Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary Calls Out 'Idiot' Employees For Wasting Money On Coffee, Lunches

“People, especially those in metro cities starting their first job at $60,000 (Rs 50 lakh approximately), are throwing away about $15,000 (Rs 12 lakh approximately) a year on stupid stuff,” he said

Kevin O’Leary, a Shark Tank judge and businessman, has sparked a debate with his remarks on daily spending habits. In a post on Instagram, he particularly criticises those who frequently buy coffee and lunch while going to work. In the shared video, O’Leary highlighted how these small, routine expenses can accumulate substantial sums over time, encouraging people to reconsider their spending practices. 

“Stop buying coffee for $5.50," O’Leary remarked in the video. "You go to work and spend $15 on a sandwich – what are you, an idiot,” said O’Leary criticising employees for “pissing away” their money on coffee and work lunches.

He estimated that individuals, especially those just starting their careers, might waste up to $15,000 annually on such expenses. Known for his direct financial advice, O’Leary remarked, "It costs 99 cents to make a sandwich at home and bring it with you. You start to add that up every day, it’s a ton of money." He specifically advised those earning around $60,000 a year to be more conscious of how they manage their income.

“People, especially those in metro cities starting their first job at $60,000 (Rs 50 lakh approximately), are throwing away about $15,000 (Rs 12 lakh approximately) a year on stupid stuff,” he said.

In the caption, he wrote, “STOP wasting money on $5 coffee and $15 sandwiches. Pack a sandwich, skip the fancy latte, and watch your savings pile up. Do you agree?”

O’Leary’s money-saving advice resonated with several social media users, but some didn’t agree with it. “Couldn’t agree more. I always pack my lunch box and bring coffee from home,” wrote one of the internet users.

Another user added: “The time you put in prepping and making the sandwich, the time you put in going to the grocery store and back… you’re providing your own time if you aren’t providing money. Time is money, that $15 sandwich you paid, is covering your labor time that’s saving and putting it towards work. Just make sure your compensation for your job makes up what that sandwich cost + more. That’s how you make finances work. It’s all about earning/time ratio. No point in savings when it’s draining more time rather than just putting in the work at what you do. That’s called a loss.”

“Drink that coffee and buy that sandwich, don’t let a rich dude tell you what you can and cannot do with your own money. No body telling him what to do with his…,” added a third user.