The spending math in retirement can be brutal. Once your regular paycheck stops, every big-ticket purchase comes out of a pile of money that is meant to last you two or three decades. That ramps up the pressure to get every big purchase right.
But with Donald Trump in the Oval Office, the price tags on these big ticket items are more volatile than ever. His economic and geopolitical policies have had far-reaching impacts on everything from Social Security to the price of washing machines.
With that in mind, here are the top five things you might want to consider buying before you retire in 2026.
Mogul
Build your real estate portfolio with ease starting from $250
Ethos
Get an annuity with up to 10.5% a year
Insurify
Get instant car insurance quotes and save today
Advisor
Connect with a vetted financial advisor near you 1. Your retirement car
The price of a typical new car is already around all-time highs. At the end of June, the average marketed price for a new car at the end of June 2026 was $51,974 — a new record, per Autoweek. As of August 4, that figure has reached $52,226 on the Automotive News/Catalyst IQ Vehicle Price and Inventory Tracker.
To make matters worse, the Trump administration has imposed a 25% tariff on non-U.S. parts on cars assembled in Canada that are not subject to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), according to the BBC, along with levies on European Union and Japanese car imports.
Simply put, Toyotas could become even pricier.
However, one way to sidestep escalating prices could be to buy a used but robust car now instead of waiting to upgrade in the near future. If you find a good deal on a car that can reasonably last 10 years or so, now might be the right time to lock it in.
Once you’ve bought your retirement car, take a few minutes to see if you can get a good deal on car insurance. And even if you decide not to buy, it's worth checking whether you're overpaying on the car you already have.
Platforms like Insurify make it easy for you to compare insurance offers with just a few clicks.
It's free to use, and drivers who bundle home and auto coverage can save up to 15%. That freed-up cash can go straight into a savings or investment account.
Enter some basic information about yourself and your vehicle, and Insurify will show you rates from top providers so you can compare and switch to a cheaper policy in minutes.
Insurify
Get instant car insurance quotes and save today 2. A robust safety net
Several Trump policies, especially on tax cuts, have deteriorated the outlook for Social Security, according to analysis by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. In fact, the program is on track for depletion by 2032, at which point all beneficiaries could face an immediate 24% benefit cut, per the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.
That’s bad news for everyone who paid into the system, but particularly for those who are on the verge of retirement in the near-term future. For them, there’s not a lot of time to prepare for either changes to the social safety net or a potential benefit cut.
If you find yourself in this position, you might want to create an independent safety net instead of relying on Social Security.
One option you may want to consider is an income annuity through Ethos, which can help you convert your savings into predictable income. In exchange for a lump sum, you can get guaranteed income for life, backed by the issuing insurer's claims-paying ability. This guarantee requires annuitizing your funds and is subject to the specific contract's terms, including any applicable surrender charges.
You can lock in predictable income you can count on every month and customize your payout schedule to fit your budget. If you need the money now, you can turn a lump sum into income that starts right away.
An income annuity can also help you diversify your retirement income strategy and provide another source of income alongside Social Security, pensions and other savings, with lifetime guaranteed income for those 59 and older, backed by the issuing insurer's claims-paying ability and subject to annuitization, rider elections and contract terms including surrender charges.
If you're considering an income annuity, book a free consultation with a licensed Ethos insurance agent to explore your options. No purchase is required.
Ethos
Get an annuity with up to 10.5% a year 3. Brand new appliances
The Trump administration’s latest wave of tariffs on 60 countries could raise the retail prices for several appliances and electronics, especially those manufactured in China, according to Consumer Reports.
Domestic appliance makers can’t offer much relief. A Cato Institute report found that tariffs on input materials like steel and aluminum were squeezing margins at Michigan-based Whirlpool, making it the “poster child” for how tariffs can backfire.
With that in mind, this could be the right time to upgrade that refrigerator or air conditioner before the price tag inflates further.
4. Real estate
Median home prices were at a record high in June, according to the National Association of Realtors, while rents have been steadily climbing this year as well, per Zillow. For many retirees who own their home free and clear, this might not be much of a concern. It may even be an opportunity.
Investing in real estate could be the key to some additional passive income from rents, and platforms like Mogul offer an easier way to get exposure to this income-generating asset class.
As a real estate investment platform offering fractional ownership in blue-chip rental properties, mogul gives investors monthly rental income, real-time appreciation and tax benefits — without the need for a hefty down payment or 3 a.m. tenant calls.
These are a few examples of properties from Mogul. Browse available properties on their website.
Founded by former Goldman Sachs real estate investors, the team hand-picks the top 1% of single-family rental homes nationwide for you. In other words, you gain access to institutional-quality offerings for a fraction of the usual cost.
Each property undergoes a rigorous vetting process, requiring a minimum 12% return even in downside scenarios. Across the board, the platform features an average annual IRR of 18.8%. Offerings often sell out in under three hours, with investments typically ranging between $15,000 and $40,000 per property.
Sign up for an account and browse available properties here to start investing today.
Mogul
Build your real estate portfolio with ease starting from $250 Another option is Arrived. Backed by world-class investors, including Jeff Bezos, Arrived allows you to invest in shares of vacation and rental properties, potentially earning a passive income stream without the extra work that comes with being a landlord of your own rental property.
To get started, simply browse through their selection of vetted properties, each picked for their potential appreciation and income generation.
The Vanzant
Single Family Residential
The Smokey
Vacation Rental
The SuiteSpot
Vacation Rental These are a few examples of properties from Arrived. Check out the full list of single family residential homes and vacation rentals currently available.
Once you choose a property, you can start investing with as little as $100.
For a limited time, when you open an account and add $1,000 or more, Arrived will credit your account with a 2% match.
Arrived
Hassle-free real estate ownership for as little as $100 5. Good financial advice
Investing in professional financial advice is probably a good idea at any age, but it’s especially crucial as you approach retirement. Your lifestyle, spending patterns and tax situation are about to shift, and an experienced copilot can help you navigate these changes with confidence.
But hiring an advisor can be a lifelong commitment, which might make or break your retirement. That’s where Advisor.com can come in, connecting you with an expert near you, for free.
It does all the heavy lifting for you, vetting advisors based on track record, client ratios and regulatory background. Plus, their network comprises fiduciaries, who are legally required to act in your best interests.
Just enter a few details about your finances and goals, and Advisor.com’s AI-powered matching tool will connect you with a qualified expert best suited for your needs based on your unique financial goals and preferences.
Finding the right advisor isn’t always easy — there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. That’s why Advisor.com lets you set up a free initial consultation, with no obligation to hire, to see if they’re the right fit for you.
Buying the assistance of an experienced money manager or tax expert could be one of savviest money moves you make before you retire.
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