Ramit Sethi Says Retirees Should Stop Feeling Bad About These 6 Ways of Spending

After years of saving for retirement, many people find it surprisingly hard to start spending the money they have set aside. Personal finance expert Ramit Sethi says that hesitation is one of the biggest mistakes retirees can make. Even people with plenty of savings may struggle to enjoy the life they worked for, and Sethi argues that the issue is often psychological rather than financial.

In an interview with Kiplinger, he pointed to retirees with $2 million who still drive several extra miles just to save on gas. His approach is to spend generously on the things you truly value while cutting back hard on everything else. That does not mean being careless with money; it means rejecting the idea that saving should always take priority over enjoying life.

Here is how that mindset can reshape everyday retirement spending.

Travel while you are still able to enjoy it

Retirement may be the best time to take the trips you put off for years. Sethi lists travel as one of his 10 money dials, or spending areas that reflect what people care about most.

If exploring new places matters to you, a well-planned vacation should not automatically come with guilt. In fact, Sethi told Kiplinger that retirees who have trouble spending may want to begin with a guilt-free weekend getaway instead of waiting for the perfect occasion to use their savings.

Paying for help that makes daily life easier

Some retirees feel they should do every household task themselves because paying for help seems wasteful. But convenience is another of Sethi's money dials, and he openly values services that save time and reduce stress.

That could include grocery delivery, occasional housecleaning, lawn care, or hiring someone for a physically demanding task. If those services improve your daily life and fit comfortably in your budget, they can be a sensible choice rather than an unnecessary luxury.

Giving children and grandchildren memorable experiences

For many retirees, few things feel better than sharing financial success with family. Sethi's framework includes both generosity and relationships, recognizing that giving and spending time with loved ones can be worthwhile priorities.

You might cover a family dinner, buy your grandchildren concert tickets, or help pay for a special trip together. The key is affordability: generosity should come from money you can spare, not from savings meant for housing, medical costs, or long-term security.

Spending on hobbies, classes, and personal interests

Retirement creates time to explore interests that may have taken a back seat during working years. Sethi includes self-improvement among his money dials, using examples such as classes, books, and lessons that help people build new skills.

For retirees, that could mean pottery classes, photography gear, music lessons, or joining a local workshop. These purchases are not automatically frivolous just because they do not produce income; they can bring enjoyment, routine, and chances to connect with others.

Enjoying restaurant meals without overanalyzing every dollar

Going out to eat can feel extravagant after decades of watching grocery spending closely. Still, Sethi has often argued that people should not obsess over small expenses while ignoring the bigger financial choices that shape their lives.

If dining out is one of your favorite pleasures, setting aside money for an occasional nice meal may be more rewarding than spending the same amount on items you barely notice.

Putting money toward health and fitness

Sethi also views health and fitness as spending priorities that may deserve a larger share of discretionary funds. Examples include gym memberships, personal trainers, and other services that support fitness goals.

For retirees, that might mean joining a swimming class, taking yoga lessons, or paying for exercise instruction that matches their abilities. These expenses can be especially worthwhile when they support activities you enjoy, though pricey memberships and wellness services are not automatically necessary or medically useful.

The bottom line

After decades of saving, are you allowing yourself to enjoy the money you have built, or are old habits keeping you from spending even when you can afford it? Sethi's message is about making intentional choices, not abandoning restraint. His approach works best once essential expenses are covered, future needs are planned for, and you know how much you can comfortably spend without second-guessing every purchase.

Keeping discretionary spending flexible can also help protect your savings during difficult times. That balance lets you enjoy what matters while avoiding waste on things that do not improve retirement.