IFA or Psychologist?

Reluctantpensioner

I can really relate to your situation, Pat.
How you are feeling is not inappropriate.
I've been made redundant three times in my working life.
In all cases, the actual conclusion was beneficial, and I was aware of that throughout the process - but that did nothing to stop me feeling completely !!!! while in the middle of it, and for quite a time afterwards. Hell, even the word "redundant" drips with negative meanings.

My final redundancy was at the age of 62, so like you was effectively enforced retirement.
I did not retire. I was retired.
"How are you enjoying retirement?" -"I'm as mad as hell thank you very much."

It took me a whole year to start to feel better about it. I too can probably be accused of having "more money than a small african(sic) nation"

None of that helps. The "snap out of it you have no real problems" school of psychiatry represented by far too many posting to this thread isn't known for it's effectiveness.

So: No suggestions or quick fixes from me. And certainly no "you should be happy".
How you are feeling is natural. You've been bounced into a major life-transition, maybe with little notice. You'll get over it, but give yourself permission to mourn the past.

fred246

When you are young you have time and health but no wealth.
When you are working you have wealth and health but no time.
When you are old you have time and wealth but no health.
When you have time wealth and health be happy. That's why I retired early to maximize the time I had all three.

Spreadsheetman

OldMusicGuy wrote: »

.....
EDIT: I just read what Triumph13 posted, "You don't NEED to get the best or most efficient solution financially." That is so true. All you need to do is to protect what you have rather than make it grow significantly. I have adopted a low-cost, low-risk investment strategy in decumulation because all I need to to do is to get my investments to match inflation. We are spending it now, not saving it.

That's a good point OMG. I'm in a similar situation to you with a substantial investment pot, but no DB pension. (I'm still 1y out from retirement though while various business things are settled.)

I've projected ahead and as long as the equity part of my portfolio roughly matches inflation I'm good. The other parts of the portfolio can lose a bit of ground, but it won't matter. Low risk, low hassle is my aim.