You have received a windfall ...

I already pay a gardener. She's essential. Luckily in Scotland I don't need Aircon and I still have an open fire to keep warm.

Teeth are my priority. I can live on one floor and have a walk in shower so why am I downsizing? I'm beginning to think it could be a mistake.

A windfall to help travel bills. A visit, business class, to NZ to visit my DS and his family.

Could I afford that?

How much would it cost to have one of those lifts that goes up through the floor? I reckon one of those would allow me to stay in my own home as long as I wanted.

Not impossibly expensive Nanny27 As little as £14,000 according to Grand Designs magazine.

WithNobsOnIt

It would depend on how much the windfall was.

The amount is just a processing point so we can exchange ideas. If if helps you could set it as more than £5,000 but less than £10,000. Suggestions for future-proofing ahead of aging is really the point. I hope that helps.

DaisyAnneReturns

Air-conditioning is good future proofing. My first thought was teeth - but I was in the dentists chair when I thought of the question

Another thought has been wooden floors to replace carpets. My back really doesn't like hovering these days and I doubt it will get better as the years pass.

A word about vacuum cleaners. I think you have to think about your back when you buy a new vacuum cleaner, even for wooden floors. My DD has a Miele as I do but I have the extra beater added. Hers sucks up the dirt very well on both types of floor but my back pushing and pulling it backwards and forwards kills me, whereas mine with the beater attachment is easy-peasy no problem with my back, well worth the extra money. She also has one of those automatic ones but they only wipe the dust, they don’t do much to suck it up but that’s my opinion.

My friend is having electric awning installed and the price isn’t much different form the air conditioning I hope to install for one room but that is France.

from not form

mokryna A word about vacuum cleaners. I think you have to think about your back when you buy a new vacuum cleaner, even for wooden floors. My DD has a Miele as I do but I have the extra beater added. Hers sucks up the dirt very well on both types of floor but my back pushing and pulling it backwards and forwards kills me, whereas mine with the beater attachment is easy-peasy no problem with my back, well worth the extra money. She also has one of those automatic ones but they only wipe the dust, they don’t do much to suck it up but that’s my opinion.^

That's really helpful - I'll have a look.

I had a small windfall a few years ago and used it to pay privately for psychiatric assessment to get appropriate medication. Has really changed my life. (I also took a lovely trip to France and Spain, solo, to get some winter sun.)

I d like to renew my falling down, small but useful conservatory, and have a downstairs shower fitted in (in case)

A cleaner every other week to blitz the house. While he/she is there I would be at my physio getting help to keep my body in peak condition. Interesting to see different responses.

New kitchen with self ckean appliances and an oven at chest height. More storage for baking stuff so I don't have to move so many things to get to one particular ton etc. Currently having quotes which have varied from 16k to 35k!!! Could have an extension the higher quote 🤔

They do say that healthy teeth are essential.

I would move. It is too far for me to walk to the town centre, but there are suitable homes nearer, if I could only get DH to shift. If I could be about 3/4 mile walk, I would do it often improving social life and fitness. I would look at something with stairs too, then I would be forced to exercise, would get more sleep because he is an early bird who crashes around at dawn and I am a night owl

Definitely no air conditioning. I feel cold unless it’s over 38c. I lived in Kuwait with temperatures over 50c. Opened the windows for a lovely warm breeze. My husband thought I was nuts and switched on the air conditioning as soon as he got home. I ran to get a cardi. Should mention we’re still together 45 years later. I have the heating high in the UK and he has a mini air conditioner.

This isn't windfall level spending but I recently bought a new mattress and pillows and I'm sure the improved sleep is extending my life.

That is how I see this Buddleja. Some bigger thing but also some renewals, smaller things that will make a difference - I'm thinking I would add grabrails in the bathroom, and comfort - rest and sleep are very important.

Message withdrawn at poster's request.