October is here, and for many people, that means taking part in Sober October – a month-long challenge to give up alcohol and reap the rewards of a healthier, clearer mind and body.
But did you know that going sober for a month can also have a positive effect on your finances? Let's take a look at some of the ways you can save money during Sober October and beyond.
The most obvious way to save money during Sober October is by simply not buying alcohol. Whether you're a fan of beer, wine, or cocktails, the cost of drinking can quickly add up over the course of a month.
According to the official Sober October alcohol calculator, if you usually have four pints of beer a week, skipping them for a month could save you around £65. If you’re more into wine and cocktails, you could save £130 over the course of a month by giving up four glasses of wine and a couple of cocktails each week.
Without the temptation of alcohol, you may find yourself less inclined to visit the pub during Sober October. And even if you do still go out, ordering non-alcoholic drinks is often cheaper than buying alcohol.
For those feeling particularly health-conscious, you can always ask for a glass of tap water, which is typically free at most venues. So, by cutting back on pub visits and choosing cheaper drinks when you do go out, you could save even more money during your month of sobriety.
Another easy way to save money during Sober October is by skipping taxis and offering to be the designated driver for your friends instead. Not only will you have more cash in your pocket at the end of the night, but you might become the most popular person in your group.
Have you ever found yourself browsing online shops after a few drinks and making impulsive purchases that you later regret? You're not alone – a survey of 2,000 adults found that over half (54%) admitted to shopping online while under the influence of alcohol.
Alcohol can lead to impulsive buying decisions, making shoppers more vulnerable to sneaky sales tactics like unexpected subscription traps, fake reviews, and hidden charges. By staying sober during October, you can avoid these alcohol-induced shopping sprees and save yourself money (and potential regret) in the long run.
If you want to take a break from alcohol to improve your health and finances, here are some tips to help you stay on track:
Remember, aside from not drinking alcohol, there are also many other ways to save money.
No matter what time of the year it is, if you're feeling the pinch from rising costs, remember that you're not alone.
You can get free, confidential advice about your finances from a professional debt specialist. Visit Money Wellness, StepChange, Citizens Advice, National Debtline, or MoneyHelper to find out more.
So, whether you're taking part in Sober October or simply looking to save money and improve your financial wellbeing, remember that there's always support available if you need it.
For help and support with alcohol related issues, contact Drinkaware.
Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure that content is correct at the time of publication. Please note that information published on this website does not constitute financial advice, and we aren’t responsible for the content of any external sites.
Zubin is a personal finance writer with an extensive background in the finance sector, working across management and operational roles. He applies his experience in customer communication to his writing, with the aim of simplifying content to help people better understand their finances.
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