The way we live life is a choice. We can make it simple or we can complicate things and stress out.

For Iosefo Filipo, he prefers to keep it simple.

The 64-year-old from Tuanai was selling his green coconuts when the Village Voice team approached him for an interview.

“I sell my nius (coconuts) on Saturdays only because I have my own canteen at school so I’m always working there,” said Iosefo to the Village Voice.

“I sell off my sandwiches, eggs and other kinds of food that are good for kids lunches.

“But on Thursdays and Fridays, I make barbeque at this stall and sell it to people and it’s really good money. 

“I’m always busy doing my own little businesses, I mean I had imagined myself just sitting at home and not doing anything while there’s a lot of money maker from the land; if I’ve lived a life like that,  that would be like throwing away money.

“That’s why I’m always checking on my nius and koko because these things make money and I don’t want to waste that.”

Iosefo is a father to four children. Three are overseas with one working in Samoa.

 “Some say the cost of living is expensive but I don’t think that’s even true.

“If it is then that just means that you’re not out there sweating to find ways to make your own life easier.

 “And you know what, I agreed with the Prime Minister when he said, you don’t just sit around and money comes to you. You don’t walk into a banana patch and expect to see a $5 tala laying there, no. You don’t get money just like that; one always needs to work to earn a living.

“Personally, I think the cost of living is okay because we can still afford the basic needs for our families.

“It’s true we have to pay for everything nowadays but I believe that the cost of living is still affordable.”