Saving & Spending Budgeting & Expenses

11 Genuinely Life-Altering Purchases Retirees Will Never Regret

Making these smart purchases can bring lasting joy and improved quality of life in retirement.

senior couple have fun online shopping
Updated Feb. 3, 2025
Fact checked

After spending your life working on your retirement plan, it's time to enjoy the life you prepared for yourself. This is when you can reflect and invest in what brings you joy, fulfillment, and comfort. Thoughtful investments and wise spending during retirement can boost your quality of life and save you from regret.

Here, we highlight the purchases that retirees commonly find valuable, fulfilling, and worth the investment.

If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources

Over 50? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on things like travel, meal deliveries, eyeglasses, prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance and more.

How to become a member today:

  • Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
  • Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
  • Start enjoying your discounts and perks!

Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (Do not skip this step!) Doing so will allow you to take up 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $15 the first year with auto-renewal.

Become an AARP member now

Quality healthcare insurance

oatawa/adobe health insurance concept

Good health insurance coverage is a worthwhile expense for many retirees. Comprehensive coverage offers peace of mind and can prevent financial strain due to medical care costs. Plus, you can typically get better care when it's needed.

Downsizing to a smaller home

peopleimages.com/Adobe couple checking moving boxes at new home

Retirees often don't need a large home, and many find that it's beneficial to downsize. A smaller house is more manageable and requires less maintenance. With less stress and lower costs, you likely won't regret making the change.

Travel experiences

Katrin Kovac/Adobe woman traveling in stockholm

When you no longer have to focus on work, travel is one of the best ways to spend your time. Memorable experiences will be cherished, so explore the world or travel across the country. It's an enriching way to use your retirement funds while checking things off your bucket list.

Taking meaningful trips creates priceless memories, helps keep life exciting, and provides a sense of adventure.

Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt

Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.

National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1

How to get National Debt Relief to help you resolve your debt: Sign up for a free debt assessment here. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can assist you in settling your debt, but only if you schedule the assessment.

Try it

Financial planning or estate planning services

Nina Lawrenson/peopleimages.com/Adobe An older man sits in front of a laptop

Hiring a professional to advise on managing retirement funds, taxes, wills, and other financial tasks helps with long-term financial security. When you have everything in place and a professional looking over it, you won't run into surprises or future headaches.

Consider hiring a trusted financial advisor or subscribing to financial management tools. Many retirees never regret this decision because it can save money and help stretch your retirement funds. Plus, it gives you peace of mind as you enjoy this chapter of your life.

Fitness and wellness programs

NDABCREATIVITY/Adobe senior people doing exercises in gym

Investing in your long-term physical and mental well-being is something many retirees never regret. When you stay active and healthy, you can live a more vibrant life and remain independent longer. You can get a gym membership or invest in exercise equipment at home.

Many gyms offer fitness classes, too, so you can get a professional to help you during your journey. Or, you could sign up for a wellness retreat for the ultimate experience. Whatever you choose in this category, you aren't likely to regret investing in your physical and mental health.

Home modifications for accessibility

Sue Edmondson/Adobe wheelchair ramp

As you age, you may want to modify parts of your home to make your daily living easier or hosting more enjoyable. You can upgrade to improve comfort, function, and how it aligns with your new lifestyle.

Adding grab bars or stairlifts helps ensure a safe and convenient retirement. Even if you don't need them immediately, having them in place if you have a concern often pays off.

Lifelong learning

DragonImages/Adobe senior woman learning how to track expenses

Continuous learning keeps you mentally active and can lead to making new friends and having new experiences. Retirees who invest in learning during retirement don't tend to regret it. You can learn a new language, engage in a new hobby, sign up for educational courses, or anything else that comes to mind.

A reliable vehicle

ambrozinio/Adobe driving a car

Having a reliable vehicle is essential and eases the cost of repairs if you have something that doesn't work well. Whether you only have to get around your town or if you plan to travel in your vehicle, reliability is something you likely won't regret. Plus, you'll feel like you have the freedom for spontaneous travel or unexpected events.

Hobby-related equipment

littlewolf1989/Adobe senior man playing golf

Your retirement years are the perfect time for indulging in your hobbies. You have more time now, so you can take on projects you couldn't do before. Investing in equipment related to your hobbies can help you live a fulfilling life and give you a sense of purpose in your new daily routine.

From gardening tools to a new golf set or art supplies, investing in your passions isn't something you'll likely forget.

Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account

Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!2

With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!

This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.

Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.

Apply for a Discover Cashback Checking account today

Gifts for loved ones

Prostock-studio/Adobe Father giving gift to daughter

Working hard to save and invest for retirement means you've put yourself in a position to give gifts to those you love the most. Now is the time to give gifts of memorable trips or experiences your loved ones will never forget. Retirees don't typically regret these purchases because it helps strengthen family bonds by creating shared memories that last a lifetime.

Quality jewelry

aletia2011/adobe senior woman with jewelry box

Investing in quality jewelry gives retirees something to pass down as a family heirloom. As it's passed down through generations, it builds sentimental value and offers a way for you to be remembered by those you won't have a chance to meet in your family tree.

Bottom line

Syda Productions/Adobe happy senior couple riding bicycles

Preparing for retirement is a lifelong endeavor. When you reach that stage, you should do things that bring you fulfillment and joy.

You can still avoid wasting money while purchasing things that improve your health, happiness, and well-being. Using rewards at the places you shop or on the card you use to make the purchases can help you stretch your retirement budget.

Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards

5.0
info

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Current Offer

$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks
Card Details


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