In The Land Down Under, the sun scorches the earth with temperatures as high as the cost of living.

However, an Aussie couple has found a way to beat the heat on their finances.

Dubbo-based couple Jennie and Scott Bell discovered a golden ticket to a $42,000 annual cash boost.

The couple extinguished a money and body-burning habit: smoking.

Australia has been notorious for its steep cigarette prices.

These prices have been a deliberate strategy to keep smoking rates across the country low.

The Bells have jumpstarted their smoke-free career and have already saved over $1,400. Image Credit: Pexels/Ravi Kant

While the health benefits of quitting are widely known, the financial gains can be just as impactful.

The Bells shared their journey to a smoke-free living through social media, where they candidly documented the ups and downs of their mission.

Jennie, an NSW Ambulance 000 responder, downloaded the QuitNow app, which helped her track her progress and visualise her savings in real-time.

Within ten days into their smoke-free life, the app showed nearly $600 saved.

'This is nuts, and that was the moment,' Jennie said in a video, which marked the turning point in their decision.

Now, with fresh air in their lungs, the couple has already saved over $1,400.

Despite the challenges—including Jennie's stressful 12-hour shifts—the Bells have managed to stay the course.

'Everyone was saying, "Stop coffee, drink tea. Change your routine. Sit in a different spot." No, no, that's too much change for me,' Jennie explained.

Instead, she found solace in her usual routine—drinking her morning coffee in her usual spot, accompanied by the sounds of nature.

Personal finance expert Sarah Megginson spoke about the Bells' revelation, which could be a wake-up call for many.

'I was completely gobsmacked at that dollar value. So absolutely, hats off to them for making this commitment,' Megginson said.

Megginson pointed out that confronting the actual cost of any vice could be a motivator for change, especially for those reluctant to face the financial drain of their habits.

Watch Jennie's smoke-free journey here:

Source: @bellfamfarm/TikTok​

For those who may have considered quitting smoking or know someone who is contemplating it, the Bells' story could be a testament to the profound impact such a change could bring—not just to your wallets but also to the quality of your life.

If The Bells' story inspired you and you are ready to take the leap, support is always available. Apps like QuitNow, local support groups, and national helplines are ready to help you with your decision to quit smoking.

Key Takeaways

• A couple from Dubbo, NSW, saved $42,000 a year after giving up cigarettes.
• Personal finance expert Sarah Megginson emphasised the importance of working out the cost of vices, which could be an eye-opener for many.
• Jennie Bell documented her journey to quitting smoking on social media. She used the QuitNow app to track her progress and savings.
• Despite the challenges of giving up cigarettes, Jennie found success by maintaining her usual routine without cigarettes.

What do you think of The Bells' decision? What would you do with an extra $42,000 a year? Share your thoughts and stories about quitting vices with us in the comments section!

 

[Kevin. A.]

I am a self-confessed "Caffeine acholic". I love my morning "Coffeeeeeeeeee" Cheers.

 

[Kevin. A.]

Lot of rot my R's......many many people would be surprised at how much could be saved by giving up some of their regular spending habits like smokes and beers at the pub....these costs are spiraling out of control thanks to our greedy gov'ts taxes....savings like these will make a world of difference to many households....it's up to themselves to make the changes necessary.....but its also important to point out the savings that could be achieved by writing articles such as these.

I think it is also getting people to realize how much they are spending on these things. I enjoy a beer or two. However, I rarely buy beer at the bottle shop or go to the pub, instead I home brew, Make my own beer. It costs me around $20 to make 23 liters of beer. Putting this into perspective the average case of beer is around $50 for 24 * 375ml bottle or cans. That equates to 9 liters per case. I get the equivalent of two and half cases. If I was to go out and buy that at the shop or consume that same volume of beer (not in one hit) at the pub at around for a schooner of beer (375mls) around $3 or $4 per glass (I have no idea the going rate at the pub) 61.3 glasses and I spend $20 for the same amount. It is just a case of getting people to understand the actual cost of their habits.

 

[deni67]

I gave up smoking due to my health but my partner still smokes, he does it outside now though, well away from me.
What annoys me is people saying that smokers are a drain on the health system, I say smokers pay enough in tax that they can afford their own health benefits!

 

[deni67]

I think I'll stop drinking my 6 "Schooies" a week at the club. That'll certainly save me a dollar or two over the next 5-10 years.

A much better way to save on costs, is, we'll all stop breathing. That way we'll save on all costs permanently.

What a lot of bloody rot to write about.

What a stupid comment, why was this rot to write about? Besides it being interesting it could also help someone in here to give up!

 

[Kevin. A.]

I gave up smoking due to my health but my partner still smokes, he does it outside now though, well away from me.
What annoys me is people saying that smokers are a drain on the health system, I say smokers pay enough in tax that they can afford their own health benefits!

The Tobacco companies/ government make enough profit from smokers, and I think they should be footing the bill for all of the smokers suffering from smoking related diseases. My mother was a smoker for as long as I can remember, she died from smoking related complications.

 

[mylittletibbies]

The Tobacco companies/ government make enough profit from smokers, and I think they should be footing the bill for all of the smokers suffering from smoking related diseases. My mother was a smoker for as long as I can remember, she died from smoking related complications.

That is the reason they pay such a high cost for cigs. Because they were a drain on the health system but at least now the taxes they pay on cigs helps to offset the cost of their care if and when they get ill.
Which is only fair. This is a life choice smokers make and the health problems associated with this choice are self inflicted.

 

[magpie1]

That is the reason they pay such a high cost for cigs. Because they were a drain on the health system but at least now the taxes they pay on cigs helps to offset the cost of their care if and when they get ill.
Which is only fair. This is a life choice smokers make and the health problems associated with this choice are self inflicted.

They pay for a huge amount of health care not just for themselves but also for others who may need extensive hospitalization.....they fund the healthcare system budget enormously and without their input from the over taxation on cigarettes the health system would be nothing like it is today.

 

[mylittletibbies]

They pay for a huge amount of health care not just for themselves but also for others who may need extensive hospitalization.....they fund the healthcare system budget enormously and without their input from the over taxation on cigarettes the health system would be nothing like it is today.

I don't know where you got that information. but it is not so long ago that my daughter's oncologist said, when I mentioned to him that at least now smokers are covering their own medical expenses, that I had no idea what I was talking about and that is a false assumption by people who have no idea.
So, a bit surpised and sceptical of what he said he gave me some research paapers to read and this is what I found.
Official figures from last year show the government collected $12.7 billion in tobacco tax.
The cost to the country was $240 billion in health care expenses and $185billion in lost productivity from smoking related illness and health conditions.
That, by my calculations, makes
smokers a $412.3 billion drain on the public purse. Money that could be spent elsewhere for so many better things than on people who have caused their own problems.
So they nowhere near fund the hospital system for themselves. let alone anyone else.

 

[havingadoggyday]

Lot of rot my R's......many many people would be surprised at how much could be saved by giving up some of their regular spending habits like smokes and beers at the pub....these costs are spiraling out of control thanks to our greedy gov'ts taxes....savings like these will make a world of difference to many households....it's up to themselves to make the changes necessary.....but its also important to point out the savings that could be achieved by writing articles such as these.

Hard to believe when I was a kid my mother smoked 100 a day that is back in the 60's & 70's

That would have been 5,packets a day.
Do u mind if I ask if your mum is still alive if not what she died from
.

 

[havingadoggyday]

I think it is also getting people to realize how much they are spending on these things. I enjoy a beer or two. However, I rarely buy beer at the bottle shop or go to the pub, instead I home brew, Make my own beer. It costs me around $20 to make 23 liters of beer. Putting this into perspective the average case of beer is around $50 for 24 * 375ml bottle or cans. That equates to 9 liters per case. I get the equivalent of two and half cases. If I was to go out and buy that at the shop or consume that same volume of beer (not in one hit) at the pub at around for a schooner of beer (375mls) around $3 or $4 per glass (I have no idea the going rate at the pub) 61.3 glasses and I spend $20 for the same amount. It is just a case of getting people to understand the actual cost of their habits.

Bad habits by the sound of it
Home brewed or not.Sorry

 

[havingadoggyday]

I have seen people with goodwill coupons paying for their groceries,then they spend $60 on a pack.of 30 cigarettes and pay with their credit card.The kids they are with ate barefoot and look underfed.

 

[Kevin. A.]

That is the reason they pay such a high cost for cigs. Because they were a drain on the health system but at least now the taxes they pay on cigs helps to offset the cost of their care if and when they get ill.
Which is only fair. This is a life choice smokers make and the health problems associated with this choice are self inflicted.

Yes, I agree to a point. However, cigarettes (nicotine) are highly addictive and not everyone has the same ability to give up smoking cold turkey or even with reduced nicotine medications. Cigarette companies and the governments were fully aware of addictive nature of nicotine and the high risk of cancer and related health issues. The Government and Cigarette Companies continued to profit from cigarette smokers. If it is good enough for them to profit from smokers, then it is good enough for them to pay for the insidious diseases and health risks caused by smoking. This does not touch on the number of innocent nonsmokers; those people who suffer from the effects from passive smoking. Where is the compensation for these people?

 

[mylittletibbies]

Yes, I agree to a point. However, cigarettes (nicotine) are highly addictive and not everyone has the same ability to give up smoking cold turkey or even with reduced nicotine medications. Cigarette companies and the governments were fully aware of addictive nature of nicotine and the high risk of cancer and related health issues. The Government and Cigarette Companies continued to profit from cigarette smokers. If it is good enough for them to profit from smokers, then it is good enough for them to pay for the insidious diseases and health risks caused by smoking.

Totally agree .

 

[Macarj]

That would have been 5,packets a day.
Do u mind if I ask if your mum is still alive if not what she died from
.

No she isn't, died in 2001 68years old she was borne with problems can't remember what, but back in the 30's they told my grandma she won't make it past 10 years old, if she didn't smoke she might have got another decade or 2. I don't think she would have ever got lung cancer she smoked for the taste never drew back she did have gum problems, but never got any cancer

 

[marni]

Great for them - sometimes the damage has already been done