I Asked ChatGPT What Retirees Should Buy and Sell Before Retirement

Feverpitched / iStock.com

Commitment to Our Readers

GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.

20 Years
Helping You Live Richer

Reviewed
by Experts

Trusted by
Millions of Readers

For most people, retirement means a change of pace. Whether it represents slowing down and spending time with loved ones or traveling across the globe, most retirees find themselves needing different things than they did when they were working a 9-to-5.

To help understand what may make retired life a little easier, GOBankingRates asked ChatGPT what retirees should buy and sell before retirement. Here’s what it said.

Buy Supplemental Insurance

The first thing ChatGPT recommended was purchasing reliable healthcare coverage. The chatbot noted that retirees frequently underestimate healthcare costs and should try to get coverage while they are “still healthy enough to qualify.” Options, according to ChatGPT, include Medigap, separate dental/vision plans and long-term care insurance, if needed.

The artificial intelligence (AI) assistant isn’t wrong about medical costs often exceeding retirees’ expectations. According to Fidelity, healthcare costs are increasing and are frequently “one of the largest expenses in retirement.” A study from the investment firm estimated that a 65-year-old may need $172,500 in after-tax savings to cover medical care throughout retirement.

Pay for Home Improvements

The second recommendation from ChatGPT was for prospective retirees to go ahead and do home repairs or improvements before retirement. The AI assistant noted that this may include things like a new roof or HVAC system or even accessibility upgrades, such as a stand-in shower.

Doing these things pre-retirement can help to avoid financial hardships when funds are more limited.

Purchase a New Vehicle

Next, ChatGPT suggested retirees purchase a new vehicle prior to retiring. The goal, it said, was to find a car that could last through retirement. Buying before retiring may result in better finance terms or help retirees avoid a car payment if living on a fixed income in the future.

While buying a new car before retirement may be tempting, it is not always the best idea. In some cases, it could cause financial problems or even delay retirement. According to Ramsey Solutions, buying a used car is always a better choice for your finances. Used cars are less expensive and do not depreciate as fast. Retirees, however, will want to make sure they factor in expenses for repairs and maintenance.

Sell Volatile Investments

When it came to things a retiree should sell, ChatGPT first recommended getting rid of high-risk, high volatility investments, such as highly speculative stocks, concentrated positions and cryptocurrency.

Instead, retirees should focus on low-risk investments. U.S. News & World Report said some good low-risk investment options for retirees are high-yield savings accounts, U.S. Treasury securities and dividend-paying stocks.

Put a Large Home on the Market

If downsizing for retirement makes sense, ChatGPT recommended selling the large family home. As explained by the chatbot, selling a sizable property can help free up money during retirement and prevents unexpected costs related to home improvements, maintenance and repairs.

Get Rid of a Timeshare

While a timeshare may seem like a dream come true for a young family hoping to go on an affordable vacation each year, it can become a financial drain down the road. Selling a timeshare or vacation property that may go unused during retirement can help save money.

As reported by CNBC, timeshares can cost over $23,000 and as many as 85% of people regret buying them.

Share This Article: