Regretting Nearly 7.4 Million Yen in Retirement Savings! A Couple Regrets 45 Years of Frugality, Missed Their Most Wanted Experience

Many people work hard and save money, hoping to enjoy a comfortable retirement. However, if they keep postponing the enjoyment of life, they may not have the energy to realize their dreams when they actually retire. According to a Japanese media report, a couple married for 45 years regretted their excessive frugality. Although they had 37 million yen (approximately NT$738 million) in savings and a monthly pension income of 250,000 yen (approximately NT$50,000), their economic situation was stable. However, due to health deterioration, they missed out on many life plans they wanted to accomplish.

Japanese retired households have an average monthly deficit of 42,000 yen According to THE GOLDEN ONLINE, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' 2025 Household Survey statistics show that dual-income households aged 65 and above without work have an average disposable income of approximately 222,000 yen per month, but their average expenditure is approximately 264,000 yen, resulting in a deficit of approximately 42,000 yen. Therefore, many retirees, even with pensions, need to use their accumulated savings to maintain their livelihoods. Many families choose to save as much as possible during their working years to alleviate concerns about economic pressure after retirement.

To save for retirement, the couple repeatedly postponed travel and enjoyment A couple, Masahiro and Kiko, are a typical example. After getting married, they always followed the principle of frugality. They rarely ate out, only dining at restaurants on special occasions; they only bought clothing items that were necessary for life, and their travels were mostly limited to one-day trips to nearby areas to avoid additional expenses. Whenever friends or relatives invited them to travel or attend gatherings, Masahiro would always think, 'There will be other opportunities,' and decline repeatedly. Kiko had once hoped to travel abroad with her close friends, but her husband, considering the children's education fees, mortgage, and the uncertainty of retirement, wanted to save the money first, and the plan eventually fell through. Over time, the couple got used to putting off all the things they wanted to do until after retirement.

Regretting despite having 37 million yen in savings, wife's injury forces cancellation of European trip After years of effort, the couple successfully raised their two children and paid off their mortgage. At retirement, they had accumulated approximately 37 million yen in savings, with an additional monthly pension income of 250,000 yen. As long as they planned their expenses normally, their lives were almost free from economic pressure. However, less than half a year into retirement, Kiko injured her knee. Although she did not need surgery, she could no longer endure long walks and movements. The long-awaited European trip had to be reluctantly canceled. She couldn't help but sigh, 'If only we had gone earlier, at least we could still walk then.' This remark also deeply moved Masahiro.

Only upon looking through old photos did they realize they had saved money but not memories While organizing old photos, Masahiro suddenly noticed that there were very few photos of the whole family traveling together, and even fewer photos of the couple. He sighed and said, 'Although the retirement savings were indeed saved, the memories that could have been created together can never be recreated.'

Reallocating retirement assets, seizing the time to enjoy life After this change of heart, the couple began to re-examine their financial concepts and no longer regarded all their savings as assets that must not be touched. Instead, they reallocated them according to their needs into four major categories: living expenses, medical care, home repairs, and leisure entertainment. Although they can no longer complete long-distance overseas travel, the couple still decided to arrange hot spring trips, stay at nearby hotels, or enjoy some small joys within their means. They hope that in the latter half of their lives, they can not only leave behind savings but also leave behind more memorable moments.

Source: THE GOLDEN ONLINE Editor in charge: Wei Fuchen