I am 56. Like most here I've lived below my means, even when my means were lean. I have gotten by well by having a low cost of living which means I buy used, or not so high on the shelf items.
The house needs a new roof soon. I could get out my old scaffolding and shingle it again myself and get along for another 20 years...or...I could hire a contractor to put on a steel roof and "get the last roof I'll ever need!"
Anyone else have an example of "This is the last one I'll ever need to buy!"
I am age 70 and I recently tore off 2 layers of roofing shingles and install GAF cool roof title 24 shingles which should last 20 to 30 years or until I am age 90 or perhaps age 100. Cost $5K in material at Home Depot but a contractor wanted $15K. I did it myself without hiring a helper because I am a exercise freak and I needed to maintain my fitness. I also knew that I could not re-roof my house in my 80's. Took me 3 months plus 1 week working about 3 to 4 hours a day. Typical shift was 90 minutes of work and 2 hours of rest and repeat. Must have scaffolding and an Bosnitch air gun nailer. Removing the two layers of old roofing took most of the time. if you only have one layer of old shingles to remove, you should finish the job in less than 3 months. The $10K that I saved will be used to help me buy a used corvette. You should be in a reasonable physical condition to re-roof your house. Be aware that a steel roof can be noisy during a rain event.