Early Retirement/pensions

That's great.

It is not very often I wish I was older but the thought of being able to potter around the garden daily appeals ……… a lot!

 

Oh Damn, forgot about the gardening, yeah, that as well! I'll need a bigger shed to hide away from "her"

 

Decision made (after discussion with Carol), I'll be semi retiring at the end of September, one proviso though (Carol don't know this), I get my Border Collie puppy!

Not only does it make financial sense, pensions worth more than I earn, but will allow me to spend more time with my dogs and earn a bit (lot) on the side working from home.

Not a decision taken lightly, I love my dog walking but my arthritis and recent health issues have told me to slow down...... that'll take some doing!

 

Please tell me what the woodworking thing is?
I'd like to make a bit of money on the side when I can eventually retire but cant think what a worn out old woodworker can make that would make any money.

 

Hi Pete, I'm a dab hand at making work benches and garden furniture, built to last...... there goes the repeat custom!

 

Thanks some good ideas there

 

It's a good idea to start part time after work and weekends to get your name out there. That is how I started my business. Now that I am mostly retired, I can be more selective about the work I take on and the extra money and satisfaction I get working this way is a perfect complime to my small pension

 

The problem in this country when it comes to pensioners working part time, is that you get hammered for tax.

 

Doghouse, please keep this under your hat but "Cash in Hand" is still alive and kicking - I HOPE!!

 

Just wondering if there's any other activities I can take up once retired bearing in mind my arthritis, I don't want to be stuck at home and let Carol have full use of my "newish" car!

Don't say dog walking!

 

How bad is the arthritis Vince? How about Golf?

 

I've always called them "brown envelope jobs," I've had all the work done on our house for decades in that way. We get "mates rates" from the tradesmen who are members of my golf club.

 

Well I was chucked on the compost heap back in 1984. I immediately began drawin my civil service pension. Not a lot, but better than a smack in the mouth.

Being a civil servant had it's highs and lows. Just quoting my own case. My skills and qualifications working for a private concern would undoubtedly paid more at the time but, OK Mike, sorry about this but your services are no longer required. In the CS, you basically had a job for life as long as you kept your nose clean. Pay rises were small, but regular. For the sensible person. You could really plan ahead for a couple of years. And the pension was NON-Contributory.

Whereas in the police service. You had stopped out of your salary each month 11% towards your pension. If during your service time, you became a naughty boy, you could be dismissed and lose the lot.

I have no shame in disclosing my status. Financially. I get the State OAP pension paid weekly. Monthly, I get my CS pension plos part of my late wife's cs pension. I stil live in a council maisonette, since May 1964. I get housing benefit and council tax benefit. I have agood home so need to buy furniture etc. I am able to assist my kids with day to day expences. Truthfully. I have never been better off. SADLY my beloved mate Valerie is no longer beside me.