Saving tips for ex-smokers (just!)

Burlinson

I gave up smoking 24 years ago with hypnosis. The therapist asked what I would spend the money on, I had no idea. Smoking 20 a day was quite a saving, he advised putting it into a policy. So I did, by direct debit. I have been paying in ever since. I never missed the money, and in 12 months time will be very useful indeed.

Caz2_2

Hi ticky 05
i hope this helps you its an honest account of a smoker
Im 42. When i was 39 i had several ambitions for turning 40. One was to be a non smoker, own a harley davidson, be a non drinker eat healthy foods only and be a member of 2 professional bodies. By the time i was 40 i owned a harley, had stopped smoking and having a drink (cant drink without a fag) bought all leather gear for bike out of proceeds from being non smoker, was off my nicotine patches and had achieved the professional body bit. What happened then- I was miserable, I was fitter and leaner,cleverer and richer. I made a decision to start smoking again as did my partner, Just 2 a night with a glass of wine .............lovely. It was but it DIDN'T LAST. 2 years later my hubby has just given up same time as you and managing, me, well ,I battle every day trying to keep it to 10, my responsibility......... I'm now faced with worrying about getting lung cancer, coughing and feeling like a leper when i go out for a drink or meal. You know what it is like- going for a coffee and trailing around everywhere looking for a smoking cafe. Dont start again ticky 05 or i garauntee u will be giving someone this advice next year.
I hope this helps cause I sound like a right sad case. Might have a go again at stopping. Best wishes Caroline

Haynonnie

My friend who has been a 20 a day smoker gave up a week ago and is using the nicotine gum to help plus a kick up the backside from her doc who scared the living daylights out of her by using several different instruments to demonstrate her potentially lethal high blood pressure. Boots has a "buy one get second half price" offer on all nicotine gums and patches. On top of that they're giving another quid off at the till with another voucher. I bought my friend 2 packets of Boots own brand 30 x 4mg gum for approx £7.60 instead of £11 quid-ish. I gave the packets to her as a present on the understanding that she pays me back if she starts smoking again! She is getting through 2-3 pieces of gum a day with a ton of will power. Compare the cost over a month - say 2 pieces of gum a day, that will cost £7.60 per month. Cost of 20 fags a day approx £150 a month. No contest! I have a big bunch of flowers here to give to my mate for sticking it out for a week. Good luck to everybody battling it out at the mo.

I understand that the Boots offer stands until April.

Jay-Jay_4

Haynonnie,

Welcome to the boards and please wish your friend GOOD LUCK from us too

Haynonnie

Thanks for the welcome Jay-Jay. Friend has had to increase gum consumption to 4-5 a day, but is sticking it out (forgive the pun!)

Incidentally she has a dog called JJ - a very handsome beast I might add!!

tara28

ive tried a few times to give up but failed the longest was for about 4 monthes.iv had enough of stinking of fags my partner doesnt smoke and being an ex smoker he hates it.so im going to try again and im going to use the patches.

MATH

Also gave up at New Year (not a resolution - more of a start/stop from October) - will start putting the money in a jar cos last moth despite NOT smoking my usual 20 a day my bank account was just as empty at the end of the month!

purplepatch

Wonder how the original poster is getting on as they haven't been on here for some time.

My hubby and I gave up together which was an excellent incentive as neither one of us wanted to be the one to succumb first! He smoked a lot more than me (40 a day man yuck!), I was more of a social smoker - you know, never able to have a drink without a fag

We kept track of the money saved on a weekly basis, but didn't actually put it aside. It was just there as disposable income.

My biggest tip if you are trying to give up is to steer clear of the pub/social events etc where you will have a few drinks and your resistance weakens - also a good moneysaving tip. My husband found the nicotine gum really useful too.

I remember being told that it was the first 3 months that were the hardest and once you got through them it would get much easier. Something to do with the length of time it takes to break a habit rather than for the nicotine to get out of your system - think that happens much quicker, but I'm no expert.

Anyway, we gave up in 1999 and neither of us have so much as had one puff since, so it can be done!!

And yes, we are absolutely horrendous ex smokers. Think it should be banned in all public places as it is a revolting habit. Can't bear going in pubs now as feel so disgusting coming out smelling like an ashtray because of everyone else's stinky fags :mad:

saffy981

I'm still managing - day 35 for me!
Ticky05 - how are you doing?

Saffy

purplepatch

That's really good Saffy

Ticky05 hasn't been on here since 12 Jan. Perhaps they fell off the wagon