How to save money after you’ve retired
For many of us, we dream of retirement. The ideal age for packing in work is 57, according to studies, with 32% of respondents planning to quit the working world at this age. However, for some, the thought of calling it a day before they’re eligible for their state pension isn’t feasible. It’s been estimated that the British public will need at least £260,000 to retire without money issues. Unfortunately, research has found that the average pot of money held by those aged between 45 and 54 is £71,240 — way off the final required total.
While this final figure sounds extremely high, there are ways to prevent overspending in your later years. Here, we take a look at some great ways to save money after you’ve retired.
Sell your clutter
We are a nation of hoarders. Whether it’s old equipment or new purchases, we don’t like to get rid. In fact, over half of the UK’s adults claim to have between one and 10 items hanging in their wardrobe which have never been worn. However, one man’s junk is another man’s treasure, right? Therefore, clear out any unnecessary clutter you may have acquired over the years.
Having a huge clear out will definitely surprise you when you see how much stuff you don’t actually need if you’re ruthless. You can turn to websites like eBay, Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace to sell your unwanted goods and it can become a great side hustle if you have a lot of clutter to get through!
This can help to provide extra funds to go towards your retirement pot meaning you’ll be increasing your income, and you won’t even have to make too many cuts from your lifestyle.
Grow crops
Growing produce at home has many benefits. We all know that eating fruit and vegetables is good for you due to them being full of vitamins, minerals and nutrients. However, have you ever stopped and thought about how much money you can save if you grow your own veg? If your garden is big enough, you can create a lovely vegetable plot. This can include cabbages, lettuce, onions, sweetcorn, leeks and the likes.
You should also look into companion planting. For example, grow swiss chard in the same space as onions, beetroot and cabbages and you’ll make the most of your space while also deterring pests. A patio garden can also grow smaller produce, including mange tout, radish and French beans.
Some of the most cost-effective vegetables you should look to grow in your garden include tomatoes. As they don’t require much space to grow, you can even place these on balconies. Usually, they take 12 weeks before they are ready for harvest and each plant can create fresh produce daily for up to six years. Based on a shopper buying one box of tomatoes per week, this can help you save £52 each year.
Potatoes are another money saver. The average Brit eats 429g of potatoes every week and the average four-pack costs £1 in a supermarket. However, for a pack of five seeds, you can grow up to 45 potatoes for as little as £1.50.
Of course, there are many other examples that can save you money, and it all tallies up when put together to make great savings.
Another benefit of growing your own crops is knowing exactly where it came from and I’ve always found that any
produce
I’ve had that’s been homegrown either by myself or by my family members, tastes way better than anything I’ve bought in the supermarket!
Adjust the frequency of luxuries
You don’t have to stop enjoying yourself to save money in retirement. It’s no use retiring just to sit and be bored. However, it’s important that you plan properly and adjust your lifestyle to suit your budget. We all like the occasional blow out — whether that’s on a holiday, fine dining or on new items. However, it’s crucial to live within your means. If you were used to eating out every other night when you were in employment, chances are you won’t be able to once you’ve left the workplace. However, you shouldn’t cut it out altogether. Simply adjust the frequency you do so and you’ll still be able to have that luxury that you long for.
You can also try to find ways to have little luxuries without breaking the bank. Maybe get in a few of your extra treats or plan small outings with your family or dates with your partner.
Set priorities
Having a budget doesn’t mean removing the items or adventures that are most important to you from your life. However, it is important to set yourself priorities. Decide what it is that you really want in your life and what are just added bonuses. Doing this can help you to prioritise your money, while ensuring you don’t miss out on what you really want in your life.
If you want some more inspiraion on budgeting, I have many posts of the topic you can check out here!
The above are all examples of how to save money once you’ve retired. Of course, there are many other opportunities for you to make the most of your retirement, but by focusing on these points, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying your relaxing time after finishing work for good.
Sources
https://www.express.co.uk/finance/retirement/874147/Retirement-age-British-workers-pension
https://www.investopedia.com/articles/retirement/09/vehicles-save-retirement.asp
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/latest-news/articles/2017/october/new-survey-reveals-a-nation-of-hoarders/
