Smoking doesn’t just harm your health, it also takes a massive toll on your wallet.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Smoking isn’t just a health risk, it’s a financial burden too. According to WalletHub, tobacco use costs the United States over $600 billion every year, including medical expenses, lost income, and productivity.
Here in North Carolina and South Carolina, smokers face some of the lowest financial costs but some of the highest smoking rates in the country.
The average smoker in South Carolina loses over $3 million over their lifetime due to smoking. In North Carolina, it’s about $3.2 million.
Expenses include not only buying cigarettes, but also higher health care costs and missed opportunities to save or invest.
There are ways to quit. Experts recommend resources like smoking cessation programs, using nicotine replacements, and seeking community support.
Programs like these can save lives and help reduce the financial and health impacts of smoking.
