Going to be claiming Housing Benefit when I retire- worth having employers pension?

worried_jim

Comstock wrote: »

I don't see what is wrong with asking if I'll be better or worse off with a particular given option.

As for suggesting it is somehow morally wrong for me to be concerned if I can get housing benefit after a lifetime of working in low wage jobs, paying tax and rent to a landlord all the time, well I suggest you catch yourself on.

It's called life. You make the best of it which in your case would mean contributing to your pension scheme. Turning down this opportunity (free money) will become a big regret.

MacMickster

Comstock wrote: »

As for suggesting it is somehow morally wrong for me to be concerned if I can get housing benefit after a lifetime of working in low wage jobs, paying tax and rent to a landlord all the time, well I suggest you catch yourself on.

There is nothing wrong with having to rely upon my grandchildren going out to work to pay taxes in order to put a roof over your head - provided that you have done everything you can to try to provide for yourself but despite that you are unable to do so.

There is, however, a world of difference between that scenario and my grandchildren having to pay more than necessary to support you in your retirement because YOU decided 25 years in advance that you would take every penny you could from them, whilst giving yourself an extra £30 or so per month beer money now.

If you don't understand that then, even at 42 years old, you still have a lot of growing up to do.

Comstock

"beer money". Honestly,what planet are you on? Try living on £7.35 an hour for a while and see how much "beer money" you have.

These employers pensions would obviously make perfect sense for someone who has paid off their mortgage by the time they retire. I simply asked the question, as someone who will almost certainly be renting for the rest of his life, whether they made sense for me.

Instead of practical advice, I get nothing but sanctimonious lectures. Trust me, if there was a realistic alternative to lifelong renting, I would take it.

missbiggles1

Comstock wrote: »

"beer money". Honestly,what planet are you on? Try living on £7.35 an hour for a while and see how much "beer money" you have.

These employers pensions would obviously make perfect sense for someone who has paid off their mortgage by the time they retire. I simply asked the question, as someone who will almost certainly be renting for the rest of his life, whether they made sense for me.

Instead of practical advice, I get nothing but sanctimonious lectures. Trust me, if there was a realistic alternative to lifelong renting, I would take it.

Well firstly, £7.35 is the living wage, not NMW.

Secondly, given that you live in a shared house in Derby, your living costs are going to be pretty low so no reason for you not to have quite a reasonable amount of surplus (ie beer) money, certainly compared to those on higher wages but paying considerably more for their rent.

Comstock

What a nasty, self righteous lot you are.

bouicca21

For various reasons I have only 24 years in my pensions scheme. It may not be a full pension but it's enough to make the difference between scrimping and relaxing.

tomtontom

Comstock wrote: »

No, but the several nasty posts I've had above have made up my mind what to do.

You're making a life changing decision based on a few unfavourable internet posts?

No words!

Alice_Holt

Comstock wrote: »

"beer money". Honestly,what planet are you on? Try living on £7.35 an hour for a while .

Are you in receipt of tax credits?
Are you currently eligible for HB?

If you are then, as a previous poster has mentioned, your current net income may not reduce by quite as much as you expect through pension contributions.

Before opting out in a fit of pique, I suggest you check the effect on your overall net income using a benefit calculator;
https://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/AboutYou

You could also use it to give you an idea of your position in retirement with a small occupational pension and then without. (Of course rules will have changed in 25yrs, as will your circumstances)

Incidentally for compaision the new State Pension (divided over a std 37hr working week) equates to c.£4.20 ph. Aboslutely no "beer money" there!

dunstonh

What a nasty, self righteous lot you are.

I know someone who has just gone through a breakdown and his tone was very similar to yours in the lead up to it. Totally negative, bad decision making and thinking everything and everyone was against him. If you are feeling that way, then please visit your GP or someone who can give you support. Don't get angry with the internet. Get help.

Well_excuse_me.

Comstock wrote: »

Well I count several, including #16 which I have reported to the mods.

Honestly, ask a simple question....

Mods ? You've told Paul Weller? Crikey.


There are no moderators on this site.