1. Collectibles and antiques
No. 1 on our list of things you should sell before retirement are collectibles and antiques. For many of us, our collectible items hold more emotions and memories than other things in our lives. If you’re unsure about what to sell and what not, take it all in and ask yourself, “Does this thing have sentimental value to me?”
Of course, you don’t have to sell them all, but make sure you give up on those that no longer mean something to you. Besides, having such objects around the house may cause clutter, which is always a nuisance, especially if you plan to downsize.
Selling your antiques and collectibles may put more money in your pocket to cater to your retirement. Your golden years are a time to simplify our lives, not complicate them. Plus, when it comes to your nest egg, there’s no such thing as too much money, so any extra cash is welcomed.
Loved the ideas, although I knew most to do it’s just getting it done. I do like the sites/places to go to be able to sell/trade for items that are older without holding a yard sale particularly at my senior age.
So sell your clothes, house, car. and what ever is left like collections and electronics (t.v. And stereo), so what do you do then. Live in s box
Someone who clearly didn’t read and comprehend the full article then!
That was my thought. I live in the country you sell your cars. You don’t go anywhere you sell your house. You don’t have anywhere to live. You sell your clothes you’re gonna freeze to death. This is a stupid thing. I’ve read in a long time.
I agree. I want to retire, I’m not dead.
When I went through the list I was thinkI am retiring not preparing for burial. I worked all these years to have a home, cars and tools. I use my tools to work on my cars and my home. Now my jewelry that’s something else. Between my high school class ring and my wedding ring I just don’t have room,lol.
Exactly what I thought !
Sooner or later for sure…maybe a pretty vase w. Lid for your leftover which no body wants.
I agree. You can downsize and the smaller home can cost almost as much or more. If your family comes to visit now they have to stay I. A hotel. I did get rid of some of my collectibles but some have great memories. You need that I. Old age. But I. General most of the recommendations are great. We each have a car. I’m not selling my car. If you are active and can still drive it’s difficult with one car especially if your very independent
paring down doesnt mean living in a box, just selling things you no longer need or that just collects dust! you can always use money!!
No, the keyword is downsizing. We did it one year ago and are still amazed at the reduction in our living expenses. as far as selling items, we sold some, but honestly got tired of having total strangers come through our house. So we donated what was accepted and then called 1-800-JUNK. Tedious process but once out the other side…WOW
These ‘suggestions’ would only work if you lived in a place like New York City, never in rural America. I can’t walk like 50 years ago. Public transportation essentially does not exist. I either need two vehicle, or the parts and tools to fix the ‘permitted one’. If you take away all the hobbies, what are we to do for joy and entertainment? There seems to be nothing decent at the theatre, or TV, and not much better on the radio. These suggestions are only good just before you move to a rest home and you get put on a comfort kit since you are no longer wanted. Know what you need, and don’t do what you know you shouldn’t. Your life may depend on it. Have fun
This could have been cut down ‘to sell stuff you don’t use and don’t have sentimental value.’. I need my home to live in , my car to shop , and thirteen guitars, a chest full of board games. My vacuume cleaner collection …… no,wait I need a bigger house. Maybe I could part with some ties and a briefcase.
I was thinking the same.
Of course it’s a good idea to eliminate (donate, throw away, or sell) items you no longer need in retirement, or any time, for that matter. It should be noted that personal items such as jewelry are not included in the assets that must be spent down before qualifying for Medicaid, so that’s a reason to keep them to pass on to heirs. Also, a spouse can continue to live in the house that a couple owns, even after their partner qualifies for Medicaid. However, the government can recover their expenses after the house is sold.
Handicapped; no one to help me. Too dangerous these days.
WOW, just sell everything, the CD’s you enjoy listening to and you forgot to mention use the money to make our funeral arrangements? Someone under 50 wrote this article!
Geez! You’re retiring, noy dying! Have you given thought to the fact that, when you retire you have more time to enjoy many of those things?
I agree with Drew, literally living in a box as you almost suggest is the fastest trip to heaven due to the depression that brings about the suggestions to retirement.
Why can’t somebody enjoy what one has worked hard for like his home, at retirement for as long as finances are managed appropriately. I have seen people regret relocation/ downsizing before retirement. Almost saying, am poor now I deserve to go to the poor house. Jewelry is another, hey why can’t I enjoy it now, let my heirs have them when I am gone. Meantime, let me be as presentable or even look better now than during my working age. Now, when I go to a nursing home, that ‘s another story.
No one wants anything, furniture or collectibles or dishes or anything. Four antique dealers, auctioneers, estate sales, all agree that what we own is in great shape, but no one will buy it!!
Most buyers want more modern goods. We are not computer savvy enough to try those websites and know well that the hassle of tag sales, tried those, bring in very little, anyone else?
Besids by not getting rid of all YOUR STUFF that you love, just think of what you will save your children from. You just died and you want your kids to have to sit and go through your stuff. It means ( ment) so important to you but not to them. They may want 1 or 2 things that mean alot to them but they do not want to have to go through everything. SO get to going through ALL your stuff so your family does not have to
CD Baby no longer sells physical CDs.
What’s left, keep working
Yes throw everything away get a tent and go live on on the street
I don’t see the 8 things 🙁
Sick of sanctimonious know-it-alls telling me to donate everything. People or groups you donate to don’t appreciate receiving your stuff, they’re just smug and entitled.
Where’s the list…???
There is nothing there.
Whty sell tools?
You are better off keeping up your hobbies. You can downsize when you are dead.
Now who in the hell is gonna buy used CDs and DVDs? Sell your house? Clothes? This is crazy.
The list isn’t here, just a bunch of ads.
Sounds like a spokesperson for Klaus Schwab and the WEF
You’ll own nothing and will be happy. NOT! I am glad they didn’t say books, cause I have a lot. I’ve been retired since 2018. Since then, I inherited another home, loaded with stuff. I am a son of a packrats, who is a packrat himself. You never tell a packrat to ever get rid of stuff! You never know when you might need that stuff!
I am currently in this process with my mother. I am a caregiver selling off nearly everything. Her car was transferred to me. Most of the furniture is sold off. And we donated all the books they had collected. My mother goes through the house deciding what she wants sold and when. Many items are being sold for top dollar.
The family’s heirlooms are remaining in the family. My mother had a custom Geisha doll made and was gifted to her after WWII by the housemaid while in Japan. It has the housemaid’s personal hair and full backstory. The doll is valued well and can command top dollar. Our family is keeping the doll. My Grandmother purchased a violin for my father for $5.00 in 1946 from a traveling musician. It turned out that the violin was a Stradivarius. My father sold it before he passed; the commission on the sale was $20,000.00. Even my mom’s hand-me-down pedal sewing machine, originating from my Great-Great Grandmother (4 generations), sold for a huge amount. You never know what heirlooms are in the family.