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Posted on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 in Articles

Enjoy Retirement Without Financial Stress: Budgeting for Fun and Leisure

Offering practical tips for prioritizing activities to support financial peace of mind. 

Retirement is a time for seniors to reap the rewards of their hard work—enjoying hobbies, traveling, and engaging in leisure activities. To help make the most of this chapter without the burden of financial stress, we are offering practical tips for budgeting effectively. With thoughtful planning, seniors in the Midwest can pursue their interests with confidence and financial security. Here are our top tips for budgeting for travel, hobbies, and leisure:

  • Create a Retirement Budget: Seniors should begin by listing all sources of income, including pensions, Social Security and any other retirement benefits. Next, outline essential expenses like housing, utilities, health care and groceries. Lastly, allocate funds for travel, hobbies and leisure activities to ensure they fit within the budget.
  • Prioritize Activities: We also recommend that seniors identify which activities are most important and prioritize spending on those that bring the most joy and satisfaction. Seniors should be mindful of how often they engage in these activities to maintain a balanced budget.
  • Look for Discounts and Deals: Many businesses offer senior discounts on travel, entertainment and dining. By taking advantage of these offers, seniors can stretch their budget further.
  • Plan Ahead: Seniors can also save money by booking trips and activities in advance to take advantage of early-bird discounts and special offers. This can help them save money and receive the best deals.
  • Stay Flexible: Lastly, we advise seniors to stay open to adjusting plans based on the budget they create. If an activity is too costly, look for more affordable alternatives that still bring joy.

With careful planning and budgeting, seniors can fully enjoy their retirement years. Our goal is to provide them with the tools and knowledge needed to make informed financial decisions.


These tips are provided by the Iowa Bankers Association

  1. budget
  2. financial education
  3. financial goals
  4. financial literacy
  5. money management
  6. retirement
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