Smokers save cash by giving up

Over the past few years the smoking "scene" has become rather un-cool. Numerous ads on TV warn of the effects that smoking can have on the body, ranging from lung cancer to the effects of passive smoking on others.

Thanks to these adverts and government campaigns, the number of people deciding to give up smoking has reduced dramatically in the last few years, and those who are giving up are reaping the financial benefits.

"Quitting smoking has a number of financial benefits in addition to health bonuses", said an NHS spokesperson.

"Smoking is not only bad for you, but if you have a young family they are at risk too - recent studies show that passive smooking can just be as harmful, if not more so thank smoking itself".

Some experts say that financial incentives are an added bonus to giving up, but people should be quitting for their own health benefits.

According to the spokesperson, NHS figures show that a smoker on 30 cigarettes per day can save around £250 per month by giving up.

The NHS added that 165,000 chose to kick the habit last year - up from 129,000 in 2006.

It also stated that life insurance companies offer more generous deals to those who do not smoke - another great financial incentive for those looking to break the habit.

"On top of this most life assurance companies consider customers to be non-smokers if they have not smoked for 12 months. Anyone who gave up when the smoking ban came into force would now fall into this category," commented the firm.

The ban on smoking in public places indoors came into effect on June 1st 2007, just over two years ago. It was met with criticism at first, but has now proved popular with smokers and non-smokers alike, giving designated smoking areas up as free space for smokers.