Have you recently retired, or is your retirement approaching? You may be wondering how to spend your time. Here are seventeen cheap (or free) ideas to keep you engaged without putting a dent in your wallet.
1. Take Up a Hobby
Retirement is a great time to take up a new hobby. Is there something you've always been interested in but never had time to do? Well, you have the time now. Explore your interests and feel more fulfilled!
2. Take Regular Walks
You'll also have time to walk more. It's great for your health and gives you a chance to get fresh air. Depending on where you do your walking, you might also get in some socializing with neighbors or other people in your community who are also out and about.
3. Spend More Time at the Park
You can walk in the park, or you can simply enjoy it in other ways. Depending on what your nearby park has to offer, you can spend time in nature, feed the birds, or just spend more time with your grandchildren, friends, neighbors, or fellow dog-walkers.
4. Get to Know Your Community Better
Get to know your community better. Visit small businesses and other venues that you've never patronized. Check out local museums or organizations that provide tours. A good place to start is your local tourism center, where staff will be happy to point you toward various experiences.
5. Learn a New Skill
With all of this new time, you might want to learn a new skill. Perhaps you've wanted to get into woodworking, mechanics, a musical instrument or learning a new language. Whatever interests you, now is a great time to learn more.
6. Do More Cooking
Spend time cooking. If you're already a seasoned cook, you'll have time to try more recipes. If you aren't so great in the kitchen, it's a good time to improve your skills by finding some types of food that you like to eat and learning how to make them yourself. Doing so can be rewarding, and if you need some help eating it, invite your friends, family, or neighbors over. Your spouse, partner, or friends would probably like a break from making dinner.
7. Downsize and Declutter Your Home
Retirement is a good time to go through your things and determine what you need and don't need. Chances are you've accumulated many possessions over the years, and you probably don't need them all at this point. Figure out what you want to get rid of, what you can sell, what you can donate, and what you can pass on to your family or friends.
You may also find that you have a bigger house than you need. Many find retirement to be a good time to downsize and eliminate living obstacles that become more difficult with aging. You may also be able to put some money in your bank account by selling your home and moving somewhere smaller.
8. Get Involved in Local Government
With your career behind you, retirement can be a good time to get involved in local government if this is something that interests you. Consider joining advisory boards, attending city council meetings, helping during elections, and other civic activities.
9. Write Your Memoir
Most people who have made it to retirement have lived a lot of life. This can be a good time to reflect, and writing a memoir is a great way to do so. Even if you don't plan to have it published it can be therapeutic and give your family something to enjoy as part of your legacy. This could include what you know about your parents, grandparents, and ancestors.
10. Volunteer
Volunteer with your church, temple, synagogue, or a nonprofit organization in your community to help people in need or any cause that you are passionate about. This is a great way to stay active and social while also helping others.
11. Be a Mentor
Another way to help people is to be a mentor. Share your knowledge and skills with students or young professionals. You could also look into teaching classes at a community center.
12. Join a Club
Look for a local club to join as a way to stay social and make new friends. If you can't find one, you could even start one. This could include gardening, sewing, playing cards, automobiles, and more.
13. Go Fishing
If there is a body of water nearby, you can spend time fishing. This can be relaxing and even provide your dinner. Be sure to look into any laws, limits, and necessary licenses in your area.
14. Watch the Great Movies
Over the past century, there have been numerous classic films made. Even if you've seen a lot of them, chances are there are some you missed or even some you'd like to revisit. Now's the time to catch up. You don't have to spend a lot of money. There are plenty of streaming services—some of them free—that offer great films.
15. Read Great Literature
You'll also have more time for reading. Look up lists of great American and world literature, and experience the classics you’ve never read. You don't have to spend a lot of money to read great books. Visit your local library.
16. Do Puzzles
Some libraries also have puzzles that you can borrow. Even if yours does not, you can often find puzzles at a small price. Keep an eye out at thrift stores, yard sales, and flea markets for the best deals. The more pieces a puzzle has, the more time you can spend doing it. For the ones you really like, you can even frame them and hang them up as decoration. It’s also a great way to keep your mind sharp.
17. Start Gardening
If you have the space, consider starting a garden. Grow flowers, vegetables, or both. Growing your own vegetables will give you delicious, fresh food to enjoy while also saving you money at the store. Gardening is also great for mental health.
There are plenty of great ways to spend your time when you are no longer working. Many of them are quite enjoyable and even free or inexpensive. You've earned this time, so spend it doing something you love!