We go to work to earn money, but there are things we spend money on while working that push us further away from our financial goals. You know what I’m talking about, all those little ‘treats’ we get ourselves (coffee, Timbits or lunches out). We deserve them after all, having had to wake up early, get ourselves to work and efficiently plug away day-after-day at our jobs. Unfortunately, all the little things add up to one big chunk of money.

Let’s start in the morning, shall we? It’s hard to resist that delicious latte calling our name when we’re groggily trudging to work in the morning. It’s too bad that those morning drinks can add upwards of $20 per week onto your budget. So what, who cares about such a small amount? Well, if that money was sitting in your bank account it would be earning interest and growing. Now I’m not saying you should give up your caffeine, but if you make it at home you’ll save around $15 per week.

Lunch is another time of day that we spend. Lunches out can be pretty pricey, especially when you add it up over weeks, months and years. Bringing your lunch to work saves not only your wallet, but is also better for your health (which saves you money in the long run, but I won’t go into that). The easiest thing to do is make extras at dinner to bring for lunch the next day. Or, if you don’t like leftovers, make your lunch the night before so that you aren’t rushed in the morning.

Finally, how you get to and from work can have a major impact on your finances. Owning and operating a car is the most expensive option, especially if you also have to pay for parking. Taking advantage of transit options in the Lower Mainland is a great alternative, if that would work for you. By far the cheapest method of transportation is bike or foot. Obviously this won’t work for those commuting from different cities, but if you live in the town you work, it’s a great way to save money and get in shape at the same time.

Buying an occasional coffee or sushi isn’t going to break you, but making a conscious effort to make little changes in your everyday life can add up to major savings.