Being frugal in retirement is a good thing — but here are 5 things retirees should never, ever ‘cheap out’ on

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Being frugal in retirement is a good thing — but here are 5 things retirees should never, ever ‘cheap out’ on

Being frugal in retirement is a good thing — but here are 5 things retirees should never, ever ‘cheap out’ on

Being a smart spender in retirement makes good financial sense. After all, you’re probably living on a fixed income and need your savings to last you through your golden years.

According to a Gallup

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, 79% of retirees between the ages of 65 and 80 feel they have enough money shored up to live comfortably during their retirement.

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However,

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to actually spend that money because, after decades of saving, they’re worried about depleting their funds and destroying their

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.

That being said, you can’t allow yourself to become so frugal that you’re compromising your health and safety. These are a handful of things seniors absolutely shouldn’t skimp out on.

Healthcare services

Taking care of yourself in your golden years can help stave off the inevitable decline in physicality and health that comes with age and keep you in your prime longer.

That’s why it’s so essential to spend the money you need to stay healthy. This includes:

Obtaining preventative care

Using prescription drugs as directed by your doctor

Seeing the doctor promptly for any health issues, physical or otherwise

Unfortunately, many ********* seniors don’t invest enough in their health. In fact, a 2019 Kaiser Family Foundation

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found that one in five older adults admitted to not taking medications as prescribed due to prohibitive costs.

If you have the money, spend it on the best medical care you can get. This keeps you healthy longer and avoids ******* expenses later if small problems turn into ******* ones.

If money is tight, thoroughly research

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available plans to find the right one for your situation.

Talk with your doctor about generic medications or possible manufacturer discounts, and look into programs that offer free screenings.

Healthy lifestyle habits

Less than a quarter of seniors met physical fitness guidelines in 2019,

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the ******* Health Foundation.

In addition, Health in Aging

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that 10% of older Americans (65+) living in their own homes don’t eat enough, while 33% eat too much.

Eating well and exercising can help you live a longer and better life, reducing your chances of developing limitations in daily living activities, as well as depression, cognitive decline, or chronic or fatal conditions like heart ******** or *******.

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However, if you’re struggling financially, look for free opportunities to exercise, such as walking or hiking with friends, and find facilities offering senior discounts. Some Medicare plans even pay for gym memberships.

You can even look into

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for seniors and local food banks for help in accessing healthy fruits, vegetables, fish, and meats.

For additional help affording a healthy diet, look into the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Meals on Wheels.

Reliable transportation and home safety

Falls are the

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of injury-related deaths for adults 65 and older, while drivers aged 70 and older have higher ****** ****** rates per 1,000 crashes than drivers aged 35-54,

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the Centers for ******** Control (CDC).

You can help reduce these risks by investing in home safety and a reliable mode of transportation.

For many seniors, their home is their biggest asset, so investing in repairs to protect its value is worthwhile.

For those in a financial bind, there are non-profits that help seniors renovate so they can stay in their homes.

Many cities and states also offer free transportation programs for retirees. You can find out about options by calling 211 or using the

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Read more: These 5 magic money moves will boost you up America’s net worth ladder in 2024 — and you can complete each step within minutes.

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Setting aside emergency savings

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are often thought of as a cushion against job loss or an imminent home repair, but seniors need them just as much as younger Americans.

In fact, it’s even more important for retirees to have emergency savings. After all, they often can’t do overtime work (or a

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) to cover life’s surprise expenses.

Seniors also have less time to recover if an emergency sends them into debt, and taking too much out of a retirement plan to cover an emergency puts them at risk of draining their nest egg too soon.

Every senior should prioritize building an emergency fund, even if that means making cuts in other areas temporarily, such as reducing dining out, underutilized streaming services, and even vacations.

Knowledgeable professional advice

Finally, seniors can’t afford to skimp on professional advice. It’s crucial to find (and retain) trusted

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, tax experts, and attorneys to help with issues such as investment choices, retirement accounts, and

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.

For example, the right expert can ensure that you qualify for Medicaid nursing home coverage while also protecting your assets. They can also help you avoid bad investment choices.

For those who may struggle to afford some of these services, there are free programs that help seniors with taxes and legal aid services that help with estate planning. Just be sure to confirm the credentials of those offering assistance.

What to read next

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

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#frugal #retirement #good #retirees #cheap

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