7 Retirement Splurges That Are Worth Every Penny

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Your golden years are finally here, and while you don't want to blow through your nest egg too quickly, there is still a little room for splurges here and there, especially if they double as self-care. Here are seven splurges in retirement you definitely won't regret.

1. Adopting a pet

Dogs offer many benefits to retirement-aged individuals. Not only do they give you companionship, but they also give you a reason to get up and exercise more. There are also several studies that show dog ownership can reduce the risk of heart attack and lower stress.

Not into dogs? That's okay! Adopting a cat can provide just as many benefits and can be less work to take care of. (See also: The 8 Best Pets for Frugal Animal Lovers.)

2. Achieving your goals

Whether you sit down and write an official bucket list or have one or two goals you wish to achieve, now is the perfect time to check those boxes. Maybe you want to eat a $100-steak, or spend a week in Europe. Whatever it is, you can make it happen. (See also: 6 European Destinations Finally Cheap Enough to Visit)

Financially, you might not be able to afford accomplishing everything on your list, and you definitely don't want to go into debt in retirement. However, by using savvy saving techniques, you can find discounts on any restaurant, travel destination, or adventure.

3. Spending time with family

If you don't feel like you see your family members enough, invest in seeing them more regularly. Spend a week with them and offer to watch the grandkids. Or plan times for your family to come visit you. Traveling to visit loved ones can add up quickly, so it's important to find free or cheap activities when you're together, and remember that quality time doesn't have to cost a thing. (See also: 47 Cheap, Fun Things to Do This Weekend)

4. Trying new hobbies

Retirement is a dream come true at first since you finally get to relax. However, it's easy to grow bored of the same routine every day, and you might find yourself missing the fast-paced work day.

One way to avoid boredom is to keep yourself busy with new hobbies. What have you always wanted to learn? Find classes or lessons in skills that you want to improve, whether it's a Spanish class, cooking class, or piano class. If you enjoy gardening or sewing, find ways to make it more sociable through local sewing groups. If you consider yourself skilled at one hobby, perhaps photography or auto mechanics, volunteer your time teaching others. When we engage in the activities that we love and then share them with others who enjoy them, we feel more satisfied. (See also: 10 Fun Hobbies You Can Take Up for Free)

5. Healthy foods

Now is not the time to settle for eating processed foods. Investing in healthy, organic foods will always be worth the cost. And if you shop smart — seek out seasonal produce and use grocery coupon apps while shopping — it doesn't even have to cost you more. You want to postpone the aches and pains and health issues that come naturally with aging as long as possible, and eating healthier is one way to do so. (See also: 25 Low-Cost Foods Packed With Nutrition)

6. Personal fitness

Don't wait for back pain to flare up before treating yourself to massages, chiropractic care, acupressure, and reflexology. Sign up for yoga classes or join your local walking group to stay active and fit. You've worked your body hard your whole adult life, and now it's time to give it some TLC. You deserve it now.

7. Home upgrades

Now that you aren't running off to work every day, expect to spend a lot more time at home. What would make your home easier to live in now and in the future? Consider splurging on a remodel to make your house more appealing to you, as well as to benefit you in the future. Even small home upgrades can add a lot to your current comfort and your listing later, should you decide to sell your house. (See also: 9 Easy Home Improvements That Add Thousands to Your Listing)

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