Question: I'm 73, retired, and dreading winter, but I can't afford to be a snowbird. Help!
Answer: If you find yourself getting a little down as winter approaches, you're not alone. A good 41% of Americans say their mood declines in the winter, according to a new poll from the American Psychiatric Association. Alongside that, 27% report feeling depressed, while 28% say they feel fatigued.
If you're retired, winter can be an especially difficult and isolating time. And for many retirees, the solution is adopting a snowbird lifestyle, where you own a second home in a warmer climate or rent one during the winter months to escape the cold.
But what if money is tight in retirement, and the snowbird lifestyle doesn't fit into your budget?
The average retirement savings for Americans ages 65 to 74 was $609,230 in 2022. While that figure is a bit dated, it shows that the average older American isn't necessarily rolling in money, even with Social Security factored in.
If you're a 73-year-old retiree who's absolutely dreading winter, you're apt to be in good company. But if you can't afford to escape your colder climate for months at a time, you may be wondering how you're going to get through the upcoming season. Here are some tips for managing winter and maintaining a healthy outlook until spring rolls around.
Look at short getaways that help you recharge
You may not be able to afford a three-month visit to Florida. But Hope Albu, CFP and Senior Financial Planner at UMB Bank, says you may be able to swing one or two shorter getaways that give you a break from the cold.
"Start by setting up and periodically reviewing your budget to see what travel options are available to you for the winter months," Albu says. "You can also work with a financial planner to build a smart spending plan that will incorporate your goal of escaping the colder climate."
Albu says planning for a few short getaways could be a good solution to your problem.
"These mini-vacations can help you recharge during the winter … and may provide you with activities that you enjoy without the enormous price tag," she says.
Albu also suggests seeing if it's possible to stay with friends or family in warmer climates.
"This option would allow you to cut down on some expenses," she explains.
Address the root of the problem
It's easy to adopt an "I don't like winter" attitude. But Brian Seymour, II, CEO and founder of Prosperitage Wealth, suggests addressing the root of the problem to come up with solutions.
"When retirees tell me they’re dreading winter," he says, "I always start with the real question. What part of winter is actually worrying you? Is it the cold? The isolation? Limited mobility? Once we’re able to identify the root issue, the solutions usually cost far less than a snowbird lifestyle."
If, for example, you find that winter feels isolating, you could try exploring more options for local meetups or clubs. Or if the issue is that driving feels unsafe, Seymour says you can try to make room in your budget for transportation help, such as using rideshares.
Don't make assumptions about what you can afford
A vacation home or months-long rental may not be something you can swing. But that doesn't mean you can't afford other options that make winter more tolerable.
"My therapist always tells me to test your assumption,'' Seymour says. "Before you assume you can’t afford to escape winter in any form, it helps to revisit the numbers with fresh eyes."
Many retirees, he says, are surprised to learn they can build a low-cost winter strategy simply by planning ahead.
"A small winter 'sinking fund' [a fund set aside for a specific purpose], something as small as $25 to $100 a month, creates room in the budget for things that genuinely improve quality of life," Seymour insists. These could include a short hotel stay during an ice storm or help around the house.
"The goal is to build a winter routine that keeps you warm, connected, and emotionally well," he insists. "That’s possible on almost any budget.
Plan your escape strategically
You may have more options for escaping the cold if you plan ahead carefully.
"Off-season rentals, home swaps, visiting friends or family, or joining a senior travel group can all give you the warmth and social connection you crave without the year-round financial demands of a second home," Seymour insists. If you're willing to get creative and do your research, you may find that you're able to escape to a warmer climate more easily.
Consider traveling during shoulder season, flying to smaller airports and other money-saving travel tips for retirees.
Albu agrees and suggests finding different off-the-beaten-path locations and times to travel.
"Some airlines offer deeply discounted fares at various points in the year," she says. A travel rewards or cash back card could help pay for some or all of your airfare. And if you're willing to look outside of popular destinations like Florida or the Caribbean, you may find that you're able to get a much-needed break from winter without straining your finances.
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