How much to live on

Albermarle

Sarahspangles said:

Tastiger said:

I was aiming for what the PLSA call a moderate retirement, though to be honest they spend money on things we definitely wouldn't.

This year I see the Living Standards are suggesting £43k for a couple. It was £34k in 2023 - that's heck of an inflation.

I think a lot of the jump this year relates to “helping others”. Hmmm.

When we met we were both, as individuals, on track for a moderate income in retirement. As a couple we’ll be comfortable. It wasn’t a consideration when we met, but it was a pleasant realisation as we’d both got used to being the breadwinner.

We must be ‘tight’. Going into retirement, our cars, kitchen and bathroom are all older than the suggested replacement age, we never have takeaways, and OH refuses to shell out for Sky and has to watch sport at the pub!

I think a better description is 'careful' 

In our case, I bought a car 'nearly new' when I retired ( previously had a company car), but I guess that will not get replaced for quite a few years still . One bathroom was refurbished 3 years ago, and the kitchen about 20 years ago ( although have had a new floorcovering).
We used to have the occasional takeaway but very rare nowadays. Too much cholesterol  and calories.
I won't pay for Sky, or any streaming services. 
In fact adult daughter currently living with us has a Netflix account, but I still do not watch it . Just all Yankee dramas and series as far as I can see.
More of a traditional BBC/Freeview  type of TV watcher. Bargain at only £3.25 a week !

Phossy

Sarahspangles said:

 OH refuses to shell out for Sky and has to watch sport at the pub!

That's an interesting justification for going to the pub - probably more expensive than Sky..

Pat38493

Phossy said:

Sarahspangles said:

 OH refuses to shell out for Sky and has to watch sport at the pub!

That's an interesting justification for going to the pub - probably more expensive than Sky..

Have you seen the price of Sky when you include sports and multiroom and all that stuff - if you are not on a deal it costs more than £200 a month for the full works.

Phossy

£74 - through Virgin for me. I'm either an ace negotiator or you need to spend more time on other parts of MSE !

Sarahspangles

Phossy said:

Sarahspangles said:

 OH refuses to shell out for Sky and has to watch sport at the pub!

That's an interesting justification for going to the pub - probably more expensive than Sky..

I feel like I should do the maths but then I might be tempted to use it in anger! It would be comparing Sky plus the cost of a couple of bottles of beer at home with three pints @ £3.90 to rent his seat at the Club. It’s not every week as his other interests eat into drinking time. Frequency increases when they’re in with a chance of the league.

Baileys_Babe

Sarahspangles said:

Phossy said:

Sarahspangles said:

 OH refuses to shell out for Sky and has to watch sport at the pub!

That's an interesting justification for going to the pub - probably more expensive than Sky..

I feel like I should do the maths but then I might be tempted to use it in anger! It would be comparing Sky plus the cost of a couple of bottles of beer at home with three pints @ £3.90 to rent his seat at the Club. It’s not every week as his other interests eat into drinking time. Frequency increases when they’re in with a chance of the league.

Added to that he is leaving the house and meeting other people which is better for his mental health than sitting at home.

SouthCoastBoy

£3.90 for a pint is very reasonable these days, more like 5 or 6 around where I live

AlanP_2

£3.90 for a pint is an absolute bargain. Unfortunately the nearest pub with sport on TV is a 20 minute car ride away and I hate going to the pub and not drinking so that's ruled out.

I've got Sky Sports along with TNT Sports from EE and it works out at c£70 pm including the broadband service. Do I get value for money? Probably not as I generally only watch football matches where my team is playing and don't bother with the others but my two sons also watch it on occasions so swings and roundabouts.

Sarahspangles

SouthCoastBoy said:

£3.90 for a pint is very reasonable these days, more like 5 or 6 around where I live

We’re lucky to have a sports and social club, the cricket clubhouse and two pubs in walking distance. £3.90 a pint at the clubs, £4.40 at the pubs. A bit more for real ale. Can’t beat Yorkshire!

The club sells whisky at £3.75 whether it’s Bell’s or a single malt!

MarzipanCrumble

Sky is now overpriced - I have just canceled it because I worked out that I was actually paying for the interface (which is good, I admit).  I don't have Sports as not interested.  

I think if you are a family and like Sports then Sky may be worth it, tbh.