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Edwina Currie live webchat 23 July, 7pm

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GeraldineGransnet (GNHQ) Tue 09-Jul-13 18:08:05

Retirement should be a time for enjoying friends, family and hobbies, old and new.  But a bit of planning can help you make the most of it, so worries about money don’t get in the way and you can focus on having fun.

So what things should you consider before retirement? Have you thought about downsizing? What are the benefits? What about continuing to work part-time? What aspects of your future should you discuss with? your family?

We're delighted to welcome Edwina Currie for a live webchat on retirement planning. A writer, broadcaster and ex-minister for public health and women's health issues under Margaret Thatcher, Edwina, 66, today works part-time as a writer and broadcaster and has published 11 books.  She is also a member of the McCarthy & Stone Greater Life Advisory Board which challenges attitudes to ageing.

In 2011, she downsized and returned to her roots in Derbyshire, close to the area she represented as an MP. Edwina and her husband John have a combined family of four sons, two daughters, nine grandchildren and two great-grandsons. 

Join us on 23rd July at 7pm when Edwina will be answering your questions on planning for retirement.

This webchat is sponsored by McCarthy and Stone Money.

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EdwinaCurrie Tue 23-Jul-13 19:55:29

neptune

What is the longest you've ever lived in one house? My daughter (and her beautiful family) and have asked me to go with them. I'm only a year away from retiring but have never lived anywhere else in my whole life. This is only the 3rd house I've called home. I can't imagine upping sticks... Like you said earlier what if they then move?

Imagine. It will happen sooner or later.. probably when you least want it. McC &S research showed 90% of their residents come in after a crisis, eg a bereavement or serious illness. Better to move, to choose your retirement place, before you HAVE to. best, disscuss with family, all of them, properly, seriously, think of the pros and cons, research it thoroughly.
We lived in Birmingham 10 years, Derbys 14, Surrey 10 years, and moved twice since 2011. I do not like moving house!

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EdwinaCurrie Tue 23-Jul-13 19:56:33

minimo

Is there anything in your life you regret? And how do/did you come to terms with it?

Oh, loads. If you don't have regrets, you haven't dreamed, and you haven't lived. But I got most of what I aimed for, so I'm content

(typical politician's answer...!)

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LaraGransnet (GNHQ) Tue 23-Jul-13 20:03:46

Thanks very much to Edwina for coming on tonight and answering all our questions!

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EdwinaCurrie Tue 23-Jul-13 20:04:40

LaraGransnet

Thanks very much to Edwina for coming on tonight and answering all our questions!

Thanks, this was fun!! you can folow me on Twitter too - Edwina_Currie

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Galen Tue 23-Jul-13 20:06:37

I'm very disappointed that you seem to confuse ESA with DLA/PIP and did not answer my question?

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HUNTERF Wed 24-Jul-13 08:46:09

I find it difficult to believe that Edwina's ministerial pension only comes to £660 a month after tax.
I would imagine most occupational pensions come to more than £9,900 a year gross.

Frank

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Bez Wed 24-Jul-13 08:53:39

Imagine away Frank - then get real. I know plenty of people with occupational pensions less than that - when you have had a pension for a number of years it may go up but you do not keep pace with newly retired people - as you may discover in the future.

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bluebell Wed 24-Jul-13 09:17:23

Frank - you are assuming 20% tax- she might mean after 40 or 45% tax!

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HUNTERF Wed 24-Jul-13 12:31:57

Bez

If your pension is index linked it should go up with inflation.
At the moment the rises pensioners are getting are better than the people who are still working.

Frank

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Bez Wed 24-Jul-13 13:50:40

Yes - but my point is that "new" pensioners start at a much higher rate than those who have been a pensioner for many years especially when related to final salary. The index linking I believe is a percentage linked to the rate at which you are paid.

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HUNTERF Wed 24-Jul-13 15:06:10

Bez

Index linking takes in to account a basket of goods you can buy and it tries to pay enough money so you can always buy that basket of goods.
The problem is every bodies consumption is different.
Cigarettes increasing in price would not affect me as I do not buy any but cars and dog food for example would.
Also goods do change because some become obsolete and new ones come in.

Frank

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glammanana Wed 24-Jul-13 21:32:42

I don't know or want to know what you buy Frank but on average our "indexed linked basket" is roughly the same over the course of a month,with the odd trip to M&S for Dine Ins as that saves on the alcohol expenditure,and to be truthful we don't faction into our monthly or yearly budget a new car as that would be frivilous don't you think ? Yes I would like a new car every 3/4 yrs but truth be known I don't need one.

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