If you only saved and invested instead of spending dollars on coffee every day, in so many years, you’d be a millionaire!

It’s a fun, somewhat silly, oft-used example to illustrate the power of compound interest. But the financial trope has never been more accurate.

Americans are addicted to coffee (about two-thirds of us drink coffee daily). And many purveyors are ratcheting up the price.

The price per pound of coffee rose from barely more than $4 in 2020 to nearly $9.50 early this year. It has risen 33% since January 2025 and is diverging from the global price ($3.64/pound, down recently).

Tariffs levied against countries such as Brazil, a major coffee exporter to the U.S., have not helped prices. But even tariff reversals haven’t given immediate relief to customers. And there were some production shortfalls in 2025.

Whether it’s on coffee or some other indulgence or habit, most all of us have some area of our life that we consistently spend money on (at least multiple times per week) that isn’t a necessity.

Clark does a wonderful job at teaching us how to save, and providing examples of his frugality, without being overly hard-line or robotic.

But it’s an especially costly time for coffee drinkers. If you haven’t meticulously reviewed your coffee budget, it’s a good time to reassess.

Clark breaks down two common terms investors need to understand: ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) vs. mutual funds. Clark reveals why ETFs are generally the superior choice for your non-retirement accounts. Also, we love our pets and pet wellness plans sound like a solid option for affordable vet care – but there’s a major catch you need to know before you buy one.

The Team Clark Consumer Action Center is a free helpline that can help you navigate your money questions. Call 636-492-5275. Visit clark.com/cac for more information.