Being a smart spender in retirement makes good financial sense. After all, you’re probably living on a fixed income and need your savings to last you through your golden years.
According to a Gallup poll, 79% of retirees between the ages of 65 and 80 feel they have enough money shored up to live comfortably during their retirement.
However, many retirees struggle to actually spend that money because, after decades of saving, they’re worried about depleting their funds and destroying their nest egg.
That being said, you can’t allow yourself to become so frugal that you’re compromising your health and safety. These are a handful of things seniors absolutely shouldn’t skimp out on.
Healthcare services
Taking care of yourself in your golden years can help stave off the inevitable decline in physicality and health that comes with age and keep you in your prime longer.
That’s why it’s so essential to spend the money you need to stay healthy. This includes:
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Obtaining preventative care
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Using prescription drugs as directed by your doctor
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Seeing the doctor promptly for any health issues, physical or otherwise
Unfortunately, many American seniors don’t invest enough in their health. In fact, a 2019 Kaiser Family Foundation study found that one in five older adults admitted to not taking medications as prescribed due to prohibitive costs.
If you have the money, spend it on the best medical care you can get. This keeps you healthy longer and avoids bigger expenses later if small problems turn into bigger ones.
If money is tight, thoroughly research Medicare available plans to find the right one for your situation.
Talk with your doctor about generic medications or possible manufacturer discounts, and look into programs that offer free screenings.
Healthy lifestyle habits
Less than a quarter of seniors met physical fitness guidelines in 2019, according to the United Health Foundation.
In addition, Health in Aging reports that 10% of older Americans (65+) living in their own homes don’t eat enough, while 33% eat too much.
Eating well and exercising can help you live a longer and better life, reducing your chances of developing limitations in daily living activities, as well as depression, cognitive decline, or chronic or fatal conditions like heart disease or cancer.
However, if you’re struggling financially, look for free opportunities to exercise, such as walking or hiking with friends, and find facilities offering senior discounts. Some Medicare plans even pay for gym memberships.
You can even look into food assistance programs for seniors and local food banks for help in accessing healthy fruits, vegetables, fish, and meats.
For additional help affording a healthy diet, look into the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Meals on Wheels.
Reliable transportation and home safety
Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths for adults 65 and older, while drivers aged 70 and older have higher crash death rates per 1,000 crashes than drivers aged 35-54, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
You can help reduce these risks by investing in home safety and a reliable mode of transportation.
For many seniors, their home is their biggest asset, so investing in repairs to protect its value is worthwhile.
For those in a financial bind, there are non-profits that help seniors renovate so they can stay in their homes.
Many cities and states also offer free transportation programs for retirees. You can find out about options by calling 211 or using the Eldercare Locator.
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Setting aside emergency savings
Emergency funds are often thought of as a cushion against job loss or an imminent home repair, but seniors need them just as much as younger Americans.
In fact, it’s even more important for retirees to have emergency savings. After all, they often can’t do overtime work (or a side hustle) to cover life’s surprise expenses.
Seniors also have less time to recover if an emergency sends them into debt, and taking too much out of a retirement plan to cover an emergency puts them at risk of draining their nest egg too soon.
Every senior should prioritize building an emergency fund, even if that means making cuts in other areas temporarily, such as reducing dining out, underutilized streaming services, and even vacations.
Knowledgeable professional advice
Finally, seniors can’t afford to skimp on professional advice. It’s crucial to find (and retain) trusted financial advisers, tax experts, and attorneys to help with issues such as investment choices, retirement accounts, and estate planning.
For example, the right expert can ensure that you qualify for Medicaid nursing home coverage while also protecting your assets. They can also help you avoid bad investment choices.
For those who may struggle to afford some of these services, there are free programs that help seniors with taxes and legal aid services that help with estate planning. Just be sure to confirm the credentials of those offering assistance.