You can keep more of your retirement money by cutting small, avoidable home expenses that quietly add up. This article shows which six common home purchases you should stop buying so you can stretch your savings without sacrificing comfort.
You’ll get practical, everyday choices to rethink—from cleaning supplies and single-use paper towels to flashy décor, cable bundles, kitchen gadgets, and delivery-box subscriptions—so you can decide what’s really worth the cost in your home.
Expensive brand-name cleaning supplies
You don’t need premium bottles to keep your home clean. Simple mixes of white vinegar, baking soda, and water handle most jobs for a fraction of the price.
Store brands and bulk refills often match performance and last longer. For ideas on substitutions and savings, see tips about cutting home spending on retirement-related purchases (https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/news/cutting-retirement-costs-6-home-buys-you-should-stop-wasting-money-on).
Single-use paper towels
You can cut a steady expense by swapping paper towels for microfiber cloths and reusable kitchen towels. They clean glass and counters just as well, and you’ll spend less over time.
Reusable towels need washing, so keep a small bin or hook to air-dry damp ones. For tips on reducing paper towel use and saving money, see paper towel usage strategies at GreenwashingIndex (https://greenwashingindex.com/paper-towel-usage-tips/).
High-end home décor you rarely enjoy
You probably bought that statement piece because it looked impressive, not because you use it. Fancy sculptures, mirrored trays, or pricey throw pillows collect dust and clutter your space.
Swap a few showy items for things you actually touch or sit on. Selling or donating unused décor frees cash and makes cleaning easier.
Premium cable TV packages
You probably pay for channels you rarely watch, and those monthly fees add up fast. Check your usage and compare costs with streaming alternatives before you renew.
Cutting a premium cable bundle can save $50–$200 a month depending on your plan. Try a basic streaming setup or free channels to keep entertainment without the high price.
See how others replaced cable and which packages cost the most at this guide to cutting costly TV bills. (https://www.tomsguide.com/entertainment/streaming-devices/i-finally-stopped-wasting-money-on-cable-tv-heres-what-i-got-instead)
Excessive kitchen gadgets
You probably don’t need half the single-use tools crowding your drawers. They sound convenient, but many gadgets duplicate functions you already get from a knife, pan, or mixing bowl.
Buy multiuse items instead and skip trendy gadgets that rarely get used. That saves money, frees space, and makes cooking simpler and faster.
Subscription services for home delivery boxes
You probably love the convenience of boxes arriving at your door, but they can quietly drain your retirement budget.
Audit what you receive and pause duplicates — you may already have enough razors, snacks, or pet supplies.
Try switching to single deliveries or gifting one-off boxes instead of ongoing subscriptions.
For ideas that suit seniors, explore curated options like monthly boxes designed for older adults to compare value and relevance.
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