Mmm... Starbucks
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!
January 30th, 2009 at 3:34 pm
I may have cut back, but I will *never* give up my Starbucks either!
February 7th, 2009 at 11:52 pm
i’m a working mom with 7 kids, i need my starbucks!:)
February 17th, 2009 at 8:41 am
What kind of insurance are you talking about? Not all insurance are the same. Specially when we talk about life or health insurance. I think this is stupid advise. You want to pay more than 3 dollars for a cup of coffee at Starbucks? Go ahead and do it, but don’t advise to cut on insurance when you don’t know what you are talking about, or what kind of cut the person that takes your so called “advise” will do.
February 17th, 2009 at 1:59 pm
John,
This piece was intended to be an entertaining look at how to continue to enjoy small “indulgences” in life during an economic crisis. It was not intended to be a piece providing advice on switching insurance companies and I never implied that folks should cut their insurance. I just used that as an example because I have saved money in the past by researching alternative insurance companies. In fact, by moving my car insurance to the same company I use for homeowners insurance I was able to save several hundred dollars a year. I hope that clears up my intent and thank you for your feedback.
Alison
April 7th, 2009 at 11:58 am
Your post made me think about spending in hard times. I was reminded of exiles from Judah who were commanded by God (Jeremiah 29) to “seek the prosperity of the city” by being part of the community (building, planting, etc). While not equivalent to our current economic situation, we need to live in hope and find joy in things like a good cup of coffee. That said, I hope hope to be ever more aware of many who are in great need these days due to unemployment or underemployment or other kinds of challenges. I confess that I easily overlook the pain and struggles others face. So, for me that might mean inviting a friend to share a latte at my expense or having a tall coffee instead of a latte so I can sponsor an orphan for $30 a month. Just a thought.
April 29th, 2009 at 9:24 am
Hi Alison, I liked your coffee story. I live in Australia, so for me it’s Gloria Jeans coffees, and I think that cutting out on the little luxuries entirely just makes me more dangerous!!
May 8th, 2009 at 9:47 pm
Help, I feel guilty that I am not affected by the economy. I have always lived below my means and now I find it hard to indulge after all these years. I retired early (after 30+ years) and can afford much more than I ever thought I could. Most friends are not in as good of shape and I feel guilty. I don’t drink coffee so that is not a issue. Please give me your opinion.