Not only do we smokers pay through the nose for the privilege of our habit, we almost certainly put ourselves into an early grave too. Smokers do die younger, at least on average (we all know one aunty, uncle or granddad who smoked until they were 100 and it did them no harm, but this is the exception not the norm). In fact, figures show that 83,200 people die each year in England alone due to smoking related illness. Not a pretty picture and one to consider when lighting up that next cigarette.

With the cost of smoking having already reached an incredible average of 92,000 in a lifetime, you really could get all those items you thought you couldnt afford, if you could give them up. 92,000 could buy a very nice car, many luxury holidays, even a house and the savings dont stop there.

After the initial staggering cost of buying cigarettes there are many other savings to be had too, life insurance being one of them. Insurance companies are obviously going to up their price for a smoker who is much more likely to contract a serious illness than a non smoker, it stands to reason. Premiums are actually generally around 50% less for a non smoker.

To qualify for these savings, however, you need to have kicked the wicked weed for at least a year with some companies asking for five years abstinence. Stopping is the easy bit its staying off them that is the tough part. In the past year nearly a half of all smokers have attempted to quit and you can bet your bottom dollar that a high percentage of them are smoking again now.

If you do manage to stop, however, you will want to know how much lower your current insurance premiums can be. A good starting point is to contact your current life insurance provider, if you have one of course, to revise your policy. Although a good starting point I would strongly suggest this isnt your only action. The best savings are almost certainly likely to be found on the internet so shop around and you are sure to find a much improved quote.

Do make sure you have received your final price before cancelling you current policy (best done by simply cancelling your current direct debit payments), as internet base prices are highly likely to increase after medical questionnaires and other forms are completed. Even more so these days as insurance companies battling for custom on the internet are trying to lower their base rates. This obviously gives them an advantage of showing customers a better price on initial contact. This soon mounts up as questionnaires are filled, especially for the smokers amongst us!

With the smell, the price of smoking and the severe health risks involved its amazing any of us still smoke. Perhaps the ban on smoking in enclosed public places coming into effect summer 2007 will persuade many of us to follow the thousands of Scots and Irish in kicking the habit. I for one could do with a new car and a few luxury holidays!