Episode 49: New Year, New Budget: How Retirees Can Help Beat “Creeping Costs”
Published January 5, 2026

Prices for groceries, gas and property tax have climbed in recent years, and many retirees are feeling the squeeze. In this Money Monday episode, Darren Devine, Financial Planner with Sun Life and President of Devine & Associates, explains how “budget creep” can quietly erode your retirement plan. Learn about what three key spending areas to review each year and how a financial planner can model inflation “what if” scenarios to help you stay on track.
Key Takeaway: Even a well-built retirement plan can feel tight when everyday costs climb. Inflation, higher interest rates and lifestyle changes can all create “budget creep”—small increases that add up over time. The key is not to panic, but to pause, review and adjust with intention.
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