Dec 16th, 2007
The Twice Weekly Latte–How Much Does it Mean to Your Bottom Line?
I will not deny that I like my latte–in fact, right now I sit at Coffee Talk in Kaimuki putting this article together, with my second latte of the weekend. At this small, locally owned Starbucks alternative, an iced latte skim costs $3.75, and a regular customer card makes my expense into a “buy ten, get the eleventh free” proposition. That makes my final cost for the latte $3.41, rounded up.
Despite my fondness for the latte, I’m not a heavy duty coffee guy, so I really only have a couple of these a week; if I really do have two a week over the course of a year (which is likely a fair estimate), that’s a bit over $350 a year–under a buck a day. The amount doesn’t surprise me; the question is if it’s worth it.
Like many other expenses around food, it’s certainly possible for me to cut this cost if not eliminate it altogether. The Aerobie Aeropress is about $30, which would leave me with the cost of the coffee beans, milk, and water, and maybe replacement filters, which would likely be far less than the $350 listed above. And while $350 isn’t a ton of money, it would pay for, say, most of a half year’s car insurance or a couple year’s worth of Web site hosting.
The advantage to getting my latte is that it helps my creative process and my work week recovery. It helps me get more done when I go out and hit the coffee place; at home, while there’s a million comforts that I have created over the years, there’s at least as many distractions and responsibilities that will keep me away from getting things done. So while I’m paying $350 a year, there’s a value to it that might not be easily measurable in money–and at least the coffee place has no charge WiFi, so I’m not spending anything on top of the money I dish out for my cable modem and EVDO.
Is $350 worth it? I think so; if I was home I doubt I’d be as productive as I am at Coffee Talk, as at home I’m just a bit of distraction away from starting up a programming project or rebuilding a computer. If I decide this is an area in which I want to reduce spending, maybe it’s time for me to find a cheaper drink. Some things are worth paying for, and some relatively quiet distraction-free time away from home where I can be productive is high on my list.
What’s some expense that you might not consider reducing or eliminating, even if you sometimes believe it’s extravagant?
I have a coffee maker at home…heck I even have French Press and I’ve had to talk myself out of buying an espresso machine. These items are of course intended to minimize trips to the local Starbucks or other cafe but the fact is, distractions arise at home; the tv and radio are only a click away.
Going to the local cafe on the other-hand allows me to accomplish a couple of things: (1) focus on the task at hand. If I’m writing, I’m in the zone. (2)You see the light of day…out there in the real world…somehow satisfying a deeper need to socialize. Some of the best conversations I’ve had have been at the local cafe. I’ve made a habit to meet clients there; it’s a nice environment and like I said, it’s good to get out.
But of course as long as you don’t splurge on 3+ a day, everything is fine. Beyond that…I’d rather invest the money somewhere else.
Read you later!
The other day, I realized (duh) that a venti iced Americano at Starbucks is just a couple shots of espresso poured over ice. My attempts at brewing iced coffee at home never worked out right, but I can make a shot (or four) of espresso at home with no problem, and I can’t mess up ice.
I normally have one venti iced Americano a day, for $2.79. That adds up to $1,018.35 per year.
One bag of espresso beans lasts me at least 14 days at a cost of $6.99 per bag. That adds up to $181.74 per year.
Not only that, but I can make a drink even BIGGER than a venti for a fraction of the cost. My local Starbucks will not be seeing me anytime soon, sadly.
With a positive review from my lady friend, I think I’m going to get an Aeropress and do some of my coffee that way. In the meantime, my favorite coffee place has upped their price from $3.75 to $4…