BEDFORD – New data has revealed that the average smoker in Indiana could reduce the cost of Christmas by almost a third (31%) if they quit this month.
Now is the perfect time to reevaluate your lifestyle, as it’s Lung Cancer Awareness Month, with the Centers for Disease Contol and Prevention (CDC) stating that cigarette smoking is the number one risk factor for the disease – accounting for 80% to 90% of related deaths.
The findings, put together by Yocan Vaporizer, took into account the average cost of a 20-pack of cigarettes in every state, scaled against the typical intake of a smoker (14 per day, as per the CDC), and compared this to the reported annual cost of Christmas.
According to the latest figures from the National Retail Federation (NRF), the average American is expected to spend $875 on Christmas gifts, food, and decorations this year.
Given smokers in Indiana spend $39.20 a week on their habit, those who give up early in November can save $274 towards their holiday budget – equivalent to 31% of the total $875.
The savings decrease as each week goes by, so this saving drops to just 13% ($118) if they put off quitting until the end of November – as there will only be three weeks until the big day.
Indiana savings before Christmas, depending on when you quit
| Weeks until Christmas | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Savings | $274 | $235 | $196 | $157 | $118 | $78 | $39 |
The data also shows that some parts of the US stand to save more than others, with Alaskan smokers standing to save the most, with up to $480 saved if they quit this month.
Following behind Alaska as the second state that could save the most is Connecticut, with seven weeks’ worth of cigarette supplies totaling $446 – equivalent to over half (51%) of the national average cost of Christmas.
Rounding out the top three states that would benefit most from quitting is Massachusetts, as smokers in the state could also put aside a further $446 for Christmas if they quit now.
Top ten states that could benefit the most by stopping smoking
State | Quit the first week in November | Quit the second week in November | Quit the third week in November | Quit the fourth week in November | Quit the fifth week in November | |
| 1 | Alaska | $480 | $412 | $343 | $274 | $206 |
| 2 | Connecticut | $446 | $382 | $319 | $255 | $191 |
| 3 | Massachusetts | $446 | $382 | $319 | $255 | $191 |
| 4 | Maryland | $412 | $353 | $294 | $235 | $176 |
| 5 | New York | $390 | $334 | $278 | $223 | $167 |
| 6 | Louisiana | $377 | $323 | $270 | $216 | $162 |
| 7 | Rhode Island | $377 | $323 | $270 | $216 | $162 |
| 8 | Minnesota | $352 | $301 | $251 | $201 | $151 |
| 9 | Montana | $343 | $294 | $245 | $196 | $147 |
| 10 | Wisconsin | $343 | $294 | $245 | $196 | $147 |
On the other end of the scale, the state that could recoup the lowest sum – but still something – is Missouri, with $180 in savings if they quit smoking this week.
In fact, almost every single state – bar Missouri – could cut the cost of Christmas by at least 25% ($219) if they quit smoking at the start of November.
But despite some smokers partaking in temporary abstinence campaigns, many will find it too challenging to give up their habit, despite the benefits. But with the festive season approaching, prioritizing positive incentives like additional funds can make all the difference.
Speaking on the findings, Louis Lou, a spokesperson from the researcher Youcan Vaporizer, said: “Incentivizing people to quit smoking can make or break the goal for many, especially those who aren’t motivated enough by improving their individual health and reducing healthcare costs. Therefore, comparing a quit date to the potential financial rewards can help you frame your goal in a more positive light – and help you stick to it.
“Creating a support system who can keep you accountable for your efforts can also prove helpful – perhaps you can set a challenge between you and your peers to see who can save the most by cutting down or quitting smoking. And while different people respond to different motivations, considering various strategies like this may make or break your success.”
