Okay, let’s get the obligatory disclaimer out of the way…  You shouldn’t smoke.  Smoking is bad for you.  It will kill you.  From a personal finance standpoint, it’s a complete freaking disaster, as the pack-a-day smoker is literally burning between $1600 and $2000 annually.

Figure out what 20 years of smoking could net you at a reasonable interest rate.  You’ll see a number that will annoy you so much that you’ll want to take an immediate smoke break!

Now, let’s get down to how you can save money if you’re not willing to give up your deadly vice.

Smoking is expensive.  It’s a popular vice tax target, after all.  I personally think it’s strange that we tax the snot out of cigarettes to decrease consumption while we simultaneously pay government farm subsidies to keep tobacco farmers in operation, but that’s a different story…  The bottom line is that your habit is a black hole for money so it makes sense to shave down your smoking expenses.

Here are four tips to help you save some money on your smoky pleasures…  We’ll have another set of tips for cigarette bargain hunters tomorrow, too!

Reservations.  I know that most people don’t live within easy access of a U.S. Indian reservation.  Those who do, however, should make a pitstop at one of the smoke shops or convenience stores on reservation property.  Owning tribes exercise sovereignty over their reservation lands, which allows them to buy and sell tobacco without paying all of those nasty taxes.  That can result in substantial savings.  You might be able to carve off 10%-15% off of name brands and you could end up with access to locally-produced brands that will cost much, much less than your average pack of Marlboros.

Downgrading.  If you’re a name brand smoker, you can always try to save some green by downgrading to a bargain brand.  The “generics” and non-premium brands are often considerably cheaper than the more recognized products.  Back in the late 80s, I was known to light up a Montclair in place of a Marlboro when times were tight for that very reason.  Are the cheapies as good as the real deal?  No.  Sorry, I can’t lie to you.  You will notice the quality difference.  But money is money, so this is something to think about…

Coupons.  The big boys don’t sell their wares cheap, but they are willing to help out a regular customer with some decent coupons.  Look around and take advantage of coupon offers.  You might want to start by hitting the website for your favorite brand.  Often, you can sign up for coupons right there.  When you get the, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.  I’ve seen two for one offers and other great deals.  Sometimes, you’ll start getting other “free gifts” from the company.  My handy Marlboro Zippo is in my barbecue tool case as you read this.

Deals.  The next time you visit your local Quickie Mart to pick up a pack of smokes, ask what kind of deals they have going on.  You’d be surprised at the non-advertised offers out there.  Many premium brands will do two for one (or three for two) promotions.  In a worst-case scenario, there’s usually a two pack special.  Obviously, this works a lot better if you’re willing to switch brands to save a few bucks.

All right, there are three good ways to keep those costs down.  There are other ways, however.  We’ll run through a few of those tomorrow.  In the meantime, “light ‘em if you got ‘em”–but only if you just can’t be convinced to sidestep that early grave by giving them up!