Root canal or extraction?

Wow is this about perfect timing. When I was younger I had a couple cavities but for 33 years I had good insurance and had my teeth cleaned and checked every 6 months. I lost all my dental insurance in 2010 when I retired. Well 5-6 years ago I paid to get a cap and now that tooth is giving me trouble (top back left tooth). My last checkup I told him about it and he gave me the could get it pulled option or then he recommended a dentist to do a root canal. It’s not terrible pain and honestly the money isn’t there with school and property taxes due. He said then he would have to redo the cap (pay again). At 67 I’m leaning on getting it pulled.