Posted on Tuesday, February 18, 2025

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by AMAC, D.J. Wilson

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Discovering practical ways to save money is a hot topic for many seniors who depend on Social Security to live. Paying attention to finances is a crucial part of enjoying a comfortable and fulfilling retirement. With fixed incomes and rising living expenses, it’s essential to explore practical ways to save money without compromising quality of life. Let’s explore some commonsense strategies to help seniors stretch their dollars and make the most of their hard-earned retirement savings.

1. Budgeting & planning:  The word “budget” carries negative connotation. In truth, budgeting is not a negative action, but a positive one. Rather than a restriction on spending, as perceived by most, it is essentially a useful tool that helps people choose how to save and spend their hard-earned money. Creating a comprehensive budget is the cornerstone of financial management. Seniors should start by listing all sources of income, including pensions, Social Security, and any other retirement benefits. Next, outline monthly expenses such as housing, utilities, groceries, healthcare, transportation, entertainment and more. By tracking spending and identifying areas where costs can be reduced, seniors can gain control over the finances and feel better about managing their money. There are numerous online tools and apps to help with the budgeting process, from analyzing expenses and setting goals to monitoring daily expenses. Per SeniorLiving.org, budgeting apps such as YNAB, EveryDollar, and PocketGuard can help people build budgets and stay on track in retirement.
2. Boosting healthcare savings – Healthcare expenses are a major concern for senior citizens. In the United States, medical costs can be a significant burden for seniors. To help minimize costs, folks are encouraged to review Medicare plans annually. For related information, click here. (Insert internal link to AMAC) It’s important to know that Medicare plans can change from year to year. Seniors should review their plans during a period called “open enrollment.” This allows them to ensure they have the best coverage at the most affordable price. Comparing different plans can lead to substantial savings on premiums, co-pays, and prescriptions. This is particularly important due to the skyrocketing cost of medical care and prescription drugs. Many seniors are dependent on medication as part of their healthcare. Opting for generic medications rather than brand-name drugs may result in significant savings. However, do ask your doctor before making any changes. Of importance, Medicare offers many preventative services at no additional cost, including screenings, vaccinations and wellness visits. They may even help detect medical issues early and in advance to optimize treatment.
3. Reducing housing costs – Housing is one of the most significant costs people encounter during their lifetime. And it is often the most significant expense for retirees. Seniors who find themselves overwhelmed with care and expenses related to maintaining larger homes may consider downsizing. Selling and moving to smaller, more manageable residences has money-saving benefits. It can lower utility bills, maintenance costs, property taxes, and more and can free up funds for other expenses. If downsizing is not an option, seniors in large homes may explore property tax exemptions. In fact, all senior homeowners should check with their state and local tax offices to see if they qualify for any property tax exemptions or reductions or other programs that can result in substantial savings.
4. Throwing all the cards on the table – This idiom refers to revealing everything. Examine your whole lifestyle to see what’s revealed and translate that into saving money. Do you keep your home toasty in the winter and cool in the summer? Did you know that setting the thermostat just a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer can lead to substantial savings on heating and cooling costs? Do you ride a bus regularly? Did you know that taking advantage of discounted fares for seniors can equal transportation savings. Do you regularly experience food waste? Did you know that meal planning and sticking to a shopping list can prevent overbuying and overspending? Do you enjoy dining out or shopping? Did you know that taking advantage of restaurants, theatre, tourist attractions, and store discounts can save you big bucks on those experiences?

Making the most of retirement savings

Retirement is a time to enjoy the fruits of one’s labor, and with careful planning and smart spending, seniors can make the most of their retirement savings. This includes discovering practical ways for seniors to save money. Maturing adults should also leave no stone unturned when it comes to ending wasteful spending. It’s to their benefit to embrace and implement practical strategies for saving and spending, both long and short term. Disclosure: This article is purely informational and is not a substitute for professional advice.