When I first got into journalism, I never imagined my career would lead me to a place where sipping coffee could be considered an “official duty.” Yet here I am, the proud recipient of an assignment from my publisher at South Bay Buzz Daily that involves going to Starbucks every single day. Yes, you read that right—every single day.
The task? Simple. Show up at the local Starbucks in Hermosa Beach, order the cheapest black coffee they’ve got, and occasionally write about the experience. As a dedicated journalist, I took on the challenge with a brave heart and a thirsty palate. (It’s a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it.)
Now, if you’re like me, you might be wondering how this fits into the grand scheme of things. Well, the genius part of this assignment isn’t just the caffeine buzz; it’s the sweet tax write-off that comes with it. That’s right—because this is an assignment from my publisher, all my Starbucks coffee purchases are now legitimate business expenses. Take that, IRS!
To be clear, my order is nothing extravagant. It’s just a plain black coffee, the cheapest item on the menu. I’ve never been one for the fancy lattes or the seasonal pumpkin spice creations that people line up for. Give me my basic, unadulterated brew, and I’m good to go. Sure, it’s not a huge write-off—maybe a couple of bucks a day—but hey, it adds up. And there’s something oddly satisfying about knowing that Uncle Sam is indirectly subsidizing my caffeine habit.
So what’s it like being a regular at Starbucks in Hermosa Beach? Honestly, it’s a delightful little slice of the South Bay life. The baristas know me by name now—probably because they see me every day, notebook in hand, pretending to be deep in thought over my “work.” (In reality, I’m just people-watching and wondering how many cups it’ll take before I’m eligible for some kind of loyalty program reward.)
As for the coffee itself, well, it’s coffee. Not exactly a revelation, but it gets the job done. It’s hot, it’s caffeinated, and it’s reliably there every morning. Plus, there’s something comforting about the ritual of ordering the same thing every day. It’s like I’m participating in some grand tradition of habitual coffee drinkers, all of us united by the simple joy of a daily cup.
But let’s get back to the important part—the write-off. Now, I’m no tax expert, but I’ve been assured that this is all completely above board. I’m performing a job-related task, and that means my daily Starbucks run is officially a business expense. It’s not quite the loophole of the century, but it’s enough to make me feel like I’m winning at adulting, one small deduction at a time.
So, what’s the takeaway here? If you see me at Starbucks every day, sipping my plain black coffee, know that I’m not just indulging in a caffeine fix. I’m hard at work, fulfilling my journalistic duties—one tax-deductible cup at a time. Cheers to that!
BTW – I’m Matt Allen the reporter, and may also be the Publisher. Boom!