The Senior Wonder Years!

newretiree

@[Deleted User] That’s a shame about your negative experience on the other forum. Their loss! I remember your helpful contributions (under a different name, but I’m sure it was you!) to the TES retirement forum. I was very disappointed when that vanished overnight as it provided lots of helpful information. I’m enjoying reading your contributions here and glad you’ve decided to keep posting.

MarzipanCrumble

I am sooooo glad I worked so that I did not have to worry about budgets and had enough surplus income to really not stress over unexpected house faults that need fixing, getting someone in to clean/garden and also to save which is quite important to me (and I agree 'why?'.

Yes I do keep a spreadsheet and I do keep a replica of the IHT tax form which looks at gifting on a regular basis surplus income.

I worked beyond pension age just so I could be in this position because I knew I would stress out if I wasn't in a healthy financial surplus.  And yes, I don't care if the income I receive now from a deferred state pension will be excess to when I die i.e. I don't 'balance' it.

This was quite delibrate life style choice for me.  Quite the opposite to those that want to minimise their lifestyle so that their income won't attract tax.  Couldn't even contemplate that lifestyle through choice, though have been there is my 20's.

[Deleted User]

@newretiree. I agree it was a great pity when TES suddenly took down their forum. Its a pity they didn't give us the chance to save our posts ! I still miss the variety of posts on that forum. Hope you are well and settling to retirement.
Welcome to the thread.

[Deleted User]

@MarzipanCrumble. Many thanks for your comments and welcome to the thread. Best Wishes.

Blackcats

I think that the MSE forum threads are usually very supportive, open and helpful.  I don't wander into any other online forums as I don't want to feel uncomfortable or judged.
this is the start of my first full year of retirement.  I retired about 18 months before my occupational pension is payable so my pension has been reduced to take account of that but it is worth it to have the liberation from work and the opportunity to enjoy each and every day.  I still feel slightly surprised when my pension arrives in my bank account every month - seems too good to be true!
Happy new year! 

[Deleted User]

Hello @Blackcats. Good to see you here. Welcome to the thread.
All the best for 2024.

milann

Pleased that you decided to continue posting. I have been reading your diary over the last few days and found it very interesting. 

I was due to go back to work as a learning support worker for the new term in September 2020. The day before term started my body had other ideas and I ended up having emergency surgery. Eventually occupational  health suggested early retirement which eventually went through a couple of years ago and I never went back to work. It was all very strange as I didn’t get to say goodbye due to covid restrictions at the time. I got a lump sum and small works pension. I only ever worked part time when my children were small and had long spells not working due to family commitments so hadn’t paid much into the works pension scheme at all. My state pension kicks in in late September, I have a full pension as I was a carer for years. My state pension has  felt like a long time coming….along with my bus pass. Thankfully my Dh is still working otherwise it would have been very tight financially. It took a while but I have adjusted and I can now say I made the right decision.
We used money from a small inheritance to treat ourselves to something special. We didn’t want it to just get squandered into household necessities so bought Millie Motorhome. We have had some lovely trips around the UK. I do have to pace myself much more than I used to but am thoroughly enjoying life as an early retiree 😁

[Deleted User]

@milann. Welcome to the thread and thank you so much for the update. So pleased you are enjoying life as a retiree. I am still adjusting, but slowly getting there lol!

[Deleted User]

Second day of sunshine which is fantastic. Trimmed the Christmas tree so I can fit it into the SUV for a booked tip visit tomorrow. I tend to be a clutter free person, but decided to have a look in the loft yesterday to see if there was anything that could be removed. As a result some cardboard boxes off to the tip tomorrow, along with some obsolete electrical devices, an old laptop and a broken pc monitor. Our local tip is very good about re-cycling things. There are containers for most objects to be re-cycled in some way.

I will also be dropping off two unwanted duvets to the local RSPCA.

The loft is now almost clear, apart from half a dozen boxes that contain some of my lifetime memorabilia and some storing things for my niece. So pleased with that result.

The garage will receive some 'sorting out' attention in the Spring. It is quite full at the moment as I store all the garden furniture in it over the winter months. Hopefully, by March the furniture can be outside again and I can spring clean the shelves!

I don't have any outbuildings and keep all the garden tools in the garage as well. The garden is fully given over to the lawn and plants. Fortunately the front garden has off road parking for several cars so the garage is not needed for its original purpose. The fridge and freezer are both in the kitchen and the washing machine and tumble dryer in the utility area.

I will probably have a walk in the forest later and spend some time reading for pleasure.

I have decided the my Premium Bonds, Cash ISA and S&S ISA a swell as my 3 year Online Bond will form the basis of my long term savings/investments in the medium term. The ISAs already receive regular amounts and these amounts will increase from July when I start receiving my state pension.

My loyalty saver (short-term savings) will continue to hold my 5 pots, Annual Bills(includes House and Garden), Travel, Christmas, Voluntary NI Payment and Reserve. The NI Pot will no longer be needed after I have paid my final year in a few months time. I may then start a car replacement pot.
The saver currently receives £335 on the 15th of each month, but this will also increase from August this year. The pots are fully funded for the year ahead,  with the exception of Christmas 2024(Current amount£100), and has a current balance of £6900. Monthly payments are therefore in preparation(with exception of Christmas 2024) for 2025!

Fairly light week plan wise, Monday Chiropodist (£20 from Chiropodist pot) visiting and trip to the tip.  Wednesday return day trip to Essex to collect elderly Aunt for two week visit. She is kindly taking us to lunch before the return trip!
If the weather stays as pleasant as it is today I may spend some time in the garden and re-pot the smaller Christmas trees which are now outside.

Enjoy the remainder of the weekend.

QrizB

[Deleted User] said:

I will also be dropping off two unwanted duvets to the local RSPCA.

I had to read that three times before I realised you weren't talking about some unusual species of pet!