A new report comes to some startling conclusions about the up-front economic costs of smoking. Nationwide, the average smoker spends 14% of income on cigarettes. In New York, where taxes are among the highest, low-income smokers spend a staggering 25% of their money on their addiction!

Cigarette costs add up to about $7400 a year for a New Yorker with a two pack-a-day habit. Here are some suggested alternatives for spending that kind of money:

• Lease a 5 series BMW, and have enough left over for gas.
• A sailing vacation in the Galapagos for you and your spouse, every year (or you could go somewhere different each year).
• Start a college fund for your 4 year old. Private university tuition would be completely covered when they turn 18.
• VIP seats for you and a friend at every Super Bowl.

Next time> the retail cost is only the tip of the iceberg for what cigarettes cost us