I’m a California Retiree: 4 Ways I Spend My Social Security Check

Living in California can be the ultimate goal for retirees . After all, who wouldn’t want to live in an idyllic setting on the West Coast? However, there usually is one major concern to throw a wrench in their plan: the Golden State is expensive. From the cost of buying everyday, items like food and gas, to rent or even purchasing a home, it’s not cheap living. This can pose quite a challenge for any retiree, but especially those looking to cover their costs with Social Security benefits.

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California is not only a big state geographically, but huge when it comes to the amount of retirees who live within the state lines. About 13% of the population is 65 years of age or older, many of whom are retired or semi-retired. On top of that, California does not specify any retirement age, which means that residents can retire whenever they feel like it.

GOBankingRates spoke with Sharon Hudnall of San Diego, California about the ways she uses her Social Security benefits .

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Cost-of-Living Expenses

It probably comes as no surprise that many retirees in California look to put their benefits to use in the cost-of-living line items for their lives. A trip to the grocery store and filling up the gas tank can be expensive errands to run. Then, of course, there are the bills to pay to keep the lights on, as well.

“My monthly Social Security benefit is allocated first to basic, recurring necessities and second to discretionary expenses,” said Hudnall, who highlighted that Social Security covers her basic expenses, such as “weekly groceries, essential personal items, gas for my car and utilities, including internet service.”

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Home and Transportation Costs

Another area that Hudnall pointed out as a place where Social Security helps to cover the cost is for her home and transportation expenses, particularly home and car insurance. She also uses Social Security for routine and minor maintenance and repairs on both her home and a rental property she owns.

Many retirees are in the same boat, especially in California, where insurance prices continue to go up due to seasonal and climate-related disasters that plague the desert, coast and residential areas of the state.

Hudnall estimated that when it all adds with cost of living, combined with her automatic Medicare deduction from the total benefit amount ($175), these essential items comprise approximately 90% to 100% of her Social Security-covered expenses.

Charitable Donations

Many retirees want to give back, and in California, there are lots of ways to do this. Some do it with time, others do it with spreading the word, and some, like Hudnall, put their dollars behind causes and organizations they believe in.

“A small percentage of my Social Security benefit is allocated to charitable donations, if possible, on a case-by-case basis,” said Hudnall. “This election year, I have also contributed nominally to political causes.”

Local Food Products

Hudnall shared that she has a preference for California-grown produce and wine, which could also be considered “farm to table,” and she allocates part of her Social Security to cover it.

“It is important to me to support local small business vendors,” explained Hudnall. “The sales taxes exacted on all purchases are, of course, another way my [Social Security] income is directed to the state and local municipalities.”

Unfortunately, Social Security cannot take care of all the expenses that a retiree might hope for, particularly when there is so much that California has to offer in terms of travel, culture and the arts.

“I wish my Social Security benefit would cover more quality-of-life/experiential expenses, such as arts and cultural events and travel within the state,” Hudnall added. “Also, veterinarian expenses are increasing due to lack of government regulation, and when these costs are met, cuts in personal spending are usually required in other areas, or vet bills are paid from retirement savings 401(k) accounts.”

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : I’m a California Retiree: 4 Ways I Spend My Social Security Check