Life after debt.

Sunshine_girl2
Sunshine_girl2 Posts: 3,048 Forumite
Sixth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
edited 6 May 2024 at 8:25AM in How much have you saved?
Morning, I have been on the DFW board since Jan 2017 and finally became debt free in April 2021. I found I no longer fitted there a few months ago , and some things didn't sit right with me so closed my diary. Have decided this is the place for me now. 
Semi retired working two days a week, age 61 living alone in HA flat so will be paying rent through my retirement which causes me some anxiety at the thought of this. However it is what it is and I can't change it now. 
I am lucky in the fact that I have 18 months living expenses saved , tied  up for another year, I get the interest monthly and that goes into monthly pots . I have my pension from one employer which was non contributory how lucky was I . I also have my salary from my employment and am hoping to leave the pension from this employer until I am 67 when I get my state pension. 
I could inherit money parents are 84 and 85 but never include that in my retirement money as it's not guaranteed. 
Anyway that's it for now , off for a walk whilst the sun is out . 
Life is an adventure, never stop exploring.

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Comments

  • Skint_yet_Again
    Skint_yet_Again Posts: 8,345 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Hung up my suit! Mortgage-free Glee!
    Hi Sunshine ☀️ welcome. This may be a quiet corner but everyone is friendly and helpful & I’m sure people following your previous diary will follow you over to support you too. Have a lovely sunny bank holiday 
    0% credit card £1360 & 0% Car Loan £7500 ~ paid in full JAN 2020 = NOW DEBT FREE 🤗
    House sale OCT 2022 = NOW MORTGAGE FREE 🤗
    House purchase completed FEB 2023 🥳🍾 Left work. 🤗

    Retired at 55 & now living off the equity £10k a year (until pensions start at 60 & 67).

    Previous Savings diary https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5597938/get-a-grip/p1

    Living off savings diary
    https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6429003/escape-to-the-country-living-off-savings/p1
  • Brie
    Brie Posts: 14,273 Ambassador
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    Well done for clearing the debt.  It must be a huge relief for you.  

    Enjoy the sun while it's out!!  So many flowers to see this time of year.
    I’m a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on Debt Free Wannabe and Old Style Money Saving boards.  If you need any help on these boards, do let me know. Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any posts you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button, or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com. All views are my own and not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.

    "Never retract, never explain, never apologise; get things done and let them howl.”  Nellie McClung
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  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 0 Newbie
    1,000 Posts Fourth Anniversary Photogenic Name Dropper
    edited 6 May 2024 at 12:20PM
    I also believe you will be happy in this part of the forum. the posters here are definitely very friendly and supportive. They are also in my opinion more down to earth and more typical of the reasons why MSE exists.

    As you know I am one for detail lol. How is your pension income looking compared to planned expenditure?
    (that's if I may ask lol)

    I am currently reflecting on my future activity on these forums. I stopped contributing to one favourite thread after taking a few knocks and feeling the thread had deviated from its original purpose.

    I also closed my Senior Wonder Years thread as for some reason I felt a little vulnerable. Daft I know! Although I did receive some lovely supportive PMs just before the closure.

    For the time being I will probably just contribute to the occasional thread. 

    Anyway, welcome again and I am looking forward to reading your updates as well as following your savings journey.
  • Looking forward to your updates.

    After some reflection I have re-opened my Senior Wonder Years thread for occasional updates.
  • MovingForwards
    MovingForwards Posts: 17,139 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Sixth Anniversary Name Dropper Photogenic
    Welcome and well done for clearing the debt.

    Whilst being in a rental feels like a negative, it's a lot easier to get suitable property if required, no repairs and a lot more support through the HA. 

    Perhaps do a benefit check, pretend you've reached retirement age and have all your pensions, see if there's any entitlement to help.
    Also, if you've not done one recently based on your current circumstances it's worth doing.

    We represent reality in this little corner, form good friendships and the support cannot be faulted.
    Mortgage started 2020, aiming to clear 31/12/2029.
  • Sunshine_girl2
    Sunshine_girl2 Posts: 3,048 Forumite
    Sixth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Welcome and well done for clearing the debt.

    Whilst being in a rental feels like a negative, it's a lot easier to get suitable property if required, no repairs and a lot more support through the HA. 

    Perhaps do a benefit check, pretend you've reached retirement age and have all your pensions, see if there's any entitlement to help.
    Also, if you've not done one recently based on your current circumstances it's worth doing.

    We represent reality in this little corner, form good friendships and the support cannot be faulted.
    Thank you MF , I will try a benefit check as if I am 67 sometime in the near future , helpful idea. 
    Life is an adventure, never stop exploring.

  • Sunshine_girl2
    Sunshine_girl2 Posts: 3,048 Forumite
    Sixth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Today finds me making use of myRHS membership . I am only 4 miles from my local one and come here at least twice a month even in winter . Living in a flat it’s like a haven for me . . Have bought a coffee to enjoy in the deck . 
    Life is an adventure, never stop exploring.

  • Doris17
    Doris17 Posts: 887 Forumite
    Tenth Anniversary 500 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Welcome to our little corner of the forums. Well done on clearing the debt. 

    "Make Everyday Count"



  • doingitanyway
    doingitanyway Posts: 9,644 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Mortgage-free Glee!
    Lovely photo. Great that you are so close to such beautiful spaces. 
    I'm sure you will be fine in retirement as most of the things you enjoy most are outdoor pursuits and simple pleasures, none of which cost masses of money. 
    Your parents are absolutely lovely so I am sure they will leave you something (but I know what you mean about it not being guaranteed)
    Glad I've tracked you down to this corner of the forum.
    If you have built castles in the air, your work should not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them

    Emergency fund 0/1000
    Buffer fund 25/100
    Debt March -1,119 (April) -889 (April) -498 (April) -378 (May) -875
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