worried about the future

emptynester_2

I dont know where to start really, sound really nerdy in such an electronic age. Only able to work part time now as was injured in a car crash 2 years ago, but unable to get additional benefits as I am married (long time) and my hubby had a good salary until he had to retire at the end of his service in September 2005; reasonable pension and we both have part time jobs, feeling really miserable as youngest has just left home, now sorting out debts incurred helping her through uni but have at least almost paid off mortgage. Have just completed Martins excellent budget planner and horror am overspending by £350 per month (how did I miss that one) MUST REMOVE THE BLINKERS.

Now really concerned about what the future holds on reduced income and living cost rising all the time. I am in my 50's and wonder how we are going to manage. Have been trying to get a better paid job but with my medical history and my age (so much for equality) how on earth do you begin to save

help!!!!!:o

Ellie2758

Oh dear, I'm sorry - you do sound down. Were/are you entitled to any compensation from the accident? Can you think of any additional ways to raise money - boot fairs/babysitting/ebay/dog walking? It might not pay much but it all builds up and while you're out doing it at least you're not using up your electricity/heating. Do you think you might be a bit depressed, what with youngest leaving home and the approach of winter? Try to get out each day during the daylight hours just for a quick walk - I find it really helps me. I've had a lot of stress over the years (kids with special needs, my own health probs etc) and it is so easy to start feeling down this time of year.

souwesterly

Hi – you are in the dumps, aren’t you?

First things first – quit worrying about the future – worry about NOW.:)

As Ellie suggests – look for ways to increase your income – boot sales; Ebay; cash-in-hand jobs, etc. Regrettably I’d say, forget holidays – for now.

Secondly – make sure that you get all the Benefits that you can claim. Try asking the DSS (or whatever they’re called now) – and don’t feel that you don’t feel right by claiming – so what; if you’re entitled to help then get it!

Don’t look for another job – claim, claim and claim instead! I’m over 60 and I’d love to work but I can’t (thanks to a back injury and, as you say, to ‘equality’) so I make sure that I get all that’s on offer. Go for it.

Sometimes it isn’t easy. You’ll never be rich but, given your circumstances, I’d say that you CAN survive and come out on top. But you and your husband have done your bit – let the rest of the country help you for once.

I’m not an anarchist or anything – I don’t hate the Government but I know when I’m beaten and when (and where) to go for help. Ask for assistance and try money-making schemes – but don’t tell them!

If you can’t beat the system then buck it!!!!!!!!!!!!

And remember to smile – it make you look better, even if it doesn’t make you feel better!!

ailuro2

Your kids are at Uni, so you've probably achieved something very good there:D

Your mortgage is about to be paid off, so that's another major millstone, no endowment shortfall worries to think about:D

Your dh has a reasonable pension, and you have both found part time jobs, another good thing as it will keep you both from strangling each other, not literally of course, just the emotional affect of one partner retiring;)

You have been overspending by nearly 100 pounds a week.Even if you halve this you will still be living very well.:D

I'd say you have a lot of blessings to count, and this is just a temporary empty nest glitch.

Concentrate on money saving going towards a holiday- it won't seem such a chore, and get yourself over to the old style boatd to see if there's anything there you perhaps do already and can build on.

Chin up!! I think things are actually pretty good for you;)

msmicawber

Dear emptynester,

Please try not to worry - your life's in a state of flux at the moment, but it sounds as though with a bit of managing everything will be fine.

Would you consider posting on the DFW board for advice on budgeting and getting rid of the debts? There's lots of kind, helpful people there so you'll get plenty of support and some good advice too.

elona

Have you thought of doing a spending diary so that you can see where the money goes?

So that you do not feel too deprived think of things that are cheap or free that feel like "treats" - bubble bath, book from library, walk in nice surroundings etc.

P and O ferries have a two for the price of one offer on a mini cruise to Rotterdam, Amsterdam and Bruges - two days as a mini holiday for two people for about £66.

tawnyowls

Forget the age thing - it's illegal to discriminate now, but in any case I don't believe it was ever as widespread as people made out. Look how many older people you see serving in shops, for instance. My OH is 53 - he's moved jobs 3 times in the past 2 years, and had no problem doing so.

Let's see if we can come up with more specific suggestions. What type of work do you do? Have you got any skills that could possibly be used to raise money? You can obviously use a computer, so that's a good start!

ruthyjo

Have you thought about childminding? It's quite hard to get a childminder near where I live, but there are a couple of more mature ladies who do it. They don't have little ones during the day, but just do before and after school so probably not as exhausting for them. Each has in the region of 4-6 kids so at £3 per child per hour it's not a bad hourly rate (at 1 hour before school and 2 after just 4 kids could give you a daily income of £36). Of course it takes a special type of person to do it but if you're feeling the empty nest anyway might be one to think about?

My MIL fostered small children. It was extremely HARD work and not something to go into lightly or to be regarded as primarily moneymaking, but it did provide her with a surprisingly decent income.

I'm not suggesting caring for children should be seen as primarily moneymaking, but you sound wistful that yours have grown up so thought it might cover off two problems simultaneously.

Savvy_Sue

emptynester wrote:

I dont know where to start really, sound really nerdy in such an electronic age.

So are you feeling left out of the white hot technology race? If so there are usually drop-in centres where you can brush up on your computer skills and maybe that would help your employability as well. Or maybe you should get a promotion!

Try and concentrate on things YOU would like to do, that you can now you don't have to be home for the youngest. I know it's scary, mind you! I've just dithered about joining a local walking group, have taken the plunge and hoping I don't regret it! :rotfl: