“All the world’s a mass of folly, Youth is gay, age melancholy: Youth is spending, age is thrifty.” – William Henry Ireland

The other night, Jeanine and I enjoyed one of our rentals from Netflix. We’re on the 2 DVDs at-a-time package (limit 4 per month), which costs us $11.99/month. When signing up, I considered the next higher package – $14.99/month for 2 DVDs at-a-time (but an unlimited number throughout the month). Decisions, decisions! We really didn’t think we would have time or even want to watch more than 4 DVDs per month, so why not save the $3.00??

We figured if we ran over our limit, we could just run to Blockbuster and rent something. Well, it was the right choice. During the past six months as members, we’ve only done the Blockbuster run once. So we spent $4 but saved $18 over the last six months.

At times, I’ve had different views about the “Latte Factor” — on one hand, I think $3 here or there is hardly going to make a difference. But when I consider and reflect on these seemingly “insignificant” choices, it at least makes me more aware about how I can cut back. In general, I think most people would opt for the $14.99 Netflix package because they think it is saving them money.

For me, I’m pocketing the $3 each month and just might reward myself with a latte every now and then.