Let's get right to it. You can quit smoking for free. That's right. You don't need to purchase patches or gum. You don't need to enroll in an expensive program. You can stop smoking for free if you simply create a plan and then implement your plan.

Even if you are not ready to quit today, or tomorrow, or next week, you need to create a plan so that when the time comes to stop smoking cigarettes, you already have a quitting timeline as well as a step-by-step plan to successfully stop smoking.

The first component of your plan will consist of the all the reasons you want to quit. You need to develop a clear understanding of your motivation to quit before you will be able to successfully quit forever. Unless you put it in writing, it's not a plan - it's just a dream. So, commit your reasons to writing and they form the basis for your plan.

I suggest you carry a 3x5 index card with you at all times. Create your list on this card and add to it each time you think of another reason to stop smoking. This index card will form the basis of your plan. While it is possible to stop cold turkey, it is more likely that you will achieve success at quitting by developing your list of reasons to quit over a period of time. You might add to your list over days, weeks, or months. It really doesn't matter how long it takes. As long as you continue to recognize your reasons to quit and as long as you review your card on a regular basis (preferably every day), those reasons will ultimately form the basis for your decision to finally quit.

When the time is right, pick a day to quit. Make sure it's reasonable that you will be able to get through your first, second, and third day without a cigarette. For example, New Year's Eve is probably not the best time for most people to quit. Try to pick a time where you have several days in a row that are low-stress, low-involvement days.

When I finally quit smoking (after 20 years), I picked an appropriate day to quit and reviewed my list of reasons every time I felt the urge to light up. In addition to my list of reasons and picking an appropriate time, I also used Fisher Sunflower Seeds. I put one (and only one) in my mouth at a time. The salt provided an interesting sensation and I used my tongue to play with the shell until I was able to open it and chew the sunflower seed. Then I continued to suck on the shell and play with it. This process lasted 30 to 60 minutes, and then I would take it out of my mouth and put a new one in. Think about it. It satisfies your oral urges, gives you something to take your mind off smoking, and can be discretely used in an office, retail, or even social environment.

Most smokers will have that first cigarette before they even step in the shower in the morning. If you can eliminate that ritual, you are well on your way to success. I'm sure you can wait until after breakfast.

No smoking in the car. Many of us have long commutes to work and back, and usually have at least 1 or 2 cigarettes during those drive times. Other times, we'll have one on the way to the store. Train yourself not to light up while you are in travel mode.

No smoking in the house. After I left my apartment and bought my first house, I made a rule to myself that there will be absolutely no smoking inside my castle. By making it a habit of going outside, I was able to cut down on the number of cigarettes on a daily basis. This especially works well on rainy days and during the winter, when it's just too cold to step out too much.

No smoking breaks at work. A lot of folks will take 4 or 5 breaks at work to step outside and have a smoke. Remember that your employer is not paying you to spend 30 minutes a day away from your desk. Wait until lunch time.

Keep yourself active. I have always found myself with a cigarette in my hand when I'm simply sitting around, and doing nothing. If you feel the urge to light-up, stick a piece of hard candy in your mouth and do some house or yard work.

It's all about willpower and self control. If you can tackle these simple methods, you are on the way to better health and a lot more money to save.

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