We often do not pay attention to those small habits of our expenses. One big name among these is cigarette. This addiction is not only harmful for health, but is also licking the financial condition of the person like termites. If the money spent on cigarettes is stopped and invested in the right place, a strong economic wall can be created.
If we look at the data of the last two decades, the prices of cigarettes have increased tremendously. The cigarette packet which used to be available for just Rs 59 in the year 2005, today in 2026 its price has reached Rs 480. If we look at this pace of inflation, its prices have increased by 713 percent in the last 21 years. It crossed the mark of Rs 96 in 2010, Rs 200 in 2015 and Rs 300 in 2020. The inflation of cigarettes has increased by more than 7 times, increasing at the rate of 185 percent.
Thousands of rupees are going up in smoke every month
At present, if a person smokes even 10 cigarettes of a premium brand (like Marlboro Red or ITC Gold Flake Kings) every day, then it has a direct impact on his pocket. This expenditure comes to around Rs 7000-8000 in a month. On annual basis this amount becomes Rs 80000-90000. In many cases this amounts to as much as 35 percent of an average salaried employee’s earnings, literally going up in smoke. About 13 crore people smoke in India, which is a huge share at the global level.
Quit Cigarettes, Build Wealth
Now let us assess this loss from a financial perspective. If a person gives up cigarette addiction and starts investing the money he spends every year in ‘Nifty SIP’, then the picture can change completely. If the stock market’s average annual return of 12 per cent is taken as the basis, then with continued investment for the next 10 years and beyond, the value of this fund can reach Rs 15 to 20 lakh with the power of compounding. Whereas if we look at the figures of 15 years, it will become 35 to 40 lakhs. Rs 60 to 70 lakh can be made in 20 years. That means, by converting a small addiction into investment, a big capital can be created.
Money will also be saved indirectly
There is always a risk of serious diseases like cancer, asthma, and difficulty in breathing due to cigarette smoking. If a very nominal medical expense of Rs 500 per month is added for the health problems caused by this addiction, it amounts to Rs 6,000 in a year. If a person remains a victim of this addiction for 40 years, he would have spent Rs 2,40,000 only on ordinary doctor’s bills. The cost of treatment of serious diseases is in addition to this.
Proper management of money is essential to make life better and secure. With the same amount of money that is being used to buy diseases, a beautiful house, a great car or a strong bank FD for the future can be made. It is up to the individual to decide whether he wants to buy smoke with his hard-earned money or a secure tomorrow.