The Home Item Retired Seniors Can Cut To Save Money

For many retired seniors, life on a fixed income can be frustrating. The cost of basics, from groceries to prescriptions to utilities, seem to continually increase while social security cost-of-living adjustments don't always keep pace. In between paying bills and trying to find a little extra money at the end of each month for enjoying your golden years, even smaller purchases, like cleaning products, can add up. And you'll quickly find that even after purchasing a spray bottle for your bathroom mirrors, another for your counters, and those disposable toilet wands for the grimiest spots, it takes way longer to fill up a cleaning cabinet than it does to empty a wallet. Fortunately, if you're a retired senior and pride yourself on having a sparkling house, there's a range of home items you can cut from your shopping list. By swapping a few standard cleaning products for cheaper substitutes, you can easily save money.

Many of the everyday items already sitting in your pantry can double as extremely effective cleaners, often working as well as expensive brand-name products. For example, white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and cornstarch are some common household ingredients you should be using to clean your kitchen. Even large bottles or boxes that will last for ages, costs only $2 to $3 — a bargain compared to a single bottle of a specialty non-toxic cleaner that can cost more than $10! Is hard water wreaking havoc on your faucets or tea kettle? Instead of a $15 bottle of CLR or similar buildup remover, reach for a single lemon that costs under $1. By swapping out just a few specialized cleaners for multipurpose, low-cost alternatives, these small changes can help you save while keeping your home spic and span.

Growing older can bring a sense of loss, so it's understandable when seniors don't want to give up the cleaning products they've been using all their lives. Think strategically about where to splurge. The laundry room is a great place to start. Budget-friendly detergents are capable of handling everyday loads just fine, but investing in your favorite high-quality stain remover can save clothes that might otherwise need to be tossed. Likewise, using a DIY vinegar solution that cleans your laminate floors can save money on routine cleaning  jobs while leaving a little extra room in the budget to spend on stronger bathroom disinfectant sprays that really sanitize. With just a little planning, keeping your home clean in retirement is easier (and cheaper!) than you might think.

Bulk purchasing is another one of the easiest ways to cut costs without losing the quality you already know and trust. Consider shopping at warehouse stores that offer larger quantities at lower prices. Sam's offers a discount for seniors over 50, but if you still can't afford a membership, pay attention to the unit pricing on your grocery or big box store shelves. Large refill jugs of dish soap and multipurpose cleaners are often far less per ounce than individual bottles. If the weight feels overwhelming for arthritic hands, get a family member to decant some into manageable containers. You may also want to consider buying concentrated formulas that take up less space and can be diluted at home. Purchasing store brand sponges and rubber gloves are another economical and practical choice if you have a tight budget.