Retirees, are you increasingly mindful about purchasing new items?

house_cat · ‎03-09-2010

Since retiring last year, I've been much more mindful about spending money, but even more than that I've been hesitant to bring unnecessary things into my house.

There's so much talk about decluttering, but what good is decluttering if you continue to purchase things you don't need?

I'm currently in the position of cleaning out the home of an elderly aunt who has passed and it's an overwhelming, seemingly endless task. I can't help feeling just a bit resentful and I don't want my family to feel this way when I'm gone.

I'm trying to be a more intentional consumer these days. I'm wondering if that's typical of retirees.

Is anyone else cutting back on purchases for whatever reasons?

~ house cat ~

Mz iMac · ‎07-26-2014

I did not retire to "pinch pennies."

"Never argue with a fool. Onlookers may not be able to tell the difference."

Mick57 · ‎12-09-2010

Absolutely! I feel the exact same way. The less clutter I have now, the better I feel. Easier to clean and just overall more serene.😊

I am still oxox · ‎03-09-2010

@Mz iMac wrote:

I did not retire to "pinch pennies."

@Mz iMac Same here

Stop being afraid of what could go wrong and start being positive what could go right.

Blondie59 · ‎01-04-2019

Hi @house_cat

I am also trying to cut back on purchases, specifically for the reasons you stated. We are empty nesters and still live in a 4 bedroom, 3 level home. We have tons of books, at least 4 sets of dishes, sets of wine glasses and pottery, art work and collectibles we've accumulated over the years. I enjoy everything and use most things, but I don't want to leave a cleanup/cleanout to the kids. So, I am trying to cut back on what I buy. Since I no longer work, I have cut down on shoes and handbags, so I guess that's a start...

Trinity11 · ‎11-16-2014

@house_cat wrote:
Since retiring last year, I've been much more mindful about spending money, but even more than that I've been hesitant to bring unnecessary things into my house.

There's so much talk about decluttering, but what good is decluttering if you continue to purchase things you don't need?

I'm currently in the position of cleaning out the home of an elderly aunt who has passed and it's an overwhelming, seemingly endless task. I can't help feeling just a bit resentful and I don't want my family to feel this way when I'm gone.

I'm trying to be a more intentional consumer these days. I'm wondering if that's typical of retirees.

Is anyone else cutting back on purchases for whatever reasons?

LOL, my kids are constantly telling us to spend our money and enjoy our time on the planet. When I mentioned about how there are frequent threads here about fear their children will be left cleaning out their home, my kids replied they will just hire someone. They know where all the important papers are and since they know where I keep my jewelry etc., they won't be left with any burdensome tasks.

So we enjoy our hard earned money, no cutting back and are blessed to be able to enjoy it @house_cat .

BlueFinch · ‎08-31-2019

Absolutely. Although I don't think it's typical of retirees, I think becoming mindful of purchasing new items we may not use to the fullest, is simply smart. The problem is cutting the cord to let go of things from the past and not feeling the need to replace them with something new.

In fact, I keep a good stock of things I truly need and like, but I avoid being lured into purchases just because it's the newest, in thing. We are driven to purchase, from the time we receive our very first paycheck. It's a tough habit to break.

I'm in the process of downsizing and donating many items to those who can enjoy them. I want to streamline my home so that it is free of any clutter, making it far easier to clean and maintain. I've no desire, any longer, to replace anything except necessities, with only an occasional splurge, or for holiday fun.

I'm telling you, it's a freeing feeling. I no longer feel any need to keep up with anyone else. I know that as friends and family age, they will begin to have the same sentiments I do now. In time, they will get it, too...LOL. Most do.

Icegoddess · ‎03-19-2010

No, my husband won't get rid of anything so why should I be the only one getting rid of stuff or not buying things?

I've always been mindful of my spending and have often denied myself things so that I could save money for retirement. That habit doesn't just disappear when you retire.

BunSnoop · ‎05-22-2010

I do not have anyone to leave everything to when I die. My husband passed away, we had no children, my one brother who I had planned on leaving everything to along with his wife, have not supported me at all so now I need to get a new will as I don't want to leave them anything. My problem is who do I want to get everything and go through everything here in the house when I'm gone? Perhaps I should not care who goes through my stuff as I'll be dead so why do I care? I have friends, but most are older than me and I guess I'm not super close to them. We meet a few times a year for lunch. I guess I'll wait awhile as I can't keep going to the lawyer multiple times to keep changing my will. I try to watch what I spend as I want to have money available for the future if I need it for my care, but then part of me wants to spend it as I don't have anyone I want to leave any of my money to when I pass.

Coastalcarolina · ‎04-02-2015

Everyone is different of course, but my sisters and I enjoyed cleaning out our parents home. The memories we made just doing it! We laughed, cried and shopped moms stuff!
I had heard the same thing about how terrible it would be. But it was a way of closing that chapter of our lives that would never return. I hope my kids feel the same some day.
If there are private things, (letters and such), go ahead and throw them out if they no longer serve a purpose. I personally don't want to live in a bare space and enjoy what I have. As time goes by, I will discard items that I no longer use. I think it is a process. Take your time. It doesn't happen overnight, that we acquire so much. I have 40+ years to work on!