Retirement: A Chance Encounter Changed Our Retirement Forever

I've sent previous videos from this couple, and in one, they alluded to this rent vs buy story. This latest version has more detail.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yC0BobfiedQ

I've told this story before.

My parents appeared to be planning to stay in their home forever. My father designed the house that was built around 1968. My father passed away in 2008 but my mother continues to live there and keep up the house. This is what her parents did. Quite a handful at age 88.

My wife's parents followed a different path. When my father-in-law retired, they sold their home and moved into a 3-bedroom apartment. 3rd floor. No elevator. Laundry in the basement. I thought they were crazy. Today I think they may have been brilliant.

My parents social circle was small. My father had traveled quite a bit while employed, so his desire to travel was low. Yes they took a few trips, but they were mostly home-bodies.

My wife's parents had a large social circle and enjoyed spending time with friends. Renting an apartment gave them a lot of free time to travel, and they did. They also had a lot of free time while home. Spending time with friends. No maintenance to worry about. When they passed away, handling the estate was more simple without a house. They had already downsized.

So this is an interesting topic to me.