Countdown to Freedom

Tilly_MFW_in_6_YRS

Evening, further north in Portugal at the moment but we will drive back south tomorrow night. Huge reminder to enjoy your life to the full whilst you can. I read a post today from someone who has planned to retire early and now changed their mind - completely their choice but once Mr T is 50 we are definitely off. We will travel, meet friends, have people here and live our lives. That is not to say we don't today but we are governed by work.

We are all on our journeys and each have to live them as we see fit but there is a point when you are 'safe' financially and more is possible but is it really worth the price.

Right, I'm off to listen to jazz and take our friend's husband out for dinner and laughter.

Best wishes Tilly x x

gallygirl

Completely agree Tilly, I know the thread you're talking about.

edinburgher

gallygirl wrote: »

Completely agree Tilly, I know the thread you're talking about.

This board or pensions?

gallygirl

edinburgher wrote: »

This board or pensions?

Pensions. We're all too bone idle on here to work longer than necessary - or was that just me :rotfl:

Popgirl

Hi Tilly & GG

I have also read that thread and was very surprised with the change of heart I agree with what you say but i do sometimes wonder when do you get to the point of "safe" financially. People have different views of when that point is and that put's doubt in people's minds. I have received several PM's since I started my thread saying in their opinion my pot of money won't last and our plans are unrealistic. These comments have made us think, but not enough to changed our plans But I can understand sometimes why people do.

Thistlewhistle

Hope you're having a lovely holiday Tilly

T;)

Goldiegirl

I've just been reading that thread on the pensions board, and I have to say I'm not too surprised, as the poster in question kept finding reasons to stay on at work for just a bit longer.


I'm sure he feels happier now he's made a proper decision. But it's not the decision I would have made!

Goldiegirl

Popgirl wrote: »

Hi Tilly & GG

I have also read that thread and was very surprised with the change of heart I agree with what you say but i do sometimes wonder when do you get to the point of "safe" financially. People have different views of when that point is and that put's doubt in people's minds. I have received several PM's since I started my thread saying in their opinion my pot of money won't last and our plans are unrealistic. These comments have made us think, but not enough to changed our plans But I can understand sometimes why people do.

it's a good question - when is 'safe'?


And even if you are 'safe', people think it'd be nice to have 'more', as an additional buffer, so they carry on working a little longer.


It's something that only the individual can decide - we know how much we can live on and still have a good life, and the value of time as opposed to money - it'll be different for us all

Tilly_MFW_in_6_YRS

Evening (almost), in terms of retirement, the loss of loved ones comes into the equation as well. During the last five years I've lost two close family members, plus we have lost two good friends and are shortly to lose another one, with sadly another not far behind. This type of loss really does make you question yourself and how you live your life.

That doesn't mean to say I want to eat out every night, buy a new car each year etc etc. However, I do want to have the time to travel around. Have the kids visit, plus their kids when the time comes. I/We want to visit galleries, attend concerts, gigs and give back in some way. I love the financial and running the home 'classes' I'm giving and appreciate that things we know now have a tangible impact on others. From that please don't think I'm preaching but explaining how to buy in bulk and share, how to menu plan and create free money (surveys, CP, S&S etc) has definitely made a difference to people.

I'm involved in a food bank in Portugal and there is real poverty here, as there is in the UK. In 2015 to think that people can't afford shoes for example, or food is tragic. The benefit system here is nothing like the UK and people really do struggle.

We know how much we need as a minimum to live on and I am eternally grateful for the final salary pension scheme, plus AVCs I've been paying into. We can live more than comfortably on my pension alone and when Mr Ts kicks in we will have other choices to make.

I fully appreciate that there's an element of good fortune in having jobs which paid well and enabled us to sort our future out but equally we have both worked hard, in some respects too hard.

I'm not sure why I've brain dumped all the above but I think it's because I am grateful. For Mr T, for our children, for being in a position where we can live a life as we choose. When I'm here permanently we/I won't be sitting idle. We have acres to look after, a veg garden to maintain, some consultancy that I have been asked to do, plus volunteering. I think that will keep us occupied but it will be at a pace chosen by us, not for a global corporation who works you into the ground.

Right, I'd better sign off. Car is packed and we are heading down south shortly.

Very best wishes Tilly x x

apple_muncher

Awesome post, Tilly - thank you x