'supporting each other through really tough times'

silvasava

fuddle wrote: »

I clicked on a link via gov site. I've paid 15 years of contributions with another 15 still to make. I retire at 68 so have 34 years left to do it. It's stored away but I suspect the goal posts will change so many times before I get there.

Legally do you have to retire at a certain age?

You can retire at any age you like providing you have the funds to support yourself - its just that you can't claim your state pension until a certain age!

sevenup01

I have finished sorting out my daughters clothes. There were so many! I have no idea why i still have 2 baby snowsuits though so they are going to the charity shop as soon as possible along with a small mountain of other clothes that were too small. The rest all fit neatly into 5 draws.
Saving queen those courses sound great value. I hope you enjoy them.
It is minus 2 here and i have yet to go to funky fitness with youngest daughter. I think i would rather stay home and be warm.

elizabunny

Popperwell wrote: »

Thinking about it I'd like a pet again...I had a wonderful rabbit for 9 years. Frighteningly that was around 22 years ago.

But now not knowing my finances and where I will be and getting older perhaps its not such a good idea.

As someone said yesterday it is the extra worry of insurance in case our dear pets become ill and need to be seen by a vet.

There is also some concern these days that having a pet if being helped in some way by the State could be seen as wrong? Not by me as they can give love and company and help your well being but people and the media/politicians can be strange these days and quite nasty about such things...sorry I should say "Some" not all.

Also I would probably get too attached to my animal friend and have the sorrow such a loss causes.

I would have to consider a cat or rabbit to save the problems of having to walk a dog anyhow.

Popperwell we have a gorgeous little house rabbit. He is sitting by me now as I post. He is fully house trained and such a dear little thing, around 18 months old now. We have had him since he was two months. He is such great company and runs around pretty much like a little dog or cat would. You do have to bunny proof your home though as they love to chew especially cables, but we have pretty much overcome that now. The only time he goes into his indoor den is when we go to bed or go out. The reason for this is we have a German Shepherd Dog as well. They get on brilliantly but I would never leave them alone together.

elizabunny

westcoastscot wrote: »

I did a pension forecast a couple of years ago - should probably see if the new rules will change it or if it's fixed.

I'm very concerned about the burger issues - not particularly that it has horse in it but the fact that it isn't labelled as such - we have serious food allergies in our house and the few processed items we buy need to be accurately labelled for safety.

Meant to say we have a few snow flurries here but its chucking down over the corryvrecken - just had a text from youngest and he says it's really amazing!

Hi westcoastscot, I too had done a pension forecast and was all set for the FSP I thought, but no, the new rules will change it:(

Popperwell

I have just discovered that Radio 4 switched their topic for today's Moneybox Live and they are talking about the new State Pension plans and the MP responsible for announcing this is in the studio.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01ptzt5

It's nearly over now so watch out for when you can listen on line.

elizabunny

Softstuff I hope you will be much better soon. I think my DH would like to trade me in for a new model (bless him) he is very understanding. Those cookies sounded like a good idea:D

I've made a sticky gingercake today for DH, 2 nice wholemeal loaves and there's a pot of beef stew bubbling away for his tea. Just have the dumplings to make and I'm done.

Looks like we're in for lots of snow on Friday. I thought I was reasonably well stocked up, but DS2 has just phoned to say he is popping home for a couple of days tomorrow, so maybe I'll have to have a re-think. Oooh I'm already excited, I love seeing him -it's usually only once every two months, so feeling very happy:).

PS. I love seeing DS1 too, but he lives much closer and I get to see him much more often.

kidcat

Afternoon toughies - hugs softstuff and wishes for a speedy recovery

Today has been hard, ,my back is really sore, DS14 didnt want to go to school again, so I compromised and sent him to his group instead.
I popped over to the carers centre with a friend as well to show her where it was.

I did manage to get into Boots for the big sale as they opened and grabbed some really good bargains, I have got presents for DD18 to use as gifts for her friends as the birthdays arrive, and I got a few other bits too.
Came home to a missed call from my mum really upset her brother has been rushed into hospital.
She was on her way here by that time as she was helping with school pick ups today - so when she arrived she was on the phone to various relatives.

Have done the pick ups but had promised the kids we would attend a session at the play barn (with the grp that is rather harsh! ) so still ahve to do that but mum wants to visit hospital as well, so as soon as OH home I will have to leave him at the playbarn with kids to take her.
To be honest I could really do without it today - offered tomorrow but she insisted.
I know it sounds awful but I have not sat down at all today and have taken no painkillers either, havent had anything to eat yet. Slipped on stairs earlier so am all sixes and sevens, so I know I am at my limits.

Oh will not be impressed either as its my group tomorrow, I have made the stew and cakes etc all ready but cant do the dishes or even unload the stupid DW - why are they so flipping low down ?

Sorry for moan - school werent pleased DS has failed to attend and are saying that if I dont put him in soon they will want GP notes etc - and I just dont need the hassle.

To me his reluctance to go back having done one hour there on MOnday says its not going to happen and he needs something else - to them apparently its a sign I am putting him off because when they spoke to him MOnday he said it was ok!!!

westcoastscot

elizabunny wrote: »

Hi westcoastscot, I too had done a pension forecast and was all set for the FSP I thought, but no, the new rules will change it:(

Thanks, i'd better get a new one then. I'm in that place where I thought I only had 7 or 8 years to go 'til I retire and then my forecast came back saying 16 years! Suspect it will get longer not shorter

kidcat

westcoastscot wrote: »

Thanks, i'd better get a new one then. I'm in that place where I thought I only had 7 or 8 years to go 'til I retire and then my forecast came back saying 16 years! Suspect it will get longer not shorter

WCS - its so wrong, to bring these things in now for women 40 and under is one thing, there is time for them to make a change but anything older its just cruel.

savingqueen

Kidcat - gentle hugs to you poor love. I really wish your back would hurry up and heal. You don't need it adding to your hectic life. I wish I could send someone to come along and physically guide you into a big armchair and then wait on you hand and foot for a bit. I know you have a lot demanded of you but you must find time to eat properly at the very least. You will end up too ill to do all the running about you do otherwise. What are your plans for this eve? Can you have a rest?

Thanks sevenup. I am looking forward to the courses. Having a bonus day today :j- as well as the the courses I mentioned, I also have the chance to do another course. Its on job interviewing skills etc and specifically tailored to people with speech impairment. I just found out about it today and I have emailed the person sorting places and filled in and sent back the application form. DH is going to take annual leave as I will need to leave home before school run and won't be home til after 5pm. It is just the sort of thing that will help me with confidence building, skills etc needed to got a job and there is nothing else like it even privately, other than what the charity I am invoved with has set up. Its the first run of courses but they are only asking for £10 for lunch costs and I will need to pay for train fares to London of course. Even so it will be extremely valuable to me at any cost tbh. I hope I get a place!!! I actually feel that I have a chance of getting a paid job again. Just the little problems of childcare, anxiety and disability to overcome (and the massive gap on my CV!) I know others manage so I can too, right?

Sorry to ramble on - I have been thinking about returning to work for a long long time and its a really big deal to me. The last fulltime job I had I ended up leaving after a breakdown partly through stress and my workaholism. A lot has happenned since then though so hopefully I can sort a proper work/life balance when I get a job eventually. Seeing these courses advertised has pushed me into action rather than saying I will leave things just a little longer all the time.

better go and cook kids' tea, will be something very easy like pasta that they love. DS6 didn't eat anything at all last night and went to bed early feeling coldy so hope he is not coming down with something as I have some special plans for tomorrow!

sq:)