10 Simple Cuts That Could Save Retirees $100 Every Month in 2025

Finding creative ways to stretch your retirement dollars further is one key to maintaining financial stability during your golden years. Small adjustments in spending habits can add up significantly over time.

By cutting back on just a few common monthly expenses, retirees can save $100 or more each month, creating extra breathing room in their budget. Here are 10 areas where retirees can start seeing savings today.

The average American spends approximately $166 a month dining out, according to a US Foods survey. Retirees can easily lower this cost by preparing more meals at home.

Opting for affordable recipes and planning meals ahead of time could save you $100 or more monthly while offering a healthier way to eat. For those who enjoy occasionally dining out, look for senior discounts or perhaps dine during happy hours to reduce costs.

Cable TV packages often cost around $145 per month, according to NerdWallet. Retirees can save big by switching to streaming services such as Hulu (starting at $9.99 per month) or Netflix (starting at $6.99 per month).

Streaming platforms typically offer extensive content libraries for a fraction of the price of cable. By cutting the cord and tailoring your subscriptions to your preferences, you could potentially save well over $100 per month.

Between salon visits, spa treatments, and personal grooming products, personal care expenses can quickly add up.

By reducing the frequency of professional services or switching to DIY options, retirees can save $100 or more monthly. For example, a haircut that costs $50 every few weeks could be spaced out to every two months to reduce costs.

Switching from brand-name groceries to generic alternatives is a simple way to save. Many generic products contain the same ingredients as their pricier counterparts but can cost 30% less.

That means a retiree spending $300 per month on groceries could save around $90 by choosing store brands, bringing them close to their $100 savings goal with little effort.

If you’re paying for professional cleaning services, HomeGuide says the cost can range from $25 to $75 per hour, with a typical session running several hours.

Cutting back to less frequent visits or handling more cleaning tasks yourself could easily save you $100 or more monthly. Retirees with more time on their hands may find tackling these chores themselves to be a rewarding way to save money.

It’s easy to lose track of monthly subscriptions, from streaming services to magazines to fitness apps. In 2022, Americans spent an average of $219 monthly on subscriptions, according to C+R Research.

Reviewing your bills and canceling unused or redundant subscriptions could free up $100 or more each month. Use tools like budgeting apps to track recurring payments and streamline your subscriptions.

Overlapping or unnecessary insurance coverage is a common area for retirees to overspend. Review your policies to identify duplicates or unused coverage.

Also, look for discounts. For example, bundling auto and home insurance or switching to a more affordable insurer may help you save $100 or more every month. You might also save money by raising your deductibles.

Such small adjustments can make a noticeable impact on your budget without sacrificing essential protection.

Retirees might reduce medical expenses by exploring Medicare Advantage plans. However, do your research, as it is possible that you will find an Original Medicare plan makes more sense for you, regardless of cost.

Also, consider taking advantage of the federal government’s Medicare Savings Program or its Extra Help program if you qualify. Monthly savings on medical and prescription costs can range from $137 to $165.

Comparing pharmacy prices or opting for generic prescriptions may yield even greater savings.

Unplanned purchases can quickly drain your budget. To avoid impulse buys, retirees can create shopping lists, pay with cash, or take time to think before committing to purchases.

Even small changes — such as skipping unnecessary grocery items or limiting online shopping — could lead to $100 or more in monthly savings.

Entertainment doesn’t have to break the bank. Retirees can enjoy low-cost activities like borrowing books and movies from the library, attending free community events, or hosting game nights at home.

Many venues also offer senior discounts, reducing ticket prices significantly. By opting for these budget-friendly alternatives, retirees can easily save enough to get ahead financially and take big steps toward their $100 savings goal.

Cutting back on a few monthly expenses can quickly add up to $100 or more in savings, giving retirees more financial flexibility and a chance to build wealth.

From dining out less to reassessing insurance coverage, these small changes can stretch your retirement dollars further without sacrificing your quality of life. Start by choosing one area on this list to cut back on, and you’ll see how quickly the savings can add up.