How one retiree saved $638 a month by cutting these 5 common bills
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Retirement is often painted as a time to relax—but for many older Americans, it’s also a time to get creative about spending.
With fixed incomes and rising costs, small monthly bills can quietly add up, draining funds meant for travel, hobbies, or even just peace of mind.
That’s why Jonah B., a 67-year-old former manufacturing supervisor, decided to take a hard look at his household budget.
The results were surprising: by rethinking just a few routine expenses, Jonah saved over $600 every month.
His approach is practical, doable, and might just inspire you to do the same.
Let’s look at the five bills Jonah cut—and how much he saved in the process.
When Jonah retired, he realized he wasn’t using his $89/month gym membership like he used to.
So, he canceled it and started walking outdoors daily instead. He also picked up some low-cost home equipment and followed free senior-friendly workout videos on the internet.
His son even joined him for garage workouts.
Jonah says he’s staying fit without the pressure of going to the gym or paying for it.
Takeaway: You don’t need a pricey gym to stay active. Nature and the internet can offer plenty of fitness options—for free.
Jonah hadn’t reviewed his car insurance in over ten years.
Once he did, he found he was overpaying by hundreds each year.
He switched providers and updated his policy to reflect his new driving habits, especially since he drives much less in retirement.
With a low-mileage discount, his bill dropped from $198 to $125 per month.
Tip: Even a few phone calls or an online comparison can unlock serious savings.
After checking his bank statements, Jonah found multiple forgotten subscriptions—from apps and magazines to streaming services.
He canceled most of them and kept only Netflix and one magazine.
The hardest part, he said, was navigating cancellation policies, but the savings were worth it.
Suggestion: Do a subscription audit at least twice a year. You may be surprised what’s quietly draining your budget.
Jonah’s security system cost him $49/month for professional monitoring.
After some research, he learned the system would still sound an alarm even without the monthly service.
He decided to rely on local police and neighbors instead. His setup still protects him—just without the added bill.
Consider: Many modern systems offer self-monitoring. It might be worth exploring if you’re paying for more than you need.
The biggest savings came from canceling a $300/month lawn care service.
Jonah bought a secondhand riding mower and basic yard tools, then started handling the mowing and edging himself.
Not only did he break even within a few months, but he also discovered he enjoyed the time outdoors.
Bonus benefit: Yard work gives him light exercise and a sense of accomplishment.
Jonah’s story shows that cutting bills doesn’t have to mean cutting back on life.
Instead, it’s about deciding what matters most and redirecting money accordingly.
He now puts his extra savings toward travel, home updates, and the occasional frozen yogurt.
Want to save even more? Jonah suggests checking these common expense categories too:
You don’t need to overhaul your entire lifestyle to find meaningful savings.
Sometimes, it just takes a few well-placed changes and a willingness to reevaluate habits that no longer serve you.
Whether you’re trimming your budget to travel more or just to feel more financially secure, every dollar you save is a step toward a smarter retirement.
Read next: Discover the secret to saving $10,000 in just half a year with these 5 simple tricks
What everyday bills have you cut in retirement? Have you tried any of Jonah’s strategies—or do you have tips of your own to share with fellow readers? Let us know in the comments below!
With fixed incomes and rising costs, small monthly bills can quietly add up, draining funds meant for travel, hobbies, or even just peace of mind.
That’s why Jonah B., a 67-year-old former manufacturing supervisor, decided to take a hard look at his household budget.
The results were surprising: by rethinking just a few routine expenses, Jonah saved over $600 every month.
His approach is practical, doable, and might just inspire you to do the same.
Let’s look at the five bills Jonah cut—and how much he saved in the process.
Smart budgeting in retirement can free up money for travel, hobbies, and the things you enjoy most. Image Source: Pexels / Monstera Production.
1. Gym membership – saved $89/month
When Jonah retired, he realized he wasn’t using his $89/month gym membership like he used to.
So, he canceled it and started walking outdoors daily instead. He also picked up some low-cost home equipment and followed free senior-friendly workout videos on the internet.
His son even joined him for garage workouts.
Jonah says he’s staying fit without the pressure of going to the gym or paying for it.
Takeaway: You don’t need a pricey gym to stay active. Nature and the internet can offer plenty of fitness options—for free.
Also read: Why retirement savings feel harder than ever—and how Americans are adapting
2. Car insurance – saved $73/month
Jonah hadn’t reviewed his car insurance in over ten years.
Once he did, he found he was overpaying by hundreds each year.
He switched providers and updated his policy to reflect his new driving habits, especially since he drives much less in retirement.
With a low-mileage discount, his bill dropped from $198 to $125 per month.
Tip: Even a few phone calls or an online comparison can unlock serious savings.
Also read: How much emergency savings is enough? Experts say this number is growing—and here’s how to prepare
3. Subscription services – saved $127/month
After checking his bank statements, Jonah found multiple forgotten subscriptions—from apps and magazines to streaming services.
He canceled most of them and kept only Netflix and one magazine.
The hardest part, he said, was navigating cancellation policies, but the savings were worth it.
Suggestion: Do a subscription audit at least twice a year. You may be surprised what’s quietly draining your budget.
Cutting out unused subscriptions added up fast—Jonah kept only what he truly enjoyed. Image Source: Pexels / Photo By: Kaboompics.com.
Also read: Maximize your retirement: 5 secret havens to grow your savings!
4. Home security monitoring – saved $49/month
Jonah’s security system cost him $49/month for professional monitoring.
After some research, he learned the system would still sound an alarm even without the monthly service.
He decided to rely on local police and neighbors instead. His setup still protects him—just without the added bill.
Consider: Many modern systems offer self-monitoring. It might be worth exploring if you’re paying for more than you need.
Jonah kept his home safe while trimming unnecessary monitoring fees. Image Source: Pexels / Jakub Zerdzicki.
Also read: The retirement savings revolution: What you absolutely must know for 2025!
5. Lawn care service – saved $300/month
The biggest savings came from canceling a $300/month lawn care service.
Jonah bought a secondhand riding mower and basic yard tools, then started handling the mowing and edging himself.
Not only did he break even within a few months, but he also discovered he enjoyed the time outdoors.
Bonus benefit: Yard work gives him light exercise and a sense of accomplishment.
Taking care of his own lawn gave Jonah fresh air, a sense of accomplishment, and big savings. Image Source: Pexels / Matthias Cooper.
Total monthly savings: $638
Total yearly savings: $7,656
Jonah’s story shows that cutting bills doesn’t have to mean cutting back on life.
Instead, it’s about deciding what matters most and redirecting money accordingly.
He now puts his extra savings toward travel, home updates, and the occasional frozen yogurt.
Also read: 5 vacation spots that could quietly drain your retirement savings
Other bills worth reviewing
Want to save even more? Jonah suggests checking these common expense categories too:
- Cable TV: Many seniors are switching to cheaper streaming alternatives.
- Cell phone plans: Some carriers offer senior-specific or simplified plans.
- Utilities: Try smart thermostats, LED bulbs, and unplugging unused electronics.
- Dining out: Cooking at home can reduce costs and improve nutrition.
You don’t need to overhaul your entire lifestyle to find meaningful savings.
Sometimes, it just takes a few well-placed changes and a willingness to reevaluate habits that no longer serve you.
Whether you’re trimming your budget to travel more or just to feel more financially secure, every dollar you save is a step toward a smarter retirement.
Read next: Discover the secret to saving $10,000 in just half a year with these 5 simple tricks
What everyday bills have you cut in retirement? Have you tried any of Jonah’s strategies—or do you have tips of your own to share with fellow readers? Let us know in the comments below!
