"It's insane" — Shark Tank's Mark Cuban weighs in on food delivery charges in major cities

Shark Tank's Mark Cuban recently sat down with columnist Jules Terpak for an interview for her Fishbowl podcast on December 17, 2024. During their conversation, they discussed the growing debate surrounding food delivery charges in major cities.

Jules expressed surprise at the popularity of food delivery in cities with many nearby restaurants. Mark Cuban noted that delivery now comes with added costs, marking a shift in its model.

Jules agreed, sharing her friend's observation that delivery times vary by location—orders in NYC often arrive quickly, while smaller towns like her Pennsylvania hometown face longer wait times.

Mark Cuban later shared a personal anecdote, recounting a recent instance where he was shocked to discover that his children had spent $71 on a bagel, cream cheese, and other items. He expressed his astonishment at the exorbitant cost, describing it as insane.

He also cited his children's tendency to order food delivery while studying, despite having food available at home.

"Even I look at like, I'm like, 'Wait, I just got a bagel, some cream cheese and whatever, and it was $71.' I’m like, 'What the f*ck?' It's just like, it's insane," said Mark.

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Shark Tank investor Mark Cuban's money advice is to ditch the daily latte for a brighter financial future

Mark Cuban and Jules Terpak discussed the value of self-discipline, with Mark highlighting the importance of delaying gratification. He compared it to investing, where resisting immediate desires can yield greater long-term rewards.

Mark shared an anecdote about a TikTok:

"I did a thing on TikTok. I did one where I said, don't get that latte. Take that six or eight or $10 depending on where you live, and put it in a money market account, and in five years, you'll have X amount of money. In 10 years, you'll have X."

Jules noted that Mark's advice had sparked controversy, with some viewers feeling that he was depriving them of life's small pleasures. Mark responded by saying that he was simply offering an alternative perspective, one that prioritized financial responsibility over immediate indulgence.

Shark Tank's Mark elaborated on his point, suggesting that the temporary joy of consuming a latte pales in comparison to the long-term benefits of saving money. He argued that having a financial safety net provides individuals with greater freedom and options in life.

"Five years from now, you're looking back and going, 'That was a really good latte. I'm glad I'm broke,' or would you rather be 'Okay, you know, I've got a couple $1,000 in the bank, and that gives me options,'” said Mark.

Jules observed that coffee is often used as an example in discussions about saving money, likely due to its widespread popularity and relatively high cost. Mark agreed, adding that coffee and streaming subscriptions are two common expenses that can quickly add up.

Mark expressed his astonishment at the exorbitant prices of coffee in New York City, describing them as insane. The Shark Tank investor reiterated his point that, in the long run, individuals are likely to appreciate having money in the bank more than the fleeting pleasure of a cup of coffee.