Think your daily coffee habit is just a harmless pick-me-up? It might surprise you how much those small purchases can add up over time. If you’re grabbing a coffee every morning on your way to work—say, around $5 a cup—you’re spending roughly $150 a month. That’s $1,800 a year! Now imagine channeling that same money into something that gives you peace of mind—like an emergency fund.

Let’s say you started by skipping coffee just a couple of days a week and putting that $10 aside instead. That’s an easy $40–$50 a month. Over a year, that’s $600 saved. Not bad for such a small change. There’s even a simple calculator at https://latteperday.com/  that can help you see how fast those savings can grow, based on how often you skip your coffee run.

Building an emergency fund might feel difficult at first, especially if you already feel stretched. But that’s what makes saving in little chunks such a great approach. You don’t need to overhaul your life—just swap one small habit for another. Keep in mind, an emergency fund is your safety net. If your car breaks down, if you have an unexpected medical bill, or if something at home needs fixing, you won’t have to rely on credit cards or borrow money.

Some people find it helpful to keep the saved coffee money in a jar as a visible reminder. Others prefer automatically transferring the “coffee cash” to a separate savings account. There’s no right or wrong way—just go with whatever feels easiest for you.

Think of it like this: your daily coffee gives you a quick boost in the moment. But even a small emergency fund gives you a longer-lasting kind of comfort. If $1,800 a year sounds like a lot to save, break it into bite-sized pieces. Starting with just skipping one or two coffees a week can be a real game-changer over time.

It’s not about giving up all the fun stuff—it’s about finding balance. Maybe make more coffee at home, or treat yourself once in a while instead of every day. Small habits can lead to big results, and your future self will thank you.