Rich Colorado, an 87-year-old retiree from California, shares his unique approach to life and finances. Despite never investing in stocks and lacking a formal retirement plan, he has amassed over $1.3 million through frugality and prudent financial decisions. Originally hailing from El Salvador, Colorado moved to the U.S. in 1946 and worked various jobs before retiring at the age of 65. His story is one of resilience, adaptability, and contentment with what life offers.
In a picturesque corner of California, lies the home of Rich Colorado, who purchased it back in 1969 for a mere $18,200. This house has become a symbol of stability and longevity in his life. Over decades, Colorado transitioned through several careers, starting as a bowling alley worker in 1958. Later, he became a scale technician, a role he trained himself for and held for 27 years until retiring in 2002.
His journey wasn't planned meticulously; instead, it was marked by simplicity and frugality. For instance, unaware of having an IRA or 401(k) initially, Colorado eventually contributed 15% into these accounts once informed. Even during the economic downturn in 2008, when he lost $15,000, he remained steadfast, moving his savings to safer options like CDs yielding over 5% interest.
Now retired, Colorado dedicates his time to hobbies and community service. He bowls three times weekly and teaches chess to children at the local library every Wednesday. His active lifestyle reflects not just physical health but also mental acuity, maintaining connections with friends nearly as old as himself.
As he contemplates his legacy, Colorado plans to distribute his wealth among his seven grandchildren via a trust he intends to rewrite for smoother distribution. His car, bought post-retirement, still runs efficiently with only 60,000 miles on its odometer, highlighting his commitment to practicality over extravagance.
From a reporter's perspective, Rich Colorado’s narrative serves as a profound lesson in contentment and resourcefulness. It challenges conventional wisdom about retirement planning, emphasizing that significant wealth can be achieved without complex investments if paired with consistent saving habits and wise spending choices. His life demonstrates that true prosperity isn’t merely monetary—it's found in meaningful engagements and cherishing relationships throughout one's lifetime.