As you’re planning for retirement, the focus is on saving money for a secure future.

Once that future arrives, however, your focus turns to how much you spend – and on what. If you don’t plan carefully, everyday expenses such as utilities and even gas money can sink your retirement budget.

Top Monthly Expenses

According to the AARP, your largest monthly expenses after retirement will be:

• Healthcare. This is a biggie that tends to increase as you age. Healthcare costs are expected to rise at twice the rate of other expenses, so make it a budget priority.
• Home maintenance. Just like you, the costs to maintain your home will increase as it ages. And you’re likely to hire others to take care of services such as lawn care as they become more difficult on creaky joints.
• Travel. Experts suggest that you plan to travel more early in your retirement to take advantage of better health. Vacationing with family members can be a way to share costs and enjoyment.
• Transportation. Whether you opt to keep a car or rely on public or private transportation, expect the cost of all to increase.
• Utilities. Installing solar panels with batteries, regulating your thermostat and washing only full loads of laundry can curb rising costs.

Learn by Livestream

Learn more about how to save and budget for these costs through Fidelity Investments and TIAA webinars. These free programs are offered monthly, and can be viewed in real-time or on-demand.

Fidelity

• Women Talk Money: 5 Ways to Make the Most of Your Money
  This webinar will focus on faster, more convenient ways to save and invest, based on what’s happening in your life.
  Thursday, July 27 – noon
• All About the Roth
  Learn about Roth IRA and Roth 401(k), retirement savings plans featuring tax-free earnings.
  Wednesday, Aug. 9 – 2 p.m.
• Women Talk Money: Investing Confidently in Your Future
  Lean into the power of investing with a session that will help you learn about different types of investments and how to build a long-term plan.
  Thursday, Aug. 24 – noon

Register for the events above and view more Fidelity webinars at fidelityevents.com/allevents/special.

TIAA

• Live With Confidence in Retirement: 5 Steps to Creating Your Retirement Income Plan
  This webinar will help you learn how to create an income plan to maximize your savings.
  Wednesday, Aug. 9 – noon
• Charting Your Course: A Financial Guide for Women
  Learn how to figure out where you are and where you want to be financially, then make your money work toward your goals.
  Thursday, Aug. 17 – 2 p.m.
• Invest for Success – Fine-tuning Your Retirement Strategy
  Move beyond investing basics to fine-tune your saving and investing strategies for retirement.
  Tuesday, Aug. 29 – 1 p.m.

View webinars and register on TIAA’s Webinar Lounge page,  vshow.on24.com/vshow/TIAACREF_VE/exhibit/LiveWebinarLounge?l=en. You will be asked to verify your log in to your TIAA account before you will be granted access.

Find Your Footing with MHealthy

MHealthy is a great resource to boost your financial know-how. Get strategies to improve your credit score; put away funds for emergencies; and save for college, a car, a new family member, and more. If you're experiencing financial hardship, resource coaches offer one-on-one assistance and help with connecting you to the right resources.