but i was running the ship. >> reporter: it was a lesson that wasn't lost on her son chad. >> is this a new suit? >> it is not a new suit. >> what did your mom teach you that you really took away? >> the importance of saving, but also more importantly the importance of making sure that you have a safeguard in place in the event something emerges, like the most recent great recession. >> reporter: but marilyn doesn't think that frugality should only be taught at home. she believes retirement savings should be supported by employers and schools. >> when you're hiring young people, start off with workshops on retiring. some decisions that you make when you first start your career you would not have made it or waited for it. >> reporter: you think we need more education early on? >> yes, i would like to see it in high school, really, about retirement. >> reporter: but with so many seniors living longer, surviving on a fixed income can be a challenge. marilyn's secret, identify what