Enjoying Retirement
Discussion
Longy00000 said:
Lucky you and Monaco is lovely for a piston head. Always rare tackle being driven about, especially around casino Square in the evening.
Took the posh car out yesterday for a nice lunch with the missus to a country pub in the sunshine. As you can see we weren't the only ones with the same idea
Lovely Longy . Saw a 360 coupe over the weekend in Essex on my travels . Took the posh car out yesterday for a nice lunch with the missus to a country pub in the sunshine. As you can see we weren't the only ones with the same idea
Much like the 996 series 911’s they are now looking more attractive.
My only concern is running costs having had a 355 some years ago
Much stress in the GT3 corner at Mo -
Lots of forms to complete to secure the rental flat for July and Saturday night it turns out there was a terrible house fire just 3 doors along from the house we are buying .
I’ve booked the survey in for next week and made the surveyor aware of events over the weekend.
I drove past y’day and our house is looking all good but the devastation left from the fire is heartbreaking.
Hoping all are insured as the fire took out a house the other side too .
Lots of forms to complete to secure the rental flat for July and Saturday night it turns out there was a terrible house fire just 3 doors along from the house we are buying .
I’ve booked the survey in for next week and made the surveyor aware of events over the weekend.
I drove past y’day and our house is looking all good but the devastation left from the fire is heartbreaking.
Hoping all are insured as the fire took out a house the other side too .
Edited by GT3Manthey on Monday 12th June 10:36
OldSkoolRS said:
Doh, caught out by my own lame attempt at a joke. The Aston looks lovely too of course. 
I have driven an F430. Only 4 laps of Silverstone, but the person with me got me to push it harder than I expected they would and it's the only car I've done 150mph in (albeit briefly down the Hangar straight). Probably the most expensive car I'll ever drive and certainly 'bucket list' material for me.
Meant to say that I was sorry to read about the fire close to your new house GT3. I hope everyone was OK? I also hope it doesn't impact on you/Mrs GT3 wanting to move there now too.
Tks Mate. I have driven an F430. Only 4 laps of Silverstone, but the person with me got me to push it harder than I expected they would and it's the only car I've done 150mph in (albeit briefly down the Hangar straight). Probably the most expensive car I'll ever drive and certainly 'bucket list' material for me.
Meant to say that I was sorry to read about the fire close to your new house GT3. I hope everyone was OK? I also hope it doesn't impact on you/Mrs GT3 wanting to move there now too.
Nothing changes with regards us wanting the house still, in fact the wife was there today measuring up .
There will be a period of disruption whilst the two houses concerned are rebuilt but it’ll come back as was eventually .
If anything it’ll stop any other potential buyer trying to snaffle it from under our noses .
Bottom line is regardless of the disruption it’s the house for us and hopefully our forever home.
Chain is now competed and been ‘chain checked’ by the agents so hoping to really move forward quickly now
skeeterm5 said:
I used to own an Exige and had to take the roof out to get in and out daily. Nothing to do with being tall, I am 5’10, more to do with be inflexible and aging!
I think it remains one of the coolest cars that I have ever owned.
Cracking cars . I had an S2S Exige and wish now it was the one car I never sold . Buttons to run but the most fun to drive . I think it remains one of the coolest cars that I have ever owned.
I did manage to get in and out but then that was 10 years ago !
Great memories and footage of track days at Spa
RichB said:
Don't laugh, I spent the last three days renovating an old wooden door that leads from our garden out into the woods. It's known as Caine's Gate because we were told by the lady we bought the house from that it came from Michael Caine's garden. There's another gate called Lodge Gate elsewhere in garden. As a kid on a Sunday I used to go for picnics in Richmond Park with my mum and dad. This is my little nod to those days - if you know Richmond Park you'll get it! 
Back to the gate, it was fairly dilapidated so I was pretty chuffed with the result.
Great job looks lovely and very rewarding i dare say Back to the gate, it was fairly dilapidated so I was pretty chuffed with the result. OldSkoolRS said:
Nothing as fancy as Rich's garden gate, but a small milestone today: My first bit of car spraying for a lot of years. Granted I've done a fair few guitars in recent years, but this was back doing the 'proper stuff'.
New SIP spray gun, which is the new fangled HVLP type, so it doesn't turn the garage into a massive fog of spray paint. Very efficient in putting the paint on to the item (I had loads left after doing some bits on the Ka, so the tin is still nearly full!). A small disaster with the Fiesta bumper not taking the red basecoat, despite it being advertised as 'primed' so I let it dry, sanded it down again to remove the red paint/runs on the small test area. I mixed up some grey primer and it's looking a lot better now:
Will sand it down tomorrow and see if I can get some base coat red on it. Maybe put some clearcoat on the Ka too, depending on the weather as that is outside.
Yes my 'spraying stand' is the RS2000.
It's well covered, plus it'll need some paintwork once the welding is done anyway...at least I'm getting in practice.
That’s a lovely job and good practice for the RS when you get round to that New SIP spray gun, which is the new fangled HVLP type, so it doesn't turn the garage into a massive fog of spray paint. Very efficient in putting the paint on to the item (I had loads left after doing some bits on the Ka, so the tin is still nearly full!). A small disaster with the Fiesta bumper not taking the red basecoat, despite it being advertised as 'primed' so I let it dry, sanded it down again to remove the red paint/runs on the small test area. I mixed up some grey primer and it's looking a lot better now:
Will sand it down tomorrow and see if I can get some base coat red on it. Maybe put some clearcoat on the Ka too, depending on the weather as that is outside.
Yes my 'spraying stand' is the RS2000.
It's well covered, plus it'll need some paintwork once the welding is done anyway...at least I'm getting in practice. skeeterm5 said:
Thought I would go for a little bimble today and while waiting to pull out of the fuel station I was struck by just how much nicer old interiors are than modern stuff.
I love that . My kids wouldn’t know what a ‘choke’ is to start a car.
Spent last weekend moving various items into the rented flat and clearing the house out ready for the sale .
Big old skip on the drive is slowly filling up which feels great in that it’s clearing our overfilled house and ready for a fresh start.
The searches are well underway now & when they are done we can start taking about exchange & completion finally .
Looks like we’ll have to use storage for a month or so or to avoid the chain breaking down which means a 2nd move but needs must .
Also as the new place is Edwardian I want a real period door which is taking some research but it’s something new and interesting.
Lots more clearing out this weekend, so I’ll be in the loft for the most part hoofing old boxes that we’ve not opened in many years.
Bon weekend all
OldSkoolRS said:
I had an MG Metro (I know...) and it wouldn't start in the morning, regardless of what I did with the choke/pumping the throttle. I lived on a slight hill at the time so I would push it down the hill, jump in and bump start it. Don't know why that worked but it did. Turned out there was a blanking piece missing off the carb body that I spotted on my friend's similar car. I put it on and the choke worked fine after that (about a month before I sold it!).
We just take it for granted a car will start first time; my Ka left for 3 weeks recently and started first time no bother. I suspect the RS will take a bit more work than that though.
Sounds like the move is going well GT3. Gives you chance to have a good clear out too. I found that very cathartic when I cleared my loft last winter to put extra insulation in. Determined not to let it re-fill with crap now though. Good luck with the door search.
Glad you reminded me it's the weekend...band rehearsal tomorrow night whereas usually it's Friday so I'm a day out at the moment.
Spotted this and thought of you- We just take it for granted a car will start first time; my Ka left for 3 weeks recently and started first time no bother. I suspect the RS will take a bit more work than that though.
Sounds like the move is going well GT3. Gives you chance to have a good clear out too. I found that very cathartic when I cleared my loft last winter to put extra insulation in. Determined not to let it re-fill with crap now though.
Good luck with the door search.Glad you reminded me it's the weekend...band rehearsal tomorrow night whereas usually it's Friday so I'm a day out at the moment.
https://collectingcars.com/for-sale/1977-ford-esco...
m_cozzy said:
I did my early retirement in march. Three months in so far and I bloody love it. Absolutely zero regrets.
Even on days when I dont have much on I'm happier just bumbling around rather than having to be at work.
Decided to go to the French Alps to do some mountain biking a few days ago. Leaving this weekend, not booked the return ferry yet as I don't know when I'm coming home! Probably 2 weeks or so.
Previous years I would have to get time off booked in advance and negotiate with another team member to cover my oncall if it clashed.
Nice one . Even on days when I dont have much on I'm happier just bumbling around rather than having to be at work.
Decided to go to the French Alps to do some mountain biking a few days ago. Leaving this weekend, not booked the return ferry yet as I don't know when I'm coming home! Probably 2 weeks or so.
Previous years I would have to get time off booked in advance and negotiate with another team member to cover my oncall if it clashed.
How old are you now and what spurred on your plans to retire ?
bompey said:
I’m just popping in to say hello as I’ve been reading this thread since the early days.
I’ve been on gardening leave for a couple of months and don’t think I’ll bother looking for another job when it ends. The timing wasn’t my choice but I’ve been thinking of when to retire for a while so I’ll be 54 and done.
Like GT3 I was in financial services and my financial plans are all good. It’s great being in charge of what you do and don’t do, and the pace at which you do it. I’ve just got to stop my wife giving me lists of things to do.
Nice one pleased for you . I’ve been on gardening leave for a couple of months and don’t think I’ll bother looking for another job when it ends. The timing wasn’t my choice but I’ve been thinking of when to retire for a while so I’ll be 54 and done.
Like GT3 I was in financial services and my financial plans are all good. It’s great being in charge of what you do and don’t do, and the pace at which you do it. I’ve just got to stop my wife giving me lists of things to do.
As you know being in financial services isn’t much fun once you turn 50.
I’m assuming you’re based around London somewhere ?
I’m very much looking forward to not going round in financial circles all day !
m_cozzy said:
Cheers all.
Approaching 53 this year & was sick & tired of feeling like my tax money was being used against me. I get daily enjoyment from not paying the government 1 penny in income tax.
Being single with a modest lifestyle I can very happily live on 12.5k a year & thats with a few foreign holidays.
Very impressive enjoy Approaching 53 this year & was sick & tired of feeling like my tax money was being used against me. I get daily enjoyment from not paying the government 1 penny in income tax.
Being single with a modest lifestyle I can very happily live on 12.5k a year & thats with a few foreign holidays.
bompey said:
Yep, I commuted in for over 30 years but since COVID it’s been a lot more working from home for me. When I do go in the office and the pubs are all full of kids. I am officially a grumpy old man and can’t stand the LinkedIn posts about how wonderful everyone is and the competition to attend calls at any time ( a real problem with clients around the world). I am glad to be out of it but surprised so many others continue with no exit plan.
I hear you . I think the business ends up making you grumpy . LinkedIn - I just refuse to look at it . Nothing more than a posh Facebook now imo.
Welcome to the thread and do keep us posted on your retirement
OldSkoolRS said:
Can't speak for our new member, but certainly not in my case. As I've previously said I now have more spending money after bills than I had when I was working because of the reduced deductions: The mortgage was paid off last summer and we recently installed solar (both due to inheritances though we had savings anyway), so our monthly bills have plummeted. Of course interest on savings has increased, which is covered by the starter savings rate of £5k a year, plus £1k basic rate before paying tax. That's not including any ISA interest or other tax free incomes.
Now I'm not paying tax and NI or company car BIK at over £400 a month, plus 26% pension contributions, so while the headline Gross figure seems a long way off my income now, the Net figure is more overall. That's the bit you need to focus on I guess, plus my wife has SP and private pensions, so I gave her some of my tax allowance and we split the bills (and holiday costs, etc of which we manage plenty).
I figure that I managed fine for the last 10 years on that spending money (allowing for wage increases/inflation) when I ramped up my pension contributions. Yet I still saved enough to build up the money I lived off last year and used to buy various cars due to losing my company car. I know it goes a bit against the advice on here to max out your mortgage and effectively live up to your income, but I'd hate to still be working now because I'd moved to a bigger house and staring down the barrel of a massive mortgage increase like some are facing now. I just got used to living modestly day to day and then enjoying trips and treats as we wanted them.
Surprising what you can manage on with modest requirements and low monthly bills.
Nicely put. Now I'm not paying tax and NI or company car BIK at over £400 a month, plus 26% pension contributions, so while the headline Gross figure seems a long way off my income now, the Net figure is more overall. That's the bit you need to focus on I guess, plus my wife has SP and private pensions, so I gave her some of my tax allowance and we split the bills (and holiday costs, etc of which we manage plenty).
I figure that I managed fine for the last 10 years on that spending money (allowing for wage increases/inflation) when I ramped up my pension contributions. Yet I still saved enough to build up the money I lived off last year and used to buy various cars due to losing my company car. I know it goes a bit against the advice on here to max out your mortgage and effectively live up to your income, but I'd hate to still be working now because I'd moved to a bigger house and staring down the barrel of a massive mortgage increase like some are facing now. I just got used to living modestly day to day and then enjoying trips and treats as we wanted them.
Surprising what you can manage on with modest requirements and low monthly bills.
I’ve stripped out all my current fixed costs that will have ended by the time I retire. Mortgage, school fees, rent for flat , train fares etc etc and built a totally new cost base.
Still regularly fine tuning the list as I see fit but as you say it’s an essential part of the planning.
The house we’ve bought is the same size as what we currently have and needs little done to it so, the net difference as it’s further out clears the mortage and puts a chunk away in savings. Once this is over the line I have to set about selling my flat as we aren’t allowed to rent so that’s a net drain.
Thinking along the same lines that costs will also reduce over time
skeeterm5 said:
Perfect!
Very exciting to see a concrete lorry coming along the drive the other morning…
The foundations were poured for our extension and now block work is underway. As you can imagine I now have a lot of additional tasks from ‘management’
Properly remote ! Very exciting to see a concrete lorry coming along the drive the other morning…
The foundations were poured for our extension and now block work is underway. As you can imagine I now have a lot of additional tasks from ‘management’
I love it but my wife being a townie would freak !
RichB said:
If you are a genuine novice may I suggest you get a few lessons in the driving range. My son is a professional but I'd never played golf until about 10 years ago when he finally convinced me to have a go. His first comment was that it was refreshing to teach someone with no preconceived ideas of how to do it. He got ne started swinging a 6 iron (not a driver) and I remember we had goes at trying to hit the ball off the tee with a knotted piece of rope - the idea being that focusing on the knot makes you swing through the club trying to keep the rope taught! He didn't get me onto drivers or hybrids until I could hit the 6 iron cleanly 140-150 yards.
Makes sense . I’ve played for close to 30 years now lowest handicap 8 now 11.
Lots of benefits for playing golf as a retiree so stick with it although at times, even for me, it’s the most frustrating game on the planet !
MrVert said:
I concur with that! Most frustrating, but most rewarding sport I’ve ever played.
I stopped playing in 2005, having been a decent low handicapper….joined the local club in April this year and it’s been the best thing I’ve done since stopping work..
Meeting loads of new people has been great, rediscovering the challenge that golf provides has been hugely rewarding and I can’t believe I left it for so long!
Similar to me in that I stopped in 2002 when my eldest was born and the wife told me to rejoin 3 years ago . I stopped playing in 2005, having been a decent low handicapper….joined the local club in April this year and it’s been the best thing I’ve done since stopping work..
Meeting loads of new people has been great, rediscovering the challenge that golf provides has been hugely rewarding and I can’t believe I left it for so long!
Edited by MrVert on Tuesday 11th July 23:21
At first I was sceptical but I’ve been hooked ever since again .
Also met many more people to play with especially now the V1 app allows you to join up easily.
It’s the perfect retirement sport for lots of reasons
RichB said:
I am sure any teaching pro would have a 6 iron for you to use. Why not enquire about a lesson at the driving range/course where go.
I had lessons many years ago when I 1st started and tbh it’s the best thing you can do but you’ll need to grind in the changes at the range . I had a few lessons last year just to tidy my alignment up which has helped but I need to play more to improve further.
Also remember that as you age your swing will change with less strength and flexibility so you’ll adjust as you play.
I think the mental health benefits of the game are at times underrated
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