Ex-vaper ‘horrified after working out exactly how much she spent on addictive habit
Jess Baker Smith, a former vaper, made a shocking discovery that prompted her to kick her vaping habit – the staggering amount of money she had spent over time. Vaping, also known as e-cigarettes, has gained popularity in the UK, especially among individuals attempting to quit smoking. Unlike traditional cigarettes, vapes involve inhaling nicotine vapour instead of smoke, making them a perceived healthier option. However, it is important to note that they are not suitable for non-smokers, and selling them to minors is illegal.
Scotland has recently aligned its ban on disposable vapes with the UK government, effectively starting June 1, 2025. In light of this impending ban, many individuals may be considering quitting vaping. Jess Baker Smith, a TikTok content creator and Social Media Strategist, found her motivation to quit when she scrutinised the significant cost associated with her vaping habit. In a recent online post shared with her partner Harry, she revealed the eye-watering sum she had spent on vapes over a year and a half.
Initially estimating around £5,000, Jess was taken aback when she calculated her actual expenditure to be even higher. Breaking down the numbers, she detailed, “One vape is £5 and I’ve been smoking two a day, which is £10 daily, seven days a week, totalling £70 weekly. Multiplying by four for four weeks in a month equated to £280. Multiplying £280 by 12 months made £3,360, and adding £1,680 for a year and a half brought the grand total to five grand.” Harry reacted in disbelief, equating the sum to a lavish holiday in the Maldives, exclaiming, “And you’ve been puffing on those little plastic things.”
Despite the shock of realising her extravagant spending, Jess expressed optimism about the future, highlighting that in a year and a half, they would be £5,000 richer without the vaping expenses. Celebrating her one-month milestone of being vape-free, Jess updated her TikTok followers about the positive impacts of quitting, including improved skin, better sleep quality, and heightened mood.
While vaping is considered less harmful than smoking by the NHS, long-term effects remain uncertain due to the novelty of the trend. It is important to note that vaping is not without risks; nicotine remains addictive, and some disposable vapes could contain as much nicotine as 20 cigarettes. Financially, refillable vapes, priced between £8-12, could initially seem more costly than disposable options, typically priced around £5. It is essential to remember that vaping is recommended solely for adult smokers aiming to quit smoking, as advised by the NHS.
In conclusion, Jess Baker Smith’s revelation about the substantial cost of her vaping habit serves as a powerful incentive for many individuals to reassess their own spending and potentially consider quitting the habit altogether. As the ban on disposable vapes looms closer, more people may choose to follow in Jess’s footsteps towards a healthier and wealthier future.