How I Planned for a Comfortable Retirement

How I Planned for my Retirement

Many people tell me how lucky I am to live in a beautiful part of the world and enjoy a nice retired life. And yes—I agree, I am very grateful. But while luck played a role, much of it was the result of careful planning, discipline, and resilience.

Today, I’d like to share how I prepared for retirement, in hopes that it might inspire you—whether you’re approaching retirement yourself or still decades away.

Learning to Adapt

I’ve always believed in having a backup plan. I’m the type who doesn’t “cry over spilled milk”—instead, I try to find solutions, learn the lesson, and move forward. That mindset helped me through difficult times and guided me toward building a secure future.

Paying Off My Home

I bought my condo in Vancouver, Canada, in 2002. In 2009 I moved to UK and while working in London I focused on paying off the mortgage as quickly as possible. By 2016, at the age of 58, I was mortgage-free—14 years after taking the loan.

My Million Dollar View, my Nest, my Sanctuary

At that point, I had just £5,000 in savings. I lived very frugally, budgeting every penny, recording all expenses, and avoiding luxuries like eating out or expensive holidays. Instead, I enjoyed free events, museums, and galleries.

Becoming mortgage-free was a turning point. It lifted a huge weight off my shoulders and gave me the freedom to plan the next phase of my life.

Saving With Purpose

My goal was to retire at 65 and return to Canada, where my children lived and where I had a home. I created spreadsheets, tracked every detail, and divided my monthly savings into specific funds, such as:

Emergency Fund
Moving & Start-up Expenses
Car Fund
Food Fund (3 years of groceries budgeted at $250/month)
Pantry Fund
Personal Care
Travel Fund
Home Renovations
Art & Craft Supplies
Clothing & Essentials
Holiday & Birthday Funds

Each Fund and every purchase had a purpose. By being disciplined, I eventually reached all my savings goals—and even allowed myself a small wish list of things I might not afford later, such as quality shoes, winter clothes, and new glasses.

While living in UK and with mortgage being paid off I was taking advantage travelling through UK and Europe before retiring and returning back home.

Italy on my way to Nice, South of France

Venice

Stunning Budapest

Celebrated my 60 th Birthday in Israel

Portugal

Preparing My Home

Before moving back to Canada, I prioritized renovating my kitchen—a big project I knew would be hard to do on a pension. I saved $15,000 in a year, found excellent contractors, and completed my dream kitchen in 2017.

Retirement Income

At 62, I applied for my Canadian pension. Though small (since I had arrived in Canada later in life), it covered my condo fees, utilities, taxes, and home insurance. That gave me a safety net and allowed me to keep saving a little more before retirement.

Returning Home

When I finally returned to Canada, I didn’t rush into spending. I haven’t bought a car yet and rely on public transit. I replaced only what was necessary—like my old stove and a 17-year-old laptop.

I embraced a slow, mindful retirement: repurposing what I have, DIY projects, cooking, baking, and decorating my home. My condo has become my sanctuary, and I find joy in daily routines and small pleasures.

DIY project. A thrifted cutting board got a makeover

Spoiling myself with an afternoon tea and crepes

Preserving candied ginger

I have time and enjoy baking

Was It Luck or Planning?

Looking back, I realize my retirement life is a combination of both. Luck gave me opportunities, but careful planning, discipline, and resilience turned those opportunities into a secure, happy reality.

I enjoyed my working years and was blessed with wonderful colleagues. But I can honestly say—I love this new chapter even more. Retirement has given me freedom, creativity, and peace.

My Version of Slow Living in Retirement

So I leave you with a question: is a fulfilling retirement built on luck, or on careful planning?

This blog may contain a few carefully placed ads between paragraphs to support my work. Thank you for reading and supporting this space!