Coffee Wars

No. I’m not picking a fight between Starbucks and the great local shops. As long as they have good coffee and reasonable service, I’m a fan. The earlier in the day, the bigger fan I am.

The coffee war I’m referring to is the not so civil war between financial influencers. Like many wars, the initial triggering offense happened decades ago when a prominent financial author used a latte as a relatable example of what $5.00 a day looked like. It is a useful example of a small expense that often doesn’t get noticed or accounted for in our spending plans. He could have, and likely did, suggested other ways to save. Not ordering a beverage when eating out or bringing lunch from home a few days a week. The intent behind these examples was to demonstrate how small expenses can quickly add up. How little routine sacrifices can help us save money for other priorities we have. I’m confident his intent wasn’t to attack caffeine consumption. If he’s at it today, energy drinks would likely be in the target mix.

Ironically, this widely quoted advice has led to a coffee rebellion. Today’s finfluencers pump their fist in dramatic defiance as they proudly shout, “Buy the damn coffee!” As if the original suggestion was some sort of dictate on personal choices.

Given the growing number of coffee shops and their ever-expanding drink menus, we rebellious caffeine consumers seem to be winning. I wonder what the result might have been had the original suggestion for small ways to save was buy less beer or bourbon each week? I’m sure it would have languished in the mountain of advice content on exercising more.

As is the case with most pop culture drama fights, it focuses on the meaningless part—your beverage of choice. It is an easy way to stir up attention and generate likes. Suggesting we save on daily expenses is as old as coupons. It is the easy, low-hanging fruit of personal finance.

Don’t let the narrative wars distract you from the main point. Look for small shifts you can make that can have a positive impact. Have the darn coffee. Or don’t. Your call. You do you.