Patricio Nahuelhual / Getty Images Many retirees say they can't absorb a surprise expense. Here's what experts suggest. Key Takeaways Only a small proportion of retirees say they're equipped to handle a financial shock, according to a T. Rowe Price survey. Financial planners say the most common financial shocks retirees face are medical expenses that Medicare doesn’t cover and housing-related costs. In life, accidents happen. But when they occur during retirement, it's important to be prepared—other ...