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House and home

You have received a windfall ...

(21 Posts)
Wheniwasyourage Mon 19-Oct-26 17:05:57

A gardener to help with the heavier jobs.

Beware of wooden floors if you think it will save on hoovering (or even hovering). You don't have to hoover, as you can sweep, but the amount of fluff and crumbs you sweep up makes you wonder about the state your floors would be in if you had carpets! I still like our wooden floors though.

DaisyAnneReturns Mon 19-Oct-26 17:00:54

Cossy

DaisyAnneReturns

hoovering not hovering!

I liked the sound of “hovering” grin

I'd probably still manage to fall over and no doubt there would be a hovering test! But in the comfort of your own home ... Could be useful.

DaisyAnneReturns Mon 19-Oct-26 16:58:55

Would anyone use it to get help with ironing? I can see that being a future issue.

Cossy Mon 19-Oct-26 16:58:27

DaisyAnneReturns

hoovering not hovering!

I liked the sound of “hovering” grin

DaisyAnneReturns Mon 19-Oct-26 16:57:15

fancythat

Might be taxis?
Does that count?
For when I can no longer drive?
I live rurally.

I have a relative who is looking forward to driverless cars.
Personally, I would take some convincing about them.

Taxis definitely count. Even if you drive now you may need a different mode of transport. Like you I'm not sure about driverless - maybe if they were on rails ...

Cossy Mon 19-Oct-26 16:57:14

Dependent on how big!

Air Con
Wooden shutter like blinds
Front and back garden (they’re miniscule) landscaped.
Wet room with built in seat.

Fallingstar Mon 19-Oct-26 16:53:12

fancythat

Might be taxis?
Does that count?
For when I can no longer drive?
I live rurally.

I have a relative who is looking forward to driverless cars.
Personally, I would take some convincing about them.

Taxis definitely count.
My DH can no longer drive and I never have, when he had a stroke we got attendance allowance so I have the uber app and we use taxis to improve our quality of life.

tanith Mon 19-Oct-26 16:47:49

Definately air con in the house and a bit of sorting out the back lawn area.

fancythat Mon 19-Oct-26 16:38:56

Might be taxis?
Does that count?
For when I can no longer drive?
I live rurally.

I have a relative who is looking forward to driverless cars.
Personally, I would take some convincing about them.

Lixy2 Mon 19-Oct-26 16:27:01

I would love to replace carpets with wooden flooring but I think replacing our (elderly and sagging) sofas with decent armchairs would take priority.

I would also get rid of all the ‘gadgets’ eg blinds in the kitchen and conservatory that are operated by a remote control. They need charging every now and then, and that means getting the step stool out. Ditto blinds in the living room.

DaisyAnneReturns Mon 19-Oct-26 16:25:25

CarrotTop

In my current situation and state of health, a measly few thousand wouldn't cover it.

You can have a bigger amount if it helps. Say £8,000?, but it must future proof you and/or your home.

Fallingstar Mon 19-Oct-26 16:23:17

valdali

In these uncertain times, I'd be inclined to buy gold I could wear on me... not many scenarios where that can't be exchanged for what me & mine need to get along, whatever that may be in 20 years' time.

Interesting reply. In many cultures people buy gold for a woman when she marries, this is in effect a survival fund in case the going gets tough, and the woman will continue to buy it or receive gold throughout her life.

DaisyAnneReturns Mon 19-Oct-26 16:21:59

hoovering not hovering!

Dottydots Mon 19-Oct-26 16:19:10

I would pay a gardener to do a good makeover with my front and back gardens. They both look terrible at the moment but I don't really have the spare money to pay someone.

valdali Mon 19-Oct-26 16:09:03

In these uncertain times, I'd be inclined to buy gold I could wear on me... not many scenarios where that can't be exchanged for what me & mine need to get along, whatever that may be in 20 years' time.

CarrotTop Mon 19-Oct-26 15:58:01

In my current situation and state of health, a measly few thousand wouldn't cover it.

grandMattie Mon 19-Oct-26 15:55:52

A new ceramic hob. Mine is cracked and I’m saving to replace it.

New kitchen floor, torn when the old washing machine was removed. It’s nit dangerous, but unsightly.

“Net curtain” blinds for the living room…

DaisyAnneReturns Mon 19-Oct-26 15:52:54

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

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.

Oldnproud Mon 19-Oct-26 15:31:51

Fallingstar

Air conditioning units installed throughout my home. Last summer in London, and for several summers in London, the heat has been oppressive and has affected my wellbeing.
Am doing this in the New year anyway, will cost a chunk of our savings, but I think is now essential.

That is a good one.

If my windfall wasn't enough to install (and run) good air conditioning, I would prioritise having external awnings installed above all the windows that have the sun on them at some time of day.
If it was big enough, I would have both.

Fallingstar Mon 19-Oct-26 15:23:11

Air conditioning units installed throughout my home. Last summer in London, and for several summers in London, the heat has been oppressive and has affected my wellbeing.
Am doing this in the New year anyway, will cost a chunk of our savings, but I think is now essential.

DaisyAnneReturns Mon 19-Oct-26 15:14:50

... not huge but let's say several thousand.

You have decided to spend it on future proofing your old, or even older age. What would you spend it on? It can be on you (eyes, teeth, hearing, mobility), your home etc., but it should be something/s that helps you protect your physical mobility, mental well-being, personal autonomy and independence going forward.