The Senior Wonder Years!

[Deleted User]

Arthurian. Many thanks for your comments. Putting money in pots before my retirement for the year between part time work and receiving my state pension next July has certainly helped! I have used monies from the travel pot and the reserve pot to cover some expenditure.

In my more recent posts I think I have mentioned I have simplified my pots. If not please let me know and I will do a recap. I probably will not save as much as planned this budget year as I decided to purchase some things in addition to those planned, for example, a new computer and some garden fencing. However as I said above, I do not intend to scrimp after working part-time for several years past my initial retirement date.

It also probably helps that I do not drink alcohol or have expensive hobbies. We eat well but do take advantage of offers. One plus this week was swapping 8000 nectar points worth about £40 for a Sainsburys voucher worth £80.I was lucky enough to be offered the promotion via my nectar app. This will be a great help with the Christmas shop.

My retirement income from next July is also looking promising after recent announcements. My teacher's pension should increase by 6.7% next April/May and the state pension is going up 8.5% 3 months before I claim it next July. Although inflation has been high I do not feel my own expenditure has gone up by 10% to buy the same amount. It may just mean my spending priorities and patterns are different to the average,
Before tax and including my very small annuity it should be nearly £34000 a year gross and £29700 after tax from July next year.
 
I absolutely do not mind paying this amount of tax. I was fortunate enough to receive a free university education and benefit from other things not available to younger people today. So its only fair I pay a fair amount into the system.

beanielou

How fortunate to have received a free university education. My DS who has just started his teaching career has an eye watering student debt or as I tell him graduate tax to repay. 

sheilavw

I too was offered the Nectar double up. This was after saving my points for some time, and asking in store a couple of weeks ago if it was happening and was told no, so spent £15. However, I had £30 left, so doubled up to £60

[Deleted User]

Absolutely lovely day here with the sun shining for the first time in days. Just having a break after a couple of hours tidying the rear garden. When the break is over I will have a quick tidy of the front garden. Nothing too much to do, just some leaves to scoop up.
Later I am going to start sorting the Christmas decorations.
My Secret Santa present for my allocated person is arriving this afternoon and that is me complete except for the main Christmas tree.
Finances are looking ok. I think I have just about stayed inside my allocated Christmas budget of £900 which has included everything. (and the tree lol)
The Christmas food bill comes out of the normal household food pot which as been boosted by the Sainsburys nectar offer. I am also at relatives houses for Christmas day and New Year which helps lol!

[Deleted User]

Today I purchased two Christmas trees in pots. One for £10 as an extra in the hallway and another larger one for the main sitting room for £36. After Christmas, these trees along with the little conservatory tree, can spend summer in the garden!. I will decorate the two newer trees tomorrow. Tonight both new have been watered and are now settling in their places for Christmas 🙂. The sitting room tree is much smaller than usual, but I am very happy with it. Hopefully all will thrive and be part of our Christmas celebrations in the years to come!

[Deleted User]

Some images to hopefully give you all some cheer! I have never decorated this early before nor we all need a boost!

[Deleted User]

The photographs are of the conservatory and the inner hallway.

beanielou

Love the tree. 

MACKEM99

lou said:

How fortunate to have received a free university education. My DS who has just started his teaching career has an eye watering student debt or as I tell him graduate tax to repay. 

Yes but how many went to University in those days.  When I left school in 1974 it was around 5%.  Not a chance of me doing so. I had to go straight to work to bring money in.

[Deleted User]

beanielou said:

Love the tree. 

There is another one in the sitting room. I may reveal that later lol!