HERE ARE 7 THINGS COMFORTABLE AMERICANS IN THEIR 50S, 60S NEVER BUY — AND HOW THOSE HABITS HELP THEM IN RETIREMENT. HOW MANY DO YOU OWN?

What does it mean to be financially comfortable? For many, it’s a sense of security, freedom and the ability to enjoy life without constant financial stress. But how do you get there — and stay there?

As of late 2023, 39% of Americans said they were doing okay financially, while 33% described themselves as "living comfortably," according to the Federal Reserve. Achieving that level of comfort, especially in retirement, often comes down to the financial habits you cultivate in your working years. The smarter and more intentional your spending now, the greater your chances of maintaining that comfort when the paychecks top.

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To help you make the most of your money, here are a few spending habits comfortable Americans in their 50s and 60s avoid.

1. High-end electronics

The iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at $1,119, while the older iPhone SE begins at $429 — a $700 difference. Steering clear of the higher-end version when upgrading your electronics every few years can save you significantly over time.

By avoiding high-end electronics, you can free up funds for your IRA or 401(k) and reduce the risk of accumulating debt from expensive purchases. Plus, steering clear of splurging on electronics in your 50s or 60s can set the stage for more disciplined habits in retirement.

2. Expensive coffee

A $3 coffee from your local shop might only cost you $0.25 to brew at home. Spending that extra $2.75 adds up to about $1,000 a year.

In retirement, you may face a tighter budget that requires cutting back on non-essentials. By developing money-saving habits, like brewing your own coffee in your 50s or 60s, you’ll be better prepared to manage expenses without feeling empty. That extra $1,000 a year could go toward covering basic necessities instead.

Read more: Cost-of-living in America is still out of control — use these 3 'real assets' to protect your wealth today

3. New cars

New cars lose value the moment they leave the lot. Opting for a used car instead can mean smaller loan payments and lower insurance premiums since less expensive vehicles typically cost less to insure.

In retirement, you may be eager to conserve every dollar you can. Keeping vehicle costs low helps free up money for other expenses and gives you more room in your budget.

Also, keep in mind that cars that are expensive to buy generally have expensive components to replace. You may have an easier time maintaining a used car on a fixed retirement income.

4. Designer clothes

Clothing wears out over time, and your size or style preferences may change,

By avoiding overspending on designer clothes before retirement, you can put your saved money into your IRA or 401(k). If you skip high-end clothing during your working years — when you could justify it for professional reasons — you’re less likely to start spending extra on apparel once you’re retired, especially when you’ll likely spend more time at home.

5. Lottery tickets

The idea of striking it rich through the lottery may be appealing, but your chances of actually winning are incredibly slim. By saving $5 a week instead of buying lottery tickets, you could save more money to buy yourself more wiggle room in your budget in retirement.

Once retired, a tight budget might mean prioritizing how you spend discretionary funds. Rather than gambling on a slim chance, you could get far more value from a $5 matinee or discounted museum entrance — enjoyable experiences that help you stay engaged and entertained.

6. Overly large homes

Your 50s or 60s are a good time to consider downsizing — not buying or staying in a gigantic home. Even if your home is paid off by retirement, there’s still the cost of maintenance, insurance and property taxes to consider. Downsizing early or avoiding a large home altogether helps you adjust to less space well before retirement.

Additionally, the less you sink into a home before retirement, the more you can save for retirement. Taking on a $300,000 mortgage instead of a $600,000 mortgage, for instance, could mean the difference between building a solid nest egg and retiring with little to fall back on.

7. Cable TV

The average U.S. consumer spends $1,600 a year on cable TV for access to 190 channels, but only watches 15, according to MNTN Research.

Paying for cable TV when low-cost streaming services and free over-the-air antennas provide alternatives doesn’t make financial sense. These options can grant access to basic channels without having to pay a monthly fee.

In retirement, you’ll likely want affordable entertainment to fill your free time. While cutting out TV entirely may not be practical, learning to be happy with fewer channels now could make transitioning to simpler budget-friendly options easier later.

Frugal living could help your retirement

A 2024 Allianz Life study revealed that 63% of Americans worry more about running out of money in retirement than dying. While 43% are concerned about high inflation, depleting savings remains the top concern.

Adopting frugal habits before retirement can make budgeting easier during retirement. The less you spend, the longer your savings are likely to last.

Moreover, getting used to living frugally before retiring can help you feel more content with your lifestyle. You may even redefine your personal view of “comfortable” in a way that suits you.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

2025-01-11T11:56:47Z