Suze Orman: Stop Doing This One Thing or Your Social Security Check Won’t Last

Core Insights - Suze Orman warns retirees that their Social Security checks are diminishing faster than anticipated, primarily due to daily spending habits [2][3] Spending Habits - Retirees need to differentiate between needs and wants, as excessive dining out can significantly impact their financial security [3] - Regular dining out and coffee purchases can cost retirees over $4,900 annually, which is more than 25% of the average Social Security benefit [4][8] - Transitioning from restaurant meals to home cooking can save nearly $2,000 annually, which could be allocated for healthcare costs and emergencies [8] Economic Context - The average U.S. personal savings rate has decreased from 5.2% in early 2025 to 3.5% by November 2025, indicating a decline in financial discipline among Americans [6] - Retail sales in 2025 reached between $5.42 trillion and $5.48 trillion, marking a 3.2% year-over-year increase from 2024, highlighting a disconnect between discretionary spending and savings [7]