Get All Access for $5/mo

These Are 2 'Stupid' Ways That People Waste $15,000 Every Year, Kevin O'Leary Says: 'Are You an Idiot?' "Mr. Wonderful" doesn't mince words when it comes to saving money.

By Amanda Breen

Key Takeaways

  • Kevin O'Leary launched his business career with software company Softkey in 1986.
  • The "Shark" boasts an estimated net worth of $400 million today.

Only 44% of U.S. adults say they have enough money saved to cover a $1,000 emergency expense, a recent Bankrate survey found. And Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary has some tough-love advice for those who want to improve their financial situations.

In a post published on social-media platform X in September, the investor and judge known as "Mr. Wonderful" revealed a couple of "stupid" ways that people spend money every year, per personal finance site GoBankingRates.

Image Credit: Michael Kovac | Getty Images

Related: Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary: Having Dyslexia Is a 'Superpower' in Business

According to the "Shark," who boasts an estimated $400 million net worth, people "need to stop spending money on crap [they] don't need," which includes buying coffee and lunch out instead of making both at home.

In a video accompanying the post, O'Leary questions the decision to spend more than $5 on a coffee or $15 on lunch during the work day.

"What are you, an idiot?" O'Leary says. "It costs you 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. Most people, particularly working in metropolitan cities, are just starting out on their job, making their first $60,000, p*ss away about $15,000 a year on stupid stuff."

Related: 'Shark Tank' Star Kevin O'Leary Says He Wants to Build a $14 Billion Oil Refinery in the U.S.: 'I Want To Do Something Big'

O'Leary, who's appeared as a Shark Tank investor since the show's 2009 debut, kicked off his business career with the launch of educational software company Softkey in 1986, per TheStreet. Barbie producer Mattel purchased Softkey for $4.2 billion in 1999.

Amanda Breen

Entrepreneur Staff

Senior Features Writer

Amanda Breen is a senior features writer at Entrepreneur.com. She is a graduate of Barnard College and received an MFA in writing at Columbia University, where she was a news fellow for the School of the Arts.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

The Side Hustle He Started in His College Apartment Turned Into a $70,000-a-Month Income Stream — Then Earned Nearly $2 Million Last Year

Kyle Morrand and his college roommates loved playing retro video games — and the pastime would help launch his career.

Business News

Homeowners in These 10 States Pay the Most in 'Hidden' Upkeep Costs

Hidden home costs pile on top of mortgage payments.

Growing a Business

5 Books to Help You Motivate, Unify and Build Perspective

In a post-Covid world, check out these must-read books to help build a more resilient organization, create a modern work culture and maintain a powerful growth mindset.

Money & Finance

Avoid These 10 Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make with Money

Despite the challenging statistic that only 5% of startups survive beyond five years, common financial pitfalls often contribute to their failure. Through personal observation, I've identified the prevalent financial mistakes made by entrepreneurs.

Growing a Business

How Visionary Leaders Transform Curiosity Into Groundbreaking Ideas

Lee Brian Schrager, founder of the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, discusses the spark that launched FoodieCon, his best practices for running popular food events, and why all business owners need to adapt to social media trends.

Making a Change

Learn All of Rosetta Stone's Languages for $152

A lifetime subscription is nearly $250 off for a limited time.