I’m 71, Still Working and Renting — But I’ve Never Felt Richer. My Tips for a Simpler Life
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Cara Danielle Brown
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Zuri Anderson
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Jackie Lange, 71, is the president and owner of Panama Relocation Tours, an agency offering all-inclusive, private tours to help individuals explore living in Panama.
While most people her age are retired homeowners, Lange has actively chosen to continue working and renting — and she’s never been happier.
Her secret? Live simply.
“The simpler you live, that happier you’ll be,” Lange said.
Here are three tips she offers for living a simpler life in retirement.
Move Overseas
The United States has a significantly higher cost of living than most other countries — and that tends to make life more complicated. Originally a real estate investor living in Texas, Lange wanted to retire in a country where she could live a fuller life for less money. So that’s exactly what she did.
Lange currently rents a two-bedroom, furnished house in Panama with all utilities included for a mere $1,000 per month. According to Rentimate, a two-bedroom house costs roughly $2,840 per month to rent in Austin, Texas before utilities. The decision to relocate instantly removed anxiety around money.
“So many retirees can’t afford to retire in the United States or Canada,” Lange said. “Worrying about finances causes a lot of stress. Panama is the solution!”
She stated that after removing financial stress and embracing Panama’s slower pace, many retirees with whom she’s worked have actually been able to get off some of their medications.
Live Your Purpose
“I’m 71, but I’m still working even though I could easily afford to retire,” Lange said. “I love what I do so I can’t imagine ever retiring.” In other words, money is not her sole motivator.
After relocating to Panama in 2010, other retirees started asking Lange how they, too, could retire in Panama. And that tapped into one of Lange’s core desires: Helping people.
“I loved helping people solve complicated real estate problems. Now, I love showing people how they can live better for less in Panama,” she said.
Lange proves that, if you live your purpose, work will never feel like work.
Downsize
“I only brought two suitcases and my cat when I moved to Panama. I sold or gave away everything I owned in Texas,” Lange shared. And she realized she never needed it.
“One thing you learn when you move overseas is that you don’t need all that ‘stuff’ that clutters your life. That stuff holds you down,” she added.
Ultimately, Lange stated she feels happier, lighter and less held back now that she’s downsized. She’s also seen her savings account increase as a result of no longer spending money on things she doesn’t need.
Case in point: Lange originally owned a home, but found it was too much effort and money to maintain it. So she sold it. Since then, Lange has been embracing nomadism and exploring various areas of Panama.
“It’s liberating to just be a renter!” Lange said. “I love the freedom to move to different areas.”
Author Duane Elgin put it best: Happiness means living in a way that is “outwardly simple and inwardly rich.”
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