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Ramit Sethi Says Retirees Shouldn't Feel Guilty About These 6 Spending Habits

Six ways to enjoy your savings without jeopardizing retirement.

By Adam Palasciano , Edited by Laura Hohenstein

Updated Nov. 6, 2026

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You've spent decades saving for retirement, but now that you're finally there, spending that money feels surprisingly difficult. Personal finance expert Ramit Sethi says this reluctance is one of the biggest mistakes retirees make. Even those with substantial savings can struggle to enjoy what they've earned, despite having a solid retirement plan. And Sethi believes the problem often has little to do with the numbers.

In an interview with Kiplinger, he described retirees with $2 million who still drive five extra miles to save on gasoline. His philosophy is to spend extravagantly on things you love while cutting costs aggressively elsewhere. That doesn't mean abandoning financial discipline, but it does challenge the idea that saving money should always come before enjoying it.

Here's how that philosophy can change your approach to everyday spending.

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Traveling while you're healthy enough to enjoy it

Retirement may be your best opportunity to take the trips you've postponed for years. Sethi identifies travel as one of his 10 money dials, or spending categories that reflect what people value most.

If seeing new places matters to you, a carefully budgeted vacation shouldn't automatically trigger guilt. In fact, Sethi told Kiplinger that retirees struggling to spend should consider starting with a guilt-free weekend trip rather than waiting for the perfect moment to enjoy their savings.

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Paying someone to make everyday life easier

Some retirees feel obligated to handle every household task themselves because paying for help seems wasteful. But convenience is another of Sethi's money dials, and he openly values services that save time and reduce stress.

That might mean grocery delivery, occasional housecleaning, lawn care, or hiring someone to handle a physically demanding chore. If those services make daily life more enjoyable and fit comfortably within your budget, paying for them can be a reasonable choice rather than an unnecessary luxury.

Treating children and grandchildren to meaningful experiences

For many retirees, few things feel better than sharing their financial success with family. Sethi's framework includes both generosity and relationships, recognizing that giving and spending time with loved ones can be worthwhile priorities.

You might pay for a family dinner, surprise your grandchildren with concert tickets, or contribute toward a special vacation together. The distinction is affordability: Giving should come from money you can comfortably spare, not retirement savings needed for housing, medical expenses, or long-term security.

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Spending on hobbies, classes, and personal interests

Retirement offers time to explore interests that took a back seat during your working years. Sethi includes self-improvement among his money dials, with examples such as classes, books, and lessons that help people develop new skills.

For retirees, that could mean pottery lessons, photography equipment, music instruction, or joining a local workshop. These purchases aren't necessarily frivolous simply because they don't generate income; they can provide enjoyment, structure, and opportunities to connect with others.

Enjoying meals out without constantly calculating the cost

Going out for dinner can feel indulgent when you've spent decades carefully monitoring your grocery budget. Yet Sethi has repeatedly argued that people shouldn't obsess over small expenses while ignoring the bigger financial decisions shaping their lives.

If dining out is one of your favorite experiences, allocating money for an occasional nice meal may be more satisfying than spending the same amount on purchases you barely notice.

Investing in your health and physical fitness

Sethi also identifies health and fitness as spending priorities that can deserve a larger share of someone's discretionary budget. Examples include gym memberships, personal trainers, and other services that support individual fitness goals.

For retirees, that could mean joining a swimming program, taking yoga classes, or paying for exercise instruction suited to their abilities. These expenses may be especially worthwhile when they support activities you enjoy, although expensive memberships and wellness services aren't automatically necessary or medically beneficial.

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Bottom line

After decades of saving, are you allowing yourself to enjoy the money you've accumulated, or are old habits preventing you from spending even when you can afford it? Sethi's message is about making deliberate choices, not abandoning restraint. His approach works best when you've covered essential expenses, planned for future needs, and identified an amount you can comfortably spend without second-guessing every purchase.

Keeping discretionary spending flexible can help protect your savings during difficult periods. That balance lets you enjoy what matters while being sure to avoid wasting money on things that don't improve your retirement.

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