Prosperous and Creative Soul Year 5

WelshmansDaughter

Sounds like you need a rest.

TallGirl

Cat fleas are just the worst they hide everywhere. We struggled when they became immune to the vet stuff the vet knew but didn’t offer anything else until we complained. Here in Denmark the drops they prescribe last three months but they are developing a new one you apply once a year. I can’t wait for that one. Take it easy rest up or do something you really enjoy. I would leave the house for now

edinburgher

Agreed re. fleas. Fleas are the reason our cats are only allowed in the kitchen or sitting room. At least that way we can hoover the ******* out of everything and nuke the place with flea spray when the inevitable happens. Two visits ago the cats still had the run of the house, we had to boil wash all our bedding etc 🤮 Phantom itches for weeks even after the real ones went.

EssexHebridean

Round our neck of the woods we were one of the first to find that cat fleas had become immune to the original formulation Frontline stuff - the Vets was having none of it until we bought a different brand instead and hey presto, no more flea problems! Also agree with Ed - you become convinced you can see/feel them even long after they've been dealt with!

savingholmes

Thanks EH, Lucielle, TG, WD and edinburgher

Glad I'm not on my own with the cat flea situation. It has really been getting me down.

The flea situation seems to be calming - I got a different spray which helped. Cat is slightly feral, mainly outside, just coming to the doorway for food, drinks and pets. I need to try and get him vaccinated tomorrow am - but who knows if I'll be able to get him inside long enough to get him in the cat carrier. He's not keen on that at the best of times.

I sent off the ID docs in the post. Feels very insecure as a method - so hopefully my mortgage app will move along tomorrow.

Given how rough I've been feeling I've asked for a medication review and a load of blood tests. I need to go and pick up my form tomorrow and book the tests. I've also arranged to go and see a friend.

savingholmes

Retirement planning

I've been working through (again) how I can quit my day job. I have been tempted so many times to just leave - but financially I'd be in a much stronger position if I wait another 22 months or so.

That's because that way I leave more time to further ramp up my AVCs after I get back from my Oz trip, plus the reduction in pension drops from around 39.5% at 56 to more like 33% at 58 which makes a big difference to me. Plus I then have to fund fewer years before a different pension at age 60 kicks in and before state pension at 67.

Making strenuous efforts to boost my AVCs also gets me used to living on my expected income level post 'retirement'/freedom day - when I get to focus on art and writing instead of other people's work. I'd reinvest my AVC £ and then drawdown as needed.

That extra year should take me from scraping through to age 67, to hopefully being able to replace my car when needed, have a few holidays, do a bit of maintenance etc on top of daily living.

My AVCs (future tax free lump sum) are around £44.5K currently. By age 57 they could be closer to £58K and if I throw everything I can into my AVCs for the final 12 months - I might be able to get it to over £80K. (Pre growth/falls).

It does mean that without a windfall, I'm unlikely to hit mortgage neutrality by age 60 which was my original aspiration as part of giving myself 'permission' to leave but if the payments come in that I expect - I should have a good security blanket - and still have enough £ to continue paying my mortgage - up to age 80 if necessary! If I manage my £ well - it should continue to grow - in which case my mortgage neutrality goal could sort itself out - even if the timeframe is different.

I need to ask for an update retirement quote from my deferred pension - and check the transfer value too in case it changed.

Another option I'd consider is a mini-sabbatical for 3 months if they would let me closer to my desired leaving date so I can check out if leaving really is right for me before I take the final plunge. A bit like @mark55man did as part of his preparations.

skint_spice

That’s all sounding very positive, twenty two months is very close!

Honeysucklelou2

Catching up … the garden photos look amazing. Your garden looks like a haven for you.

A huge well done in bringing the mortgage balance down by so much. Hope the remortgage is a smooth process for you. The Italy and Oz trips sound exciting.