makes sense how you framed the restaurant choice against the piano. As an accountant, I tell folks that a di;scount is only a saving if it reduces what you would have spent anyway, otherwise it is just a shinier expense. Your coffee chats turning into choices that build habits felt truely valuable, like paying now for a better future rhythm. And the puppy will cost, but the return in daily joy and responsibility reps is strong, that is a profit in spirit :)
Do your clients take the lesson? Not sure how long you have been an accountant, but if for a while, have you seen shifts in spending behaviours over time?
yeah, some do take it, and the ones who stick with it usually start by tracking spendign weekly and paying themselves first. Over a year I see a shift from chasing discounts to planned buys, more home meals, and a 24 hour pause before non essentials :) Life events push it too, like a new pet or school term, and budgets flex but the habit of reviewing together is what holds. I'm not decades in, but even in a few cycles the change is clear.. fewer oops swipes, more calm money talks.