Monday, October 14
Smart Money Moves
How I Still Take 2 Vacations a Year—Even with Prices Up 20%
Ever notice how everything suddenly feels more expensive? Groceries, gas, plane tickets… even your favorite diner coffee seems to have joined the inflation parade. ☕️
But here’s what’s strange—some retirees I know still manage to travel, dine out, and live joyfully without feeling squeezed.
So what’s their secret?
I’ll tell you in a second… but first, let’s zoom out for a moment 👇
🌟 Today’s Highlights
Why cutting fun isn’t the way to fight inflation
The 3-step system to keep enjoying life without overspending
A mindset shift that makes your dollars feel “bigger”
📊 Stat of the Day:
Americans 55+ now spend 22% more on travel than before 2020 — yet the majority report feeling more financially secure. (Source: AARP Research 2024)
Those numbers surprised me — but they made me realize something important about how we spend.
💡 Today’s Insight: The “Lifestyle Swap” Trick
Here’s what the savviest retirees do differently: they don’t cut, they swap.
When airfare went up, one couple I spoke with didn’t cancel their annual beach trip—they traded flights for a scenic Amtrak route and discovered they actually loved the journey more than the destination.
Another swapped expensive restaurant dinners for hosting themed dinner nights with friends—rotating homes, sharing costs, and keeping the laughter (and wine) flowing.
And one clever retiree? She books short “micro getaways” within driving distance, often during weekdays when rates drop 40%. Two days at a lakeside cabin can feel just as refreshing as a week in Italy (minus the exchange rate headaches).
🔑 Here’s the Formula That Works:
1️⃣ Keep Your Joy Prioritized — Identify what truly gives you energy or connection. (Hint: It’s rarely the price tag.)
2️⃣ Find the Lower-Cost Equivalent — A local jazz night instead of a big concert, or volunteering at an art retreat to enjoy it for free.
3️⃣ Bank the Difference — Set aside what you would’ve spent. Over time, that “fun fund” grows back your freedom.
The truth is: inflation doesn’t have to steal your joy.
It just asks you to get creative.
You can still live richly — not by spending more, but by spending smarter.
When prices rise, we often feel like we deserve more comfort to make up for the stress — the extra latte, the DoorDash order, the impulse Amazon buy.
But chasing that comfort actually keeps you stuck.
Real financial peace isn’t about cutting fun; it’s about being intentional with what brings true joy.
Try this: write down your top 3 “joy expenses.” Spend freely there. Cut everything else mercilessly.
📬 Question:
What’s one fun thing you refuse to give up — even when prices go up?
(Mine’s weekend coffee dates — absolutely non-negotiable)
Reply to this email and tell me yours — I might feature it next week.
💌 PS: If this landed in your Promotions tab, you can drag it to your Primary so you don’t miss next week’s cozy money talks. I’d love to stay in touch there.
Here’s to finding joy that inflation can’t touch.
With warmth,
Sarah