When financial planners talk about retirement, they often assume a one-size-fits-all strategy, but the reality is that family dynamics can drastically change your retirement plans. Having grandchildren brings emotional rewards, but it also brings financial responsibilities, time commitments, and unexpected expenses that many retirees overlook. That means some commonly recommended tips—like “splurge on yourself” or “downsize and travel”—might make sense only for those without grandkids in the picture. Let’s unpack 10 popular retirement tips that simply don’t fit when your life includes the laughter, love, and occasional chaos of grandchildren.
1. Travel the World Without Looking Back
Traveling the world in retirement sounds like a dream…if you don’t have grandchildren. For retirees without grandkids, this is the time to embrace wanderlust, pack up, and go wherever the winds take you. But if you have grandkids, you’re more likely to want to stay close to home and attend soccer games, birthday parties, and family dinners. Many retirees find themselves torn between globe-trotting adventures and the magnetic pull of family milestones.
Traveling extensively can also strain your budget, especially when you factor in last-minute flights home for emergencies or simply missing your grandkids. So, while the travel-the-world plan is tempting, it’s a luxury that might not align with family-centered priorities.
2. Splurge on Yourself Without Guilt
Retirement experts love to say, “You’ve worked hard—now it’s time to treat yourself!” That’s great advice if you’re only thinking about your own needs. Without grandchildren, there’s no guilt in spending extra on luxury dinners, new golf clubs, or spa weekends. But grandkids often shift that focus.
Suddenly, you’re more inclined to help with college savings, sports equipment, or even contributing to family vacations. These additional expenses can make guilt-free splurging harder to justify. Without grandkids, it’s easier to prioritize yourself, but many retirees find it tough to resist helping out when those little faces come into play.
3. Downsize and Relocate to a Dream Location
Many retirees imagine selling the family home and moving to a sunny beachfront condo or a mountain cabin far from the hustle and bustle. For those without grandkids, this plan can be both practical and exciting. You’re free to relocate wherever you want without worrying about missing milestones or feeling disconnected. However, if you have grandchildren, that distance can create emotional and logistical barriers.
It’s harder to enjoy your dream retirement spot when you’re constantly catching flights or missing key family events. While downsizing might still be a smart financial move, the freedom to move anywhere often comes with trade-offs if you’re also a devoted grandparent.
4. Cut Back on Family Holidays
Retirement is often pitched as a time to simplify—no more big family feasts or holiday hosting. Without grandkids, you can easily scale down holiday celebrations, enjoy quiet dinners, or even skip them altogether for a low-key escape. But grandchildren bring back the magic (and chaos) of holiday traditions. Many retirees find themselves wanting to keep the traditions alive, from baking cookies together to watching holiday parades.
Skipping the festivities can feel like missing out on the joy of seeing your grandkids light up during special occasions. So, while it’s easier to cut back without grandkids, the desire to stay connected often overrides the simplicity of a scaled-back holiday plan.
5. Prioritize Solo Hobbies
Retirement advice often includes “find a hobby that makes you happy,” whether it’s painting, woodworking, or learning a new language. Without grandkids, your time is truly your own to dive into these passions. But when grandkids enter the picture, your hobbies might need to share space with babysitting, attending dance recitals, or helping with homework.
The desire to be involved in their lives can eat into time you’d otherwise dedicate solely to yourself. That’s not a bad thing, but it does mean hobbies often get rescheduled or paused altogether.
6. Maximize Rental Income from the Family Home
Turning your home into a rental or an Airbnb can be a solid retirement income strategy if you’re not worried about keeping a room open for family visits. Without grandkids, you can easily cash in on your property without second-guessing. But many retirees with grandchildren find it important to maintain a “home base” for family gatherings.
The idea of renting out your house and potentially having strangers occupy it during holidays can be emotionally challenging. Financially, it might make sense, but it might also feel like you’re shutting the door on precious family time.
7. Focus Solely on Yourself When Planning Healthcare
Without grandchildren, you can plan healthcare decisions based entirely on your personal needs and desires. You might prioritize premium facilities, proximity to high-end amenities, or even move to a retirement community that offers top-tier care. But with grandkids, proximity to family becomes a huge consideration.
Many retirees find themselves weighing whether to stay close to help with childcare or emergencies. Choosing healthcare facilities often becomes a balance between personal health needs and being accessible to the family—something retirees without grandkids simply don’t have to factor in.
8. Liquidate Collectibles or Family Heirlooms
If you don’t have grandchildren, liquidating collectibles, artwork, or family heirlooms can be a straightforward way to fund retirement. But with grandkids, those heirlooms often hold more than monetary value. Whether it’s Grandma’s silver set or Grandpa’s watch, these items carry emotional weight that can be important to pass on to the next generation.
Selling them off might seem practical, but it can lead to regrets or even family drama. Those with grandchildren often choose to preserve these keepsakes rather than cashing in, hoping to leave a legacy.
9. Buy That Dream Sports Car
Finally getting that convertible or classic car you’ve always wanted is a hallmark retirement fantasy—at least for those without grandchildren. It’s easier to justify the expense and the space in the garage when you’re not also considering car seats, family road trips, or driving to soccer practice. For grandparents, though, practicality often wins.
You may find yourself opting for a bigger SUV or minivan to shuttle grandkids, turning that sporty dream into a family-friendly reality. Priorities shift when you’re focused on creating memories rather than collecting horsepower.
10. Say “No” Without Second-Guessing
Saying “no” to social obligations, volunteering, or even family requests is a retirement tip often praised for protecting personal time and boundaries. Without grandkids, it’s easier to stick to this plan. But when grandchildren are involved, it’s hard to say no to birthday parties, babysitting, or even small requests.
Even if your schedule is tight, the thought of missing out can tug at the heartstrings. This is where emotional considerations often override financial plans. Retirees with grandkids frequently find themselves saying “yes” more often than they planned, putting personal time and financial goals on hold.
Grandchildren Change Priorities
Retirement planning is rarely one-size-fits-all. The presence (or absence) of grandchildren can profoundly shape your choices and priorities. From travel to healthcare, every aspect of your retirement plan needs to consider how family fits into the equation.
Have you found that your grandkids have changed the way you think about retirement?
Read More:
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Riley is an Arizona native with over nine years of writing experience. From personal finance to travel to digital marketing to pop culture, she’s written about everything under the sun. When she’s not writing, she’s spending her time outside, reading, or cuddling with her two corgis.
