Audio By Carbonatix
Around the end of the month, many Americans find themselves wondering, “Where did all of my money go?” It’s an understandable question, especially given the rising cost of everyday goods.
For context, many necessities are now more expensive than ever. According to NerdWallet, rent prices are up in 46 of the 50 largest metro areas in the country; additionally, shoppers are heading to supermarkets and finding that grocery staples are now increasing in cost at an incredible rate.
One may think that this is the reason that many people are struggling to make ends meet in the days leading up to their next paycheck. However, one bar worker has a different theory.
Is This Really Where People’s Money is Going?
In a video with over 48,000 views, TikTok user Dante (@d.fitness_nutrition), who says he works security at a bar, claims that he frequently sees customers engage in behavior that might explain why they’re running low on funds.
“I’ll see people buy drinks, like, $10 drinks, right? Leave a tip, don’t leave a tip. The bartender’s probably writing you a tip. They’re giving themselves a tip if you leave your tab open, bro. And they’ll just leave their drinks there,” Dante states. “Sometimes, like, literally not even touch it.”
In short, the TikToker seems to be implying that customers are being wasteful with their money by buying expensive drinks and then not consuming them. This results in people like himself and others on the staff needing to pour the drinks out.
“I see this s— thirdhand, and I still see how much money just gets wasted, absolutely wasted,” he shares. “$10 drinks and you’re just leaving them there?”
Are People Broke Because They’re Wasting Their Money on Drinks?
If this is true, there doesn’t seem to be any data to support it.
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) collects data on how Americans spend their money. While people like the TikToker may think that most Americans are wasting their funds on things like drinks, the reality is that entertainment and miscellaneous expenses, which might include a trip to the bar, only make up around 9 percent of the average American’s budget.
The biggest expenses are typically necessities. Housing takes up around 32.9% of the average American’s budget, while transportation and food take up 17% and 12.9% respectively.
Could an expensive drink make an impact on one’s monthly budget? Naturally, and, over time, repeated trips to the bar and other unnecessary costs can quickly add up. However, are pricey drinks making a substantial dent in the budget of the average American? Simply put, if it’s true, the data doesn’t show it.
@d.fitness_nutrition
Commenters Aren’t Sure
In the comments section, while commenters noted that people not drinking expensive drinks was a real phenomenon, they weren’t sure whether this was the best indicator of whether people are broke or why.
“Sounds like they’d be rich if they’re buying $10 drinks and not even drinking them?” wrote a user.
“So that means everyone’s rich cause they ain’t drinkin the drinks … this don’t make sense man,” echoed another.
“I feel like most everyone is in severe debt now…?” asked a third. According to a May 2025 article in Business Insider, the average American is in over $105 thousand of debt, which includes “mortgage loans, home equity lines of credit, auto loans, credit card debt, student loan debt, and other debts like personal loans.”
BroBible reached out to Dante via Instagram and TikTok direct message.