A Confession from a Coffee Addict

Hi. I’m Joseph — and I’m a coffeeholic.

Rarely do you see me without a cup of coffee in my hand. Before work, after work, in the shower, at the CrossFit gym — no matter what, I’m probably pounding the coffee.

I used to go to coffee shops to get my fix. But once I got onboard with this budgeting thing, I realized something had to go. You see, I only make $23,000 a year (before taxes) in my position as a development coordinator for Save the Cycling Lane. And after rent, food, student loans, booze, Apple TV, 10-20 Tinder dates a month and Uber rides across the city, the $5 cup of coffee was quickly becoming unaffordable.

So instead I carry a single-serve coffee maker in my backpack. It’s small, lightweight and affordable even for a recent college grad like me. And whenever I need a cup, I just pop open my bag and make myself one. It might seem crazy, but I’ve made a lot of friends wherever I go with it. It’s even impressed a few of the girls I’ve met on Tinder.

So if you see me out in my blue beanie, plaid shirt and backpack, riding my longboard around town, feel free to wave hello. I might just stop to offer you a free cup of joe.