A 67-year-old who quit air conditioning and dining out and saved 600 million won in his lifetime: "I regret digging the land"

Suzuki (alias), 67 years old this year, grew up in a poor family environment, started working part-time at a restaurant in middle school, and after becoming an adult and getting a full-time job, he ate lunch every day with a lunchbox he packed himself. To save on rent, he chose a small, old apartment far from work, avoided public transportation wherever he went, mostly walked, and rode a bicycle to travel far. To save on heating and cooling costs, he hardly used air conditioners,,,, wearing thin clothes when it was hot, ,,,and thick clothes when it was cold. His wife, whom he met through a workplace romance, said she understood and accepted Suzuki's lifestyle, and after their child was born, Suzuki's habit of saving did ease a bit, but it didn't change much. For family outings, they only went picnics to nearby parks or riverbanks, and when traveling a bit farther, they chose the cheapest routes, and they didn't buy a house or car. Through decades of frugal living, including meticulously keeping household ledgers, the couple has saved 35 million yen (about 330 million won) in savings, and their pension is 240,000 yen (about 2.26 million won) per month. That was the case. When he retired at 60, he invested all his retirement pay and increased his savings to 30 million yen (about 282.93 million won) over five years, bringing the total assets of Suzuki and his wife to 65 million yen (about 613.02 million won) by the age of 65.  Suzuki believes that after all the effort and savings he has endured, he has gained 'stability in old age,' and that no matter what happens, having this money gives him peace of mind. However, two years ago, his wife collapsed from illness just after turning 65, and then passed away at 66 just over a year later. Suzuki confessed that he was tormented by deep regret after losing his wife. He said, "When my wife was healthy, I should have traveled with her and enjoyed delicious food," "Time that has passed never returns. When all that's left is money, where is the meaning of life?" he said. Of course, Suzuki's wife may have also regarded a frugal lifestyle as a source of stability or happiness in old age, but Suzuki regretted focusing solely on increasing her assets and not fully enjoying moments with her family. Suzuki firmly said, "Is a life focused on building assets necessarily good? I don't think so," he said bluntly,,,,,  but when it comes to spending for themselves and their children, they should use it!!!!!!