I’ve Lived on Social Security for 7 Years: 5 Things I Always Buy for My Home
Written by
Laura Beck
Edited by
Amber Barkley
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Stan T. has mastered the art of maintaining his 1970s ranch house on a fixed income. After seven years of living primarily on Social Security benefits, this 72-year-old former mechanic has figured out which home investments actually save money long term.
The DIY Cleaning Arsenal
“Nobody needs those fancy cleaners,” Stan said, mixing his signature solution of white vinegar and water.
He spends about $30 every three months on basic supplies: vinegar, baking soda and simple cleaning tools. “Been keeping my bathrooms spotless for pennies since 2017.”
Strategic Appliance Maintenance
Instead of waiting for things to break, Stan schedules regular HVAC check-ups.
“Twenty dollars worth of filters every month saves me hundreds down the road,” he explained. “My air conditioner is older than some of these repair guys, but she runs perfectly, ’cause I take care of her.”
LED Everything
“First thing I did when I retired was switch every bulb in this house,” Stan said.
He spent about $200 initially on LED bulbs. “My electric bill dropped almost forty dollars that first month. Done paid for itself many times over.”
Paint and Caulk
Stan keeps a steady supply of basic white paint and caulk in his garage.
“Moment you see a crack or a peel, that’s when you fix it,” he said. “Wait too long and next thing you know, you’re paying thousands for water damage.”
The $10 Monthly Hardware Store Run
Every month like clockwork, Stan hits the hardware store with a $10 bill.
“Sometimes it’s weatherstripping, sometimes it’s WD-40,” he explained. “But I … never let small problems turn into big ones. That’s how you keep a house running on Social Security.”
As Stan put it: “Everybody wants to tell you how to save money by spending it. Real savings? That’s about maintaining what you already have.”
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