Source: Fortune
Summary
Suze Orman, a personal finance expert with a net worth in the tens of millions, has long criticized eating out as a waste of money. She and her wife primarily cook at home, only eating out for social reasons and ensuring they cover the cost. Restaurant prices have risen faster than home-cooked meals, according to the U.S. Consumer Price Index. Orman also avoids coffee shops, preferring to invest money instead. Others, like Kevin O’Leary, share similar views on small expenses adding up. Critics argue that personal finance should focus on budgeting rather than eliminating all non-essential spending.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story.
Orman avoids restaurants and coffee shops, citing financial discipline.
Prices for food away from home rose faster than at home.
She invests instead of spending on small daily purchases.
Others echo the same message, but critics say balance matters.
Author: Evan Null
Orman’s Frugal Philosophy
Suze Orman, a well-known personal finance expert, has built her career around teaching people how to save and invest. She has a net worth in the tens of millions, yet she remains strict about her spending habits. One of her main criticisms is eating out, which she calls one of the biggest wastes of money. She and her wife cook at home most of the time, only going out for social reasons and covering the cost themselves.
Restaurant Prices Rise Faster
According to the U.S. Consumer Price Index, prices for “food away from home” increased 4.1% between December 2024 and December 2025, compared to 2.4% for food at home. This trend has reinforced Orman’s belief that eating out is a financial misstep. She has also criticized the rising cost of fast food, saying that even places like McDonald’s and Taco Bell have become too expensive.
Coffee as a Financial Mistake
Orman is also against spending on coffee, preferring to make her own at home. She has said that spending $100 a month on coffee could be invested in a Roth IRA and grow into hundreds of thousands of dollars over time. Her argument is that small daily expenses, when compounded, can lead to significant financial losses. She has compared this to “peeing $1 million down the drain.”
Others Share the Same View
Other financial figures, like Kevin O’Leary, have echoed similar sentiments. He has criticized small expenses like coffee and sandwiches, saying that they can add up to significant amounts over time. O’Leary argues that people, especially those starting out in their careers, often waste money on unnecessary items. He believes that understanding where your money is going is key to financial success.
Critics Say Balance Is Key
While Orman and others emphasize frugality, some critics argue that personal finance should be about balance, not strict avoidance of all non-essential spending. They suggest that if a weekly latte is something you enjoy and can afford, it should be budgeted for. The goal, they say, is to ensure that expenses align with financial goals, not to eliminate every small purchase.
