I run my consulting business with my cell phone and my DSL, which makes them about ten thousand times more important to me than a daily latte. You can't compare what I choose and what you choose and say one is right and the other is wrong when you have no idea what criteria are involved.

My point was that small daily "leaks" in spending *are* important if you don't realize it's happening. You can't make a choice about something that you didn't even realize you were doing.

If by corrected, you mean that it's more than a month, you're right.
[www.washingtonpost.com]

Multiple inquiries in a 45 day period will not affect your credit score.

The leaks of daily spending are less about lattes and more about discipline. If you're going to spend $400 per month on lattes (or whatever the going rate is these days), then be honest about it and plan for it in the budget. Otherwise, its just a hole in your pocket.

What was he smoking and why hasn't anyone corrected him?

Which is the point: I don't think the "leaks" of small daily spending are as important as your large mental picture in life. Someone who values people, friends and experiences more than gadgets, cars, and toys will automatically save more money in the long run.

Someone who hangs out with big spenders and needs to buy the latest and have the greatest (and can't afford it without credit) will never save or be debt free. That type of change doesn't happen without a fundamental shift in mindset and life philosophy.

I shop used, share a car with my partner, bike to work, and I'm not consumed with aquiring the newest material toys. I put money into my house and selectively spend my disposable income on experiences like travel and education.

A modest life of selective spending and accessing your wants vs needs automatically earns you money.

It matters if you're doing it EVERY DAY. $3/day * 260 weekdays is almost $800 in a year. It's $65/month, which more than covers my DSL *and* cell phone.

It isn't the $3. It's the EVERY DAY. I quite enjoy my $4 mocha... once every week or two.

@foghat81: I agree with your last sentence. Even though these lists tend to be common sense, sometimes you need a refresher. And it's a worthwile exercise if occasionally you learn something new.

The first one 'Mystery Shopper' says 'jobs are hard to come by'. That is neither quick neither easy. Of course, not to mention there are scams out there.

And, how is 'Become a cleaner' become a way to make money "Quickly & Easily". Last time I checked, cleaners work in the worst of places, do the most difficult of tasks of scrubbing and don't make nearly as much money cleaning.

Maybe this is Get Rich Slowly's fault. For touting stuff that is slow and excruciatiating, and dubious at best.

That being said, the NY Times had an article (and I can't find it at the moment) that basically said to enjoy the damned latte, $3 doesnt make that huge of a difference if you're spending $50k on a car.

(I still read a bunch of personal finance blogs b/c I do learn something now and then and it's more of a hobby)

If you're debt free, are saving and investing and live thrifty financially I say enjoy your daily Mochachino. You deserve it.