When I was growing up in a rural area, we didn't have access to retail options like Walmart, Amazon, or Costco. There was usually just one grocery store and a hardware store within driving or walking distance. So when we needed something, our mom would tell us, "Make do! Do the best you can with what you've got!" We had to get creative and hand-make many of the items that kids in the city could simply buy. Looking back, those experiences helped shape who we became.
Building From Scratch
What kind of things am I talking about? Ever make a slingshot from scratch? You'd climb a tree to find a branch with a natural Y-shape, cut it off, and whittle it down until it was just right. Then you'd take strips from an old rubber inner tube and attach them to the top. A small patch of leather in the center became the pouch to hold rocks or whatever ammunition you could find.
Once it was finished, you practiced again and again. We boys got so good we joked we could shoot Sir Walter Raleigh's pipe right out of his mouth. Of course, that was also when trouble could start, like firing at your mom while she hung laundry or shooting at a neighbor's door so they thought someone was knocking, only to find no one there.
Then in March, it was time to make handmade kites. We built simple frames from tree branches, covered them with newspaper, and glued everything together with flour-and-water paste. An old sheet or towel became the tail. String was hard to find, so we collected pop bottles along the roadside and turned them in at the local grocery store for a penny each until we could afford a ball of string. Sometimes we even found leftover paint to decorate our kites, making them bright and distinctive.
At some point in life, you've probably faced a "make do" moment too. When was it, and how did you solve it? Those experiences often make you…you!
By David Edge
David Edge is a retirement lifestyle writer and contributor to the ARA monthly newsletter. His articles blend personal stories with practical insights on living well in retirement.
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Easy Eddie's Take
David's story about making do with what you have really hits home when I think about retirement planning. Most people are surprised when they learn this, but you don't need a perfect financial situation to start building a solid retirement plan. Just like making a kite from newspaper and tree branches, you can create something meaningful with whatever resources you have right now.
Here's the good news: in 2026, there are more ways than ever to stretch your retirement dollars. Whether you're working with Social Security benefits, a small 401k balance, or even just the equity in your home, the key is getting resourceful with what you've got. I see folks all the time who think they need six figures saved before they can start planning, but that "make do" spirit David talks about? That's exactly what turns modest savings into a comfortable retirement.
Think of it this way: every great retirement plan started with someone making the best of their current situation. A little creativity with your planning today can make all the difference tomorrow.