3 Things to Buy at Costco Before You Retire

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Retirement can be an exciting period. But it's also a major change. You're going from potentially working in an office 40 hours a week to suddenly having loads of free time on your hands.

The good news is that there are steps you can take to ease that transition, like coming up with ways to stay busy beforehand so you're not struggling to fill your days. But certain purchases might also help you approach retirement more comfortably. Here are a few items you may want to pick up at Costco .

1. A new TV

Once you retire, you'll probably be spending more time at home -- both because you're no longer committed to a work schedule, and because you may need to conserve funds and find no-cost entertainment. So you may want to invest in a new TV ahead of retirement, especially if your current one is on the smaller side and you can benefit from a larger screen and a crisper picture.

Now, one thing you should know is that like other retailers, Costco tends to discount its TVs for Black Friday. If you're not retiring quite yet and can put off a TV purchase, you might save more money buying a new one in late November. But otherwise, take a look at Costco's inventory sooner, because you might find a TV that meets your needs and works for your budget even without a deeper discount.

Also, the nice thing about buying electronics from Costco is that you get free tech support and a free second-year warranty. Since a TV is not an inexpensive purchase, that peace of mind is important.

Plus, if you bring home a Costco TV you don't end up loving, you can bring it back for a full refund. However, you'll need to do so within 90 days. Unlike most Costco purchases which basically have an unlimited return window, with electronics, there's a 90-day limit.

2. New tires for your car

Hopefully, once you're retired, you'll be able to take your fair share of road trips -- the ones you didn't have time for during your working years. Or, maybe you'll hit the road several times a week to see your grandchildren.

It's a good idea to invest in a safer driving experience. If your car's tires have seen better days, it may be time for an updated set. And Costco's got you covered.

In addition to competitive prices, Costco's tires virtually come with lifetime maintenance for free (pressure checks, tire balancing, tire rotations, and flat repairs). That's one less expense to worry about on a fixed income.

3. Fitness equipment

Staying active is important in retirement. It's surprisingly easy to fall into a sedentary lifestyle if you're no longer commuting to a job and moving around an office. But that could lead to health issues. It could also impact your mental health. You need to find ways to keep yourself in shape.

Costco carries a host of fitness equipment, from rowing machines to stationary bikes to treadmills. If you have a finished basement, consider carving out an area for a home gym. And if not, but your kids have grown up and left the nest, you can convert one of their bedrooms to a fitness center.

These are just a few of the things you can find at Costco that could be useful as you ease into retirement. The next time you hit the store for groceries and paper towels, you may want to look into these purchases if they work for your wallet.

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