2 MIN READ
APRIL 2026
How drinking affects your wallet
April is Alcohol Awareness Month and a chance to take a closer look at your daily habits. This may include having a beer or glass of wine to unwind after a long shift, meeting co-workers for happy hour, or drinking with friends or family on the weekend. Over time, these habits can affect your budget.
Looking for more? Find other articles below
Consider how the costs add up
| If you spend about … | That adds up to … |
|---|---|
| $20 per week | About $1,040 per year |
| $35 per week | About $1,820 per year |
| $50 per week | About $2,640 per year |
| $75 per week | About $3,940 per year |
A financial check-in
With these numbers in mind, it can help to think about how drinking fits into your budget.
- About how much goes toward drinking in a typical week? The amount might be around $20 or closer to $75.
- When does that money usually go toward drinking? This could be on weekends or after work.
- Does that spending still align with your priorities right now? Are there other expenses or things you’d rather buy or save for?
You don’t have to decide to change anything right now. Paying attention to patterns like these can be enough.
Take it one step at a time
If you want to try something different, small changes can make a difference. That might mean drinking less frequently or limiting how much you spend. You could even swap in nonalcoholic options.
This can support both your finances and your health — giving you more room in your budget, better sleep and more energy throughout the day.
Get confidential support through your Costco benefits
Want extra support to change your drinking habits? Pelago can help, whether you want to drink less, more mindfully or quit altogether. Through the Pelago app, you can track your drinking, get personalized tips, use interactive tools to help manage stress, and connect with a licensed coach or counselor by chat or call. The program is confidential and available 24/7.
Pelago is available at no cost to employees and family members age 15+ enrolled in a Costco medical plan.
Learn more at pelago.health/costco or call 877-349-7755.
Resources for you
Pelago is a confidential digital program that can help you cut back on or quit alcohol, tobacco/nicotine, prescription pain medication or cannabis — with support that fits your schedule. It’s available at no cost to employees and family members age 15+ enrolled in a Costco medical plan.
pelago.health/costco | 877-349-7755 | 24/7 | Age 15+ | No cost
Pelago is a confidential digital program that can help you cut back on or quit alcohol, tobacco/nicotine, prescription pain medication or cannabis — with support that fits your schedule. It’s available at no cost to employees and family members age 15+ enrolled in a Costco medical plan.
pelago.health/costco | 877-349-7755 | 24/7 | Age 15+ | No cost
Pelago is a confidential digital program that can help you cut back on or quit alcohol, tobacco/nicotine, prescription pain medication or cannabis — with support that fits your schedule. It’s available at no cost to employees and family members age 15+ enrolled in a Costco medical plan.
pelago.health/costco | 877-349-7755 | 24/7 | Age 15+ | No cost