Retirement Retired Life

I Asked ChatGPT What Retirees Should Stop Buying - Here’s What It Said

I asked the AI what to stop buying in retirement, and its advice was pretty insightful.

By Stacy Garrels

Edited by Calista Headrick

Updated Nov. 4, 2025

After a certain age, people tend to stop spending money on certain things. Vanity buys like pricey gym memberships, trendy clothing, and shelves of knick-knacks fade in importance as your retirement funds begin to dwindle.

ChatGPT has given me plenty of advice on when and how to retire, as well as what to spend my money on, but how about what you should not buy in retirement?

I decided to put the bot through its paces. I asked the AI engine, "What are some things retirees should stop buying?"

ChatGPT had plenty to say. It dished up a mix of smart, sensible, and sometimes snarky suggestions on how to avoid wasting money in retirement.

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Skip the extended warranties

ChatGPT's first piece of advice was to stop paying for the so-called peace of mind that these warranties rarely deliver. Extended coverage options sound good, said the AI, until you realize most products either outlast the coverage or the item breaks in ways the plan doesn't include.

Instead, the AI said, "Put that money into a separate emergency fund for repairs." This approach gives you flexibility, and you'll keep the cash if nothing goes wrong.

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Ditch brand-new cars

Buying a new car every few years is one of the fastest ways to light your savings on fire. ChatGPT called the move "stupid" and a "silent wealth leak."

That advice seems on point. Retirees often drive less, so there's no need to pay thousands extra just for the new-car smell. If it's that important, you can buy a new-car scented air freshener pack at Target for $2.99.

Stop stockpiling bulk groceries

"Unless you're feeding an army," ChatGPT said, "there's no reason to buy toilet paper by the pallet."

Fair. Bulk buying made sense when you had teenagers at home — or during The Great Toilet Paper Shortage (aka COVID-19), but now these stockpiles often mean waste and piles of dust and clutter.

Buy smaller quantities, urged ChatGPT, to keep your pantry lean and free up space and money. While not glam, that's certainly practical advice for us all, regardless of retirement status.

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Stop the subscription overload

It's easy to forget those $6.99 and $12.99 monthly charges that quietly debit from your checking account each month. But multiple subscriptions for content you barely use (before losing track of) add up fast.

ChatGPT's advice? Audit your subscriptions once a quarter. Keep the ones you genuinely use, and cancel the rest. "It's digital decluttering," said the chatbot.

Hold off on timeshares and vacation clubs

Timeshares promise paradise on a bargain, but they come with ongoing fees, restrictions, and resale nightmares. ChatGPT flat-out told me, "Retirees should avoid locking into lifetime financial commitments for short-term enjoyment."

Instead, says the AI, rent a vacation home or use travel-rewards cards to stay flexible. That way, you can explore new destinations without a maintenance fee following you into your golden years.

Stop chasing luxury brands

AI doesn't judge, but it can do the math, and according to ChatGPT, "High-end doesn't always mean high-quality." Retirees often fall into the "I've earned it" trap, splurging on designer bags or golf clubs that don't improve their quality of life.

If you want to splurge, says ChatGPT, that's fine. "But make it intentional, not habitual. Spend where it brings comfort or connection."

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Avoid "dream home" remodels

That $80,000 kitchen makeover might look great on Pinterest, but it's rarely worth the hit to your nest egg. ChatGPT's response was practical: "If your home is safe, comfortable, and functional, it's already enough."

In other words, renovate for necessity and not vanity. Fix leaks, replace appliances, but skip the marble backsplash.

Stop gifting too generously

Many retirees love helping their kids or grandkids financially, but ChatGPT gave a gentle yet succinct warning: "Don't fund someone else's comfort at the expense of your own security."

The impulse is kind, but boundaries protect both sides, especially for a retiree with limited funds.

Cut down on collectibles

"Be honest," said ChatGPT, "Are those Beanie Babies, figurines, or vinyl records really investments? Nope. Nostalgia isn't a retirement strategy."

This bit of advice, quite frankly, left me scared, sputtering, and a tad insulted. Really, ChatGPT? Who collects Beanie Babies as a retirement strategy and doesn't know it's sheer insanity?

Even if not plush and polyester, collectibles often cost money (and space!) to maintain, store, and insure. If they don't spark joy and value (and are the reason you need a third bedroom), consider selling or donating. You'll simplify your life and maybe pad your savings.

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Downsize the living space

"Maintaining a large home can eat into your retirement faster than you think — especially with property taxes, repairs, and heating bills climbing," said ChatGPT. It added, "Retirees often underestimate the savings potential of a smaller space — and overestimate their need for extra square footage."

Why not trade in footage for freedom? You'll have fewer rooms to clean and maintain and more cash to travel or enjoy life.

Be wary of expensive fitness programs

Staying healthy matters, but you don't need a $200-a-month boutique gym membership to do so. Instead, ChatGPT suggested free or low-cost community programs, walking groups, and at-home workouts instead.

"Fitness shouldn't feel like a financial burden," it said, as it pointed out that many insurers will reimburse you 100% of your gym costs (up to a certain amount). Working out and keeping fit can be free.

Bottom line

ChatGPT's list of things retirees should stop buying wasn't harsh and was actually quite commonsensical. It boiled down to this: spend less on stuff and more on experiences for stronger relationships, financial security, and peace of mind.

Whether it's cutting extended warranties or paring down your streaming subscriptions, every dollar you keep is another step toward maintaining your financial dignity. If you want to make the right moves and avoid wasting your retirement savings, take a page from AI's playbook. Be intentional, generous, and smart about managing your finances so you can pursue true happiness and lasting value.

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