Why Living Simply in Retirement Isn’t Depressing — It’s a Choice
 |
| Simple and Cozy Retirement |
Recently, I was watching a YouTube video about “Items Cut from the Budget to Thrive in Retirement.”
One comment really stayed with me:
It is incredibly depressing and scary to hear people talk about all the things they don’t do just to get by. It’s very sad.
I understand that feeling.
But at the same time, I see it a little differently.
🌸 It’s Not Always About Having To — Sometimes It’s a Choice
Yes, many seniors today are facing higher costs, and some truly need to cut back.
But not all of us are doing it out of necessity.
For many, it’s about changing priorities.
As we get older, we often:
- feel less need to buy things
- stop seeing value in waste
- choose to spend only on what truly matters
Sometimes, spending less is not a restriction—it’s a decision.
💡 A Lifetime of Habits Doesn’t Disappear
After years of working and managing finances, many seniors develop strong saving habits.
We think about:
- “what if” situations
- unexpected expenses
- helping family members
- economic uncertainty
We build safety nets not out of fear, but out of experience.
In many ways, saving becomes easier than spending.
🏡 My Own Experience
My pension is not large.
But I am mortgage-free, I pay attention to my spending, and I live a comfortable life.
Not deprived.
Comfortable.
🧵 The Simple Choices I Make
Here are some of the ways I choose to live:
- I don’t have subscriptions beyond TV, internet, and photo storage
- I don’t buy new clothes or shoes—I thrift and slowly reduce what I own
- I sew, alter clothing, and make crafts for gifts or sometimes for sale
- I use simple, affordable skincare and makeup
- I get inexpensive haircuts and color my own hair
In the kitchen:
- I bake my own bread, buns, and pizza
 |
| I bake my own bread |
- I make yogurt, kefir, and preserve food
- I buy produce in season or discounted and freeze it
- I cook from scratch and don’t rely on ready-made meals
 |
| Making Sushi from scratch |
Around the house:
- I don’t use a dryer
- I hand-wash delicate clothing
Lifestyle choices:
- I rarely buy alcohol, except to make homemade gifts during the holidays
- I walk almost everywhere—not just to save money, but for my health
 |
| I walk almost everywhere |
 |
| My morning walks |
- I don’t eat out often, but when I do, it’s for special occasions with family. And when we do, we try different cuisines. It becomes something special-not just food, but time together.
These are not sacrifices.
They are choices that suit my life.
👟 A Small Story About Runners
Recently, I forgot my runners in my daughter’s car. My grandson kindly returned them the next day.
A few days later, my son-in-law invited me for a drive and a walk. I happily said yes—I enjoy our time together.
But when we arrived, he took me into a store and told me he wanted to buy me a good pair of runners.
It was a very kind and thoughtful gesture.
But I felt a little embarrassed.
I believe they noticed my shoes and felt sorry for me, knowing I wouldn’t spend $200 on a pair.
The truth is—I can afford them.
I have savings. I can still set money aside each month.
But my current runners cost $12 from a thrift store. They were almost new, very comfortable, and I walk up to 10 km in them—even with plantar fasciitis.
So for me, it’s not about denying myself.
It’s about being practical.
In the end, instead of expensive shoes, we shared a lovely lunch, a long walk in the rain, and meaningful conversation.
That meant far more to me.
(Although, knowing my family… I wouldn’t be surprised if a new pair of runners appears at my door one day.)
🌼 Final Thoughts
Living simply in retirement is not depressing.
We are not going backwards.
We are choosing what matters.
And the truth is—we can live well on less, and still enjoy a rich, meaningful life.
 |
| Barnston Island |
 |
| Barnston Island, British Columbia |
This blog may contain a few carefully placed ads between paragraphs to support my work. Thank you for reading and supporting this space!
Why Living Simply in Retirement Isn’t Depressing — It’s a Choice
|
| Simple and Cozy Retirement |
Recently, I was watching a YouTube video about “Items Cut from the Budget to Thrive in Retirement.”
One comment really stayed with me:
It is incredibly depressing and scary to hear people talk about all the things they don’t do just to get by. It’s very sad.
I understand that feeling.
But at the same time, I see it a little differently.
🌸 It’s Not Always About Having To — Sometimes It’s a Choice
Yes, many seniors today are facing higher costs, and some truly need to cut back.
But not all of us are doing it out of necessity.
For many, it’s about changing priorities.
As we get older, we often:
- feel less need to buy things
- stop seeing value in waste
- choose to spend only on what truly matters
Sometimes, spending less is not a restriction—it’s a decision.
💡 A Lifetime of Habits Doesn’t Disappear
After years of working and managing finances, many seniors develop strong saving habits.
We think about:
- “what if” situations
- unexpected expenses
- helping family members
- economic uncertainty
We build safety nets not out of fear, but out of experience.
In many ways, saving becomes easier than spending.
🏡 My Own Experience
My pension is not large.
But I am mortgage-free, I pay attention to my spending, and I live a comfortable life.
Not deprived.
Comfortable.
🧵 The Simple Choices I Make
Here are some of the ways I choose to live:
- I don’t have subscriptions beyond TV, internet, and photo storage
- I don’t buy new clothes or shoes—I thrift and slowly reduce what I own
- I sew, alter clothing, and make crafts for gifts or sometimes for sale
- I use simple, affordable skincare and makeup
- I get inexpensive haircuts and color my own hair
In the kitchen:
- I bake my own bread, buns, and pizza
|
| I bake my own bread |
- I make yogurt, kefir, and preserve food
- I buy produce in season or discounted and freeze it
- I cook from scratch and don’t rely on ready-made meals
|
| Making Sushi from scratch |
Around the house:
- I don’t use a dryer
- I hand-wash delicate clothing
Lifestyle choices:
- I rarely buy alcohol, except to make homemade gifts during the holidays
- I walk almost everywhere—not just to save money, but for my health
|
| I walk almost everywhere |
|
| My morning walks |
- I don’t eat out often, but when I do, it’s for special occasions with family. And when we do, we try different cuisines. It becomes something special-not just food, but time together.
These are not sacrifices.
They are choices that suit my life.
👟 A Small Story About Runners
Recently, I forgot my runners in my daughter’s car. My grandson kindly returned them the next day.
A few days later, my son-in-law invited me for a drive and a walk. I happily said yes—I enjoy our time together.
But when we arrived, he took me into a store and told me he wanted to buy me a good pair of runners.
It was a very kind and thoughtful gesture.
But I felt a little embarrassed.
I believe they noticed my shoes and felt sorry for me, knowing I wouldn’t spend $200 on a pair.
The truth is—I can afford them.
I have savings. I can still set money aside each month.
But my current runners cost $12 from a thrift store. They were almost new, very comfortable, and I walk up to 10 km in them—even with plantar fasciitis.
So for me, it’s not about denying myself.
It’s about being practical.
In the end, instead of expensive shoes, we shared a lovely lunch, a long walk in the rain, and meaningful conversation.
That meant far more to me.
(Although, knowing my family… I wouldn’t be surprised if a new pair of runners appears at my door one day.)
🌼 Final Thoughts
Living simply in retirement is not depressing.
We are not going backwards.
We are choosing what matters.
And the truth is—we can live well on less, and still enjoy a rich, meaningful life.
|
| Barnston Island |
|
| Barnston Island, British Columbia |
This blog may contain a few carefully placed ads between paragraphs to support my work. Thank you for reading and supporting this space!
