Free Coffee Mondays Are Returning to Dunkin' Starting Sept. 1

Inflation has been hammering consumers for more than two years now. And while it's thankfully been cooling, many people are still grappling with higher bills than they're used to. That's inevitably forced a lot of people to cut back on leisure spending so they can focus on essential bills, like rent or mortgage payments.

If you're bemoaning the small luxuries you used to enjoy but can no longer comfortably swing, like store-bought coffee, there may be some good news in store. Beginning Sept. 1, Dunkin' is bringing back its Free Coffee Monday promotion. And it's an opportunity you may want to jump on.

The Dunkin' details

Many people who work a traditional schedule dread Monday mornings because it represents the start of the workweek. Dunkin' is sweetening the deal, however, with its Free Coffee Mondays. Members of the chain's rewards program, which is free to join, can enjoy a free medium hot or iced coffee with the purchase of another item on the Dunkin' menu.

Of course, it can be argued that Dunkin's free coffees on Monday aren't totally free because you're required to purchase another item at full price. But if you're someone who would normally pick up a muffin and coffee from Dunkin', then you can at least get one free item out of the deal. And at a time when costs are generally still higher, every bit of savings counts.

When will inflation ease completely?

In July, annual inflation was measured at 3.2%, per that month's Consumer Price Index (CPI). That's a vast improvement from June 2022, when annual inflation was measured at 9.1%.

But still, even as of July, the cost of many common goods was up substantially. Food at home (otherwise known as groceries) was up 3.6% annually, while electricity costs were up 3%. And one of the biggest increases noted on last month's CPI was shelter costs. Those rose 7.7% on an annual basis.

On a positive note, gas prices are way down from where they were a year ago, and some other expenses have decreased, too. But all told, life's still pretty darn expensive these days. And it's hard to say when inflation will reach pre-pandemic levels. It could end up taking many more months to get to that point. So it definitely doesn't hurt to take advantage of free offers like Dunkin's as they arise.

Also, if you're someone who does frequent Dunkin', pay attention to other savings opportunities. Dunkin' frequently runs promotions that run the gamut from discounted food items to free beverages. And remember, if you're on a "no-spend" kick but you have Dunkin' reward points banked, you can always cash them in for free food and drinks if you could really use a pick-me-up.

Dunkin' is far from the only chain to offer a rewards program, so think about the places you like to go for a quick lunch or morning beverage and see what programs they have available. You may be in a place where you have to cut back on smaller treats to conserve cash, but that doesn't mean you can't find ways to score freebies that boost your spirits.