Retirement Retirement Planning

7 Little Luxuries To Stay Away From in Retirement

These small splurges can quietly drain retirement savings.

By Gianetta Palmer , Edited by Calista Headrick

Updated April 22, 2026

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Daily coffee runs, monthly streaming subscriptions, and weekly food deliveries, although fun and convenient, can increase daily living expenses. Retirement doesn't mean you have to give up those little luxuries you love, but you might want to rethink how much you're spending.

The average monthly Social Security benefit was just $2,076 as of February 2026, according to the SSA's Monthly Statistical Snapshot released in March. That's probably less than what you earned when working full-time, which can make those extras feel less affordable over time.

That doesn't mean giving up everything you enjoy, but it may mean rethinking which habits are quietly draining your budget. Check out our list of seven little luxuries to stay away from in retirement to help your money go further each month and live stress-free.

Get a protection plan on all your appliances

Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.

A home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short.

For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.

Get a free quote

Daily premium coffee drinks

Popping into your favorite brew shop for a $6 latte, even just three days a week, runs almost $1,000 a year. Add in extra shots of your favorite flavorings, and the price can go even higher. A great way to cut this total in half is to make your favorite brew at home a few days of the week. Likely, you'll spend less than $1 per cup.

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Overlapping or unused streaming and subscription services that auto-renew

As the cost of streaming services continues to climb, it may be a good time to look at how many subscriptions you have. Monthly subscriptions like Netflix start at $8.99 for the basic plan with ads, but go up to as much as $26.99 for the premium plan — and we wouldn't be surprised if that price increased. Watching commercials may not be your favorite thing, but doing so may save you over $200 per year.

Most of us watch only one show at a time, and you may stream only on a particular service because of a favorite show. Consider switching off the auto-renewal feature and only stream your program when there's a new season or new episodes.

Subscription beauty and product boxes

Looking your best is something we all strive for, and retailers have taken notice by offering subscription beauty and product boxes. A quick online search reveals beauty boxes priced at $25–$50 per month. These boxes feature full-size items, and retailers present the products in a way that makes you think you're getting a good deal, like boasting a $125+ value for only $25.

In reality, how many of these products go unused? If you have extras lying around the house, it may be better to buy your beauty products on an as-needed basis.

Get a protection plan on all your appliances

Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.

Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.

For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.

Get a free quote

Frequent salon visits for services like gel manicures

Getting your nails done is a fantastic way to feel pampered, but going too often may get expensive. With visits for services like gel manicures ranging from $35 to $100 per visit, cutting back to once a month could save you hundreds of dollars per year.

Unused or underused gym memberships

A gym membership is a great way to get in shape and lead a healthy lifestyle, but it only makes sense if you're going to the gym consistently. Gym memberships often require a yearly membership fee, in addition to monthly maintenance fees, and you'll likely make a one-year commitment. Consider online sources for free workouts, or take up active hobbies like gardening and walking to reduce costs.

Impulse online shopping

Everyone uses their laptop or mobile device to make purchases, and apps make it easier than ever to do so by keeping your payment info readily available. Throw in the fact that many options are available for next-day delivery, and impulse purchases could really add up. Consider removing saved payment info from your devices as a way to slow impulse shopping.

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A landline alongside a cell phone

According to J.D. Power, the average cellphone bill costs consumers about $141 per month. Add in a landline, and that could easily push your monthly bill over $200. Many have already cut out a landline, but depending on where you live, switching to a lower-priced cell provider could help you reduce costs.

Bottom line

Perhaps the most consistent way to save extra money each month to enjoy your favorite little luxuries in retirement is by tackling high grocery costs. On average, premium brand groceries cost 25% to 30% more than store brands, and the kicker is that many store brands are often produced by the same manufacturers.

The economic outlook is constantly changing, so paying attention to what you're spending is key to living a comfortable retirement. By cutting out unused or duplicate subscriptions and limiting impulse purchases, you'll be able to pop into your favorite coffee shop and enjoy your latte guilt-free.

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