Pension for people in their 60s: Awareness and practice to continue living even with a monthly take-home pay of 100,000 yen
At first
Many elderly people in Japan feel that their pension take-home pay is only about 100,000 yen a month, and that it is difficult to live with this.
Various factors, such as rising prices and increasing medical expenses, are putting pressure on people's lives.
However, by changing your mindset and practicing the right methods, it is possible to connect your life with just a pension.
I will introduce specific methods and points of awareness so that you can live with peace of mind even with a monthly pension of 100,000 yen.
Understand the current situation
First, it's important to understand exactly where you are.
Many people find it difficult to cover their living expenses with pension income alone, but let's start by figuring out exactly why.
Know how much you will receive your pension
It is very important to know exactly how much pension you are receiving.
It is important to understand how much money is being transferred and the breakdown (basic pension and welfare pension, etc.).
Based on this understanding, you can review your monthly income and expenses.
Understanding and reviewing spending
Next, break down your spending and get a clear idea of how much you need to spend.
Make a list of expenses that you will inevitably incur each month, such as food, housing, medical expenses, and utilities, and consider whether there is room for savings in each item.
For example, utility bills may be reduced by using energy-saving appliances and raising awareness of saving electricity.
The habit of keeping a household account book
Getting into the habit of keeping a household budget will make it easier for you to spot wasteful spending.
Keep track of your daily expenses and look back at them to understand where the problem lies.
Using a smartphone app, you can easily manage your daily expenses.
Specific ways to reduce spending
Here are some specific ways you can reduce your spending:
Please try to work on it to the extent that you can.
Review of food costs
Food costs are often an item that has a significant impact on household budgets. Refrain from unnecessary eating out and expensive ingredients, and try to make planned purchases.
It is possible to reduce food costs by buying in bulk, using special sale items, and switching to self-catering.
Growing vegetables in your home garden is also an effective way to save money.
Housing Costs
Housing costs account for a large proportion of fixed costs and need to be reviewed.
Consider moving to a property with a lower rent or sharing a living space.
Also, if you have a mortgage payment, you can consult with your financial institution and review your repayment plan.
Saving on utility and communication costs
You can also reduce utility costs and communication costs if you are conscious of them.
Let's start with small ideas, such as changing to energy-saving equipment or reviewing the contract plan.
In particular, you may be able to save a lot of communication costs by changing to a cheap SIM or choosing a plan according to the frequency of use.
Review of hobbies and entertainment expenses
You may also want to review the cost of hobbies and entertainment.
By participating in free hobbies and community events, you can spend quality time while keeping your expenses low.
In addition, by using public facilities such as libraries, you can enjoy a variety of entertainment at a low cost.
Ways to increase income
Having a source of income other than a pension can help reduce financial anxiety.
Here are some ways to increase your income:
Side jobs and part-time jobs
The number of side jobs and part-time jobs that allow the elderly to work is increasing.
Find a job that makes the most of your strengths and allows you to work flexible hours.
There are also more jobs that can be done online, so you may be able to earn money at home.
Income from hobbies and skills
There are also ways to use your hobbies and skills to make money.
For example, you can expect to earn extra income by selling handicrafts and artworks, or by holding cooking classes.
You may also want to consider using your knowledge and experience to hold courses and seminars.
Income from asset management
You can also increase your income by managing your assets.
However, risk management is a must. Choose the investment method that suits you, such as mutual funds, stock investments, or real estate.
While consulting with experts, you will be required to allocate assets that take into account the balance between safety and yield.
To improve the quality of life
It is important to improve not only financial stability, but also the quality of life itself.
Let's think about what we can do to live a healthy and fulfilling life both physically and mentally.
Health management
Health is your greatest asset.
Regular health check-ups, moderate exercise, and a balanced diet are essential.
Also, make sure you manage your stress and get enough sleep. Staying healthy will reduce medical costs and improve the quality of life itself.
Connection with society
Connecting with society leads to a sense of spiritual fulfillment and security.
Participating in community activities, volunteering, and building new relationships can help you feel less lonely.
Also, make sure you interact with your family and friends.
Lifelong Learning
Continuing to take on new challenges is very beneficial as a reason to live.
Acquiring new skills and knowledge as a lifelong learning process also leads to self-confidence.
There are a variety of learning opportunities such as local cultural centers and online courses, so let's make active use of them.
Conclusion
Even with a limited income of 100,000 yen in pension take-home pay, the quality of life can be greatly improved with a little ingenuity.
What is important is not to be satisfied with the status quo, but to change your mindset, starting with what you can do on your own.
In addition to reducing spending and increasing income, don't forget to approach life in general, such as human connection, health management, and lifelong learning.
We hope this article will help you improve your daily life.
And please share this information with those who find it useful.
So, let's start with what you can do today as a first step towards a new way of life.
Build a great future with your own hands.
