My USAF buddy knew he had cancer, and he pre-planned and paid for his funeral, paid off his house, and all his Bills before he passed away so his wife would not have to worry.

A paid off home is a very good feeling.

You had a really good real man.  I'm sorry for your loss.

Staying away from high debt and paying it off as quickly as you can is crucial to reducing money stress. I have a hard time empathizing with folks who want to buy everything shiny and new and then complain about the fact that they're not getting ahead.

I don't remember the last time I wanted to reach through my monitor and give somebody a hug and tell them "You have done it all right. It's gonna work out just fine." Hang in there!

We paid our home off then updated plumbing and electrical then made sure the roof wouldn't need replaced in retirement. We did the same with our vehicles. The yard has raised beds for veggies and we planted fruit trees and berries which I can or freeze. The greenhouse was our last expense before we retired this year. Even on SS we are managing to save for any emergency by not buying anything new, no trips, or eating out. It is what it is, but I am grateful.

We have done the same thing. Stay out of debt if at all possible!

The most important lesson my parents taught me from their own action, own a piece of dirt & do not have a house payment/rent at retirement.

Human beings are designed to run on empty. We don't always like it, but it what we do best.

Rule number one ... If you are a debtor to someone... You are a slave to that person.
Rule number two ... If you are not a debtor to anyone... You are the sovereign ruler of you're own kingdom.
Make the choice ... Be the Slave or be the Sovereign. :text-green-game-over:

We just paid off our house this past December.  I'm 67, and my husband is 69, and he is still working, so now we can save our mortgage.  We too live frugally, no buying Starbucks, no energy drinks, and miscellaneous.  It adds up and puts more money in the bank.

You are fortunate because you are blessed BUT YOU ALSO made your own luck. You are still making your own" luck".
Great job.

Thank you for your wisdom! I did some things right, but wish I'd prepped better for retirement. I got a late start in my working life because I went back to school and started working once my kids were older. I  figured I'd never really be able to retire but at 54 I've started having unforeseen health problems that may force me into it before I reach actual retirement age. I also didn't foresee being a widow at my age. I'm scrambling now to try to figure things out in case the decision is taken out of my hands by my health. I believe in God and in prayer, He hasn't let me down yet! Even though life has certainly had it's challenges. 😊❤

make sure to check with ur county / taxes about the over 65 exemption, if ur under 65.  some areas will lower the property taxes.  god bless you and thanks for your story.  it is very helpful.  praying for the best.🎉

I am glad that you are telling people to pay off their house. My mother did that and it is still blessing our family after she passed away. The stock market can crash without warning.

I Downsized my Life since the 2008 Recession!...I am retired from State Government, and have my Social security and continue to Live Simple,  Healthy, Frugally and Spiritually!...I eat a Mediterranean way of eating and Cook All meals at home. ....I Exercise daily and Maintain my yearly health maintenance....I am still driving my well maintained 2011 kia rio Lx 69,900 miles and great on Gas!...I Stay clear of All Debt!......I Pray constantly and Read  the Bible daily 🙏 ...

Best of luck to you.  My dad took care of my mom like your Bill.  It made all the difference

I live on social security in my country brick home on forty acres…….I make my own laundry detergent, hang laundry out, cook a home, only buy groceries on sale, no house pmts, no car payments, invested in grid tied solar years ago and have a 35$ a month electric bill, supplement heat with wood stove and wood off my property, save flower seed for the next year, have a garden, and make a trip to the nearest town completing many errands with one trip…..

Thank you for a sensible talk. I needed this because I will be the only one paying for everything soon. Thank you

The ones on retirement whining they can’t make it on social security make me laugh. I’m on SSI and always got less than a thousand a month from 2001 to now and it started at $503 in 2001. Now it’s $994 a month and I been making just fine. Live within your means it’s not hard to do that.