+++ Whoops! Here comes the cheese! +++

redofromstart

Anyway, all of mine and mr redos went to each other, with a proviso that if the other wasn't alive (eg the same accident) then it should be shared equally between our boys.  We had got as far as talking about how our wills would read and the need to set up lasting power of attorney, moving cash around more evenly, adding me to the business bank account but we were busy walking and enjoying our time off together. 

Time was not on our side.  Mild regrets on this but I value the quality time we had with him this year (and that he had with his older sons) above any amount of life admin.

Interestingly on both his DB pensions we decided to take the maximum lump sum and a reduction in his annual pension.  We did the maths and he had to live to 73 before we broke even otherwise.  He said his money was on him not making 70 and that life would be much easier without a mortgage.

As of today we have an outcome, and should have a proper death certificate next week. It is a relief - both financially and in terms of emotional strain. 

maggiem

Pleased to hear you have an outcome and an idea when death certificate will arrive. It will make it easier to carry on with all the horrendous admin and arrangements. 

For what it’s worth I think you are doing brilliantly. Very pleased to read of new tyres and brakes on your car too. 

rtandon27

So god to hear they are progressing with the certificate - that will really help you with the paperwork!

Sun_Addict

Glad you now have an outcome. Hopefully this means you can start to move proceedings forward. 

I hope you’ve inspired your diary readers to get their wills etc sorted as you just don’t know what’s around the corner. 

beanielou

Glad you have an outcome & things can progress. 

Seasidegal58

Glad things are moving along redo. 

On my demise a portion of my DBS pension can only be paid to a spouse or civil partner I believe ( I don't have either). With regard to leaving to children I think this is done on the Trustees' discretion and only if they're underage or incapable. 

With regard to my DCS, I have nominated DD as beneficiary in my Expression of Wishes within the plan. 

Luckily I already have Health and Financial Power of Attorneys set up now because she nagged me quite rightly into setting them up!

redofromstart

Thanks everyone.  

It is definitely worth checking - I knew I got half as widows pension from number 1, but I hadn't realised until I read the fine print that, at the discretion of the trustees, that they would pay a lump sum of up to five years pension if his pension hadn't been in drawdown for five years for example.  I know Pension 2 used to have a term like that but it must have gone when it went to the PPF.  Hopefully the two widows pensions will be sorted quite quickly once I have the death registered which should be next week.

My car got sorted yesterday which is a relief, and it was less than I expected.  

The sun is actually shining today (although it is very cold) so I want to do some garden stuff.  A bit overwhelmed by what needs doing, and the aspects of it that I can't do, but I have come back in for a cup of tea and my anti-histermines rather than stand in the garden upset.  I will have to outsource some things but I can't commit to that until I know how much I have and what my income is. 

greenbee

Get a bag or trug, start with secateurs and dead-heading. Then have a cup of tea and maybe prune one shrub. Or weed one spot. The only way to do it is to break it down into chunks. 

I'm inside ignoring my garden having filled up one bag than now needs dumping in the garden waste bin... 

Cheery_Daff

I'm glad you have the certificates now and can get on with sorting that admin. Hope the pensions get sorted soon. 

And yep, little teensy bits at a time in the garden. This time of year it's not going to grow 5 inches as soon as you turn your back, so every little bit you do will be a bit you don't have to do next week xx

Seasidegal58

Awww redo - as @greenbee and @Cheery_Daff say, take baby steps with the garden. Not that I'm a gardener like all of you, but if you can apply the formula to housework......