How do you use your cigarette money? I asked that question to someone the other day. I knew they didn’t smoke when I asked the question. And they knew, that I knew, that they didn’t smoke.

So it’s no wonder that, in response to the question, I was given a look that carried the message of: “What in the H – E – Double Hockey Sticks are you talking about?” Then they spoke out loud the response of: “I don’t have cigarette money.”

Then I responded with, “Of course you have cigarette money. Everyone has cigarette money. It’s just a matter of whether you’re using it for cigarettes or not.” (It makes perfect sense to me)

According to my research, a pack of mainstream brand cigarettes costs around $10.16 in Utah. I checked other states too. On the high end, in New York, those 20 smokes in the pack will set you back about $14.55. It’s $7.95 in North Carolina.

So here’s what I think is pretty simple arithmetic. If I were to smoke a pack of cigarettes a day at $10 a pack, I would be spending $70 a week on smokes.

If I don’t smoke at all, then there’s $70 a week that I have available for something other than the pleasure of getting that smoky, “nicotine satisfaction.”

So the money saved by not smoking becomes my “cigarette money.” My position is that we all have it, regardless of how we use it.

Now follow me with this part of the story. Late last summer, I was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. It’s a very painful inflammation of the tissue of the foot. I went to a foot doctor to see if I could get relief.

I was given instructions to do special stretching exercises, orthotics to be inserted in my shoes, and a drug. I also received the advice to wear good shoes with good support.

Shoes break down and lose their structural support over time. I was told not to wear old, broken down shoes. People evidently wear their old athletic shoes way too long — long after the proper functional support has worn out.

I committed to wearing good shoes as part of my recovery. I had visions of being required to wear bulky leg braces or something like that, like a “young Forrest Gump,” if I didn’t take the doctor’s advice to heart.

Many of you now probably know where at least some of my cigarette money has been going. Yes, new shoes. Early on in the “get my feet feeling better process,” those several months ago, I came up with my rationale and justification for spending a fair amount of money on new shoes.

I’ve purchased several pairs of shoes over the past few months. I bought a couple of pairs last weekend. My wife and I went into a store and I said, “I’m going over to the cigarette department.” She replied, “I know where you’re going.”

I’ve thought of that legendary fairy tale “Cinderella.” Some people have made little sayings to the effect of: Cinderella is proof that a new pair of shoes can change your life.

The life of my feet has changed for the better. And, I believe shoes have been part of the reason for it.

So, the title of this column is a question that still stands. How do you use your cigarette money? If you’re paying for actual smoking, then I acknowledge that you may be getting a “pay-off” from the costs. I know people who claim that they really enjoy their “habit.” My response usually refers to those pesky warning labels on every pack of smokes.

If you don’t smoke, and you don’t feel inclined to buy new shoes regularly, then the sky’s the limit as to choices you have with that significant, weekly, untapped treasure trove of dollars. If you really want to maximize the concept, you can “become” a two-pack a day, non-smoker. Now you have $140 a week!

Start a savings account for a trip. It wouldn’t take long to pile up funding for a nice vacation. Can you say, “Aloha?”

Maybe it’s time to save up for a different car, a college fund, or a concert in Vegas — or a humanitarian trip and/or donations. Like I said, the sky’s the limit.

I hope you all enjoy spending your cigarette money. Have fun with it! — Merrill