On the home run to retirement - give me your top tips!

badmemory

Just to put in my oar!  As your OH doesn't work I think that changes many things.  What will happen to your finances if for some reason YOU cannot work?  You really don't want to be stuck having nothing to do but watch daytime TV.  A few months ago I wasn't feeling very well (not covid) so I thought chill in front of the TV.  So form a real plan for (brain) engaging pastimes.

Spogchait

Cheers @badmemory, it’s a good point.  Our finances would be shot if I didn’t work and I’d be pretty bored, at least initially.  When you start to consider stopping work It becomes clear just how much your life is shaped by work.

Albermarle

Spogchait said:

Cheers @badmemory, it’s a good point.  Our finances would be shot if I didn’t work and I’d be pretty bored, at least initially.  When you start to consider stopping work It becomes clear just how much your life is shaped by work.

Normally if you say something like this in this forum , you get a  bit of abuse for being a boring work drone.
Early retirement is seen as a bit of a Holy Grail by some .

barnstar2077

Albermarle said:

Spogchait said:

Cheers @badmemory, it’s a good point.  Our finances would be shot if I didn’t work and I’d be pretty bored, at least initially.  When you start to consider stopping work It becomes clear just how much your life is shaped by work.

Normally if you say something like this in this forum , you get a  bit of abuse for being a boring work drone.
Early retirement is seen as a bit of a Holy Grail by some .

I don't know if abuse is the right word, but yes, the world is your oyster, don't spend your life at work! :  )

JGB1955

I retired at 58, not picking up my workplace pensions until 60 and am now just weeks away from receiving my State Pension.  I spent the year before retirement restricting my budget (from savings) to the amount I would receive at 60 - just to see if it was 'doable'.  It was no problem at all and I was able to approach my 60s with financial confidence.  The best decision I've ever made... I have acquired 4 grandchildren in the intervening years and have plenty of time to enjoy them.

Talking of time - maybe retirement is a time for new opportunities.  The U3A is a great place to start exploring.  I'm currently really missing my weekly Mahjong sessions!  I also enjoy 'off-peak' gym membership - you wouldn't catch me in the 'actual' gym, but swimming 4 times a week for less than £2 a go is great.  

barnstar2077

Personally, I want to get a dog and perfect my unicycling (two unrelated interests btw, I don't juggle puppies while unicycling or anything.)

Black_Cat2

barnstar2077 said:

Personally, I want to get a dog and perfect my unicycling (two unrelated interests btw, I don't juggle puppies while unicycling or anything.)

*dials RSPCA* lol 🐶

Spogchait

@barnstar2077 we just got a dog but part of me was thinking that if the dog wasn’t around in 10 years it would free us up to travel!  Despite that thought,  I’ve been amazed how rewarding having a dog is and how it gets you out of the house and meeting people, there’s a real community of dog walkers.  I’d recommend it to anyone.

Spogchait

@JGB1955 living on retirement income in the run up is a great idea.  I also swim, it will be a joy to do that without feeling I have to rush it.

Albermarle

Spogchait said:

@barnstar2077 we just got a dog but part of me was thinking that if the dog wasn’t around in 10 years it would free us up to travel!  Despite that thought,  I’ve been amazed how rewarding having a dog is and how it gets you out of the house and meeting people, there’s a real community of dog walkers.  I’d recommend it to anyone.

I will retire next year but the dog is getting a bit old , so just when I have more time for walkies , maybe he will not be around anymore. On the other hand it is quite restrictive having a dog so when the inevitable happens I will see how it works out for a year or two before thinking about getting another one.