8 Smart Shopping Tips for Retirees

Submitted by John Strassman –

A financially secure retirement involves more than building a substantial nest egg. To maximize each dollar, it also requires adapting long-time spending habits to a retiree’s new way of life.

Adjusting to this new normal isn’t always easy, especially when a little retail therapy is a tempting excuse to get out of the house.

“Many of the retirees I interviewed have the same structure of spending that they did when they were working,” says consumer psychologist Kit Yarrow in an interview with USA Today. In her book, Decoding the New Consumer Mind: how and Why We Shop and Buy, Yarrow analyzes the motivations and behavior of thousands of consumers, including retirees. She cautions that when consumers are anxious, isolated or bored, they may try to fill the void with a trip to the mall.

To avoid shopping pitfalls, here are eight tips for smart retirement shopping:

1. CREATE A NEW BUDGET

Reconsider your priorities, including the possibility of scaling back to a more affordable lifestyle. List essentials and factor in the unexpected—like car repairs—and then calculate your disposable income.

2. STICK TO YOUR SHOPPING LIST

Many stores are designed to encourage impulse buys. En route to the paper towel aisle, consumers may pass by enticing items, landing at check-out with unplanned purchases like a new TV. Linda, a retired educator, invokes the 24-hour rule and heads home whenever she’s gripped with the urge to buy. “About 99% of the time, I never go back,” she says.

3. BEWARE OF BARGAINS

Retailers lure in bargain hunters with the “great deal.” For retirees on a tight budget, discount havens such as dollar stores may be treacherous—everything is so inexpensive that it’s a license to stock up.

4. DON’T CONFUSE SOCIALIZING WITH SHOPPING

Retirees who feel isolated may head to the store to socialize. Instead, consider more rewarding options that are free—volunteer in your community or join organizations that interest you.

5. DON’T LET STRESS DRIVE SPENDING

Yarrow’s research shows that anxiety can dictate spending, prompting unnecessary austerity or impulse buys. This is especially true for retirees who tend to be more anxious than non-retirees. By following the 24-hour rule, you won’t end up with a budget-busting item that sits in your closet.

6. AVOID MAKING SHOPPING YOUR NEW “JOB”

Yarrow cautions that tracking down an item or best deal may provide a sense of accomplishment, but the more people shop, the more they buy.

7. PICK A FRUGAL SHOPPING COMPANION

Consider the kind of shopper you’re heading to the store with before inviting this person along. If your friend has expensive tastes, you may end up spending more yourself. Linda recalls the time she almost splurged on a pricey item when her thrifty companion announced, “We’ve got to get out of here!”

8. KNOW HOW TO SPOT A GENUINE DEAL

Not all bargains are a spending trap. By comparing prices online, you may find significant savings on everything from airfare to car insurance to housewares. And continue comparing while walking down store aisles. Check out a competitor’s prices on your smartphone, and show the clerk. Many retailers will price-match on the spot to win your sale.

Connect with LPL: Financial check-ups can help you stay on track. Meet with your financial advisor today.

John Strassman, CFP and Kevin Hanna met at a major brokerage firm.  After working together for several years they discovered they both had the same compelling desire to have a business that was based on really knowing and understanding their client’s goals, aspirations, concerns and motivations. John and Kevin soon realized that was not going to happen where they were, so they launched Strassman & Hanna. With over 40 years combined experience they are committed to superior customer service based on a foundation of sound financial advice and guidance, great personal service and an extensive array of services.  For more information, visit www.yourlegacymatters.com.  Connect with John and Kevin on LinkedIn and Facebook.

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