Retirement: 10 ways to live frugally

Retirement: 10 ways to live frugally: "4. Cut the fat from your food budget. It's easier to eat cheaper in retirement if you make more of your meals at home, and this is the stage of life when many people do just that, says Harry Balzer, chief industry analyst for NPD Group, a market research firm that tracks eating trends. "An in-home meal costs about a third of what it costs to buy the same food at a restaurant, and you don't have to get dressed up to go out."

When retirees do dine out, they are saving on tipping by eating fewer meals at places with waiters and waitresses, he says. In 2006, 39% of all restaurant meals ordered by retirees were at places that had waiters or waitresses, but in 2014 that dropped to 34%, Balzer says "More retirees, like the rest of the population, are finding cheaper meals at quick-service places."

5. Be a savvy grocery shopper. Look for good food deals everywhere you go, including at supercenters, dollar stores, wholesale clubs and farmers markets, says Angie Tagtow, executive director of the USDA's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (ChooseMyPlate.gov). "Don't forget to look for coupons in the store and online. You will be surprised what you find."

6. Plan your meals for the week. Write out your menu and make a shopping list, Tagtow says. You'll probably make fewer shopping trips and waste less food, she says."



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