Retired Japanese couple in their 70s with S$356,916 in savings regrets being too thrifty, not spending more

A Japanese retired couple in their 70s, who had accumulated 42 million yen (approximately S$356,916) in savings, now regrets being too frugal in their old age.

A Japanese financial advice site recently published an editorial about an elderly couple who have a monthly pension of about 250,000 yen (S$2,124).

Though the money allows Hisako Sasaki, 74, and her husband, Masashi, 76 (both pseudonyms), to lead a comfortable life, they regret not enjoying life more.

Not spending a virtue

The couple reportedly worked at a big company and retired around a decade ago.

They supposedly lived an extremely frugal life after retiring, believing that spending less would bring them security.

This is because the couple felt that not spending money was a virtue.

They also felt that a simple life did not matter as long as they were together.

This mindset led them to travel only once a year and refrain from buying new clothes. The couple also rarely ate out.

Loneliness in old age

In addition, the couple consistently refused to socialise over the years, even as their friends travelled abroad and attended family gatherings.

As a result, the couple began to have fewer interactions with others and each other.

They also reportedly had different interests and led their own lives.

Additionally, their interactions with their grandchildren decreased, and their relationships became more distant.

No energy to spend money

However, Sasaki now regrets it as she realised her husband spends the whole day watching TV.

She only visits the library and sometimes goes several days without talking to anyone.

Her biggest regret is not creating more memories when she was healthier.

With less energy, the couple now finds it more difficult to enjoy life despite having the savings to do so.

Sasaki added that she also regrets missing the opportunity to spend money in her earlier years.

According to Statista, the main motivations for Japanese households to save money include financially preparing for old age and unexpected events such as illness or disaster.

Additionally, Japanese households reportedly tend to save rather than spend.

Top photos via Canva