13 Things Many Retirees Worry They’re Too Old To Buy

According to a recent survey, 46% of retirees say spending their retirement savings creates anxiety. Is spending stressing you out, too? 

While budgeting is key to having a happy and stress-free retirement, it doesn't necessarily mean your lifestyle has to come to a grinding halt. There are plenty of items retirees regret purchasing (sail boat, anyone?), but you might be surprised at what still makes sense to buy while on a budget.

Read our guide to the 13 items you might want to purchase in retirement, even if you think of them as a splurge.

You've heard the term "grow old gracefully." Women all over the internet are doing just that, with a spike in 50+ fashion influencers and the new focus on older women as style icons.

Shopping for beautiful clothes on a budget is easy to do with a little tech help. Dozens of sites can track pricing and alert you to better deals, sales, and price drops. 

Prefer to shop in real life? You can find designer steals at stores like Marshalls and TJ Maxx for 20% to 60% less than other traditional retailers.

The perfect gifts for people you care about can be nice without being expensive. Sometimes, handmade items that come from the heart are worth far more than pricey items you can buy in a store.

You could tap into a hobby, like scrapbooking or crafting, to create a gorgeous gift. If you're downsizing, consider gifting your items to someone special.

Refreshing your home doesn't have to be a huge undertaking. You can start small by replacing the bathroom tile or adding new kitchen cabinets. Make sure to shop around for quotes in addition to reading online reviews to find the appropriate contractor for your needs.

For larger projects, you might tap into your home's equity, and certain home improvements may be tax-deductible if made for medical reasons. Consult a tax professional to be sure.

You could completely transform a room with a single statement piece. Whether you want to replace that old floor lamp or sofa or add a splash of color with a fresh coat of paint, online shopping makes it easier to find deals when purchasing stylish pieces on a budget.

Many brands offer complimentary upholstery swatches and paint pots for sampling. If you want a retro or vintage piece to finish your room, shop at your favorite secondhand store.

Perhaps you want to downsize or live in a single-story house for mobility. You could still buy a house in retirement if you plan for it properly.

Consider selling your current home and putting the extra cash toward your retirement savings. One bonus is that your interest rate might be lower for your new home after years of improving your credit score.

Staying in shape in retirement could help you live a better, healthier, and longer life. Why not transform that empty bedroom into a mini-gym?

Look for a single piece of low-impact home exercise equipment that's gentler on aging bodies, such as an elliptical machine or a pull-down machine. Search for second-hand equipment or look for great shopping deals online. Many companies have services to install gym equipment for you.

Nutritious food could help you stay healthier and lower your health care costs. Choose whole foods to create balanced meals you'll love.

Shop smarter and spend less by buying in bulk, comparing prices at your local grocery stores, and choosing in-season foods. Consider a local farmer's market to save on locally grown and seasonal options. Look for lower-priced organic food stores like Trader Joe's or Natural Grocers.

If you're hesitant to dive into a new hobby during retirement, think about starting slow or selecting low-cost things to do with your time.

Love gardening? Plant a small row of herbs along a windowsill before transforming your backyard. Want to spend more time around people? Volunteer once a week at a local nonprofit.

Many vehicles made in 2015 or later have advanced safety features that keep drivers and passengers safe. With so many options from local dealerships and even online auto sellers, you have plenty of choices for locating the perfect vehicle to meet your needs.

Look for a certified pre-owned (CPO) model in like-new condition but without the new vehicle price. These vehicles typically come with extended warranties for peace of mind, and they might have lower repair costs than your current vehicle.

Compare how a cable bill stacks up against a streaming service. You might find that streaming your favorite movies and shows is more cost-effective.

Choose a few streaming services that give you the options you want. In general, two or three streaming services combined could still be cheaper than cable. Many services, like Netflix, Disney+/Hulu, and Paramount+, have lower-cost options that come with ads to make your streaming budget more affordable.

A smartphone lets you stay in touch with the people you love, shop online, and access endless entertainment options. Consider updating to a newer model to stay on top of the latest technology and security features.

Ask your current cell phone carrier what kinds of deals you can get for an upgrade. Big-box stores like Costco and Walmart may offer a two-year warranty, something you might not get when buying directly from a manufacturer like Apple or Samsung. Transferring to a newer phone might be easier and cheaper than you think.

Do you prefer using a laptop or desktop computer instead of a mobile device? You could still purchase an outstanding model that meets your needs without spending a ton of money. Much like phones, purchasing from big-box stores could provide added peace of mind with an additional warranty beyond the one supplied by Apple, Dell, or HP.

Look for tech deals throughout the year. Remember that you don't have to get the latest and greatest model. You can upgrade a computer that's three to five years old to bring it up to current technology standards.

Yes, retirement is your vacation. But why not get away from daily life for a weekend? Look for affordable destinations within 50 miles of your home. Remember to take advantage of senior discounts.

For long-term travel, turn to organizations like Road Scholar. You could get special senior discounts on transportation and lodging while seeing the world. Traveling during certain times of the year or even flying on certain days of the week could provide additional cost savings.

You can enjoy a fulfilling retirement lifestyle on a budget, but it takes excellent planning. Considering the average American man spends 18.6 years and the average American woman 21.3 years in retirement, purchasing the things that matter to you can make those decades much more enjoyable.

Do your research to understand the benefits and drawbacks of each purchase as part of your retirement plan. Affordable extras might enhance your well-being, create new memories, and help you get the most out of your retirement.