Business · Economy · 10 hrs ago
Retiree in Spain says €873 monthly pension is not enough to cover costs
José María lives on a monthly pension of €873 in Spain, where more retirees are struggling to cover their expenses.
He retired in 2020, and the account says early retirement can mean permanently reduced pension income.
José María says he manages on about €20 a day, not including fixed bills such as building fees and his phone.
He had €14,000 in savings when he retired, but says he has to use some of that money each year.
Unexpected costs, such as a broken washing machine or water heater, make it harder to manage his budget.
His experience highlights the pressure on retirees facing low incomes and rising prices, especially when finding work later in life is difficult.
No specific next steps are given.
José María, a retiree in Spain, says his monthly pension of €873 does not cover his costs.
He says he withdraws some of his savings each year to make ends meet.
He says he lives on €20 a day, excluding fixed costs such as community fees and telephone bills.
He had €14,000 in the bank when he retired in 2020, but the savings are shrinking.
Unexpected repairs, including to household appliances, add to the strain on his budget.
- Who
- José María, a retiree in Spain.
- What
- He says his monthly pension of €873 is not enough to cover his costs.
- When
- The article was published on 26 October 2026. He retired in 2020.
- Where
- Spain. His specific location is not stated.
- Why
- His pension does not cover his everyday and fixed costs, and unexpected expenses put further pressure on his budget.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
José María retired with €14,000 in the bank.
El Confidencial published his account of living on a monthly pension of €873 and drawing on his savings.
- Monthly pension
- €873
- Daily spending
- €20, excluding fixed costs
- Savings at retirement
- €14,000
- Retirement year
- 2020
- Article publication date
- 26 October 2026
What people are saying
Each year, I have to take some of what I had saved.
I know very clearly what I can spend, but it is impossible. One day the washing machine breaks, another day the coffee maker, or the water heater breaks.