Giving every £ a job

Blackcats

SunAddict and Sarah - I do feel fortunate to have a public sector pension - I know what it will be and it's not at the mercy of the stock market and needing me to make plans for a sensible spending rate to make a retirement pot last. Which based on my history could be catastrophic!    Mind you, I think there is a common misconception that we pay very low contributions whereas I am paying around 11% of pay.  The Macleod age discrimination judgement last year means the bit of my pension that I would have had to wait til 68 to access I can now chose to take at age 60.  

Loveactually - well done for the freezer dinners.  I'm amazed how much food there is rammed into my freezer and yet I still keep buying more.  

Savingholmes - I'm really not sure what I will do.  Currently I have a lot of responsibility for caring for my elderly parents.  Eventually I'd like to use some of my work skills in a voluntary setting - I'd love to support people with job readiness and interview skills.  

Sun_Addict

A couple of years ago pre-Covid, my workplace did voluntary placements with ex drug addicts/alcoholics trying to get back into the world of work. Something like that would be so worthwhile. 

Blackcats

SA that sounds very worthwhile.  I anticipate take a few months off and re-charging batteries and then looking for opportunities to volunteer. 

Blackcats

I'm away for a few days holiday.  Trying to balance not spending unnecessarily with having fun.

money saving ploys so far ....
ferry tickets for one way paid for by trebling club card points 
took flasks and homemade cake for the journey
air b n b booked direct and small discount for paying in cash
quick shop at Lidl's for provisions including wine and beer.  This brought my June monthly spend up to £200 which triggers a £10 voucher.
takeaway curry was sufficient for 2 nights 
cooking favourite meals at our apartment using good quality ingredients rather than eating out (lobster linguine tonight 😋)

 Spends so far .....
some spends on tea and coffee but we were at a free charity run animal sanctuary so I'm very happy to buy some drinks from their cafe.  Made a donation too but it's a nice well run place doing a good job of animal rescue
Drinks in an idyllic cliff top bar overlooking the sea 
a trip on a steam train

feeling very relaxed and enjoying myself with glorious sunshine as an added bonus.

Sun_Addict

Sounds like you’re having a lovely time. Happy days ☀️🏖

Loveactually

Enjoy your holidays. 

We are also going away for a few days in august cants wait 

[Deleted User]

Just caught up on your diary.  So inspiring and v jealous that you will soon be retiring!  Great going on the freezer/store cupboard meals.  Your holiday sounds fab - enjoy!!

Blackcats

Thank you SA.  really enjoying a few days away.  It's a different pace of life and such a welcome relief from staring at a computer screen all day on MS Teams.
loveactually - not long til your holiday.  I think we have all learned to appreciate things a bit more after the last 16 months.  I'm sure you will have fun and make happy memories.  

Thanks Rebecca - I can't quite believe that my retirement countdown clock is ticking.  I don't think anyone at work has any idea that I'm planning to leave next year as I will be below retirement age.  I have to say that it helps me stop getting stressed by office politics.

another lovely day today - the time flew by.  Had a good walk along the seafront, stopping half way for a cup of tea in the sun overlooking the very calm sea.  

I paid my £400 towards my council tax tonight - it's my challenge to myself to get it paid off as quickly as possible - 46.5% paid so far.  If I get it done in under 10 months then that will give me a good end of year savings boost if I divert that £400 each month.  

savingholmes

Great that you are having a relaxing time away. Can't much beat coastal views... or the sound of the sea swishing along the shore.

Loveactually

Well done regarding your council tax. 

Yes really appreciating the little days out we can take.