Many retirees spend years preparing for medical expenses, inflation, and market downturns, yet one of the most common financial surprises is much closer to home. A failing refrigerator, broken HVAC system, or dead water heater can generate a bill ranging from several hundred to several thousand dollars with little warning. Unlike discretionary purchases, these are often emergency expenses that cannot be postponed for long. So, could your retirement budget survive a major appliance failure? Here’s what everyone should consider.
