How much to live on

Albermarle

So due to property inflation and the fact I am a saver IHT looms for my inheritors.

Not to get too morbid but as you appear to be married, then IHT will only be applicable on the second death.

If you leave your home to your kids, the first Million will be IHT free.

Sounds obvious but the easiest ways to reduce IHT liability are:

Spend the DC pension pots last ( or not at all) as they are IHT free. ( for now anyway ) 

Spend more generally. 

Give money away to family, friends, charity etc

Floss

I earn around that "comfortable" level as a single person with rent (albeit 50% as shared ownership). Mortgage is paid off, I'm in the NHS scheme & also pay into my Scottish Widows pot every month. My plan is to retire from my job in 3 years at 63, live off my SW monies & a side hustle until SP age when I will access my NHS pension.

I will just note that 15 years of marriage in the 1980s/90s gave a false sense of pension security that fell apart with divorce in 1999, before pension sharing. Then 6 years of single parenting, little maintenance & 2 kids going to uni meant there was no spare cash for my pension pot. My 2 kids are now mid-30s and have almost as much in their pension pots as I have.

DiamondLil

I've been retired for more than twenty years and the advice from @helensbiggestfan is spot on. Stay as fit as you can, eat wisely, and keep a small fortune back for dental treatment.

Even more so now that NHS dentistry is so rare.

cbsexec

I totally agree about the dentist costs.   Shock this year as husband had to have a private tooth extraction because not available at our nhs dentist.      Ended up costing over £1000.   Definitely not a cost we had thought about!   

BooJewels

I'm with a private dentist - that was why I mentioned a dental crown in my list of extras on the previous page - it cost more than my 2 new TVs and aerial lead - my monthly fee covers check ups and cleaning.  I've tried to get in with a more local dentist, as ours was where we used to live, so adds £25-£30 each visit in a taxi.  But even with private dentists, they're so over-subscribed, they've stopped even keeping waiting lists.  As I like the young lady that has taken over my account, after my previous dentist moved on, I'm actually happy to stay.

helensbiggestfan

BooJewels said:

The problem is, the blasted numbers will insist on keep getting bigger!

helensbiggestfan said:

[snip]

3.    Learn a few simple DIY skills.  Invest in a few power tools to help make gardening and diy easier.  

helensbiggestfan said:

I meant to add to the list, gadgets and gizmos that make life easier.   Obviously these will vary from person to person, but the right gadget or tool can make all the difference in maintaining independence.  For example I have just bought one of those battery operated electric scrubbing brush thingies.  Makes light work of cleaning grungy tiles etc, also things like long handled feather dusters for high ceilings and hard to reach corners.  Simple things that just make life easier and which mean I can still do my own cleaning.  

 

I've been mulling over these comments today - after I lost my husband I found myself having to do jobs that he just always did - I'd barely even taken the wheelie bin out before.  So whilst we had plenty of tools - I often found they were just too big or heavy for me, so I've gradually put together my own tool tote with tools that suit me better. 

I've always believed in the adage that the 'right tool for the job' and once you find what works for you - is balanced, the right weight and size, the job you're doing is that much easier.   I'm actually delighted that many of the tools I found to be the right size were ones inherited from my Grandad and Father and I'm sure they'd both be delighted and amused that I'm now finding them useful.  I always thank them when I've used one of them. 

It's always amazing to me that you can learn how to do all sorts of tasks on-line.  I've tackled all manner of DIY jobs that I didn't think I'd be able to do - or didn't yet know how to do.  The single biggest obstacle I've found is just strength and size limitations - sometimes I just haven't been able to unscrew something or reach it.

I've also invested in tools specific to tasks I need to do or to make things easier, like a 3 step steps that has a platform for putting tools and materials on.  It's much easier to change a lightbulb if once you can reach it, the parts are also within reach and you don't have to hold thigs in your teeth or tuck them under your arm.  I also bought a little cordless edge trimmer for the grass outside - every single time I use that people walking past ask me about it as it's so damn dinky.

But I'd also add that cultivating a relationship with a good handiman or appropriate tradesmen is also valuable too.  There have been several jobs where paying someone else to do a job was very well worth it.  A tricky job that takes someone with the right tools or skills a couple of hours to do, but would take you all weekend is worth the fee to me.  You have to weigh up if a job is worth your time - which has a value too - or not.

Sorry didn't answer sooner.  I'm a widow too so I understand what you are saying about lacking the physical strength to use your late husbands tools.  Luckily you can usually get lightweight versions.  

I totally agree with employing appropriate trades.  I have a list of trusted tradespeople  I can use plus a really great mechanic/handy man whose fees are very reasonable.  I have two grown up sons who are very obliging although I don't like to bother them if I can help it. I have a little sideline hustle selling bric a brac and vintage clothing so I sometimes use the money I make from that to pay for little diy jobs.  

BooJewels

helensbiggestfan said:

BooJewels said:

The problem is, the blasted numbers will insist on keep getting bigger!

helensbiggestfan said:

[snip]

3.    Learn a few simple DIY skills.  Invest in a few power tools to help make gardening and diy easier.  

helensbiggestfan said:

I meant to add to the list, gadgets and gizmos that make life easier.   Obviously these will vary from person to person, but the right gadget or tool can make all the difference in maintaining independence.  For example I have just bought one of those battery operated electric scrubbing brush thingies.  Makes light work of cleaning grungy tiles etc, also things like long handled feather dusters for high ceilings and hard to reach corners.  Simple things that just make life easier and which mean I can still do my own cleaning.  

 

I've been mulling over these comments today - after I lost my husband I found myself having to do jobs that he just always did - I'd barely even taken the wheelie bin out before.  So whilst we had plenty of tools - I often found they were just too big or heavy for me, so I've gradually put together my own tool tote with tools that suit me better. 

I've always believed in the adage that the 'right tool for the job' and once you find what works for you - is balanced, the right weight and size, the job you're doing is that much easier.   I'm actually delighted that many of the tools I found to be the right size were ones inherited from my Grandad and Father and I'm sure they'd both be delighted and amused that I'm now finding them useful.  I always thank them when I've used one of them. 

It's always amazing to me that you can learn how to do all sorts of tasks on-line.  I've tackled all manner of DIY jobs that I didn't think I'd be able to do - or didn't yet know how to do.  The single biggest obstacle I've found is just strength and size limitations - sometimes I just haven't been able to unscrew something or reach it.

I've also invested in tools specific to tasks I need to do or to make things easier, like a 3 step steps that has a platform for putting tools and materials on.  It's much easier to change a lightbulb if once you can reach it, the parts are also within reach and you don't have to hold thigs in your teeth or tuck them under your arm.  I also bought a little cordless edge trimmer for the grass outside - every single time I use that people walking past ask me about it as it's so damn dinky.

But I'd also add that cultivating a relationship with a good handiman or appropriate tradesmen is also valuable too.  There have been several jobs where paying someone else to do a job was very well worth it.  A tricky job that takes someone with the right tools or skills a couple of hours to do, but would take you all weekend is worth the fee to me.  You have to weigh up if a job is worth your time - which has a value too - or not.

Sorry didn't answer sooner.  I'm a widow too so I understand what you are saying about lacking the physical strength to use your late husbands tools.  Luckily you can usually get lightweight versions.  

I totally agree with employing appropriate trades.  I have a list of trusted tradespeople  I can use plus a really great mechanic/handy man whose fees are very reasonable.  I have two grown up sons who are very obliging although I don't like to bother them if I can help it. I have a little sideline hustle selling bric a brac and vintage clothing so I sometimes use the money I make from that to pay for little diy jobs.  

I found a super handiman - he's young and about 6'7" so has no issue with reach and we get on well and tend to work on things together - but I've a couple of jobs that I think are perhaps more specialist than his skills, so I need to find someone appropriate.  I also have a grown up son who is absolutely super - but he lives about 45 minutes away, but recently bought his own home, so is putting energies into that - and likewise, I just don't like to ask.  Poor love lands for a visit and I've already made a list of jobs need doing - if only reaching things off shelves for me - or putting them back.

My situation has been complicated by breaking my leg in December, so I'm way behind on things that should have been done - especially in the garden - and there's some things that I just can't do - like go down into my cellar to empty the dehumidifier and read the meters. Plus, my hair really needs cutting and colouring and I'm starting to look like an old bag lady.

Savvy_Sue

BooJewels said:

My situation has been complicated by breaking my leg in December, so I'm way behind on things that should have been done - especially in the garden - and there's some things that I just can't do - like go down into my cellar to empty the dehumidifier and read the meters. Plus, my hair really needs cutting and colouring and I'm starting to look like an old bag lady.

I'm sure you don't (look like an old bag lady), but can you find a hairdresser offering home visits, if getting to a salon is problematic? I know how much it matters, I was going to the hairdressers for a shampoo, just a shampoo! when I couldn't wash my own hair! 

BooJewels

Savvy_Sue said:

BooJewels said:

My situation has been complicated by breaking my leg in December, so I'm way behind on things that should have been done - especially in the garden - and there's some things that I just can't do - like go down into my cellar to empty the dehumidifier and read the meters. Plus, my hair really needs cutting and colouring and I'm starting to look like an old bag lady.

I'm sure you don't (look like an old bag lady), but can you find a hairdresser offering home visits, if getting to a salon is problematic? I know how much it matters, I was going to the hairdressers for a shampoo, just a shampoo! when I couldn't wash my own hair! 

It's certainly one of the options I've been contemplating. I usually do my own - I tend to cut it first, then colour it a few days later. The colour has been delayed purely because everyone was out of stock of my colour - but I've got a couple now - so I can now potentially do that.  Which would certainly be an improvement. 

My shower is over the bath and I have a large mirror on the wall behind the bath and I tend to stand in the bath and cut it there, as it contains all the hair, making it easy to scoop up.  My issue has been getting into the bath - which I've now addressed by fitting a bath board - which is a seat that straddles the bath, so I can sit on it and swing my legs in (it's a bit slower in reality than it sounds), then stand up to shower.  But the seat's now right where I need to stand, in front of the mirror.  So now I know that works and I can stand long enough to shower, I need to work through the stages to see how I can make it work for me.  I'll think about it over the next few days and if I'm not happy, I'll see if I can find a pro.

Savvy_Sue

BooJewels said:

Savvy_Sue said:

BooJewels said:

My situation has been complicated by breaking my leg in December, so I'm way behind on things that should have been done - especially in the garden - and there's some things that I just can't do - like go down into my cellar to empty the dehumidifier and read the meters. Plus, my hair really needs cutting and colouring and I'm starting to look like an old bag lady.

I'm sure you don't (look like an old bag lady), but can you find a hairdresser offering home visits, if getting to a salon is problematic? I know how much it matters, I was going to the hairdressers for a shampoo, just a shampoo! when I couldn't wash my own hair! 

It's certainly one of the options I've been contemplating. I usually do my own - I tend to cut it first, then colour it a few days later. The colour has been delayed purely because everyone was out of stock of my colour - but I've got a couple now - so I can now potentially do that.  Which would certainly be an improvement. 

My shower is over the bath and I have a large mirror on the wall behind the bath and I tend to stand in the bath and cut it there, as it contains all the hair, making it easy to scoop up.  My issue has been getting into the bath - which I've now addressed by fitting a bath board - which is a seat that straddles the bath, so I can sit on it and swing my legs in (it's a bit slower in reality than it sounds), then stand up to shower.  But the seat's now right where I need to stand, in front of the mirror.  So now I know that works and I can stand long enough to shower, I need to work through the stages to see how I can make it work for me.  I'll think about it over the next few days and if I'm not happy, I'll see if I can find a pro.

I'm very tempted to say "go on, treat yourself ..." but then I've had a massage in the last few days and am wondering why I don't have them more regularly!