When you're a full-time college student with a full-time schedule, it's safe to say that eventually, you're going need something to keep you going. Some of you depend on those energy drinks, chocolate or most notably... COFFEE! But you'd be surprised to know that the savvy goddess wasn't a big fan of coffee. (gasp)

Once upon a time, the savvy goddess worked at the mecca of coffeehouses, Starbucks. It was a great 7-year journey, coffee for a discount, free coffee beans and a sense of calm knowing that I can easily go to a Starbucks and insert my caffeine IV. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. It was a time of great things for this college kiddo

After a 7 year ride, this goddess decided to move on and find bigger and better opportunities. Yes, leaving Starbucks was a bummer, and it seemed that mostly all of my meetings was held at my former stomping grounds, how in the heck was I gonna enjoy the rich smell of coffee brewing while being yup, broke?

My answer was being a kid. I know you probably have puzzling looks right now. See, what a lot of people don't know is that there is a size that's smaller than the tall (aka the small size for my non-fluent Starbuckies) It's called the kids size and it's an 8-ounce size perfect to get you through those crazy hectic hours at work/school.

In my case, studying and reading/reviewing material can be a bear. As I'm looking at the people hard at work with their laptops and tablets, I'm also looking at the various sizes. Do you really need a venti size cup full of calories and stuff that you really don't need to get you going? Nope, a kid size cup of coffee will do me just fine. Now let's get to the nitty gritty...

For starters, a grande size cup of coffee will cost you at around 2.30 (tax included) It'll also be extra if you want to add soy milk to your coffee. That there, you're already looking at 3 dollars...all for a grande coffee. Notice that I didn't mention lattes, frappuccinos or the smoothies.

In the picture, I'm proudly sporting my 8-ounce cup of coffee, which only cost me (are you ready) a dollar! I didn't even go after the tall size, which is 1.50. Besides, I usually drink my coffee fast. I don't like my coffee standing there getting cold. I take coffee as if I was drinking a shot of tequila at the club.

Another way to have easy savings is by signing up with the Starbucks Rewards program. Howard Schlutz was a genius creating this program as to why he was noticing why people weren't making a stop at their local Starbucks. When you register your Starbucks card, you get a complimentary tall drink. If you get up to 5 stars, your milk, extra syrups are free and you get a free drink for your birthday. Hit 15 stars, then you'll really reap the benefits. In addition to the perks from the 5-star drink, you start to get free drinks every time you hit 15 stars, free coffee refills and offers from the coffee giant. Doesn't that sound super awesome!

So yes, even when you're burning the midnight oil at your neighborhood Starbucks, you can still be a savvynista at Starbucks.

Happy Savings!
xoxo