25% lump sum or not

jackyann

Glad this has helped you. I too have found MSE helpful in generating ideas & getting my thoughts in order.

Like my parents I always feel that I need some money immediately available for an emergency and I found, through MSE some savings accounts that offered a decent rate of interest in return for limited withdrawals.

I don't know what your lifestyle is at present, but I have found that a combination of low stress & more time = spending much less. I take advantage of every offer that I can (I have unlimited swimming for £12 a month!) and we work our social lives around activities that cost little money. I am guessing that like me, you are (about to be) an ex-public servant and suggest that you join whatever scheme they have that enables you to take advantage of discounts into retirement. I pay £26 a year to to be a retired member of my union, so I can still access all those benefits, and am still signed up to NHS discounts.
You may also find through your old contacts a small amount of part-time work. I have friends who do small jobs like clerking for the parish council or a board of governors - only a few hours a month but it buys a nice pub lunch for 2!

I nhope it goes well.

Uplander1111

My wife has copped the delayed pension so a decade or more to go but hey - you can't win 'em all. I felt reluctant to reduce my FS pension with with 5 years to go to the OAP and all the help has convinced me that this is right. We live simply anyway, we are good at budgeting and we have done our sums so all should be well. Certainly I am looking forward to having time to do inexpensive things like finishing jobs round the house (just heard a cheer from the sofa!) and gardening. Plus we're near the sea so all in all - bring it on. Thanks to all for the posts.