Hey Ariya. It really depends on your overall budget, but for most people on a small one, that daily latte can add up more than you'd think. Let's say your latte costs about $5 a day. Over a workweek, that's $25, and monthly it's around $100 if you skip weekends. Annually, you're looking at over $1200, which could be a decent chunk if your total spending is tight, like under $3000 a month after rent and bills.
To quantify without obsessing, just track your spending for one normal month using a simple app like a notes app on your phone or even a spreadsheet. Jot down categories like food out, groceries, and fun, then see what percentage the coffee takes up. If it's less than 5% of your discretionary spending, it might be a rounding error, but if it's pushing 10% or more, consider brewing at home a few days a week to cut it down. For example, I switched to making my own with a cheap French press and saved about $50 a month without much effort.
Remember and it's not just about the coffee. it's how these habits stack up with others like takeout or subscriptions. If time is limited, don't aim for perfection – just review once a month and adjust one thing at a time. That way, you stay sane while keeping your budget in check.
