Start Your Day Right with a Morning Coffee Ritual.
In a recent TikTok video, multimillionaire Bethenny Frankel, known for her role on The Real Housewives of New York City, expressed strong opinions about spending money on coffee. She stated, “Individuals who spend cash out on espresso are silly.” Frankel, with an estimated net worth of $80 million, criticized coffee shop customers, calling them “dumb” for their spending habits.
While standing in her luxurious kitchen, dressed in an expensive bathrobe, she elaborated, “It’s dangerous for the atmosphere, it’s a waste of cash and it may very well be like $8, $9 for these lavender lattes, the Nutella. It’s so silly.” Her comments sparked conversations about the sustainability and financial implications of daily coffee purchases.
As she prepared her own iced drink, Frankel, now 54 years old, continued her critique of individuals, especially young women, who spend excessive amounts of money on coffee beverages. She challenged her viewers to consider the cumulative cost of their daily indulgences, saying, “Take the $7 that you just do in a day … and multiply it by 365.” Her advice aimed to highlight the significant annual expense and encourage financial awareness.
Frankel further emphasized, “It’s a quantity. It’s an actual quantity, so don’t be dumb.” With her background as a natural food chef and founder of Skinnygirl, she also questioned the perceived health benefits of trendy coffee drinks, stating, “somehow, everybody has convinced themselves that all these sweetened matcha and banana and blueberry and all that stuff … is some version of health.”
Dismissing alternatives like macadamia milk and oat milk, she likened them to enjoying a milkshake, arguing that they don’t offer the health benefits people believe they do.
The former reality star and current Shark Tank guest urged her followers to consider the benefits of making coffee at home, suggesting, “Make it at home; make it yourself. It’s delicious! Get your own fun barista going.” This advice promotes both creativity and cost-saving strategies while allowing individuals to enjoy their favorite drinks without the hefty price tag.
However, Frankel’s remarks did not go unnoticed, as many commenters expressed their dissatisfaction with her views. They argued that these “sweet treats” provide enjoyment and a sense of normalcy amidst life’s challenges. One user stated, “If it brings me joy in this hellscape, it isn’t a waste of anything,” while another added, “The amount of happiness the $7 brings me? Nope, not gonna give that up.”
Another commenter highlighted the socioeconomic aspect, stating, “Many people can’t afford a vacation, a new home, or a new car… it’s a lipstick economy.” This reflects how small luxuries can serve as affordable escapes or rewards for individuals facing financial constraints.
One user humorously commented, “Love ya girl, but I’m clinging to my sanity by a thread, and that Dunkin’ run gets me by.” Another shared their preference, explaining, “I’d rather go for a coffee or matcha than go to a bar for a drink.” This sentiment illustrates how coffee rituals can be more than just a beverage choice; they can be integral to one’s daily routine and self-care.
Others took to social media to critique Frankel’s immense wealth, questioning her understanding of everyday expenses with comments like, “Do you own a $1000 coffee machine?” and “Nice chandelier though!” These remarks point out the disparity between her financial status and that of the average consumer, highlighting the disconnect in perceptions about spending.
