The Starbucks Effect on an Emotionally Fragile Generation

Let me let you in on a little secret: leftists hate personal thrift. They believe saving money is a fool’s errand since their goal is to get you to rely on Big Brother for everything you need for life, which they define as what Big Brother thinks you are entitled to.

Those advocating for a Big Brother world present themselves as selfless protectors of the weak who are eminently pragmatic. But, in real life, they are some of the most avaricious individuals on the face of the earth. While vociferously rejecting all things material, many live entirely consumer-driven lives. Let’s take a moment and check off some of the habits of the average under-45 progressive:

• They like Starbucks, where the average spend per visit is $3-$8, with 49% of revenue from customers aged 25–40. The average Starbucks consumer spends $1,200 to $1,500 a year, with the average even higher for the 18-34 age bracket.
• They depend on cell phones, with 97% of individuals owning a smartphone paying an average of $120 and $160 a month for their plan.
• They demand internet access, with an average monthly cost between $65 and $105.
• They own cars—or at least, 74% of the under-50 crowd do. The average all-in cost of a car today is $965 a month. Notably, in 2024, 1.73 million vehicles were repossessed, the most since 2009, during the Great Recession, according to data from Cox Automotive and Experian.
• Many own houses. 55-60% of adults under 50 own a home, with only 40-45% renting. The average rent today is $1,750- $1,900 per month. For home ownership, the average cost is $3,500 to $4,000 a month (although you’re getting equity).
• They indulge themselves. The under 45 crowd frequently has its food delivered, which runs about $400-$500 a month. The subscription and digital lifestyle add another $50 to $120 a month. Fashion and personal aesthetics rack up another $200-$400 a month. Fitness and wellness memberships, apparel, and such average another $100 a month. Travel and mini-trips are de rigueur among young people, though no monetary figures are readily available.