It it really easier… or just different?
I’m 74, retired from a “white collar” career, but my dad and grandfather taught me just about every “blue collar” trade - and left me all the tools..
I have a huge 130 year-old house, mortgage just about paid off, fixed income, smallish retirement portfolio, - pretty much “house poor”.
A ton of deferred maintenance, because I just refuse to pay contractors for things I can do for a fraction of the cost. But they are things a 74 year old should not be doing.. re-wiring the house, roofing, painting, major plumbing, cabinetry, tree work, auto and major appliance repair - you name it.
These projects are brutal at my age and the ones I haven’t gotten to yet weigh heavy on my mind.
Yes, if I had the money my neighbors have, my life would be a LOT easier.
Of course, I probably have some mental health advantages from doing things myself, working with my hands, feeling grounded and self reliant.. but there is also stress and worry about the future.
Also, I have other talents I could focus on if I could focus on if I had the money - which might be just as rewarding - piano, pool, wood-carving.. to name a few.