25 Unnecessary Expenses That Smart Seniors (Try To) Avoid

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Elderly woman with white hair smiles while resting her hands on an orange piggy bank on a white couch. — Image Credit: DepositPhotos

In today’s world, where prices keep going up and retirement incomes often stay the same, it’s more important than ever to be careful with money. Recent studies show that many retirees are feeling the pinch of rising costs.

The Employee Benefit Research Institute’s 2022 Spending in Retirement Survey found that inflation is changing how retirees spend their money. This means it’s crucial to make wise choices about where your hard-earned dollars go.

This list of 25 expenses that frugal seniors avoid can help you keep your finances healthy and enjoy a comfortable retirement. These ideas can help you stretch your retirement savings further, giving you more freedom to enjoy the things that matter most to you.

Our goal with this list is to give you practical tips on how to save money without sacrificing your quality of life.

Do you have any money-saving tips to add to the list? What works best for you in your retirement? Let us know in the comments!

Expensive Meals Out

Two women sit at a table in a busy restaurant, one drinking a beverage and the other eating. Various dishes and drinks are on the table. Other patrons are visible in the background.

Eating out at fancy restaurants can quickly eat away at your savings. Many budget-smart retirees choose to cook at home instead. This not only saves money but can also be a fun and rewarding activity.

You can experiment with new recipes, host dinner parties for friends, or even start a cooking club. Plus, home-cooked meals are often healthier and can be tailored to your dietary needs.

If you do want to eat out, look for early bird specials or lunch menus, which are usually cheaper than dinner options.

Brand-Name Medications

A man stands in a pharmacy holding and comparing two boxes of medication while looking closely at them.

Medication costs can add up fast, especially if you’re using brand-name drugs. Smart seniors know that generic medications work just as well but cost much less.

These drugs have the same active ingredients as their brand-name counterparts and are approved by the FDA. Next time you get a prescription, ask your doctor or pharmacist if there’s a generic option available.

You might be surprised at how much you can save on medications. Some pharmacies also offer discount programs for seniors, so it’s worth asking about those too.

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New Cars

A red Tesla car is parked on a paved pathway amidst greenery, with a streetlamp and trees in the background during sunset. Despite concerns about electric cars, its sleek design and eco-friendly nature stand out beautifully in this serene setting.

Buying a brand new car might be tempting, but it’s not always the best financial choice. A new car loses value as soon as you drive it off the lot. Frugal retirees often opt for reliable used cars instead.

This can save thousands of dollars upfront and on insurance costs. Look for cars that are two to three years old, they’re often still in great shape but cost much less than new models.

Before buying, have a trusted mechanic check the car to make sure it’s in good condition. This small investment can save you from costly repairs down the road.

Unnecessary Home Upgrades

While it’s important to keep your home in good shape, not all upgrades are worth the cost. Smart seniors focus on essential maintenance rather than luxury renovations.

Things like fixing leaky roofs, updating insulation, or replacing old appliances with energy-efficient models can save money in the long run. But fancy kitchen remodels or adding a swimming pool might not give you a good return on your investment.

If you do want to make changes, consider small updates that can make a big difference, like a fresh coat of paint or new light fixtures.

Multiple Credit Cards

Having too many credit cards can lead to high interest payments and confusing bills. Frugal retirees often stick to one or two cards that offer good rewards for their spending habits.

This makes it easier to track expenses and avoid overspending. Look for cards with no annual fees and cashback rewards on things you buy often, like groceries or gas.

If you have multiple cards, consider paying off and closing the ones with high interest rates. Just be aware that closing cards can temporarily affect your credit score, so it’s best to do this gradually.

Designer Clothing

Two women shopping for clothes. One woman holds a flowery dress, while the other inspects a pair of yellow shoes. They are in a well-lit boutique with a variety of garments on display.

You don’t need expensive designer labels to look good and feel comfortable. Budget-conscious seniors choose affordable, quality clothing that fits well and suits their lifestyle. Look for classic pieces that won’t go out of style quickly.

Shopping at outlet stores, during sales, or at consignment shops can help you find great deals on quality clothes. Some stores also offer senior discounts, so don’t be shy about asking.

Remember, feeling good in your clothes is more about fit and comfort than the brand name on the label.

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Daily Coffee Shop Visits

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That daily latte can add up to a significant expense over time. Making coffee at home is a simple way to save money without giving up your caffeine fix. Invest in a good coffee maker and your favorite beans.

You can even create your own special drinks at home with flavored syrups or a milk frother. If you enjoy the social aspect of coffee shops, invite friends over for coffee instead. This can be just as fun and much cheaper.

For those times when you do want to treat yourself to a coffee out, look for loyalty programs that offer free drinks after a certain number of purchases.

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Name-Brand Cleaning Products

A set of cleaning products, including spray bottles, a pump dispenser, and a large container, all with minimalist white labels, are arranged on a shelf.

Cleaning products can be surprisingly expensive, especially if you always buy name brands. Many frugal seniors use homemade or natural alternatives that work just as well and cost much less.

Simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice can clean most surfaces in your home. These options are often better for the environment too.

If you prefer store-bought cleaners, look for generic brands or buy in bulk when there’s a sale. You can also dilute some cleaning products to make them last longer without losing effectiveness.

Full-Price Items

A person in a green sweater reaches for a yogurt container in a grocery store. The shelf is labeled with sale tags displaying prices.

Paying full price for items is often unnecessary. Smart shoppers take advantage of sales, discounts, and coupons to save money. Many stores offer senior discounts, so always ask if one is available.

Sign up for email newsletters from your favorite stores to get notified about upcoming sales. You can also use apps that compare prices or offer cashback on purchases.

For big-ticket items, wait for holiday sales when prices are often lowest. With a little planning, you can get what you need without paying top dollar.

Impulse Purchases

A person sits at a table with a laptop, surrounded by colorful shopping bags. They are holding a credit card and appear to be shopping online, showcasing how things replaced by technology have transformed traditional retail experiences.

Unplanned purchases can quickly derail a budget. Frugal retirees avoid impulse buying through careful planning and self-control. Before shopping, make a list of what you need and stick to it.

If you see something you want but didn’t plan for, give yourself a cooling-off period before buying. Ask yourself if you really need it and where it fits in your budget. Often, the urge to buy passes after a day or two.

For online shopping, try putting items in your cart but waiting 24 hours before completing the purchase. This can help you avoid buying things you don’t really need or want.

High Investment Fees

When it comes to investing, fees can eat into your returns over time. Budget-savvy seniors choose low-cost investment options like index funds instead of high-fee products.

These funds typically have lower management fees and can perform just as well as more expensive options. Take time to review your investment accounts and understand what fees you’re paying. If you’re not sure, ask a financial advisor for help.

Many brokers offer low-cost or free consultations for seniors. Remember, even small differences in fees can add up to thousands of dollars over the years, so it’s worth paying attention to this often-overlooked expense.

Gym Memberships

An older man is riding a stationary bike in a gym.

Staying active is important for health and happiness in retirement, but expensive gym memberships aren’t necessary. Many frugal seniors find free or low-cost ways to exercise.

Walking in your neighborhood or local parks is a great way to stay fit and enjoy nature. Many communities offer free fitness classes for seniors in parks or community centers. You can also find plenty of workout videos online for free.

If you enjoy group activities, look into senior sports leagues or walking clubs. These options not only save money but also provide social connections, which are just as important for well-being.

Subscription Services

It’s easy to sign up for subscription services and forget about them, but these recurring charges can add up quickly. Smart retirees regularly review their subscriptions and cancel any they don’t use often.

This includes streaming services, magazine subscriptions, meal delivery kits, and more. If you find you’re not using a service at least once a week, it might be time to cancel.

For services you do want to keep, see if there are annual plans that offer a discount compared to monthly payments. Some companies also offer senior discounts, so it’s worth asking about those too.

Expensive Hobbies

A golfer wearing a blue shirt and white shorts is in a backswing position on a golf course with green grass and blue sky in the background.

Hobbies are great for keeping busy and happy in retirement, but they don’t have to cost a lot. Frugal seniors choose activities that are both enjoyable and affordable. Gardening can be a rewarding and low-cost hobby that also provides fresh produce.

Reading is another budget-friendly option, use your local library to borrow books for free. Volunteering is not only free but also gives a sense of purpose and social connection.

Crafting, birdwatching, or learning a new language online are other affordable options. The key is finding activities you enjoy that don’t strain your budget.

Luxury Travel

A woman in business attire sits in an airplane, holding a glass, with papers and a phone on the table in front of her.

Traveling can be a wonderful part of retirement, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Budget-conscious retirees find ways to enjoy trips without overspending. Traveling during off-peak seasons can save a lot on accommodations and flights.

Consider staying in vacation rentals or with friends and family instead of pricey hotels. Look for senior discounts on tours, attractions, and transportation.

Many retirees enjoy road trips, which can be more affordable than flying. You can also explore local destinations, there might be amazing places to visit right in your own state that you’ve never seen before.

Gourmet Groceries

A shopping cart with yellow handles is in the foreground of a supermarket aisle filled with various dairy products and other groceries on shelves.

Fancy foods can quickly inflate your grocery bill. Savvy seniors know that store brands and generic products are often just as good as name-brand items but cost much less.

When shopping, compare prices and look for sales on items you use regularly. Buying in-season produce is usually cheaper and tastier. Consider joining a local food co-op or shopping at farmers’ markets for fresh, affordable produce.

Meal planning can also help reduce food waste and save money. Remember, eating well doesn’t have to mean buying the most expensive ingredients.

High-End Home Appliances

A variety of home appliances, including a refrigerator, washing machine, vacuum cleaner, mixer, toaster, microwave, coffee machines, food processor, and kettle, arranged against a gray wall on a wooden floor. — Image Credit: iStock

When it’s time to replace appliances, frugal retirees focus on finding reliable, energy-efficient models that meet their needs without the luxury price tag. Look for appliances with good energy ratings to save on utility bills in the long run.

Read reviews and compare prices at different stores. Don’t be swayed by fancy features you might never use. Sometimes, last year’s model or a floor sample can be a great deal.

If you’re handy, consider buying scratch-and-dent appliances, which work perfectly but cost less due to cosmetic imperfections.

Fancy Lawn Care Services

A person mowing a lawn with a push mower in a sunny garden, one of those serene places where it is not recommended to leave a tip.

Professional landscaping services can be very expensive. Many budget-smart seniors take care of their own lawns or find affordable alternatives. If you’re able, doing your own yard work can be good exercise and save a lot of money.

For those who need help, look for local teens or college students who often charge less than professional services. Some communities have tool-lending libraries where you can borrow lawn care equipment for free.

If you do need to hire help, try to find a small, local business rather than a large company, they often have better rates.

Bottled Water

A clear plastic water bottle pours water into a ribbed glass, with a dark background.

Buying bottled water regularly is both expensive and bad for the environment. Frugal seniors often switch to using tap water or invest in a home filtration system. Most tap water in the U.S. is perfectly safe to drink.

If you’re concerned about the taste, a simple pitcher filter can improve it. For on-the-go hydration, use a reusable water bottle.

This not only saves money but also reduces plastic waste. If you really prefer bottled water, consider buying large jugs and refilling smaller bottles at home.

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Lottery Tickets

Several bingo lotto cards with blue numbers and red bingo chips placed on them are laid out on a pink surface—perfect for game night with things broke people buy.

While dreaming of a big win can be fun, the odds of winning the lottery are incredibly low. Smart retirees know that buying lottery tickets regularly is essentially throwing money away.

Instead of spending money on tickets, put that cash into savings or investments. Even small amounts can add up over time when invested wisely.

If you enjoy the thrill of games of chance, set a very small budget for entertainment purposes only, and never spend more than you can afford to lose.

Pre-Packaged Convenience Foods

A cardboard box containing groceries including potatoes, cherry tomatoes, a bottle of sauce, an avocado, greens, and an envelope offers insight into consumer behavior and buying habits.

Pre-made meals and snacks might save time, but they’re often more expensive and less healthy than homemade options. Frugal seniors often prepare meals from scratch to save money and eat better.

Cooking at home allows you to control ingredients and portion sizes. It can also be a fun activity to do with friends or grandchildren. If time is a concern, try batch cooking and freezing meals for later.

This gives you the convenience of ready-made meals without the high cost. When you do buy convenience foods, look for sales or buy in bulk to save money.

Cable TV Packages

Many retirees are finding that expensive cable packages aren’t necessary anymore. There are now many cheaper alternatives for entertainment. Streaming apps often cost less than traditional cable and let you watch shows on your own schedule.

Some seniors opt for a digital antenna to get local channels for free. Libraries often have DVDs you can borrow at no cost.

If you do keep cable, call your provider and ask about senior discounts or less expensive packages. Remember, you don’t need to pay for channels you never watch.

Extended Warranties

An elderly woman with gray hair in a bun reads documents in a kitchen, standing near a refrigerator.

Extended warranties might seem like a good idea, but they often aren’t worth the extra cost. Many products already come with manufacturer warranties that cover common issues.

Credit cards sometimes offer extra protection on purchases too. Instead of buying extended warranties, consider setting aside some money in a “repair fund” for unexpected issues.

This way, you’re prepared for problems but aren’t spending extra on coverage you might never use. If you do consider an extended warranty, read the fine print carefully to understand what’s really covered.

Trendy Gadgets

A person wearing a virtual reality headset interacts with a VR environment in front of a laptop on a wooden desk, perhaps pausing to reflect on how 21 Things That Become Less Important As You Get Older includes spending time in such immersive experiences.

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of new technology, but frugal seniors resist the urge to buy every new gadget. Instead, they stick with practical, reliable devices that meet their needs.

Before buying new tech, ask yourself if it will truly improve your life or if it’s just nice to have. Often, slightly older models work just as well and cost much less.

If you do need to upgrade, consider refurbished items, which can be much cheaper than new ones. Remember, the newest isn’t always the best, especially if it comes with a high price tag.

Fancy Furniture

A showroom displaying various furniture pieces including a large beige sectional sofa, a white armchair, a gray coffee table, other sofas, and decor items in a modern, dimly lit setting.

While it’s nice to have a comfortable home, spending a lot on designer furniture isn’t necessary. Budget-conscious retirees focus on finding functional, durable pieces at reasonable prices.

Look for quality used furniture at thrift stores, estate sales, or online marketplaces. You can often find great deals on barely-used items. If you want new furniture, wait for sales at big box stores or furniture outlets.

Consider classic styles that won’t go out of fashion quickly. Remember, a coat of paint or new hardware can give old furniture a fresh look without the cost of buying new pieces.

Smart Savings for a Richer Retirement

An elderly man in a suit sits at a table with a laptop, looking at a stack of dollar bills with a smile, reflecting on how life priorities shift with age. A cup and a lamp are visible in the background.

Now you’ve seen 25 ways to keep more money in your pocket during retirement. These tips aren’t about pinching pennies, they’re about making smart choices so you can focus your money on what truly matters to you.

Avoiding these unnecessary expenses helps stretch your retirement savings further. This means less worry about money and more freedom to enjoy your well-earned retirement years to the fullest.

The key is to be mindful of your spending and make choices that align with your values and goals. Every dollar you save is a dollar you can use for something more important or enjoyable.

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AI was used for light editing, formatting, and readability. But a human (me!) wrote and edited this.