As many people approach retirement age, their anxiety grows and they sometimes overstress themselves by attempting to work harder and save more.  The truth is that scrimping and saving just a few years ahead of retirement won’t really change your nest egg significantly.  From a quality of life standpoint, you’re much better off taking vacations and working a little longer.  Earnings from an extra year or two in the work force will give a much bigger boost to your retirement savings and you’ll probaby enjoy that balanced lifestyle more.