Calculator - How much does that habit really cost you?
Our purpose is not to take a morale high ground but to demonstrate some of the financial costs to smoking. Apart from the potential medical costs of smoking, what are the financial costs?
- increased insurance premiums, up to 50% higher!
- opportunity cost (see the calculations below) These calculations are rough in that there is no relationship to how cigarette prices increase, its at the whim of the Government. Because of the additive nature of cigarettes Governments know that they can increase the price and still get higher revenues as few people give up. In economic terms the supply-demand curve for cigarettes is "inelastic". # actually slightly less as the price increases on cigarettes have exceeded inflation. We know this is simplistic and giving up is not easy as it is an addictive drug. What about the number of chocolate bars, or soft drinks you consume per week. Do the same calculations, but replace the word "cigarettes" with "chocolate bars" etc.
What about that morning cup of coffee and muffin from one of those cafe bars? How did you survive 5 years ago when they weren't around? !
How much could you save if you made your lunch rather than buying it? What about the health affects? Refer to Health Calculators
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