A 72-year-old man who lives alone in Kagoshima, in Japão, receives 65 thousand yen per month in pension. Ele still has irregular income from work and amounts to 75 thousand yen per month. The expenses amount to around 100 thousand yen. The result is a 30,000 yen hole left in accumulated savings.
The interviewee, who uses the pseudonym Saçuma on Inkyonin, responded to an All About survey about pension life and savings. Ele worked as a freelancer before retirement and only relies on the national pension. An accident in the past consumed part of the reserves. Hoje he manages the budget carefully to maintain independence.
National Pensão limits income after self-employed career
The elderly man explained that the national pension represents the main problem. Ele was unable to build up a larger reserve due to medical expenses in the past. The amount barely covers rent and electricity bills for an old house. Atualizações of the property and maintenance costs also weigh more than expected.
Ele lives in a rented property. The absence of owning a home increases the pressure. Sem assets to inherit or sell easily, it depends on what is left over each month.
Gastos with car and fuel become the main weight
Inside, the vehicle is essential. The man keeps a light truck for travel. Gasolina, insurance and reviews represent the largest variable share. Ele reduces unnecessary exits as much as possible.
In winter, the price of kerosene rose and made life difficult. Ele uses kotatsu, a traditional heated table, to save money. Diminuiu also the frequency of hot baths. The rise in prices of basic foods, such as dried fish and bread, forced adjustments in the daily diet.
Estratégias savings include reuse and local help
Retirees cut expenses in several ways. Ele tears up old clothes to make cleaning cloths and simple sandals for indoor use. Coleta rainwater for watering plants in the yard. Vai to the supermarket with extra attention to prices.
Quando the balance is tight, he sells old tools or collectibles in second-hand stores. From time to time, you receive small repair requests from old work contacts. Esses services generate an eventual complement.
- Vende old items in thrift stores to cover the deficit
- Reaproveita old clothes as cleaning rags
- Coleta rainwater for garden use
- Aceita small repair services from former customers
- Busca imperfect vegetables with local producers
Daily Pescaria provides protein and maintains an active routine
Fishing has become a central part of everyday life. Ele goes to the nearby sea early and brings what becomes a side dish for the evening meal. Evita eating out. Recebe non-standard vegetables from local farmers and prepares everything at home.
Social life has also changed. Amigos of the same age also lives with limited resources. Eles meet in parks to talk and drink tea. Não there is more pressure to spend on expensive dates.
Deduções of taxes and contributions generate complaint
Mesmo with a low pension, the amount deducted for long-term care insurance and other taxes is annoying. Ele argues that the system should offer more exemptions or reductions for those with low incomes.
The man maintains his health and plans to continue living alone as long as possible. Sabe that renting in old age brings physical and financial challenges. The goal is to postpone dependence on third parties as much as possible.