Callin’ all seniors! For a happy retirement, these are the money-wasting mistakes you should avoid!
Now that you have more time on your hands and you know how hard you’ve worked to be where you are today, you probably think that a little treat here and there won’t cause any harm. Unfortunately, if you don’t mind your spending habits, your income can quickly drop.
However, you can enjoy your golden years to the fullest, treat yourself to the nice things you want, and still manage to save money by following these simple tips. We’ve talked to several seniors about their spending habits, and the majority of them said that they try their best to not make these money-wasting mistakes.
If you want to learn how to live happily, frugally, and healthily, keep reading! Without further ado, here are all the money-wasting mistakes you should avoid!
1. Impulse purchases
It’s easy to make money-wasting mistakes when you lack financial or self-control, but guess what? You can train your brain to work in your favor. Impulse purchases are one of the most common reasons why people spend more money than they should. Just imagine you’re in a store and suddenly spot a blouse, a pair of shoes, or a fancy frozen meal in the grocery store.
While buying an unplanned item won’t make a big difference, constantly doing these things can hurt your budget. Limit your impulse purchases to once a month and even set a budget for them, so you won’t lose track of your finances. This way, you do what you want but save money at the same time.
You can also make a shopping list and try to stick to it, and if you find something you like, wait three days before getting it. If you still want it after this period, you can buy it.
2. Huge home maintenance costs
While it can be fun to own a big home and have all the space in the world to do all the things you want, the maintenance costs won’t be pleasant. Lots of seniors who want to save money and still enjoy their lives to the fullest choose to downsize to a smaller home.
You won’t have as much space to entertain or to lounge around, but the good thing is that a smaller home is easier to manage, and let’s not forget that taxes are lower. Moreover, some people find they can save even more by doing minor repairs themselves instead of paying for professional services.
3. Expensive cars
You surely know that a car starts losing its value the moment you take it out of the showroom. I know how fun it can be to drive the car of your dreams and feel like the main character in an action movie, but if you want to enjoy other things in life without a care in the world, this is one of the money-wasting mistakes you should avoid.
If the vehicle you currently have isn’t working properly anymore, you can invest in a second-hand one to avoid a financial pitfall. Make sure it’s in good condition and does all the things you want, and take care of it to make it last longer.
While a brand-new car might seem like a safer choice as it doesn’t require immediate repairs, opting for a well-maintained used car can be more budget-friendly. Not to mention, the insurance and maintenance costs will be lower too.
4. High-end pieces for everyday wear
It took me a long time to understand that purchasing items from high-end brands for everyday wear is one of the worst money-wasting mistakes I could ever make, but I’m so happy I got over it.
Don’t get me wrong, I still love splurging, but I know I can choose my moments and select pieces I know I will get a lot of use out of. If you want to stay within your budget, you know that some high-end brands often charge for their name and popularity rather than the quality of their products.
You don’t need designer sweatpants or high-end plates to use every day since they can easily get ruined. If you don’t spend more than on a regular brand, that’s a different story, but if the price tag makes your eyes pop out, it might be better to choose something else.
There are lots of brands that offer incredible products with affordable price tags, so check them out. Don’t forget to follow the discount or sales period for your favorite brands to save a couple of dollars on your next shopping spree.
If you don’t want to make this money-wasting mistake but you still want nice items, you can shop at discount stores like Ross, TJ Max, and Marshalls, and you might find some true gems there.
5. Full-priced travel
Traveling is one of the best things about retirement, but it doesn’t have to be crazy expensive. One of the money-making mistakes frugal seniors avoid is paying for full-priced travel.
You can explore the world on a budget by traveling during off-peak seasons, opting for rentals over fancy resorts, and using reward points for hotels and flights. Another way to save money is to fit your belongings in a carry-on (like this one) and avoid paying extra for luggage.
Don’t forget to search your flight tickets in Incognito mode, because the more you look at an offer, the higher the price will be, and Incognito will help you keep the price the same.
6. Premium cable packages
Many people say that paying for a premium cable package is one of the worst money-wasting mistakes they could make, especially since streaming services are at our fingertips. Many frugal seniors prefer to cut the cable cord and choose budget-friendly streaming services that offer the shows and films they want to watch. Options like Amazon Prime, Netflix, HBO Go, Disney+, and Sky Cinema offer a variety of choices to suit your preferences.
7. Eating out too often
Consider how often you eat out. If it’s more than once a week, this spending habit can quickly deplete your budget.
As convenient and tasty as it is to always go out for a bite, it’s not a sustainable lifestyle. Many frugal retirees prefer to indulge at restaurants for special occasions and choose to cook at home as much as they can.
This is a cost-effective approach since you can get fresh ingredients from farmer’s markets or grocery stores, but it’s also better for your healthy lifestyle. You can buy in bulk, meal prep, and use leftovers as a base for the next meal. You’ll be more creative in the kitchen, you’ll save money, and you’ll be healthier.
8. Expensive hobbies
While hobbies are very important for a happy and fulfilled retirement, expensive ones can be a financial drain for many seniors. If your budget allows for expensive hobbies, that’s great. However, if finances are tight, consider engaging in low-cost or free activities.
For instance, you can choose volunteering, hiking, gardening, painting, singing, or joining a community club. These are amazing ways to train your brain, boost your creativity, stay active, and engage with other people without breaking the bank.
Do you know of any other money-wasting mistakes you should avoid? Let us know in the comments below! If you find this article helpful and you want to check out something else from The Money Place, here’s a good post for you: 8 Tax Tricks Rich People Use—And They Work!
