A Diary For After Debt

backinbusiness

Hi all.  I'm hummed and hawed for ages about starting a diary. 

I was pointed in the direction of this forum about 12 years ago following the break up of my marriage (and the resulting financial mess!).  The help and support offered was invaluable and allowed me to get out of debt and give myself and 2 teenage (at the time) DDs a reasonable lifestyle.  Fast forward a decade plus and I've remarried (DH2 as I call him!), DDs are proper, working and budgeting grown-ups themselves, and I work in finance (Oh, the irony!).  DH2 is a bit older than me, so we're tentatively looking at retirement options, part-time working, etc. 

Essentially, I thought I'd pop on here, say hello (hello!) and see what good ideas other people have - what's working for them.

Happy hump day all.  BiB x  

[Deleted User]

Perhaps it would be useful to outline  your current financial situation so others can make suggestions. Also have a look at this thread which has been useful for many.
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6228191/how-much-to-live-on/p1

backinbusiness

[Deleted User] said:

Perhaps it would be useful to outline  your current financial situation so others can make suggestions. 

Hi Baron_Dale - a good idea, so here goes:-

DH2 is on a phased retirement; I'm currently still working full-time.  No debts other than a tiny mortgage which we are letting run it's course and is due to finish in 3 years.  DH2 enjoys his work (largely) and is happy to continue on phased-ret for a few years yet.  I feel that I would like to retire from my current job at 60 (around 4 years time), but continue to work part-time thereafter (maybe 12 hours a week).  As I said, I have 2 x grown up DDs who are fully independent and we are not huge spenders (although we do like to travel and going to concerts and the theatre, which is another reason to go part-time). 

We each have savings, private pensions and will be entitled to full state pensions, (very lucky, I know).

It would be good to know what others have done and if the actuality differed from expectations?

BiB x 

backinbusiness

Popping on to wish everyone a Happy New Year (although it all seems ages ago now). I'm only working 4 days a week currently on a voluntary basis as it's a quiet time for the business and I had planned to visit family this weekend, however they're now having to go to a funeral, so a rethink required.

I did consider going anyway (to Edinburgh) as there's always plenty to see and do, however the weather forecast isn't looking great, so I may as well sit tight and re-arrange later.

Not much to report money wise - bought some reduced veg to go with Sunday night leftovers.

Hope everyone is staying warm in this chilly spell.

BiB x 

backinbusiness

Evening all. How can it possibly be a whole year nearly since I posted? Time flies and all that. It's been an interesting year work wise. A new GM completely changed the culture of the organisation of which I was part of the SLT - resulting in a mass exodus and resignations. I'd been considering my options when I was approached (completely out of the blue) by another company and invited to join them in a similar (but more senior) role - in a completely different industry. They've offered a very nice package, and as a result I'm currently on a short career break - starting my new position in the New Year. Exciting times. I have been loosely considering retirement options, however the industry norm for my new role is a 4 day week, so I'm hoping that delivers a good work/life balance which I'm really looking for. (I'm 57).

Hope everyone is ok and not suffering too much from the after effects of Storm Darragh. 

BiB x 

backinbusiness

Hi all - hope everyone is having a good day. Pitch black now and freezing here today, but managed a clear, dry, lovely walk earlier on this morning. Then I settled down to audit a local charity's accounts. I do bits and pieces on a freelance basis, and as I'm on a short break between changing jobs, I was just lucky to pick this up just now. Other than that, just enjoying a bit of peace and quiet before the Christmas mayhem really kicks in. I've booked a couple of family visits in whilst I've got the free time - as long as the winter weather behaves itself! Took to the sofa this afternoon with a cuppa and a warm mince pie - and my guilty secret - the Channel 5 Christmas film. You can always tell from the title (or the first 5 mins) how it's going to end, but they're nice and festive. DH is out at work - and it's M&S ready meals for dinner tonight (yellow sticker ones - he's a gremlin for sniffing them out!!).

Have a good evening all BiB x 

backinbusiness

Hi all - how is it STILL January? This coming week is my last off before I start my new job. I've enjoyed having a bit of time to myself and catching up with friends and family; however it definitely feels like time to get back in harness! (And to have a salary coming in of course!). 

Hope all are well after yet another storm - we were let off reasonably lightly with just bins flying about - no real damage.

Take care. BiB x