Suze Orman warns that dining out and coffee runs drain wealth
Financial adviser Suze Orman says restaurant meals and coffee purchases are among the biggest money leaks, especially as prices rise.
Suze Orman, a bestselling author and television personality with a net worth measured in tens of millions, has long criticized dining out as a major financial drain. In a recent interview, she explained that she only eats at restaurants when meeting friends and often covers the bill to protect them from unnecessary spending. She highlighted that between December 2024 and December 2025, the cost of "food away from home" rose 4.1%, compared with a 2.4% increase for home-cooked meals, while overall consumer prices grew 2.7%.
Orman also avoids coffee shop purchases, drinking a single cup of homemade coffee each day and urging people to invest that money instead. She likens the cumulative effect of such small expenses to “peeing $1 million down the drain.” Investor Kevin O'Leary reinforced the message, noting that everyday purchases like a $5.50 coffee can quickly erode a modest income. Critics argue that extreme frugality may overlook the broader goal of aligning spending with personal financial goals.
Why it matters
It highlights how everyday spending choices can significantly affect long-term wealth building.
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