

1. Bring a cup.

Save 10 cents on every drink by bringing a refillable cup or a paper cup from another coffee shop. The savings may seem small, but if you buy one drink a day, this can save you $37 over the year!

2. Ask for light ice — or ice on the side.

Iced beverages can be significantly watered down when ice is added — up to as much as 50%. So by asking for light ice or ice on the side, you can get more of your actual beverage versus paying for ice.

3. Ask for a cup of water instead of buying bottled water.

If you’re buying water from Starbucks, you can save by asking for water in a cup instead. Don’t waste your money on bottled water — especially since most of it is tap water anyway.

4. Create your own latte.

By buying two or three shots of espresso, and adding cream and sugar at the condiment bar, you can big when you want a latte — instead of paying full price!

RELATED: How to hack your Keurig 2.0 (and save)

5. Re-discover the menu.

Even at Starbucks, there are plenty of yummy menu items under $4. The below options are all under $3!

• Iced Coffee With Milk and Flavored Syrup: $1.95
• Raspberry Passion Tea Lemonade: $2.55
• Minty Hot Chocolate: $2.80
• Vanilla Bean Frappuccino: $2.95

RELATED: 12 things that are cheaper at T.J. Maxx than on Amazon

6. Get creative for an iced latte.

Order 2 shots of espresso over ice and head to the condiment bar to add milk and sugar!

7. Enjoy refills for $.50.

Let’s face it — most of us can’t get through the day without an extra caffeine boost in the afternoon. Statistics show the average coffee drinker drinks 3.1 cups per day!

To aid you in your pursuit of afternoon alertness, Starbucks will give you a refill of a hot coffee, iced coffee, hot tea, or iced tea beverage at any time after your first purchase. That’s pretty sweet!

8. Split a drink with a friend.

If you’re meeting for coffee with a friend, you could both agree to save by purchasing a venti sized beverage, then asking for two tall cups. (An iced venti beverage is 24 ounces, while an iced tall is 12 ounces.)

RELATED: 7 easy ways to cut your monthly bills

9. Request no water with your tea.

If you’re a tea drinker, you might want to know that Starbucks brews their tea very strong, then waters down the recipe to serve. But, if you request no water in your tea, one tea drink will actually contain about two tea beverages. Request an extra cup to water it down on your own!

10. Join the rewards program.

If you’re a Starbucks frequenter, joining the My Starbucks Rewards program might make sense for you. Receive a free food or beverage item after every 12th item purchased — plus, you’ll receive a free drink on your birthday!

11. Check for deals, discounts & coupons.

Don’t buy the at-home products on display at your local Starbucks! You can find better deals and discounts online — see the latest at Clark Deals — and Starbucks.com even often offers discounts on various online orders.

12. Buy discounted gift cards.

Check out websites like CardPool.com and GiftCardGranny.com — you can find discounted gift cards that people want to get rid of and then use them to buy your favorite Starbucks drinks!

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