Retirement often comes with mixed opinions about spending money. On one hand, retirees are told to cut back and avoid unnecessary spending. On the other hand, retirement is supposed to be the reward for decades of work. Caught between caution and enjoyment, many retirees end up questioning even small purchases and feeling guilty about spending at all.
But enjoying retirement doesn’t always mean a luxurious lifestyle. In many cases, it’s the small, everyday comforts that have the biggest impact on quality of life.
Here are a few little luxuries that finance experts think retirees can still indulge in without feeling guilty.
1. Social Experiences That Enrich Daily Life
Many of the most valuable retirement luxuries are simple and social. Whether it’s traveling miles away to spend time with your loved ones or visiting a friend, those little social experiences that enrich daily life are worth spending on.
“It’s not always the cost of the experience that matters,” said Trevor Houston, CEO at ClearPath Wealth Strategies. “For many, a short road trip to visit family, or simply taking a friend out to lunch, can make all the difference.”
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2. Travel To Create Memories
Travel is on the bucket list of most retirees. But that doesn’t mean every trip should cost an arm and a leg for it to be fun and memorable. The real luxury is the memories you create and the freedom to go when you want.
“Many picture luxury resorts and cruises when they think of retirement, but the real reason for travel is usually a deeper desire to create memories,” Houston said. “One tip is to schedule a local trip, but if you’re going to travel far, the timing matters. Midweek scheduling usually means less expensive airfare and hotel rates.”
3. Spend Where the Happiness Is Highest
Every retiree values things differently. What feels wasteful to one person may be deeply meaningful to another. Robert Johnson, professor of finance at Creighton University and CEO at Economic Index Associates, said, “Focus your expenditures on those activities that provide you the most happiness, and limit your consumption of goods and services that provide you with less happiness.”
Johnson emphasizes budgeting for these little luxuries. He points to Warren Buffett’s approach.
“Do not save what’s left after spending; instead, spend what’s left after saving,” he said. The focus shouldn’t be on cutting things that bring you happiness, but on budgeting with intention. You can enjoy what remains without guilt when you prioritize saving first.
4. Outsourcing Tasks You No Longer Enjoy
One often-overlooked luxury in retirement is paying for help with everyday tasks. Time and energy become more valuable than doing everything yourself.
“For many, retirement is not always about a five-star resort or going somewhere far away. It’s having more time, less stress, and the freedom to stop doing the tasks they no longer enjoy,” said Houston.
Outsourcing chores like cleaning, lawn care, or home maintenance can reduce stress and free up time for activities you actually enjoy.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 4 Little Luxuries Retirees Can Still Afford Without Guilt
