By Amber McGinnis
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Most financial analysts advise that post-retirement spending is as important as pre-retirement investing. Since the ultimate goal for most people is to live a comfortable lifestyle while preserving the savings they’ve worked so hard to earn, smart spending is vital.

Here are a few tips:

1. Give your bills and fees a check-up.
Look over your bank account, cell phone bill, and credit card statements to see if you’re getting the best deal on rates. Also check to see if you can eliminate fees by changing banks, reducing your cell phone minutes, or refinancing any loans you may have, like your car.

2. Flaunt your age.
You’d be amazed at how much you can save simply by asking for a “senior” discount. Airlines, auto clubs, supermarkets, retail stores, movie theaters, and restaurants are just a few of the places that typically offer discounts for older adults.

3. Re-evaluate your insurance needs
Review your life insurance policy. Do the reasons you took it out, perhaps several years ago, still apply? What’s its cash value and how much are the premiums? Once you crunch the numbers you may discover you no longer need to pay for life insurance.

Also ask yourself if the money you’re spending on long-term care insurance would be better spent by banking the money and making your own plans.

4. Take up a part-time job
If you’ve retired and are looking to make a little extra cash, consider a part-time job. Only this time around, choose something that is easy, interests you, or that you think would be fun. Work in a bookstore, a coffee shop, or perhaps a local theater. Chances are these types of establishments would welcome your work ethic. And you’ll get to earn some money while having a little fun doing it.