Quit everything , and start again over 50?

Hello AC. I've been a bit MIA again but have been thinking about you all. I've caught up now too so congratulations on staying with it. You'll soon be off into your dream life. It occurred to me too how forward thinking you've been with having a property to sell. So many friends of mine kept remortgaging during the good times who basically have no equity now. That bubble burst quite loudly.

I've also been thinking that there are some cheaper b&bs that have the pool and sauna (as suggested earlier) but also have a gym. You really could have a little sabbatical before your 6 month one to really get your life on the path you want it to be. If you have to be out of your room at certain times of the day then incorporate that into your gym, pool and sauna time?

Just a suggestion. It's great to see things picking up pace now.

Regarding nationwide, I really have no faith there, but I hope you get to speak to an empathetic manager if you do persue it.

I actually feel a little sad that you won't be mentioning places around London that I'm close to, but I know it's all for the good for you.

MTx

I suspect we have very similar attitudes to being less than 100% fit. A mixture of pride, stubbornness and stroppiness. Otherwise you would be having at least a few days off sick.

I like the combination of serenity and panic, but can't make a neat word out of the two.

I shall try again when I'm at the dentist tomorrow. Finally stood my ground and refused to go away without an appt. What a waste of energy. Rude words to everyone wearing the cloak of stupidity.

"Seranic" ?? :rotfl:

AC. I would say your timing is pretty good. When all debts and expenses are cleared and the dust settles you will have well over £200k.

You definitely bought at the right time. Today you wouldn't stand a chance.

I did something similar way back in the 70s.

I was earning peanuts. Bought a wreck. On paper it look like financial suicide. Within months interest rates rocketed. I was in dire straits. I could hardly afford to eat never mind buy the necessary building materials, let alone pay contractors. I borrowed DIY books from the library and rolled up my sleeves. At one point the downstairs was uninhabitable. I lived for three months in the middle of a Derbyshire winter in my bedroom with a just an oil filled radiator, an electric blanket, kettle, toaster and camping gas stove.

I lived to tell the tale. It took me 3 years to get it done. When it was finished I put it on the market and sold in 4 days, for more than double what I'd paid for it.

So when people told me how lucky I was I just smiled and said nothing. I wonder how many would have done what I was prepared to do, selling my car, walking miles to work, no holidays, very few outings, no new clothes......

Same with you AC. You've had a tough ride with your health, money issues and your job but it will all be worth it. Yes the last few months have been tricky but in a few months time it will all be behind you.

You will have folks telling you how lucky you are to be able to do "just up,sticks and retire so early". Some will be envious, some might make snidey comments, little realising what it took to get you there. They wont realise the sacrifices you had to make, the hard times you went through.

Like me, just bite your tongue and smile. Let them get on with it whilst you get on with your new exciting life.

After that first house I bought a cute cottage in the most fashionable and expensive part of the city. I was 28. People made all sorts of comments, wanting to know how I could possibly afford it. I gave up trying to explain. They didn't want to know about the blood sweat tears and hardship it took. They wanted an easy ride. They preferred going out, spending their money on fancy holidays, flash cars etc.

Does this sound familiar.........:rotfl:

One particular nasty person insinuated that the only way I could have afforded it is if I was "on the game".......

Hey ho. I learned to just smile sweetly and ignore the sneers. When they simply wouldn't shut up I would just tell them I was a "trust fund babe" or that I was loaded. I realised that it was envy talking but they weren't prepared to make the sacrifices and work the way I did.

It takes courage and hard work to make our dreams come true. I dreamt of a lovely house in my favourite part of the city. You dream of an easier and more interesting life.

I made my dream come true and so will you.