One small move, big rewards: $42,000 more per year for this couple

In a world where the cost of living is constantly on the rise, finding ways to save money can feel like discovering a hidden treasure.

For one couple, Jennie and Scott Bell from Dubbo, New South Wales, their treasure was found not buried underground but in a lifestyle change that has significantly boosted their bank balance. They made and committed to a decision that would lead them to an astonishing annual cash boost of $42,000. 

‘I was completely [surprised] at that dollar value… So absolutely, hats off to them for making this commitment. It is going to change their lives in so many ways,’ opined personal finance expert Sarah Megginson on the couple.

The simple yet significant change the couple made to boost their annual savings is letting go of an expensive vice — smoking.

Australia is known for having some of the highest cigarette prices globally, a deliberate strategy to discourage smoking due to its health implications. However, the financial impact of this habit often goes unnoticed until the numbers are laid out in black and white.

After doing the maths on their daily cigarette consumption, Jennie and Scott were astounded to find that their combined $58-a-day habit amounted to a staggering $42,000 a year.

‘I know a handful of smokers who are really hesitant to do this calculation because it’s so confronting to work out exactly how much you’re spending on a vice, especially if it’s a vice you’re not quite ready to give up,’ Megginson told Yahoo Finance.

The Bells’ journey to a smoke-free life has been shared on social media, where they have taken their followers through the ups and downs of quitting.

Jennie shared with her followers her journey to a smoke-free life. Image Source: TikTok / Bell Family

Jennie said that she used the QuitNow app to track her savings, and after just 10 days without cigarettes, she had saved nearly $600. When she shared this with Scott, they both realised the magnitude of their decision.

‘This is n***… And that was the moment,’ Jennie said in a social media video, marking the point when they decided to kick the habit for good.

Almost a fortnight into their smoke-free life, they have saved over $1,400.

Quitting has not been easy, though, especially given Jennie’s stressful job as a NSW Ambulance 000 responder. However, to stay the course of her new smoke-free life, she maintained her daily routine despite everyone else’s opposing suggestions.

‘I sat in the same spot. I enjoyed my coffee. I listened to the birds, [and] the cows. Nothing changed. I needed to enjoy my space and my same routine,’ she shared.

Scott, on the other hand, kept busy with tasks like mowing to distract himself from the cravings. Their different approaches highlight that there is no one-size-fits-all method to quitting smoking.

The couple plans to use the money they save from not buying cigarettes for home renovations, turning a negative expense into a positive investment in their future.

Meanwhile, Megginson further illustrated the long-term financial benefits of the couple’s lifestyle change. She calculated that if the Bells had invested the $42,000 yearly cost of their cigarettes into their superannuation, they could have added approximately $700,000 to their retirement savings.

Beyond the financial gains, the Cancer Council’s chair of the Tobacco Issues Committee, Alecia Brooks, reminds us of the health benefits that come with quitting smoking.

From improved taste and smell just two days in to a rapidly reduced risk of heart disease after a year, the advantages are numerous. In contrast, Brooks also highlighted the indirect costs of smoking, such as lost productivity and wages due to smoking-related illnesses.

The Bells’ story is a powerful example of how a single lifestyle change can have a profound impact on both health and finances. It is a reminder to all of us to examine our habits and consider what we might gain by letting go of those that cost us more than we realise.

We would love to hear from our readers at YourLifeChoices. Have you made a change that led to significant savings? What motivated you to stick with it, and how has it improved your life? Share your stories and tips in the comments below, and let us inspire each other to make positive changes for our health and our wallets.

Also read: 8 ways to save up to $13,000 in 2025 amid soaring living costs

Floralyn Teodoro
Floralyn Teodoro
Floralyn covers different topics such as health, lifestyle, and home improvement, among many others. She is also passionate about travel and mindful living.

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