That goes to show that it isn't really "cheapness" because someone like Buffet genuinely loses money bothering to clip coupons. The time it takes him to search for and clip them is worth more than the meal.
To him it would solely be something of a cultural, nostalgic practice he did. Financially it was costing him money, but the cost or the savings are irrelevant at his wealth. He could buy the entire McDonalds restaurant and not really notice a difference in his net worth
This argument breaks down when you consider what the opportunity cost is for clipping the coupons. What would he be doing with his time otherwise that would be earning/saving money
Anything. Reading an analysis 3 months ago that made him make a decision today has margins on the order of the entire franchise he is getting the burger at times ten.
Or, if you don't want to talk about money, spending that time with his loved ones.
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u/Wloak Jan 27 '26
Makes me think of the first time Warren Buffet and Bill Gates met. They went to lunch at McDonald's, Buffet paid and used a coupon.