22 Things To Cut When Living On Retirement (Many People Ignore #11)

Last updated July 11, 2026 | By Team FBZ

Retirement doesn't mean your money has to feel stretched thin. A few smart adjustments could go a long way — and many of them are easier than you think.

We put together a list of simple cutbacks that can free up more of your budget for the things that actually matter.

Check out these offers from our partners below to get started:

Car Insurance: Virginia drivers, cancel your car insurance

I let my car insurance auto-renew for years. Clean record, no claims, so I figured my rate was fine. I was wrong.

When I finally compared my options with a free tool, my quote came back lower than I expected. I went from $159/mo to $47/mo for two cars.1I couldn't believe I'd been missing out on a chance to save this much.

If you haven’t compared recently, it could be worth checking:

  1. Click below and enter your zip code.
  2. Answer a few questions about your vehicle.
  3. See if there’s a better option for you.

It’s free, quick, and there’s no obligation.

See if you could be paying less for the same coverage


Quick Tip

92% of drivers who switched car insurance reported saving money, according to LendingTree. Separately, a Consumer Reports survey of 40,000+ policyholders found median annual savings of $461 among drivers who switched insurers.  Drivers who stay with the same provider for several years could be leaving real money on the table.

Sources: Consumer Reports (2025); LendingTree auto insurance switching survey (2025)

Credit Card Debt: Stop paying high interest on your credit card debt. Start paying it off.

If you're struggling to pay down high interest debt (or you're planning a major purchase this year), this might be the exact thing you need. There's a card that allows you to pause credit card interest into 2027 ... and it could have a bigger impact than you think.

Discover it® Cash Back (Rates and fees) is an extremely powerful card that gives you 0% intro APR for an astounding 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. (Then APR is 17.49% - 26.49% Variable; Balance transfer fee applies.) That's right, you could finance large purchases you've been sitting on without paying massive interest. Or, transfer crippling high interest debt to this card and let your payments go directly to paying down your balance, without piling on additional interest charges ... all with no annual fee.

But it doesn't end there. The Discover it® Cash Back card also lets you earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Plus, Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

Apply now for the Discover it® Cash Back card

Market Volatility: Diversify your hard-earned retirement savings with gold

You’ve spent your whole life building up your retirement savings, but market volatility and inflation could be threatening everything you’ve worked so hard for.

Priority Gold is actively helping Americans like you find greater retirement security with precious metal investments. They offer everything from physical ownership to IRAs in gold and silver that have a proven track record during unstable markets.

In fact, from 2005 to 2020, the price of gold increased by 330%. And during the stock market crash of 2008, the value of gold actually increased by 25%.2

Take control of your legacy today in 3 easy steps:

  1. Request your FREE Gold and Silver Guide and receive up to $20,000 in free silver on qualifying orders.3
  2. Speak to a dedicated specialist about the best option for you.
  3. Transfer or invest to better diversify your portfolio.

You're in good hands — Priority Gold boasts an A+ rating with the BBB and 4.8/5 stars on TrustPilot. If you have at least $20,000 in savings, IRAs, or your 401K take control of your savings now and download your Request your FREE Gold and Silver Guide.

Lame Credit Card Bonuses: Try this one instead that lets you earn a $200 bonus + up to 5% cash back! 

Apply for the Chase Freedom Unlimited®(Rates and fees) and you could earn a $200 bonus after spending an easy $500 in the first 3 months. This card is criminally underrated with one of the best spend-to-bonus ratios we've ever seen. The bonus is worth almost half the spend!

No additional work is required. Apply for the card, see if you're approved, spend $500 within 3 months, and earn a $200 bonus. Boom!

The Chase Freedom Unlimited®(Rates and fees) also lets you earn cash back on everything you buy: Earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Plus, if you want to finance large purchases or pay down high-interest debt, you can also do that with this card. Take advantage of 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. After the intro period, the APR is 18.24% - 27.74% Variable. Do not skip this card, it's a sleeper hit with insane value and NO annual fee

Good or excellent credit (typically 670 or higher) is recommended.

Click here to Apply Now to the Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Spending $1,000s to Repair Water Damage: How Virginia homeowners are preventing roof rot, mold, and foundation damage for good

Most homeowners think of gutters as just a cleaning chore. The bigger risk is what happens when they clog. Overflowing gutters can lead to water damage, roof rot, mold, even foundation problems, the kind of repairs that run into the thousands.

If you own a home in Virginia, HomeBuddy offers a powerful, one-of-a-kind gutter guard built to prevent exactly that. Their micromesh filter keeps common debris out, so your gutters stay clear and your home stays protected. And because it actually works, you may be able to stop hiring gutter cleaners altogether. The company will even clean out and realign your gutters before they install.

Don't waste money on cheap, ineffective guards that claim to be clog-free. This one's built to last.

See if you qualify today: Click the link below, enter your ZIP code and home info, and a representative will reach out to schedule a free estimate.

See if you qualify

High-Interest Debt: See if your credit card debt is eligible for this debt relief program

If you have a lot of credit card debt, getting out of it can feel stressful (and nearly impossible). Here’s the problem: the longer you put off tackling it, the harder it gets to fix. If you don’t take control of it early on, it can add undue stress to your life for years. But what if there was a way to resolve your debt once and for all?

ClearOne Advantage can help.4 If you have more than $30,000 in debt from credit cards, medical bills, collections, or personal loans, their representatives may be able to help you resolve your debt for less than you owe — with one low monthly program payment.

Best of all? There are zero upfront fees, and you could be debt-free in 24-48 months. To get started, just answer a few simple questions and get connected with a caring representative. The consultation is completely free and only takes a few minutes to see if you qualify!

See if your $30k+ in credit card debt is eligible for ClearOne Advantage


Did You Know?

On average, debt settlement saves clients around 32% of their enrolled debt after fees, according to a 2023 study by the Association for Consumer Debt Relief. The consultation costs nothing. People who enroll and complete the program could be debt-free in 24 to 48 months.

Sources: Association for Consumer Debt Relief (2023)

Overpaying on Windows: Virginia residents save big on new windows

Old windows drive up your home's electric bill. But if you live in Virginia and your windows are 5+ years old, you could save $1,000s.

Renewal by Andersen is actively helping homeowners score these huge savings. Their certified experts install energy-efficient windows that can cut monthly bills and instantly upgrade your home’s comfort and value. If your windows are aging, this is one of the fastest ways to lock in huge savings.

Slash the cost of new windows by tapping into Renewal by Andersen’s seasonal promotions (see BONUS below), high-impact per-window discounts, special financing offers, and qualifying ENERGY STAR® tax credits most homeowners never even realize they can claim.

Get started now if you check these 3 boxes:

  1. You own your home.
  2. Your windows are 5+ years old.
  3. You live in an available ZIP code.

Complete this short form and access up to 40% off!

BONUS: For a limited time, buy one get one 40% OFF.5Plus, get $200 off your purchase!5

Innocent Daily Conveniences: Simple things that drain your bank account

Daily Coffee Runs: Fair to say it’s okay to get a little treat every once in a while. But a $6 latte every morning runs up to $2,000 a year. $2,000! You could buy a high-end espresso machine with that cash and still come out ahead.

The Lottery and Get-Rich-Quick Gimmicks: The lottery isn’t a financial plan, and no, that $1,500 online course won’t make you a millionaire. Focus on real wealth-building strategies.

Premium Gas for Cars That Don’t Need It: If your car doesn’t specifically require premium gas, you’re just wasting money. It won’t make your engine last longer or improve performance.

Expensive Mortgage Payments: Save $28,000 over the life of your mortgage

Too many buyers overpay on their mortgage without even knowing it. Rates and fees vary wildly from lender to lender, but nobody has time to call around and compare, so they might just accept the first offer and hope for the best. Now there's a free service that does the hard part for you.

It's called Own Up, and it compares mortgage offers from a network of top-rated lenders so they compete for your business and you can pick a great deal.6You fill out a quick 5-minute profile (no hard credit pull),7get matched with top-rated lenders, and see the comparison side by side.8

Thnk about it this way: On a $400,000 mortgage at 7.00%, you'd pay over $558,000 in interest over 30 years. Drop that rate just half a percent to 6.50% and you'd pay around $510,000. That's $48,000 back in your pocket, just from shopping around for a better rate.9

Own Up customers save on average $28,000 over the life of their loan,10and it costs you absoloutely nothing to find out what you'd save.

Own Up is 100% free — there’s no direct consumer fee for Own Up’s service. Own Up is compensated by lenders, not consumers. See what you could qualify for at the link below before you lock in a rate you might regret.

Check your rate in 5 minutes (free)

Tax Debt: Ask this company to help you pay off your late tax debt

Past-due tax debt is overwhelming.

It weighs on your mind and causes massive anxiety. You end up emotionally and physically drained. Even worse when the IRS starts sending letters threatening wage garnishment and huge fines.

Alleviate Tax is designed specifically to help you get out of tax debt faster and could reduce some of the debt you owe.

While most tax companies just put you on a payment plan and file your taxes for you, Alleviate Tax talks to the IRS directly. They can help you pay off your tax debt faster while potentially reducing what you owe.

Important: Not everyone will qualify. To take advantage of this special program you must owe more than $10,000 in past-due taxes.

Answer a few questions to get started

Advisor Fees: You could be overpaying for your retirement planning

Fees matter. High fees can cut into your returns and affect your overall nest egg. But the ways fees are levied vary. Some are “fee only,” charging a flat rate regardless of usage. Others take a percentage of all assets under management. Some earn commissions directly from mutual funds or other financial products, which presents a significant conflict of interest.

This free matching quiz helps Americans get matched with up to three fiduciary advisors who serve their area so they can compare and decide which advisor to work with.

Services and Upgrades: Do you really need these things to be happy?

Sneaky Subscriptions: Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Max, Apple TV, Paramount+ … chances are you’re not even watching half of these. Cut it out. Choose one or two and stop auto-renewing free trials you forgot about.

Upgrading to the Latest iPhone: Unless your phone is literally falling apart, there’s no reason to drop $1,000+ on a new one just because Apple added a slightly better camera. Your current phone is fine.

Designer Clothes and Sneakers: Dropping $300 on the latest sneakers or fast fashion trends just to keep up? You’re only filling your closet with overpriced clutter. Invest in quality, sure — but not hype and status.

Your Auto Policy: The one monthly bill too many Virginia drivers never think to compare

You compare prices on groceries, electronics, flights, and streaming services. But how many times have you actually compared your car insurance? For most people, the answer is once, when they first signed up. After that, it just auto-renews.

The thing is, rates can change year to year, and what you were quoted when you first signed up may not reflect what's available to you now. A free comparison tool could show you options you didn't know were out there.

Here's how to check:

  1. Click below and enter your zip code and a few basic details.
  2. Get matched with providers based on your profile.
  3. See if there's a better rate for the same coverage you already have.

Compare your options and see what's available in Virginia

It could take a couple of minutes, and there's no obligation to switch. But if you find something better, you could put that difference back in your pocket every month. Just make sure to cancel your existing policy if you do switch.


Quick Tip

92% of drivers who switched car insurance reported saving money, according to LendingTree. Separately, a Consumer Reports survey of 40,000+ policyholders found median annual savings of $461 among drivers who switched insurers.  Drivers who stay with the same provider for several years could be leaving real money on the table.

Sources: Consumer Reports (2025); LendingTree auto insurance switching survey (2025)

Expensive Home Repairs: This plan helps protect select Virginia homes from many expensive appliance and home repairs (see if you qualify)

Everyone talks about home insurance, but hardly anyone talks about this. If you live in Virginia and own your home, you could save $1,000s on home repairs without much work at all.

American Home Shield is currently helping homeowners slash appliance repair bills. Instead of paying $1,000s, you pay for a monthly plan and a simple one-time service fee per covered repair.

Getting a monthly plan could help you tap into immense savings for nearly any system or appliance in your home that’s covered.

Not everyone is eligible for this plan so here’s how to check:

  1. Click the link below and enter your name, address, phone number and email.
  2. Hit the “Get Free Quote” button.
  3. If you qualify, select a plan.

Complete this short form to see if you qualify

P.S. Use the link above, and you'll get 50% off your first year on select plans!11

Applying for the Wrong Card: Let's find you a better credit card ... or help you save on the debt you already have

If your credit has taken some hits, getting approved for a new card isn't always a sure thing. But that doesn't mean you're out of options.

Answer a few quick questions and we'll try to match you with a card that fits your situation. And if a new card isn't the right move right now, we may still be able to help you lower the interest you're paying on existing balances — which could save you real money every month.

Free, no commitment, and no impact to your credit score.

See my options (no credit impact)

Find out if this program could help you tackle your credit card debt

When you're carrying hefty credit card debt, making the minimum payment every month can start to feel pointless. You pay it, the due date comes back around, and the balance is still there.

ClearOne Advantage could help change that.4If you have at least $30,000 in qualifying debt from credit cards, medical bills, or personal loans, their certified debt specialists may be able to settle your debt for less than you owe.

There are no upfront fees. The free consultation takes just a few minutes, and you could potentially be debt-free in 24 to 48 months.

Try ClearOne Advantage

Hedge your portfolio against a weakening U.S. dollar with this

The U.S. dollar continues to weaken. But recently, gold quietly surged past $5,300 per ounce. Good reminder of why investors turn to hard assets when confidence in paper currency slips.

If most of your retirement savings are still tied to stocks or the dollar alone, shifts like this could be a huge deal. American Hartford Gold can help you diversify your retirement portfolio with physical gold and silver, including Gold and Silver IRAs designed to help weather inflation, market volatility, and economic uncertainty.

Gold has a long history of moving independently from stocks and, in past downturns, has helped preserve purchasing power when traditional assets struggled. Start by requesting a free Gold IRA guide at the link below and see whether adding gold makes sense for your long-term plan.

If you have at least $15,000 in savings, IRAs, or your 401K take control of your savings now and download your FREE Gold IRA guide today.

Expensive Timeshares: See if you’re eligible to cancel your money-draining timeshare contract

Are you stuck in a timeshare contract? The average timeshare owner pays roughly $1,200 a year in maintenance fees,12and those fees tend to rise 5% or more annually, often for a property they no longer use.

The Stonegate Firm provides legal and advocacy services to help consumers pursue legitimate exit options from their timeshare contract. If your contract qualifies, their attorneys work to identify violations of federal consumer protection laws and negotiate directly with resorts.

See if your timeshare may be eligible:

  1. Answer a few questions about your timeshare and contract.
  2. A Stonegate Firm specialist will review your case.
  3. If you qualify, they walk you through the cancellation process.

You’re in good hands. The Stonegate Firm is BBB Accredited with an A+ rating.

Check Your Cancellation Eligibility Free - 30 Second Assessment

Hearing Aids: Get a 45-day no-risk trial for these revolutionary German-engineered hearing aids

Have you noticed voices sounding muffled or find yourself asking “what?” more often? Hearing conversations clearly makes all the difference, whether it’s sharing laughs with family or catching every word with friends. The good news? There’s a simple way to bring back the clarity.

Horizon IX hearing aids by hear.com offer crystal-clear speech understanding using advanced German technology. These nearly invisible, medical-grade devices provide twice the speech clarity of competitors, even in noisy places.

The aids connect to a simple smartphone app that makes them easy to set up and use. Plus, Horizon IX lasts up to 19 hours on a single charge, so no more dead batteries.

hear.com is trusted by over 500,000 customers worldwide, has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and a 4.9/5 rating at Consumer Affairs, and is known for their award-winning customer service.

We recommend at least a 680+ credit score in order to qualify for flexible financing. Click below and enter some information including your phone number. They will contact you via phone and take care of getting everything set up.

Get a 45-day no-risk trial and see if you qualify for flexible financing

Home Insurance: Switch your home insurance and you could save a ton of money

If you have home insurance, you need to see the recent rates available to you. There’s a good chance you’ll want to switch your policy if you see a better rate.

The best way to check for up-to-date rates: Get multiple policy quotes from a variety of home insurance providers. Too many homeowners skip this step — not realizing that they could save potentially $1,000s over the lifetime of owning their house.

Provide Home Insurance is a company that matches you with a variety of home insurance options to meet your home insurance needs … including lower overall cost or better overall coverage.

Just answer a few questions, and they will find options that are right for you.

Enter your zip code to get started

Skipping This Credit Card Bonus: Earn a bonus worth $200 to use toward your next flight or hotel 

If you're planning a trip, apply for the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card (Rates and fees) here and you can earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $500 in the first 3 months — that's worth $200 toward travel!

There is no extra work beyond the spending requirement to earn the early spend bonus, no annual fee, and no foreign transaction fee. The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card also lets you earn 1.25 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day and 5 miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. 

Redeem miles for flights, hotels, and car rentals, OR statement credits, gift cards, and transfers to over 15 airline or hotel partners! If you travel even once a year this card could is worth it and could net you with $100s in rewards to use toward travel. Don't delay — apply today!

Recommended for good or excellent credit.

Click here to apply for the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card now

Get 70% off healthy dog food delivered right to your door

Caring for a dog gets harder as you get older. The heavy bags, the last-minute store runs, the labels you can't quite read. Ollie takes that off your plate.

You answer a few simple questions about your dog online, and Ollie builds a custom meal plan based on their age, weight, and breed. Fresh, human-grade meals arrive at your door on a regular schedule, already perfectly portioned. No lugging. No running out. No trips to the store.

BONUS: Save 70% on your first box and get a free KONG Classic toy.

Get 70% off delivered dog meals

Scams and Fraud: American adults lost $47 billion to scams and fraud in 2025

That's right. According to a new report, American adults lost $47 billion to scams and identity fraud in 2025.

But you can safeguard your data with all-in-one scam and fraud protection services from OmniWatch, which comes with up to $2,000,000.00 in identity theft insurance,13to cover eligible losses and fees should you experience them.

Plans start at $11.99 per month and can include comprehensive protection like 24/7 monitoring and alerts, dark web scanning to identify breached personal data (like your SSN and banking info), antivirus and VPN apps for device security, and expert restoration services at no extra cost.

Right now Omniwatch is offering a free dark web scan to check for vulnerabilities. Before you make your next online purchase, protect what you’ve built for a fraction of what it could cost you if your data were compromised.

Start your free dark web scan here here

$10,000+ Home Elevators: Get a free stair lift estimate instead and stay in the home you love

If you or a loved one struggles with stairs, do not move to a new house or spend $10,000+ on a home elevator or renovation. An affordable custom stair lift could be a faster solution (and $1,000s cheaper) and this free in-home consultation can help you find one.

Leaf Home Safety Solutions is actively helping senior homeowners get custom stair lifts without spending a fortune. They offer straight, curved, and outdoor options, installed by pros and backed by a limited lifetime warranty. You could stay in the home you love without a renovation.

Skip the stress of researching stair lift companies on your own. Leaf Home brings trained local experts to your door for a free, no-pressure estimate.

You might be a good fit if: 1) You own your home, 2) You or a loved one has trouble with stairs, and 3) Your ZIP code qualifies.

Complete this short form to get started

Paying Now for Your Home Equity: Get up to $500,000 from your home equity with NO additional monthly payments

If you want cash from your home’s equity but don’t want a HELOC, hear me out. This company we found is doing something amazing. They let you access your equity without additional monthly payments.

It’s called Splitero and they give you cash today for a share of your home's future value. It’s a Home Equity Agreement (HEA) not a HELOC. There’s no monthly payments, and no income requirements.

Instead, you repurchase your investment with a portion of your home’s future value when you sell, refinance, or reach the end of the agreement. That means you keep your existing low-rate mortgage and access cash now!

There are also NO employment requirements. You qualify based on your home equity. You also remain the owner and continue living in your home. Use the cash to pay off debt, fund renovations, retire, grow your family, and more.

Enter your home address here to pre-qualify in less than 2 minutes

Pay no interest on balance transfers into 2027

Imagine getting 15 months with 0% intro APR on balance transfers (APR then 18.24% - 27.74% Variable). Sounds great — right? You could dramatically change your financial picture with this industry-leading low-interest card - the Chase Freedom Unlimited®(Rates and fees).

If you want to kick high-interest credit card debt to the curb, this is one of the leading get-out-of-debt cards available. Transfer your high interest debt to this card with a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months. Your payments can go directly to paying down your balance without incurring a pile of additional charges. That could save you hundreds of dollars in interest! After the intro period, the APR is 18.24% - 27.74% Variable. 

The best part? The annual fee is $0.

Click here to Apply Now to the Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Not earning up to 5% cash back at gas stations, transportation (including airlines), and drug stores

There's a credit card that's making waves with its amazing welcome bonus and benefits. Apply for the Discover it® Cash Back (Rates and fees) and you can earn up to 5% cash back at gas stations, transportation (including airlines), and drug stores now to September 30th, 2026, on up to $1,500 in purchases when you activate.

There's no annual fee, and Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. This generous welcome offer provides top-notch cash back rewards — plus, you'll earn 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically. The welcome offer combined with the up to 5% cash back reward rate could be worth up to 10% cash back in the first year!

This card also offers an intro APR of 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then APR 17.49% - 26.49% Variable. That means you could use this card to fund large purchases or even potentially get out of debt. If you're traveling this summer or want to earn more on beauty essentials, this card is practically a no-brainer!

Click here to apply now for the Discover it® Cash Back.

SmarterAuto - O&O Auto Insurance
  • They work with 90+ partners and are trusted by over 2 million drivers to shop for auto insurance
  • It takes less than two minutes and the tool is free to use
  • There is no catch and no hidden fees to get matched

Smart Drivers, Smarter Savings.
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