Make a Fine, Cheap Cuppa Jo | By Cash Advance Mojo

Drink well, drink cheap

Cash Advance Mojo hates to restate the obvious, but he’ll do it anyway. America, we’re in a deep recession. The tunnel remains dark. President Obama may have the country moving forward again, but daylight seems like it’s miles away. That’s why it’s very important to save money in whatever ways we can. We’re saving for rainy days like these.

Yet we must not forget to insert comfort into the equation. “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” which is particularly true for those of us who would honestly say that they’d “kill for a cup of coffee.” Hey, some of us need a good strong Robusta blend to get through the day (let’s just say I know people… ) and be productive. Me, I’m more of an Arabica man. In fact, I break for frou-frou coffee. Is that so wrong?

No, it isn’t, and I’m sure Jason Fitzpatrick at Lifehacker would agree. But get this: he has the real beans on how you can make quality coffee at home, minus the Starbucks grande, venti, expensivo price tag. He points out that even though you may not be able to use all of his tips (like using a coffee grinder), but every little bit helps.

Your “Java Jones” checklist:

1. Be a Bean Counter - Robusto and Arabica coffee beans are not priced the same. Robusto is typically cheaper (darn my luck). If you aren’t sure what you’re buying, read the label carefully.
2. Protect Your Magic Beans – Did you know that if you can keep the beans intact (in their original form) for as long as possible before brewing, you’re hanging on to the magic taste that is typically lost in pre-ground mass market brands? If you buy whole bean and have a grinder, you’re getting your money’s worth when it comes to flavor.
3. Grind them at home – A basic blade grinder “costs less than $15 at any kitchen store of big box grocer,” according to Fitzpatrick. If you have extra money to spend and are a coffee aficionado, a burr grinder will do nicely. But since we’re looking at good coffee here on a budget, shop around and decide for yourself. Whatever grinder you choose, remember to grind the beans right before brewing for best flavor and freshness.
4. Store it well – This is in case you don’t finish all that fresh java in one sitting. If you are going to use your coffee beans and grinds quickly, store them in an air tight class container OUTSIDE the refrigerator or freezer. If you must save coffee for a longer period of time, wrap it in individual small bags and put it in the freezer. Once it comes out of the freezer, however, don’t put it back. Drink it down, fireman!
5. Press on – For great flavor, get yourself a French Press. At about $25 or less, it’s much cheaper than using an ornate coffee or espresso machine. It definitely beats a standard pot, in that more of the delicious oils stay in the mix and not in a filter. Grind your beans, put a few scoops in your press, add nearly boiling water, then wait about four minutes. Work the plunger and you’ll squeeze out some great coffee. One of the primary benefits of making coffee in a French press over a standard drip pot is that more of the coffee oils end up in your cup instead of in the machine’s filter.
6. Get good H2O – Truly, few can afford to install a reverse osmosis filter under their sink. If you can, then you have a superlative source for pure water. This improves the taste of the coffee. However, keep in mind that one gallon of locally distilled water costs less than $1 in many places. Cheap refills are typically available, too. But even tap water from home is doable. Fill up a pitcher and let it set overnight on the counter. The waiting period allows certain chemicals like chlorine to evaporate away!

Let’s face it: Americans love a good cup of coffee. We also love to get quality for less. That’s why – if you follow Fitzpatrick’s blueprint -  it won’t necessarily take a cash advance to get you on your way toward being a functional member of the human race each morning. But even if it does, coffee zombies, do your research. I trust you’ll find that the speed, convenience and discretion of payday loans can also brighten you’re day when you need extra cash.

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