I would stock up on patterns that I would make if I had time. Once you retire, you can sew all day if you want to. Then I would beef up my stash to make the patterns. Hunt on the computer for free patterns and then make your own kits. If you don't want to do that, just stash away some money to get fabric for when you retire. Now that I'm retired, I wonder how I had time to work. lol
Sue

What about buying backing fabrics. I'm quite a few years from retirement but it seems even now I never have this when I want it (or need it). I like the idea of making your own quilt kits from your stash now so that you can go get the missing fabrics if you need them.

I would save the $$$ , and buy when you have time to enjoy the purchasing process. What is the difference if you save 50 and spend $50 later. My point is save the money and use it when you determine what projects you want to work on.
It would be money poorly spent if what you purchase does not get used, as your tastes, and projects change.

Maybe buying rotary blades with JoAnn's coupons. I've about had it with the HF blades. You can almost always find fabric. Or someone gives you fabric or it's on sale or you hit it big at Goodwill. But I'm betting on blades getting more and more expensive.

OR maybe hitting the store right now for Christmas and fall fabric sales, then later Easter & spring

So far, this is the best answer. Ignore mine. LOL

Maybe even spend money on travel to see a good quilt show------later.

A top of the line embroidery machine, a long arm quilting machine, or a deep throat domestic quilting machine. A gift certificate at my favorite dealership and another at my favorite LQS. A new car.

I'm with Lori S. Good advice.

Batting! Something you will always need & use & it never goes out of style. Get a few different types- W & N, Hobbs Poly Down, some 80/20 or whatever you use on a regular basis. I always stockpile when it's on sale & it never goes to waste.

I also agree with buying a nice machine while you can afford it. I bought mine now. I figured why wait life is short, and I wouldn't be able to afford it once I had another kid so I would do it before you retire and are on a fixed income. I also agree with taste changing and many people have these huge stashes that they will not use in a lifetime. Or maybe you can invest in a nice cutting system

This was my first thought. Put the money you would spend in a special savings account and use it as you find things you 'just have to have.'