Many retirees constantly worry about how much money they are spending. After all, once you retire, you no longer can count on a paycheck arriving every week.
Fortunately, there are many ways to avoid overspending. So, if you’re retired or planning to retire soon, here are some ways to cut costs and save money on a daily basis.
Steal this billionaire wealth-building technique
The ultra-rich have also been investing in art from big names like Picasso and Bansky for centuries. And it's for a good reason: Contemporary art prices have outpaced the S&P 500 by 136% over the last 27 years.
A new company called Masterworks is now allowing everyday investors to get in on this type of previously-exclusive investment. You can buy a small slice of $1-$30 million paintings from iconic artists, all without needing any art expertise.
If you have at least $10K to invest and are ready to explore diversifying beyond stocks and bonds, see what Masterworks has on offer. (Hurry, they often sell out!)
Cook at home
Now that you are not working, you can afford to spend some real time in the kitchen. Look up recipes you wanted to try but didn’t have time to prepare when you were still working.
Once you choose some meals, head to the supermarket and look for store-brand products that can help you save money on groceries.
Enjoy free activities
As a retiree, you have plenty of time on your hands. Don’t fill that time with expensive activities.
Instead, think about leisurely fun that costs little or no money. Consider free outdoor activities such as walking or biking that require a little bit of money for equipment or clothes, but are not costly once you get past the initial outlay.
Also, look into events such as free lectures at your local library or community college.
When you enjoy free activities, you save money that you can use to pay down your debts or to add to your savings.
Spend more time comparison shopping
It’s fine to occasionally spend some money on big-ticket items such as electronics or clothing. But before you do, dig in and do some comparison shopping to find the best deals.
Sign up for newsletters from your favorite companies so you learn about the latest deals. Also, check online for coupons that help you save extra cash when you go to the grocery store or your favorite retailer.
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The Active Cash Card puts cash back into your wallet. Cardholders can earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases — easy! That's one of the best cash rewards options available.
This card also offers an intro APR of 0% for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (then 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable). Which is great for someone who wants a break from high interest rates, while still earning rewards.
The best part? There's no annual fee.
Enjoy happy hour prices
Wouldn’t it be nice to enjoy the bargain prices at your local restaurant or bar during happy hour? You can do that now that you’re retired.
You can be savvier if you pick the best cash-back credit card and get some money back when you spend at restaurants.
Also, try new places during happy hour to see if you like the fare and the atmosphere. Testing a restaurant in this way is a lot cheaper than buying a full meal without knowing if you will even like the place.
Use free services when you can
Local libraries have access to many different kinds of materials, from books to DVDs and more. And they are all sure to keep you entertained without you having to spend a dime on them.
Also, check out nearby museums, which may have free days that you weren’t able to take advantage of when you were working.
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Drive less
Ditching your daily commute can save you a lot of money. You may drive less overall in retirement, which saves you cash on gas and likely reduces the amount you will need to spend on maintaining your car.
If you and your spouse are retired and live in a two-car household, consider getting rid of one of your cars. You'll be able to save on car insurance, and on registration and maintenance costs too.
Relocate and downsize
Do you currently live in a larger home that’s close to your old office? Now, you have the freedom to consider living somewhere else.
Reconsider how much space you need, especially if you don’t have to worry about having a home office and your nest is empty.
In addition to downsizing, consider moving to areas with a lower cost of living.
Create a budget
Creating and adhering to a budget is a great way to save money on a daily basis. Look at your current monthly spending and see if there are places you can cut costs.
Even if you aren’t retired yet, it’s a good idea to build a retirement budget now. Factor in everyday costs such as groceries or utilities, and remember to adjust your costs for inflation based on when you plan to retire.
After doing this exercise, you might even find you can retire sooner than you expected.
Take advantage of senior discounts
Ask about senior discounts at restaurants, movie theaters, hotels, and more. These offer great opportunities to keep a little extra cash in your pocket.
Consider joining organizations such as AARP or AAA, which may get you additional discounts for a small yearly membership fee.
If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources
Over 50? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on things like travel, meal deliveries, eyeglasses, prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance and more.
How to become a member today:
- Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
- Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
- Start enjoying your discounts and perks!
You’ll also get insider info on social security, job listings, caregiving, and retirement planning. And you’ll get access to AARP’s Fraud Watch Network to help you protect your money, as well as tools to help you plan for retirement.
Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (Do not skip this step!) Doing so will allow you to take up 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.
Bottom line
There are plenty of ways to save money when you’re on a fixed income. So, spend some extra time looking over your budget to see where you can cut costs and save more cash.
Carefully consider your mix of investments to make sure they are generating enough income, and look for ways to make extra cash — such as getting a part-time job — if things are really tight.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
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Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
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Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
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