Thursday, July 31, 2008

The True Cost of Smoking

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Everyone knows that smoking is an expensive habit. When people consider the cost of smoking, they usually think in terms of the dollar amount associated with each pack of cigarettes. This is just a portion of the hidden fees associated with being a smoker. The cost of cigarettes by itself can add up to close to $1500 a year however, the reality is that the cost of the cigarettes is only a small portion of the overall monetary cost of smoking. Below is a list of additional hidden costs that are associated with being a smoker:

Life Insurance: Since smokers have a greater risk of dying at a younger age, their life insurance premiums are much higher than non- smokers.
Health Insurance: Smokers have a greater risk of medical problems and this risk is reflected in their medical insurance premium payments.
Home Owner's Insurance: Smokers have a greater risk of burning down their house than non smokers. This rgreater risk increases his/her insurance premium payments.
Car Insurance: Smokers have a greater risk of car accidents than non smokers so their insurance premiums are higher.

All things considered, these hidden costs can increase the actual amount a smoker pays each year to support his/her habit to approxiamtely $10,000. While your health should be the main reason to quit smoking, when you realize that you could spend $10K on vacations, shoping, etc. it could be the motivating force to kick the habit.



Classical Conditioning Message (#4)
Posted by Melissa Carnrick

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