By GreenPath Financial Wellness

While each retiree's dream might be different, today's senior citizen typically looks forward to making more time for family, hobbies, and travel.

If you're looking forward to retirement, today's economy might be causing you to consider putting those dreams on hold.

It's understandable why you might feel anxious about your future. A recent NFCC and Wells Fargo poll showed that 26% of Americans are more worried about meeting basic household expenses compared to 12 months ago.

Check out these five tips that can help you shift gears to retirement, even in the midst of financial uncertainties:

Create or revisit the household budget.

Is there a realistic plan for the income that comes in each month? Be sure there is a line item in the monthly budget for key living expenses like housing, groceries, healthcare and medications, car maintenance, gas, and savings.

If you haven't been following a budget, take time to create one, no matter how simple, to track expenses in order to go back, review, and adjust as needed.

Take a critical look at spending.

Most people find they are spending more on the essentials -- housing, healthcare, food, insurance, utilities, and transportation.

Consider temporarily reducing spending on traveling, gifts, restaurants, or other discretionary expenses.

Are any significant purchases on the horizon? Is it possible to postpone major purchases like an appliance or other large item? If a washing machine or other appliance needs to be replaced in the coming months, try to set aside cash now so when the time comes to replace it, using credit isn't the only option.

Shop smart at the grocery store. Plan meals and stick to your shopping list. Stock up on staples. Use coupons and discounts. Take advantage of discount gas prices, bulk grocery prices and other low prices available from membership stores.

Consider supplementing monthly income.

Is monthly cash outflow greater than monthly income? Consider supplimenting your income with part-time work or a side hustle. Use your career skills for freelancing, consulting, or contract work. See what's possible through websites like Steady, or many others.

Think about turning a hobby into an income stream -- writing, crafting, photography, art, or cooking, and baking. Become a Lyft, Uber, or DoorDash delivery driver. Consider temporary work as a customer service representative, childcare worker, house or pet sitter, or an online tutor.

Look at housing options.

Many seniors are looking to sell their home at today's high home values and buy a smaller home (with lower utility costs, property taxes, and insurance), or relocate to a less expensive area.

Get a handle on debt.

Many seniors find it hard to manage rising prices when struggling with high credit card debt or other debt.

The longer a borrower carries a high interest card balance, the bigger bite it takes out of available monthly income.

Consider a debt payoff strategy, such as a Debt Management Plan which helps pay off unsecured debt, in full, in 3 to 5 years. A trusted national nonprofit agency like GreenPath Financial Wellness works with creditors to bring accounts current, lower interest rates, and waive fees. More of the monthly payment goes toward reducing your account balance and you save money on interest.

Connect with a financial counselor.

If you're feeling anxious about your finances in the face of rising prices, or if you're overwhelmed with debt and unsure how to manage -- talking to someone may help. Our partners at GreenPath are ready to help. Certified counselors look at people's entire financial picture and suggest options tailored for each situation.

This article is shared by pur partners at GreenPath Financial Wellness, a trusted national non-profit.