Cutting Expenses in Retirement: 6 Home Items To Stop Buying
Written by
Laura Beck
Edited by
Levi Leidy
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You’ve worked hard for decades, and now it’s time to make those golden years truly shine. But let’s face it, living on a fixed income can be trickier than doing the Macarena at your grandkid’s wedding. Luckily, there are plenty of tips to help you trim the fat from your budget without sacrificing the good life.
GOBankingRates spoke with financial experts to get the lowdown on which home items you can kick to the curb.
Bye-Bye, Plastic Bags!
Marguerita Cheng, CFP and expert contributor at Annuity.org, is all about ditching those pesky plastic bags.
“I live in Maryland, and we have had bag tax for a while,” she said. “You can leave reusable bags in your car. Not only is this good for your wallet, but it is also good for planet Earth.”
So, grab some cute reusable bags and save the planet while you save some cash. Win-win!
Water, Water Everywhere
Speaking of saving the planet, Cheng’s got another eco-friendly tip: She wants you to say goodbye to plastic water bottles and, depending on where you live, invest in a water filtration system. That way, all you need is your own reusable water bottle.
Michael Collins, CFA, founder and CEO of WinCap Financial, agreed.
“Bottled water is another unnecessary expense that can add up over time, and it also contributes to plastic waste,” he said. “So instead, invest in a reusable water bottle and use a filter at home if needed.”
Cable TV: The Silent Budget Killer
Remember when cable TV was the hottest thing ever? Well, times have changed, and so should your TV habits.
Cheng said you should consider reevaluating the cost and benefit of cable.
“You may be paying for channels that you don’t watch,” she said. “Depending on your situation, streaming may be more appropriate for your needs.”
Collins agreed, adding that with the rise of streaming services, cable TV has become an unnecessary expense for many households. Who needs 500 channels when you’ve got Netflix and a comfy couch, right?
Subscription Overload
Speaking of subscriptions, Cheng warned about the sneaky costs of automatic deliveries.
“Not just magazine subscriptions, but subscriptions for all goods and services. Consider reevaluating to ensure that the delivery frequency meets your needs,” she shared.
Do you really need a new razor every week? Or enough toilet paper to survive the apocalypse? Didn’t think so.
Cleaning Products: Less Is More
Time to channel your inner DIY goddess! Cheng shared some motherly wisdom: “My mom has shared many hacks with me. Yes, it is important to have a clean and beautiful home, but we can do so with fewer toxic chemicals.”
She also suggested, “Simplify your cleaning routine and consider using microfiber cloths instead of so many paper towels. You don’t have to stop using paper towels as they can come in handy, but for mirrors and glass, microfiber cloths. If appropriate, DIY cleaning products with vinegar, tea tree oil, etc.”
Collins backed this up, saying, “Paper towels and napkins are products that may seem like a convenience, but they are actually wasteful and can add up over time. Instead, invest in reusable cloth napkins and cleaning cloths that can be washed and used multiple times.”
Gadget Overload: Just Say No
Personal finance expert Erika Kullberg warned against falling into the gadget trap.
“There are so many fun gadgets on the market that seem like they will solve all your problems, but just end up cluttering your kitchen drawers,” she said.
Her advice?
“Use some of your newly found free time to learn how to master cooking skills with the tools you already have. Any real chef will tell you that having a good knife and knowing how to use it will get you further than buying a bunch of gadgets,” the expert continued.
And it’s not just kitchen gadgets. Kulberg added, “Don’t let your grandkids bully you into thinking you have to have an ‘i’ everything” — like a new iPhone, iPad, etc.
So, if you’re already happy with your current tech setup, there’s no need to upgrade your gadgets (and potentially never use them).
The Bottom Line
Retirement doesn’t mean you have to live like a hermit, but it does mean being smart about your purchases. As Kullberg wisely shared, “When you’re living on a fixed income, you need to be thoughtful about all of your purchases.”
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