MAUMELLE, Ark. (KTHV) - "Live within your means" is the message from a semi-retired Arkansan.
In this tough economy, Kathryn Babb is another American who still works to add a little to her retirement income.
She recalls a few years back when times were tough, her lifestyle changed. Like other Americans, Babb had to cut back on everything from eating out, to not getting car repairs when she needed to.
"There were those lean times before Social Security started -- but I've always been one to keep the wants and needs right along in line with the income. I don't like to stress about that sort of thing. There are a lot of things I would have liked to have had. But yeah, I just put them off," Babb said.
Babb has been semi-retired now for almost five years. "Well my job is in nursing. I'm an LPN. And as I said I do that at night on the weekends. And use Mondays to rest up, get over the weekend," Babb said.
She is also a volunteer at the Clinton Center, answering phones on Tuesdays, among other activities.
"I'm also a member of the senior's center over here. So I help out with the medical runs for the folks that need lifts to the doctor's offices," Babb said.
She considered upgrading from her apartment to something larger, but decided to stay put.
"Couple of years ago or so I thought...I'd like to have a little yard or whatever. Just a little patio or a little private place that's outdoors. And I still would. I've searched around quite a bit to find something within my means that I could afford, and I couldn't come up with a better value," Babb said.
She added there are times she wishes she would have started saving earlier, but had to take care of her kids. If she had planned better, she said, it might have been different. Instead, she's had to make adjustments and still works those weekends.
"Sure. I'd much rather have my whole week, the whole seven days to do as I please. But the only thing that I've done is to have the 401K at work," Babb said.
And as far as controlling expenses, she said that she does not have a strict budget but watches her spending. And she's not in debt.
"You know, it's just common sense. If I want this or that down the road, I better ease up on some of the spending right now," Babb said.
Exclusively on this story, hear her comments to those who are five to ten years away from the retirement age by clicking the THVideo Web Extra. We've included her full interview on affording retirement.