So you’ve just clocked out for the last time, and you’re ready to enjoy that sweet retired life. There’s a good chance you’ve got a good amount of money to spend on those things you’ve always wanted but hang on a second. Before you start splashing the cash, here are 18 things that might seem tempting at first but could end up a waste of time and space.
Shiny Golf Clubs
Most retirees pick up golf as a hobby, especially since it’s so good for you, and they think they need to buy a fancy set of golf clubs to play it properly. But unless you’re playing like Tiger Woods, those high-tech clubs won’t make your swing any better than the regular clubs. And honestly, how often are you going to hit the golf course anyway? You should save that cash for something more useful.
Fishing Gear
Similarly, fishing more in retirement does seem pretty relaxing, although you should think before splurging on the fanciest rods and reels. Think about how often you’ll actually be by the lakeside and the fact that most casual fishers do just as well with basic gear. Plus, fishing is meant to be a time to relax, not show off the latest angling technology.
The Dream RV
The idea of hitting the road in a cool new RV sounds perfect, right? But before you burn your bucks, think about the upkeep. RVs can be a pain to maintain, and you’re probably not going to use them as much as you’d think. A lot of people end up wishing they’d gone for something cheaper and more practical once the novelty wears off.
Expensive Timeshares
It’s easy to get swept up in the sales pitch and think that a timeshare in Hawaii is just what you want with your golden eyes. And while it might be, those timeshares come with some pretty hefty maintenance fees and blackout dates that make it a headache to book. Suddenly, that convenient vacation spot doesn’t seem so convenient after all.
Home Gym
There’s no point buying into all of the hype of a home gym because most people just use the treadmill and some dumbbells. Most of the time, that fancy equipment gathers dust, or people use it as an expensive laundry rack. A gym membership or even some daily walks would keep you just as fit.
Kitchen Equipment
Lots of retirees think that retirement is the perfect time to cook up a storm. While that might be true, decking out your kitchen with the latest technology isn’t a great idea. How many times are you going to use that $500 sous-vide machine or that professional-grade blender? You’re better off going for something simpler and way cheaper.
A New Wardrobe
Once you retire, you might feel the urge to fill your closet with new clothes to match your new stage in life. But unless you’re planning to attend a gala dinner every night, those fancy outfits will probably just stay hanging in your closet with the tags still on. It’ll be more fun for you to spend on comfy stuff that you’ll actually wear.
Craft Supplies
Crafting can certainly be fun, and there are a ton of health benefits from doing it. But buying every tool and material under the sun is a recipe for a cluttered house and a whole lot of unused stuff. Start small and pick up supplies as and when you need them. You also might want to wait to find out if you even like crafting in the first place.
Gardening Tools
It’s easy to go crazy at the garden store and buy everything to fulfill your vision of a lush garden. But most of those specialized tools are things you’re not even going to use, and you can just buy the cheaper versions instead. Stick with the basics and only get the expensive stuff if you absolutely need it.
Exotic Pets
Some retirees decide to be a little more adventurous and buy an exotic pet like a parrot or a lizard. Around 19.4 million American households own exotic pets. Like all pets, though, exotic pets need a lot of care and attention, not to mention they can be pretty expensive to look over. If you’re insisting on getting an animal, stick to one less demanding, like a dog or a cat.
Premium TV
With all that free time, you might think that getting a premium cable package seems like a good idea. But you should probably think about whether you’re actually going to watch all 200 channels. Many retirees find that a simpler setup, like a streaming service, gives them everything they need for much cheaper.
Luxury Watches
Is there a nicer retirement gift than a luxury watch? Of course, it looks good, but a fancy watch isn’t going to be more practical than a model that’s more moderately priced. If you’re really tempted to get one, just think about how often you’ll wear it and whether it’s truly worth the investment. There are so many affordable options that can do just the same.
Too Many Gadgets
Speaking of gadgets, don’t believe everything you heard about how the latest technology can make your life simpler. A lot of the time, it can actually be a hassle to set up and too difficult for you to use. There’s also the ongoing maintenance cost to think about, so maybe it’s best to stick to the basics.
Collecting
There’s no denying that starting a new collection of things is exciting, although it can quickly turn into an expensive lesson instead of a fulfilling hobby. You might want to start collecting something low-key that won’t need a big investment. This way, you’ll save money as well as space in your house for these things.
Home Brewery
Another hobby that lots of retirees pick up is home brewing, as it seems like a good way to spend your time. Just don’t forget that a lot of those professional brewing kits are more hassle than they’re worth. You’re better off starting with a similar and more basic kit to see if you even like brewing before you take on the big league.
Too Many Tools
Are you really going to use every single tool in the toolbox? We didn’t think so. Of course, you’ll have some DIY projects to do, but a basic set of tools is usually more than enough for these things. A multi-tool set and a good drill should cover most of your around-the-house fixes and crafting projects.
Language Learning Systems
Research shows that learning a language in retirement is a great way to keep your mind active and connected to the world around you. It doesn’t mean you’ve got to buy expensive software and courses, though, especially if your heart’s not truly in it. Try going to a community class instead, as these are usually much cheaper and far more social, too.
Antique Shopping
Most people think that we can spot a good antique from a mile away, but that’s simply not true. Most of the time, you’ll probably end up overpaying for things that aren’t as valuable as they actually seem. If you really want to go on an antique shopping spree, try taking an expert along with you, and remember that the experience is more important than the actual investment.
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