They Though It Might Be All Over,

[Venod]

I packed in at 59 and was enjoying it, but was tempted back with an offer I couldn't refuse I didn't like the job but I as getting more for 3 days than I was for 5 so I put up with it for a year, there were no regrets when it came to end and I now enjoy my sometimes lazy sometimes action packed days, I see more of my grandchildren than I ever did of my own, I always regarded work as a means to an end.
Enjoy your retirment @dave r and remember if you can't do your planned ride today because of the weather, maybe tommorow will be better..

 

[JtB]

Congratulations @dave r - among all the bad news of recent it's great to see a bit of good news like this.

I've just turned 55 and after paying 30 years into a final salary pension my company are not allowing further accruals after the end of this year. So my plan is to retire at 60 (if I can make it) and save as much as possible between now and then.

I shall be looking for advice from you and others on how to make the most of retirement. I already have one post retirement dream though which is to cycle from the French border to Santiago de Compostela without having to worry about a specific return date.

 

[screenman]

I really like going to work and have no plans to ever retire, all I need to do now is believe what I have just typed.

In reality having always been self employed the pension pots is not what I was sold, but I honestly would miss going to work and helping customers overcome problems.

 

[robjh]

Good on you Dave. I'm some way off retiring yet, though have now been 'between jobs' for a week after my work in Coventry finished. I'm enjoying the free time, and starting to think I could enjoy a lot more weeks like this. And you lucky pensioners even get paid for the privilege!

 

[simon the viking]

Congratulations Dave

 

[Deleted member 1258]

I really like going to work and have no plans to ever retire, all I need to do now is believe what I have just typed.

In reality having always been self employed the pension pots is not what I was sold, but I honestly would miss going to work and helping customers overcome problems.

I have no big pension pot, I have a bit of cash squirrelled away to fund this year then its state pension, I'll be looking at equity release nearer the time to boost the state pension.

 

[postman]

I got out aged 56 thanks to Royal Mail releasing a lot of staff early.Not worked since August 6th 2006.Not that i'm counting.Just found out jolly Osborne is upping the State Pension.Also the winter fuhell allowance is on it's way.Dave r enjoy every min.It's great.

 

[screenman]

I have no big pension pot, I have a bit of cash squirrelled away to fund this year then its state pension, I'll be looking at equity release nearer the time to boost the state pension.

I have to support two of us, I may need a little more.

 

[Deleted member 1258]

I have to support two of us, I may need a little more.

I have two of us to support.

 

[screenman]

I have two of us to support.

If your other half is like mine you would need a huge pot, single income family for over 40 years as well. Not sure what she will get in way of pension as she has never paid a stamp.

To be honest I have enough to last me the rest of my life, as long as I go next Tuesday.

 

[fossyant]

A friend of my Dad's retired a few years ago and claimed he dumped all the clocks in the house as he no longer needed to know the time as it was all his to do as he pleased when he pleased!

Blooming good idea. My FIL and MIL still did stuff by the clock. He'd go to the local shop around school closing time (why) and travel to the caravan on a firday - why again. They never really got into the 'you can do what you want and when'. They never really got into 'little things can wait' either. Unfortunately, neither had many hobbies, so time dragged. They had too much thinking time. What's a minor issue, became major, and it was/is still hard work for the family.

Fortunately, my folks keep themselves rather busy socially. Phew... Still got MIL to look after.

Enjoy it you youngster !!!!!

 

[Deleted member 1258]

If your other half is like mine you would need a huge pot, single income family for over 40 years as well. Not sure what she will get in way of pension as she has never paid a stamp.

To be honest I have enough to last me the rest of my life, as long as I go next Tuesday.

My Good Lady doesn't qualify for a full pension, She's brought up two families and done a little full time work, plus bit of part time work.

 

[Smurfy]

You'll have plenty of time to do imperial century a month challenge ...... on fixed of course!

 

[Norry1]

Pleased for you Dave. I can retire in 2 months time (I'll be 55) - but reckon I have a few more years to do yet.

 

[JtB]

If your other half is like mine you would need a huge pot, single income family for over 40 years as well. Not sure what she will get in way of pension as she has never paid a stamp.

My wife is in the same position. My understanding is that in this situation a wife can currently claim a state pension based on her husband's contributions. However the rules are changing next year and I think this means our wifes will no longer be entitled to claim anything at all. Hopefully there are some state pension experts here on the forum who actually know what next year's changes will mean.