Most people spend their financial energy on the wrong things.
They obsess over saving a few bucks on coffee but ignore the bigger decisions that actually shape their future.
Ramit Sethi, author of I Will Teach You To Be Rich calls these the “$3 questions” vs. the “$30,000 questions.”
It’s not about skipping your morning latte or buying smaller fries. Those small sacrifices might save you a couple of hundred dollars a year.
But the big decisions—like saving for retirement, paying off debt, or investing—can add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars over your lifetime.
$3 Questions vs. $30,000 Questions
Here’s how Ramit breaks it down:
$3 Questions:
- Should I buy coffee today?
- Should I pack lunch instead of eating out?
$30,000 Questions:
- Am I saving enough for retirement?
- Do I have automatic savings set up?
The difference is staggering.
Small savings are nice, but they won’t fundamentally change your financial future. Big decisions, however, have the power to completely transform your life.
The Coffee vs. Retirement Example
Let’s break it down.
Skip the coffee:
- Save $20 a week.
- That’s $1,040 a year or $31,200 over 30 years.
Save $500 a month and invest it (7% return):
- In 30 years, you’d have $612,000.
Which one sounds better? 
How to Focus on $30,000 Questions
If you want to build real wealth, here’s where to put your focus:
- Set Up Automatic Savings
Make saving effortless. Have a portion of your paycheck automatically sent to savings or investment accounts. - Know How Much You’re Saving
Track your savings rate, not just your spending. Aim to increase your savings percentage by 1% each year. - Talk About Money with Your Partner
If you’re in a relationship, align your financial goals. Being on the same page can supercharge your progress. - Plan Big Purchases Carefully
Think through major decisions like buying a home or paying off debt. These are the choices that really matter.
Why This Shift Matters
Worrying about small expenses feels easy and manageable, but it’s not where the magic happens.
Ask yourself:
“Is this decision going to change my future, or am I just saving a couple of bucks?”
Big financial wins don’t come from skipping lattes—they come from automating savings, making smart investments, and focusing on what truly moves the needle.
Where to Start
Take action today:
- Automate your savings.
- Talk to your partner about shared goals.
- Spend time thinking about your long-term plan.
These small steps can lead to big results over time.
The takeaway?
Stop sweating the small stuff. Focus your energy on the decisions that will change your life.
This post was inspired by Ramit Sethi's video Brutally Honest Financial Advice to Fix Your Sh*t.
