Retirement is supposed to be one of the most financially stable times in your life, but there are always unexpected expenses to worry about. Getting older means you might experience more health issues than when you were younger, and not having good medical insurance will disrupt your ability to enjoy retirement.

Seniors also may suffer from poor eyesight and lax motor function, making it harder than it was before to drive their motor vehicle. Auto insurance for seniors is important so that retired folks can enjoy going out with the peace of mind they have a way to pay for repairs after a potential car accident.

We’ll talk about these topics and a few other prominent ones for seniors who may struggle to keep up with emergencies and other costs in their older years.

#1 – Limit Children and Grandchildren’s Expenses

Spending time with family, like children and grandchildren, will often be one of the most joyful experiences of retirement. Unfortunately, fun times with loved ones can often become very expensive. Younger people sometimes start taking advantage of retired family members because they need money from them.

It’s important to set a limit for the amount of money you’ll provide for your children and grandchildren in retirement otherwise you’ll find yourself in a position where you have to return to work. Buying the occasional video game for your grandchildren is awesome. Purchasing a game every day of the week is way overboard and will cause you to go broke.

Communicate with your loved ones so they understand what you can handle financially for them. Giving lots of your time and money and then suddenly pulling back can be a hurtful experience. Show your children you have a line that can’t be crossed right at the beginning of retirement and things should go more smoothly.

#2 – Get Affordable Auto Insurance for Seniors

Auto insurance can unexpectedly become much more expensive as you reach retirement. This is because insurance companies view older people as more likely to get into accidents either due to poor reflexes or bad eyesight. This is why it’s important to look for auto insurance companies engaged in helping seniors get great coverage.

Companies like The Hartford, Geico, and State Farm all have great rates for retired people. They have programs with promises to lock their retired customers into plans for at least 12 months without any drops in coverage. There are many discounts seniors can get for certain behaviors on the road, too.

Make sure you let your insurance company know you no longer drive to work when you are retired and you can get a low-mileage discount. Sign up for a defensive driving class and you can prove your skills to your agent.

Think about trading in your vehicle for a much more senior-friendly model like a Subaru or a Honda. These brands are trusted by young and old drivers alike because they are simple to handle. Insurance companies give great rates on these types of cars because they have high safety ratings and have been trusted for decades in the industry.

#3 – Get Health Insurance

Becoming older means you need to make sure you keep up with your health. Not every company gives you medical insurance in retirement, so it’s imperative to plan on how to pay for your doctor’s appointments, medicines, and other health-related expenses as you reach senior citizenship.

AARP is one of the most commonly used organizations in the U.S. for retired people, although many people claim it doesn’t do enough for its members. There are other options for insurance for retired folks, like going through Medicare.

This is great for retired people over the age of 65 as they can sign up for Part A. You usually shouldn’t have premiums through Part A so this is great for retired people who are struggling with their finances.

#4 – Get Life Insurance

Getting good medical treatment with your health insurance also allows you to take out a better life insurance policy. If you are forced to take out life insurance without getting a physical exam, you often won’t get the type of coverage you would otherwise.

It’s already difficult to get life insurance as you reach your late 60s and early 70s because you’re so close to the average mortality in the U.S. You have to prove you’re not a risk to life insurance companies to get an affordable policy, which many seniors need if they are financially responsible for grandchildren or a spouse.

Life insurance companies want to know their retired customers are in good health as they get older. You can change your diet, get more exercise, and talk to a counselor if you’re feeling lonely or depressed. These lifestyle choices will not only make you healthier in your senior years but also save you a lot of money. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship.

#5 – Move Out of Your Old House

You may start to see in retirement you are spending a ton of money on your older home. Things like water damage due to pipe wear and tear, leaks in a roof, or shoddy siding can all cost a ton of money to repair when the home gets older. Many retired people find they are spending too much on these repairs.

Retired people should look into other residences such as apartments, senior living facilities, or their children’s homes if it looks like their old house is costing them in the long run. Talk to your family about alternative living arrangements. It can be hard to admit your older home is dragging your finances down.

Old homes have sentimental value, and retirees often want to live out their golden years where they raised their children. A compromise could be to move into a new house in the same city if you have enough in your savings account to do so.

Retirement should be stress-free. When you are planning your retirement, make sure you account for these unexpected costs and figure out how to overcome them before they arise. With help from loved ones and solid preparation, everyone should be able to live out their retirement years in a fulfilling and financially secure manner.

Shawn Laib writes and researches for the insurance comparison site, ExpertInsuranceReviews.com. He wants to help retired folks save money on everyday purchases.