How to Save Money – Stop Buying from Vending Machines


Vending machines are a convenience we often use, especially when we are at work. My office has a couple vending machines in my area, plus in another suite, there is a small market with more selections. But everything is so expensive compared to the grocery store.

Take for example a Dr. Pepper. The vending machine at work charges $1.50 for a bottle. Whereas, I can get a 6 pack of bottles for less than $3.00 at the grocery store. And a lot of the time, especially when my concentration is fading or I’m really tired that day, I find myself finishing my bottle of Dr. Pepper I bring from home long before it is time to leave for the day. So I’d go to the vending machine and get another one. What if I simply brought in 2 bottles every morning? I usually don’t drink the 2nd bottle, but if I needed it, I have it.

Another big expense is beef jerky. A little bit of protein goes a long way to help wake me up. But at $1.50  a bag? One of the things I want to do is start making my own beef jerky. I have a dehydrator – might as well use it, right? Experiment with some flavors in the marinade.

This is one lesson we can all learn. Yes, vending machines are convenient and a lot of the time we don’t want this junk food in our house. Instead, when we have a craving, we buy it at work and pay the convenience tax. How about having snacks at your desk at all times? This would save money big time because buying in bulk is usually better than buying in serving size.

I love shopping at Sam’s club – I buy my paper goods here (Toilet paper, paper towels, Kleenex) and cleaning supplies (laundry soap, dishwasher soap, sanitizing wipes) and a lot of the food my son eats every day. I also like to get my meat there and sometimes fruit. It’s stuff I’m going to use anyway – why not buy in bulk and save some cash? A case of bottled water will cost you $5 at most, as opposed to $2 a bottle.

It is way too easy to get food out of the vending machine now. Most of them have a card reader so you can use your debit card. No more saying “I can’t, I don’t have change,” and walking away to find some substitute in your desk or a coworker’s candy dish.

It isn’t going to be easy to stop using the vending machine. But knowing I’m saving money by buying the same food at the grocery store and taking the time to package it myself will go a long way in my checking account.


In other news, I added $.50 to my savings account using the Stash Your Cash from the Grocery account, bringing my total to $22.65. Woohoo!

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