The Piano Diary

glass_half_full

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81971104#Comment_81971104

Thanks @KajiKita !

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81971425#Comment_81971425

Thanks @South_coast. Appreciate this. You're right, I wouldn't rule out work if needed. But it's time to go ahead with the plan now.

glass_half_full

Dear diary and all,

Had a great video call with DS. He has been in San Francisco and is now on his way to Mexico. Still enjoying the job and is talking about his next contract after this one ends. We plan to join him on this if we can. It was great to see him and he is looking well.

I am now in the final few weeks. In 4 weeks time I will give notice. No big deliverables are due in this period. I have one more overseas conference trip in this job. This time I am taking OH  with me. This means buying her flight and the extra hotel nights we will need. I've managed to keep the costs reasonable by using a budget airline and finding cheapish Hotels where possible.

Recently I responded to a 'solar together' quote. It came through last week. It's good value for the solar panels so I may go ahead. Or I may wait, haven't decided yet. 

AgathaSquirrel

The solar thing is interesting. I haven’t explored as our house is shaded so much of the day but I would in different circumstances.

Exciting that your plans are almost at fruition. Glad your son is enjoying his job and lovely that you can hopefully join him for a trip.

savingholmes

Your travel plans sound fun.

The solar idea is something I'd love but not convinced my house's location is suitable. I'm also hoping costs reduce a lot.

glass_half_full

Dear diary and all,

I have two solar quotes now. We are lucky I suppose in that we have a large roof space facing south east which is pretty much ideal for solar panels. The first one from Solar Together is for 10 panels (£4K) and battery (£4K) and the second one from a good local supplier, 14 panels (£6K) and battery (£4K). A couple of interesting things from these quotes. Firstly, the price difference between the solar together and the local supplier isn’t that much. Maybe they are the same supplier :). Secondly, most of the financial payback comes from the panels and less so the battery. AI has been quite useful interpreting the quotes as they are a bit complex. My annual useage is around 5,400 KwH. It looks like with 14 panels the payback is around 6-7 years. The battery payback is much longer, around 10 years so less compelling. Then there is the environmental benefit and carbon reduction. I’m minded to go for the 14 panels but unsure about the timing. Not sure this is a priority right now and perhaps I don’t want the hassle of the installation. I might focus more on other stuff for 12-18 months and then revisit. On the other hand, the sooner I get them the sooner the payback starts. And after 6-7 years almost free electricity.

glass_half_full

Dear diary and all,

Spoke to OH about solar and she has rightly pointed out a list of other things that would come first. Some of these are must do and a couple are nice to have.

In no particular order:

1. Paint or replace Soffits and Fascias (£4K)
2. Replace patio doors x 2 (£2K)
3. Internal front door replace (£500)
4. New carpet stairs and landing (£600)
5. New banister (£500)
6. Redo ensuite (£5000)
7. New bed (£1000)

Total = £13,600

These estimates are approximate 😊.

Can’t do this all in one go either practically or financially so we will prioritise and work through the list. This will push solar back. I think I am minded to wait until after we have stopped work and can see how the finances settle before getting stuck into this lot. We also want to travel so that will be another consideration both practically and financially.

savingholmes

I think you are sensible to wait. I also think it is really easy to get sucked into spending lots on your home when you could use that money for travel and adventure. It is a balancing act. Remember to create a 'memory dividend' that you can draw on in your later years.

glass_half_full

Dear diary and all,

I had the conversation yesterday with my line manager about my intention to retire early. He was very good and supportive etc albeit a bit surprised. Its not something I have discussed before so it will have come out of the blue a bit. I have another meeting scheduled next week with my more senior manager who I report to in another capacity. There is a bit of a process to go through verbally before I put the resignation letter in writing. I prefer to manage it this way. Feels a bit weird to be honest but I know I am doing the right thing which is reassuring. There are various processes and mechanics to go through but it is all in train now so here we go! I imagine this process is unique to the individual in terms of how you feel about it and how you process it emotionally. Its nice that we have a bank holiday now and the weather is set to be hot. We have a 10k run on Sunday but will be taking that easy for sure.

AgathaSquirrel

Exciting retirement progress! Hope the 10k goes well.

beanielou

Exciting times ahead.