Cutting Back in Retirement and Still Having Fun

Well, here we are in retirement. For years, my husband and I had planned our budget for retirement years while we were working. Since money does not go as far as it used to, we have had to cut back on spending and still enjoy these Golden Years. Here are changes we have made to help save money, yet still enjoy life.

• One of the first things I did was to cut back on spending money for foundation makeup; cheaper works well. I get my hair cut less often than before. It makes me feel good to change my hair style from shorter to longer during the year, plus I air dry my hair. Instead of using a hair dryer; roll hair on curlers, instead of using curling iron. This is saving money on electric bill.
  

• Since retiring, I have cut down on buying clothes. There is enjoyment in trying new mix/matching of clothes already in my closet. When I do buy new clothes, it is either at thrift shop, yard sale, or end of season department store sale. When black slacks and capris fade and need to be revived, I just dye them. Cheaper than buying new clothes!
  

• Making recycled crafts (example: earrings made from punch out designs of aluminum cans) is a passion of mine. They make great gifts, plus I sell them.
  

• Dining out is a treat for us. We do our best to be frugal at a restaurant. We consider it as a social time with other retirees. This is an entertainment for us too.

We are enjoying life and yes we do spend money, but we are doing without somethings so we can have money to spend and enjoy on other things that are pleasures to us in these retirement years.