From Frugal Foundations to Fortified Family Future

Baileys_Babe

Greyling something we are considering in the future is OH going part time and me also getting a part time job.

rtandon27

GP - you know my OH does not do the financials either, but TBH as long as MrGP is onboard with your plotting and planning and is onside when you do the heavy lifting, it will work out. Please do (gently) follow Ed's sage advice about pensions - even if it is baby steps, one every week or two weeks, each of tthose steps will help you glean what your income going forward in retirement will be…

…and I promise that once you get your head around it, everything in life becomes easier!

….psst - I'm very glad you are still hanging around in the virtual (crowded) kitchen! You are one of the first 'voices' I read in the morning and somehow your everyday common sense helps me to ground myself into the day!

Greying_Pilgrim

Thank you ed and everyone else for your contribution. I will look into the Pens1on w1se stuff, as that's impartial, isn't it. A good starting point.

Baileys_Babe - I'm always willing to stick my hand up, and ask questions or admit I don't know something, as invariably info or answers help others - and thank goodness kind folk like ed answer, without judging why I don't know such things….. at my advanced age 😉 Yes, some sort of PT model might be the way forward for us too - especially as LG gets older. In some ways, I can't see DH 'retiring early' and then sitting in a chair for the rest of his days. Whilst he's no 'Action Man', he rarely sits still either, so even he might move to PT working - most likely not for the current employer tho.

greenbee - whilst I don't think………but don't actually know……. that a solar (roof based) set up would work on this house, we really are sub optimal orientation-wise, and overshadowed by other buildings, I have begun to wonder whether a……. portable? mini set up might work? I don't suppose for one moment that such a set up would be grant eligible, if it could power things occasionally, or one 'big' thing a day, that could still pay dividends. Interestingly, we have sun today, and I noticed, that for the first time this year (possibly because it's sunny, but more likely because the seasons are moving on), that the sun is now in a small part of the garden for much of the day. I went out to check on the washing, and the sun was just over next door's roof enough to hit the back of the garden - something that stops in early October, so it's nice to be back to some sun in the garden. And I have been stunned, the combination of a slight breeze (the clothes are moving slightly, most of the time), the sun and a higher air temperature than I thought we would have, has meant the clothes are drying! I won't leave them out any longer than 3pm, but I may yet get away without needing the dehu. I'm delighted, but surprised.

rt it's lovely to see you here - I know you've got other matters occupying you at the mo. MSE is a very special place though itsn't it.

Greying X

greenbee

It's worth finding out about solar - and TBH, if it's fully-funded, then it won't matter whether the solution is optimal. Any east, south or west-facing roof is worth investigating. Only due north really isn't worth it - although my north-facing roof could actually generate quite a bit for a small part of the year as there's no shade. Definitely investigate it, as it would be a pity to find out in a few years that you could have done it - particularly as the grants have been extended.

`Basic info here on eligibility https://warmauk.com/who-qualifies-for-the-free-solar-grants

Humdinger1

@Greying_Pilgrim thanks for asking but not cold at all! I'm famous for being plush-lined in fact. Onwards and upwards love Humdinger xx

badmemory

If you do get solar make sure you have batteries. I fill mine at cheap night rate & then use it throughout the day. I use a lot. This year I have halved my grid usage from 7k & am also reducing the average cost of each kWh. A case of practice making perfect.

Greying_Pilgrim

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81884638#Comment_81884638

Daft question - but I'll ask it. How 'big' are the batteries, I suspect it may be related to wattage, but average, for a smallish house/small family draw?

TiA Greying X

edinburgher

Big dimensions or big wattage, Greying?

Greying_Pilgrim

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81884666#Comment_81884666

Dimensions, and do you have them in the house/garage/outbuildings?

Greying X

badmemory

Mine are actually in the porch as is my meter. 2 batteries & the inverter approx 2ft x 4ft