Recently, I published an article on Simple Money called “Make Your Coffee at Home” And 50 Other Simple Habits to Save Money.
Most people had kind words to say about the list. But others offered criticism.
The critical and negative comments didn’t surprise me. I’ve been writing on the Internet long enough to know how people respond to certain phrases. And “make your own coffee to save money” is definitely one of them.
As is telling people to stop spending money on avocado toast by the way.
The advice to make your own coffee is often dismissed as trivial or simple or downright insulting. Here’s how one commenter put it over the weekend, “Oh wow, you can make coffee at home? Who knew!”
I know that deciding to make coffee at home, in the grand scheme of things, probably isn’t going to change your entire financial outlook. Because, let’s face it, how much does skipping that cup of coffee save?
Most estimates put the number somewhere less than $2/day—or maybe as high as $1,000/year if you’re buying something fancy every time at Starbuck’s.
That being said, despite the dollar amount savings, I will continue to offer the advice. And here’s why: Making your coffee at home is about more than the couple dollars you save each day.
Making your coffee at home is about recognizing and leaning into the mindset that is required to make the necessary positive financial changes in your life.
It’s about more than the dollars, it’s about embracing a new worldview concerning life and money. As an example, consider what the commitment to making coffee at home displays:
Willingness to Be Inconvenienced.
Brewing your coffee at home may seem less convenient than grabbing a cup on the go, but it shows you’re willing to put in the effort and work to save and get ahead financially.
Choosing Simplicity Over Luxury.
Home-brewed coffee may not always taste as amazing as the fancy latte from the local café. But it can still be enjoyed. And it signifies that you can keep your tastes simple—especially when you’re focused on financial wellness over fleeting pleasure.
Embracing Change in Your Routine.
Deciding to make your coffee at home requires an intentional shift in your daily routine. It demonstrates (and communicates every morning) your desire to make sacrifices and embrace changes to improve your financial situation—whatever it takes.
Faithfulness in the Small Things.
Brewing your own coffee is a small thing and might save you only a couple dollars/day. But in some ways, that’s the point.
Paying attention to even the smallest expenses shows you’re intentional with your money. And when we are faithful in little things, we cultivate the habit to be faithful in larger matters.
Rejection of Status Symbols.
Carrying your own coffee in a thermos to work may lack the prestige of walking in with a Starbucks’s cup, but it shows that you’re not driven by status symbols. You value financial health over appearances.
Breaking Auto-Pilot Spending Habits.
Buying coffee daily is often an automatic action. By choosing to make coffee at home, you’re intentionally disrupting auto-pilot spending, showing a commitment to control your money instead of letting it control you.
Not Needing to Buy Things to Enjoy Yourself.
Enjoying a cup of self-made coffee can bring a simple joy to your day that is not tied to a purchase. It underscores that experiences and contentment don’t have to be bought—they can be brewed at home.
Patience and Discipline.
Saving a few dollars a day might not seem significant, but over time, they add up.
This act reflects patience and discipline in your approach to personal finance, recognizing that the light at the end of the tunnel might be a long way off, but you’ll only get there if you keep moving forward.
Creating and Staying Within Boundaries.
Choosing to make coffee at home is an arbitrary decision that you make for yourself. No one but you knows about it—and you are the only one holding yourself accountable to that commitment. Essentially, you are setting a boundary against impulsive or convenience-based spending. Staying within it proves your self-discipline.
Brewing your coffee at home may seem trivial when looked at in isolation, but it’s a powerful symbol of a broader mindset change. Those who cast shade on the suggestion miss the picture.
It’s about more than just saving a couple of dollars—it’s about a shift in perspective that can move your financial journey towards success.
Of course, there are other small financial habits that we can adopt to bring about changes in our financial circumstances. I don’t mean to pick on only coffee-drinkers in this article. Apply the principle as you see fit.
To anyone who is striving to get out of debt, save more, give more, or improve your family’s financial situation, remember: it is almost always the small, intentional, and consistent steps that lead to significant change.
Might I suggest you start by brewing your coffee at home? Because “Making Your Coffee at Home” is about more than just saving a few dollars, it’s about embracing a mindset that can radically transform your financial future.
Holly says
And yet sometimes NOT making coffee at home is what you need to do. Half a century ago when I was a grad student with a monthly stipend of $100 after paying rent —- and coffee was just coffee — I frequently was at the student union when it opened at 7 am to get my $.65 cup of coffee. The coffee shop was a quiet, safe, undemanding place where I could be around other people, but they made no demands on me. At home there were the worries of finances and housekeeping and OMG will I have a place to live next semester. In my library workspace were the worries of passing exams, writing a dissertation, and getting a job. But in the early morning coffee shop, I could sit quietly with other academic warriors and together consume the courage to face another day. It was worth every penny.
Christine says
I would like to add another aspect. At home, I can choose the quality and brand of my coffee and milk, so I can buy organic fair trade coffee and unsweetened almond milk. I love my fully automatic coffee maker and the quality is equal to what you get at the fancy coffee shops.
On the days I go to office, I bring my first coffee in a thermos but get an espresso from the cafeteria after lunch.
People often think I must earn lots of money because I go on extensive trips several times a year. I’m happy with my salary but it’s not higher than theirs. I’m just very conscious about everyday spending, and this adds up.
Kara says
My husband roasts our coffee-and even sells a few pounds to others offsetting our cost even more. The flavor and freshness of our coffee at home can’t be beat!
Karen Ann Fisher says
Grande matcha latte $5.25 x 365= $1,916.25
Fran says
Brewing coffee at home actually takes less time than waiting in line at Starbucks or some other coffee place be it in person or in your car. I didn’t realize that holding a Starbucks cup was a prestige thing; I can purchase a Starbucks mug at their store and be a look alike. 😎 Fran.
Michelle Baldwin says
I agree…I had no idea holding a Starbucks cup was prestigious 😂
Grandma Alan says
Or-you can find one at a thrift store and spend even less. I got a pink Caribou Coffee mug for a quarter.
Booch says
Makes a lot of sense really. There are so many fabulous coffee bean options that makes for great coffee at home.👍🏻
Jamie says
I just find simple magic in my morning brew. Wouldn’t change a thing. It’s my quiet time and it’s never been about money nor inconvenience.
Amy says
I upgraded my coffee grinder and bought a decent espresso machine. Making coffee at home does not feel like a sacrifice. It is as good as a cafe or Starbucks. It cost me $500 to set up, but it has paid for itself.
Susan Wallace says
I love this article!! Over the last year and a half I have brewed my coffee at home. It definitely makes me feel proud that I don’t need to depend on Anyone else for my coffee. I am not adding to the landfill with my one use cup. This act of simplicity has expanded into other areas – making my own lunch instead of buying, wearing a dress I have to an event instead of buying something new. These actions align with my values and that feels great.
MARY ANN ANN BASSETT says
I love pushing the button on the coffee maker in the morning and just like magic…coffee. And I love that I have my to go coffee container and I am not adding to the landfill. Great article.
M Walton says
I was scrolling responses to see if anyone else likes the reduced waste/planet saving aspect as much as the money & time savings!
Aneela says
Such a rich brew of insights, Joshua! ☕️📘 Your perspective on making coffee at home transcends the mere act and delves into a profound mindset shift that resonates deeply. It’s not merely about the dollars saved but about cultivating a consciousness and intentionality in our daily habits and financial decisions. 💸🔄
I particularly appreciated the point about ‘Faithfulness in the Small Things.’ It’s a gentle reminder that our financial wellness is often shaped by numerous small decisions, consistently made, rather than a few large ones. 🌱🔄
Your mention of ‘Rejection of Status Symbols’ also struck a chord. In a world where appearances often take precedence, choosing substance over style and valuing our financial health over societal perceptions is both empowering and liberating. 🚫🏆
I’m curious, have you found that this mindset shift from small acts like making coffee at home tends to naturally spill over into other areas of life, perhaps fostering a more mindful and intentional approach towards consumption and lifestyle in general? 🤔💭
And, considering the social and communal aspect of coffee shops that many people cherish, do you have thoughts on how one might balance the financial mindfulness of home brewing with the social engagement of coffee shop visits? 🏠❤️☕️
Thank you for this thought-provoking read and for elevating a seemingly simple act into a symbol of a mindful, intentional lifestyle. It’s a beautiful reminder that our actions, no matter how small, are steeped in deeper meanings and potential impacts. 🌟🙏
Beth Norris says
Be old fashioned and have your friends over for coffee if you need to social aspect of a coffee shop. I remember as a kid playing at other houses when my mom and her friends got together for coffee. They would rotate houses and the hostess would make a coffee cake. If you all work get together on a Saturday!
Maria says
I love making coffee at home. I have found buying quality coffee makes a fabulous hot brew of French pressed coffee at home. Plus, I get to leisurely enjoy and savor every last drop in the comfort of my home!