10 Thrifty Tips for Living Alone After 60
In the US alone, over 27% of adults aged 60 and older live alone. That’s 3 in 10 seniors! Whether you live by yourself by choice or happenstance, you’ve probably made the most of your independence. But that doesn’t mean that you don’t worry about your finances from time to time. One study even showed that older adults worry about their money more than death! Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be that way! The choices you make today could lead to a stress-free tomorrow. Here are 10 thrifty tips for living alone after 60.
1. Shop with coupons.
Chances are, you’ve probably been asked about joining some sort of store loyalty program. If you haven’t taken the cashier up on that offer yet, do it! You can also cut coupons from the newspaper or print them from a website. Just don’t fall into the pitfall of buying more just because you have coupons!
2. Cook at home.
Eating out is always a treat, but it can also be expensive. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that the average American household spends over $3,000 a year dining out! Even going on a daily coffee run can add up fast. If you purchase a coffee every day for a month, that’s $75 a month! With the cost of living soaring, treat eating out as just that: a rare treat and luxury.
3. Use senior discounts.
Senior discounts exist just for older adults like you! Many places offer them, from Applebee’s to Belk’s to Kohl’s. Whether you’re in the market for a chicken sandwich or a new pair of shoes, always check if there’s a senior discount and enjoy the savings!
4. Change your cell phone plan.
In this day and age, it’s hard to get by without a cell phone. Whether you love your smartphone or begrudgingly traded your landline for its wireless cousin, you definitely pay for a cell phone plan. But did you know there are carriers specifically for seniors? Take Lively, for instance. Not only do their plans start at just $19.99 a month, but their cell phone line is designed for older adults! Mint Mobile also offers a 55+ plan, and Consumer Cellular caters to the older adult market! If your monthly cell phone bill makes you want to pull out your hair, always remember you have options.
5. Give thrift shopping a try.
Thrift shopping is not only an adventure, but it’s an excellent way to save money! Plus, most thrift stores carry more than clothing and shoes. They also sell furniture, paintings, books, and more!
6. Create a budget (and stick to it)!
A simple way to ease financial worries? Create a budget! First, calculate your monthly expenses. Then factor in other expenses: healthcare, housing, food, transportation, etc. And don’t forget about your travel and entertainment budget!
7. Sell the things you don’t need.
We’ve all been guilty of impulse purchases. Maybe it was a cuckoo clock you spotted in an antique store and simply had to have. Or maybe you have a collection of old purses gathering dust in your closet. Or maybe at one point you kind of, sort of got suckered into an MLM and ended up buying more products than you sold. Whatever the case may be, don’t just let your unused belongings take up space! Sell them online or organize a garage sale. Both your wallet and your house will thank you for that one.
8. Go for free (or low-cost) entertainment options.
Everyone loves having fun. That’s why most people would probably live at Disney World if it were free! Sadly, most entertainment options (like a trip to Disney World) come with a hefty price tag! The good news? There are plenty of ways you can have fun without breaking the bank! We recommend looking at your community first. If it’s anything like ours, there’s always something going on, like concerts and craft fairs. You can also go for a walk in a pretty neighborhood and check out all the houses. Even your backyard can be a great place for a little stargazing or a picnic.
9. Do your own home repairs.
We probably don’t have to tell you how expensive it is to hire a plumber or carpenter. In some cases, it’s even unnecessary! With tutorials on YouTube and thousands of do-it-yourself manuals in circulation, there’s a pretty good chance you can learn how to fix that leaky faucet or replace that old showerhead. Don’t knock it ’til you try it!
10. Reduce utility costs.
We’re all guilty of forgetting to turn off the lights before we leave a room or leaving our electronics plugged in, even when we aren’t using them. But these things, however small, can add up fast! But reducing utility costs isn’t rocket science. This winter, get a small space heater. This summer, get a small desk fan. You can also hang your clothes out to dry when it’s warm out instead of using a dryer.
Are you over 60 and looking for housing?
Whether you live alone or with a partner, or, actively seeking a roomie, here are some resources to check out:
- Shared Housing For Seniors and Retirees
- How to Find Affordable Housing For Seniors
- Shared Housing For Seniors & Retirees: Where Do I Start?
- Intergenerational Housing: 5 Things to Consider
- 5 Tips to Help You Find a Roommate After 60
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Originally published May 16, 2025
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