He owns several properties besides his home, including two rented to electronics and mobile phone stores.
One of his children said these rentals used to generate over VND60 million ($2,300) per month. After raising rents, one brings in VND35 million ($1,300) and the other VND40 million ($1,500), giving him a steady monthly income of around VND75 million ($2,800).
But he spends less than VND30,000 ($1) a day. His children take turns bringing him meals or he asks someone to buy plain porridge. He drinks tea and smokes, but said his doctor recently told him to limit smoking to one pack every three days.
The man said at his age, he does not eat much, struggles to move around, and has little ways to enjoy life. When he was young, he thought making money would bring happiness. Now he realizes having money means little if he has no use for it.
He once scolded his youngest son and daughter-in-law for spending VND40 million ($1,500) on an overseas trip and said he has never flown in his life.
Many people chase after financial goals their entire life. They push themselves to work, save, and invest for the future. But no one knows if that future will turn out as planned.
When old age comes and health declines, no amount of money in the world can improve appetite or carry our legs.
Many criticize Gen Z for their lifestyle and spending. They earn and spend freely, relying on their parents when money runs out.
Their parents are their safety net. Spending on experiences is not the same as wasting money, as long as it comes from their own hard work.
Growing old with regrets means missing out on good meals, trips, and gifts for loved ones because of savings. In the end, money stays, but the joy is gone.
Money is important, but it should not only be saved. It needs to be spent at the right time to create experiences and memories. True wealth is having a stable family, caring for parents, educating children, traveling, and living well now.
The older generation was often too strict on themselves when it comes to money. They were afraid to spend or live comfortably. In the end, they regretted having money but no time to enjoy it. If we save and forget to live, we may end up the same way.
I once asked his son why he did not move back in with his father and what would happen if a stranger becomes their stepmother. He laughed and said no one could take the money, and they would welcome a stepmother rather than worry.
Society often glorifies wealth. It drives many people to work to exhaustion and sacrifice their health and family happiness.
True wealth is not how much money you have, but how much time you have to spend it with joy. Balance is key to living without regret.