Why I Don’t Feel Guilty About Drinking Starbucks

Doesn’t it seem like Starbucks is getting a lot of bad press these days? At the top of just about every “how to save money” list is this one: Stop drinking Starbucks. We’re made to feel guilty for our $4 lattes and $3 scones. Meanwhile poor Starbucks is cutting 7,000 jobs and they’ve announced that they won’t brew decaf after noon to help reduce costs.

To tell you the truth, I’m writing this post from my neighborhood Starbucks while sipping on a grande apple chai tea. And it tastes so good. The drink cost me $3.02 and I don’t feel a drop of guilt after purchasing it. The place has been packed since I arrived. Grandma’s are knitting. Mothers are socializing. And two other ladies are typing away on laptops.

I think in the stress of this bad economy it feels good to continue normal indulgences. Life is meant to be enjoyed, even in tough times. We need our caffeine kicks. I’m not sure why Starbucks is always the target on tip lists about saving money. Plenty of people go to bars and drop just as much on a bottle of beer they could buy at the grocery store for $1. Or what about those scrapbookers– shouldn’t we tell them to stop their hobby in order to save money? Of course not.

It’s important for all of us to continue to do what we love, as long as it’s not hurting our families or our financial survival. Don’t feel guilty about doing what you love. Just make up for it in another way. Cut a few coupons or switch to a cheaper insurance carrier. I’m going to keep sipping this lovely drink and enjoying the atmosphere at Starbucks. Oh by the way, there are now seven people in line waiting for coffee!