Tips for Low-Cost Senior Independent Living

It seems everything is so expensive these days – food, gas, housing, utilities and even entertainment. For seniors, it is more important than ever to know how to stretch a dollar. Here are some tips for low-cost senior independent living.

Food

According to a recent poll, people feel that during periods of inflation, they are most impacted by higher food prices. With supermarket prices 25% higher than in January 2020, seniors especially are feeling the pinch. One of the easiest ways to save money on food is to simply plan ahead. This will reduce expensive impulse buys and give you time to shop around for the best deal. Other choices for low-cost senior independent living include:

• Taking advantage of early-bird deals when eating out.
• Buying pantry staples and paper goods at a big bulk store can make sense, if you will use it. Or consider sharing costs with family, friends or neighbors.
• Saying no to automatic tipping. More and more, tips are being requested on credit card readers, even for counter service restaurants and coffee shops. If you receive excellent service and want to give a tip, go for it. But don’t feel obligated to automatically add 20% just because you are being prompted.

Transportation

If you are in the market for a smaller vehicle, a fuel-efficient vehicle could make sense. Some may even offer a tax incentive. If you are driving less, you may be able to reduce your auto insurance costs. Seniors may also be eligible for free public transportation to doctors’ offices or even grocery shopping. Your local area agency on aging can provide information about transportation services near you.

Entertainment

For people on a fixed income, entertainment is typically the first expense cut. But low-cost senior independent living doesn’t mean giving up entertainment. Streaming options such as Netflix or Amazon Prime Video can provide movies and TV shows for less than monthly cable or satellite. Look for senior discounts at museums and area attractions. Nearby colleges often have free or low-cost performances. And your local public library typically offers more than books. Look for magazines, videos, ebooks, online streaming video and music services, and even local museum passes.

Downsizing

Perhaps the house you raised your family in is seeming a bit large these days and the expense for upkeep and maintenance is not giving you the same return it once did. Downsizing could be an option. Even if you are not in the market to sell your home, consider reducing your belongings to streamline living and make the possibility of moving in the future easier.

Choosing a retirement community for simplified, low-cost senior independent living

Budgeting is easier when you know how much your essential expenses will cost each month. At not-for-profit, all-rental retirement community, Ecumenical Retirement Community in Harrisburg, Pa., a simple monthly fee covers the cost of housing, utilities, and three meals a day, as well as a wealth of amenities.

Our low-cost senior independent living includes:

• Weekly housekeeping and linen services
• Transportation available to most doctors’ offices Monday-Friday, shopping, church/temple, banks, cultural events, special events and more
• On-site salon and spa services for haircuts, styling, shampoos, shaves, massages, manicures
• Plus, emergency medical help is there when you need it.

For entertainment, Ecumenical offers a wide variety of options for active seniors, from fitness classes to social clubs to educational programs. Daily happy hours and resident-led social events provide opportunities to gather with friends and neighbors. The neighborhood campus features a game room, libraries, outdoor walking paths, gazebos, bocce court, a picnic area, and beautiful gardens full of native Pennsylvania plants (including an official Monarch Butterfly Waystation).

Check out our financial calculator and Pricing and Floor Plan page, or contact us today to learn more.

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All content contained within this page is provided for general information only and should not be treated as a substitute for advice and information from a professional financial or tax advisor. Ecumenical Retirement Community is not a provider of these financial products or of financial and tax advice and does not endorse or take responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained on the websites listed and does not receive incentive compensation from the companies and products listed here. Individuals should consult with their personal financial or tax advisor for advice about what financial options are best for them.