After her divorce at 58, Ann took control of her finances and has been a dedicated learner ever since. She envisions her "rich enough old lady future self" and every iced coffee, no-spend day, and savings challenge contributes to that.

At 63, Ann works as a full-time Early Childhood Director in Westchester County, New York, earning over $100,000 annually. In a long-term partnership, she enjoys time with her children and grandchildren, and she has been living independently since her 36-year marriage ended. Remarkably, she spent just $408.79 this week.

“Believe it or not, that's more than I usually spend,” she remarked. “It was a rare week with two outings with friends.”

Here’s a breakdown of her week.

Day 1: No Spending

? Total Spent: $0

Ann kicked off her week with her favorite kind of day: zero expenses.

She left home at 6:30 a.m., equipped with a homemade breakfast, lunch, and snacks. After recording her thoughts, she even gave herself a haircut.

“My goal is to have as many no-spend days as I can,” she explained. “I’m focused on retirement savings.”

Her mission is clear: save for her "rich enough old lady future self." Ann aims to retire in five to seven years, ideally at 70, to maximize her Social Security benefits while continuing to save. She recently signed a five-year contract at her job, which she loves, and is keeping her options open.

“If my health allows, I plan to keep working,” she noted.

No-spend days are not about sacrifice for Ann. Cooking at home, forgoing takeout coffee, and exercising in her living room serve dual purposes: saving money and supporting her weight loss efforts.

“It saves money and helps with my weight loss goals,” she added. “Plus, I enjoy cooking.”

Day 2: Dinner Out with Friends

? Total Spent: $54.34

Tuesday saw minimal spending: $23.14 for gas and $31.20 for dinner with friends, a monthly tradition she cherishes.

But Ann also opened up about her struggles with spending guilt.

“I have experiences that make it hard for me to spend on what I consider wants,” she shared. “I grew up with a mindset of scarcity, always hearing 'scrimp and save.' That stays with me.”

This guilt extends beyond large purchases. This week, she felt remorse over window treatments, an item she had saved for two years and had funds for, yet still felt uneasy about buying.

“I spent the money, but now I feel awful about it,” she confessed. “Even though I knew I had it.”

Her remedy for this guilt is the “All About Me” account. Each month, she deposits a few hundred dollars into it for guilt-free spending on things she enjoys, like dining out or fun activities with her grandkids.

“It allows me to breathe and say, ‘This is okay,’” she explained. “I can save while still enjoying life.”

Day 3: Fun Savings Challenges

? Total Spent: $220.68

Wednesday was a “medium spend day” for Ann. She withdrew $135 cash for her cleaning service, which comes every six weeks, and her phone bill was $85.68.

On hiring help, she feels no guilt. “I work hard full-time and prefer to spend my free time with my boyfriend, reading, or gardening,” she stated. “I deserve this.”

She previously scheduled cleaning monthly but now stretches it to every six weeks, saving some money, which she channels into her “All About Me” account.

Next, Ann enjoys her “little savings games.”

She used to spend about $200 monthly on coffee runs. After calculating the cost, she decided to stop that habit and now directs the savings into her account. She carries a reusable cup filled with homemade coffee ice cubes to avoid dilution.

Then there’s her Amazon strategy: if she spots something she wants, she waits 24 hours. If she still desires it, she buys it; if not, she saves that money instead.

“I always challenge myself,” she remarked. “How much can I save and add to that account?”

Day 4: Managing Money Anxiety

? Total Spent: $52

Thursday was another low-spend day, totaling $52 for a work fundraiser ticket where she and colleagues made challah.

On her drive, Ann listened to a podcast about money anxiety, which resonated deeply. Despite managing her investments for years, she often questioned her choices: Am I doing this right? Am I optimizing? Is it enough?

Her son pointed it out first. “He said, ‘Mom, you talk about money so much. It’s becoming an issue,’” she recalled. “And I realized he was right.”

She decided to hire a financial advisor and has no regrets. “Best money I’ve ever spent,” she declared. “Instead of therapy, this served as my therapy.”

For those hesitating to hire an advisor, Ann urges: the relief she felt after passing off her financial management was immediate and significant.

“I don’t have to second-guess myself anymore,” she said. “I’m still learning, but it feels fantastic to have someone else handle it.”

Day 5: Enjoying a Free Dinner and a Home Spa Day

? Total Spent: $0

Friday was another no-spend day. Ann got off work early, completed chores, and treated herself to a manicure.

That night, she returned to work for an event, where the food is always a highlight.

Day 6: Affordable Surf and Turf

? Total Spent: $53.75

Saturday was bright and brisk. Ann and her boyfriend walked eight miles, their go-to free weekend activity. He picked up lunch, and she left a $6 tip.

Next, grocery shopping becomes a mission for her.

“I love to see what others buy,” she shared. “You can learn a lot from someone’s grocery cart.”

Her own cart reflects her priorities: she buys what’s on sale. If chicken is discounted, she cooks chicken; if it's fish, she prepares that. Online shopping helps her avoid unnecessary purchases.

Later, they prepared surf and turf at home.

Additional spending included a $12 plant gift for her boyfriend’s relatives and her $35.75 home security bill.

Day 7: Family Day and Smart Gas Choices

? Total Spent: $28.02

Sunday was dedicated to family. Ann spent the day with her kids and grandkids in Connecticut, a weekly ritual.

On her drive there, she passed her usual gas station.

“They have Gucci gas,” she joked about the high prices. She drove further, found gas for $3.79, and filled up, pleased with her choice to drive an economical car.

Her Honda, with 115,000 miles, is fully paid off and cherished. She affectionately calls it “the green lady” and intends to keep it until it’s no longer operable.

She once drove luxury cars, but that’s in the past. “My values have shifted,” she confessed. “A car is just a tool for transportation.”

Before heading home, she prepped meals for the week. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks were all organized, allowing her to save money and eat healthier.

Weekly Spend and Insights

? Total Weekly Spend: $408.79

Ann's total came to $408.79, even with two outings and a fundraiser ticket. A typical week would likely see even lower expenses.

When asked what advice she’d offer women in their late 50s and early 60s, especially those facing divorce, she responded without hesitation.

“Trust yourself and your instincts,” she emphasized. “You can always learn about finances. Educate yourself to make confident decisions.”

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