The Pumpkin Spice Latte Test: Small Daily Expenses vs. Long-Term Goals
As the air turns crisp and pumpkin spice takes over everything from lattes to candles, it’s the perfect time to revisit an important financial concept: how small, everyday expenses add up—and how they can affect your bigger financial goals.
We’ve all heard the saying, “It’s just a coffee.” And it’s true—buying a latte here and there won’t make or break your financial future. But what if that “just a coffee” becomes a $6 habit, three or four times a week, every week, all fall long?
Let’s do the math:
$6 latte × 3 times per week = $18/week
$18/week × 52 weeks = $936/year
That’s nearly $1,000 a year spent on flavored coffee. And if you invested that same amount annually, earning a 7% return, in 20 years it could grow to more than $40,000.
Why the Latte Test Matters
It’s not about skipping every treat or never enjoying a seasonal favorite. Life is meant to be lived! Instead, the “Pumpkin Spice Latte Test” is a reminder to pause and ask:
Is this expense truly bringing me joy?
Am I intentionally choosing it, or is it just a habit?
Could redirecting a portion of these small daily expenses help me achieve bigger long-term goals, like retirement savings, a vacation, or college funding for my kids?
Finding Balance
Financial health doesn’t come from cutting out every indulgence—it comes from balance. Enjoying a few pumpkin spice lattes won’t derail your retirement plan, but being intentional about where your money goes ensures you’re aligning your spending with what matters most.
So this fall, when you order that latte, think of it as more than a seasonal treat—it’s also a test. A test of whether today’s choices align with tomorrow’s goals.
👉 Take the Pumpkin Spice Latte Test for yourself: Look at your daily or weekly “small” expenses. Are they helping you live the life you want today and tomorrow?