There are several reasons why people take to smoking. It could be stress, peer pressure or just to ‘look cool’. Whatever the reason, smokers have to spend a ton of money to feed their addiction.
We spoke to some smokers to find out how much it’s costing them to remain a smoker. Here’s what they had to say. (Names have been changed to protect the privacy of our Smoky Joes.)
- No. of cigarettes a day =4
- No. of ciggies a week =28
- Smokes in a month =124
- Cost per pack =Rs. 120
- Cost per stick =Rs. 12
- Annual smoking cost =Rs. 17,856
Equivalent =Average smartphone cost
If Rs. 17, 856 is invested in a financial product that earns 10% per annum:
Earning =Rs. 3 lakh in 10 years
- No. of cigarettes a day =8
- No. of ciggies a week =56
- Smokes in a month =224
- Cost per pack =Rs. 180
- Cost per stick =Rs. 18
- Annual smoking cost =Rs. 52,560
Equivalent =An LED TV
Additional medical expense for smoking-related illnesses =Rs. 20,000
Mr. Burns, heavy smoker
- Daily intake =20
- Weekly intake =140
- Monthly intake =560
- Cost per pack =Rs. 120
- Cost per stick =Rs. 12
- Annual smoking cost =Rs. 87,600
Equivalent =A premium motorbike
If Rs. 87,600 is invested in a financial product that earns 15% per annum:
Earning =Rs. 20.34 lakh in 10 years
- No. of cigarettes a day =50
- No. of ciggies a week =350
- Smokes in a month =1400
- Cost per pack =Rs. 100
- Cost per stick =Rs. 10
- Annual smoking cost =Rs. 2,00,000
Equivalent =A pair of diamond earrings
If Rs. 2,00,000 is invested in a financial product that earns 20% per annum:
Earning =Rs. 65 lakh in 10 years, Rs. 1.92 crore in 20 years
The writing is on the wall. QUIT SMOKING!
Nothing is impossible. There are millions who have been there and done that. They are crorepatis now. You could be one too. You can start by investing the money you save in FDs and then move on to Mutual Funds.