WE’RE pretty sure that retirees had worked hard for decades and now on retirement, it’s time to make those golden years ahead truly enjoyable.

But let’s face it, living on a fixed income such as your pension can be trickier than simply attending your grandkid’s wedding. Luckily, there are plenty of tips to help you trim the fat from your budget without sacrificing the good life.

One good advice is to stop buying items that are not badly needed and can be replaced with simple but practical ideas.

Goodbye to plastic bags

It’s all about ditching those pesky plastic bags. We can leave reusable bags behind. Not only is this good for your wallet, but it is also good for planet Earth.

So, grab some cute reusable bags and save the planet while you save some cash. It really is a win-win solution!

Goodbye to bottled water, too

Speaking of saving our planet, here’s another eco-friendly tip: say goodbye to plastic water bottles and, depending on where you live, invest in a water filtration system. This way, all you need is your own reusable water bottle.

Bottled water is another unnecessary expense that can add up over time, and it also contributes to plastic waste. So instead, invest in a reusable water bottle and use a filter at home if needed.

Farewell to Cable TV

This is a silent budget killer. Sure, Cable TV was the hottest thing in the past, but times have changed and so should our TV habits. We should consider reevaluating the cost and benefit of cable. The truth is that you may be paying for channels that you don’t even watch.

In our modern age and depending on one’s situation, streaming may be more appropriate for our needs. With the rise of streaming services, Cable TV has become an unnecessary expense for many households. Who needs 500 channels when you’ve got Netflix and a comfy couch, right?

Kick the subscription overload

Speaking of subscriptions, sneaky costs of automatic deliveries can really be bothersome. We’re not talking only talking about magazine or newspaper subscriptions, but subscriptions for all goods and services.

It’s really an advantage when we consider reevaluating to ensure that the delivery frequency meets our needs.

Do we really need a new razor every week? Or enough toilet paper to survive the apocalypse?

Lessen purchase of cleaning products

Time to awaken our inner DIY expertise!

Yes, it is important to have a clean and beautiful home, but we can do so with fewer toxic chemicals. What we have to do is simplify our cleaning routine and consider using microfiber cloths instead of so many paper towels. We don’t have to stop using paper towels as they can come in handy, but for mirrors and glass, microfiber cloths would do better. If appropriate, DIY (do-it-yourself) cleaning products with vinegar, tea tree oil, etc.

Moreover, paper towels and napkins are products that may seem like a convenience, but they are actually wasteful and can add up over time. Instead, invest in reusable cloth napkins and cleaning cloths that can be washed and used multiple times.

No to gadget overload

Fair warning against falling into the gadget trap.

There are so many fun gadgets on the market that seem like they will solve all your problems, but just end up cluttering our kitchen drawers.

Good advice is to use some of our newly found free time to learn how to master cooking skills with the tools you already have. Any real chef will tell you that having a good knife and knowing how to use it will get you further than buying a bunch of gadgets.

And it’s not just kitchen gadgets. Don’t let your grandkids bully you into thinking you have to have an ‘i’ everything—like a new iPhone, iPad, etc.

So, if you’re already happy with your current tech setup, there’s no need to upgrade your gadgets (and potentially never use them).

The Bottom Line

Retirement doesn’t mean you have to live like a hermit, but it does mean being smart about your purchases. When you’re living on just your pension (or in addition, some ‘ayuda’ or financial assistance from government), we really need to be thoughtful, careful and practical about all of our purchases from now on.