Retirement changes the rhythm of life in more ways than just sleeping in and skipping the commute. Without the pressure of office life or keeping up appearances at work, a lot of those little and not-so-little splurges lose their appeal.
We asked some retirees about the habits they’ve let go of, and their answers ranged from practical cutbacks to indulgences they simply don’t miss anymore. Here are some of the common big-ticket habits that tend to fade once the working years are behind.
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Weekly fine dining
Date nights at fancy restaurants were once a regular thing. Now, the idea of dropping $200 on a single dinner feels a little excessive when there’s a perfectly good meal waiting at home. Cooking together can be just as special, and it doesn’t come with a service fee.
High-end gym or country club memberships
Monthly membership fees for an expensive club or gym can get pretty high. Walking around the neighborhood, joining an inexpensive class, or swimming at the community pool are often enough to keep people in shape. On top of that, you don’t have to pay for amenities you’re not using.
Frequent salon treatments
Going to the spa, color touch-ups, and high-end hair treatments all cost money and add up quickly. To keep costs down, a lot of retirees are either starting to space their salon appointments or switching to low-maintenance hairstyles. Staying on top of one’s look is still important to them, but not if it costs an arm and a leg.
Buying brand-new cars every few years
There was a time when a few years in the same car felt “too long.” Now, the same car’s just fine for a decade or more. The excitement of swapping vehicles has been replaced by the comfort of knowing it’s paid for and dependable.
Designer clothing shopping sprees
Dropping serious cash on the latest designer looks felt fine when paychecks were steady. These days, comfort wins over catwalk trends, and outlet racks look a whole lot more appealing than glossy boutique windows.
First-class flights
Flying at the front of the plane is nice, but the price difference is hard to justify. For many retirees, it’s better to take that same trip with a basic economy ticket and have a few more vacations instead. After all, the destination matters more than the seat.
Owning a vacation home
Dreaming of a summer getaway spot is easy. Paying for its repairs, taxes, and upkeep? Not so much. Renting a cabin or a beach condo for a week is much less stressful and there’s no need to block a large sum of money either.
Costly home renovations
Massive remodels like gutting a kitchen or adding a pool aren’t as tempting anymore. Instead, retirees focus on smaller projects that improve comfort or accessibility. Function beats flashy when it comes to spending wisely.
Expensive collectibles
There was a time when tracking down a rare wine, a vintage car, or a one-of-a-kind painting felt like half the fun. These days, a lot of retirees would rather pour a glass from the cellar, admire the art already on their walls, and actually enjoy what they own instead of chasing more.
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