How much do I need to live on

So sorry to hear about your DH and send virtual hugs.
I think that everyone's personal finances and what is a comfortable amount to live on depends on your own needs and expectations. I would get some advice from Age UK in or Citizen's Advice. You may be entitled to benefits or be able to save on expenditure.

I do agree about talking to CAB. It is so hard that in the midst of your grief you are trying to sort out your finances. Do you have family who can be with you and help in sorting it al out?

I am sorry for your loss.

I'm so sorry totallylost and I'm sure you are. I think if you can take a quiet moment to put all your outgoings down on paper and then put in some contingencies you may be able to get an idea of what your budgeting needs to look like. Its far to early to think about moving house or letting out a room but in time you may be able to think about your options long term. I think its good advice to ask a trusted friend or family to help you do the thinking work. I hope that all the 'noise' in your head settles soon and that you are able to think more clearly. With best wishes xx

Very sorry to hear of this sad time. Are you not even entitled to half of your DH's pension? If I go before DH he'll get half my pension. It's certainly worth checking and also if you qualify for any benefits. Council tax should reduce for one thing. Good luck with it all.

Much sympathy Totallylost. I am sure when your grief is not so raw your financial situation will be easier to deal with.

You have your state pension and earnings right now. It's important to understand what your outgoings are and to put aside some money for rainy days and for the treats you enjoy that enhance life.

Do you want to give up work? Don't make too many decisions until life is a bit easier, but do consider how much you enjoy the routine, companionship and earnings that your job provides before you resign your post. My best wishes to you.

You need to sit down with your bank statements and work out your outgoings and income. Not fun I know. You need to work out how much you need to live on. Basically you need to pay council tax, gas electricity water rates, insurance,Your car if you have one. Food clothes entertainment. If you don't have to pay a mortgage or rent you are fortunate. Perhaps don't do it all in one go, but bit by bit.
You might find it empowering. It's very early days. Perhaps you could get some bereavement counselling.
Do you have family to support you?

Thanks so much for all your replies, I think really you're all saying the same things that I'm thinking which in a way is comforting. jane10 no I'm not entitled to any of my DHs private pension , we always knew that would happen because of the circumstances under which it was set up. I just didn't expect things to happen so suddenly his death came totally out of the blue. My daughter is being terrific but lives 500 miles away , has a full time job and family and I don't want to keep troubling her .

I don't have any advice re your finances - but wanted to offer my sincere condolences

My sympathies as well. I would agree that, as long as you remain well and enjoy your job, then keep working.
That gives you a space to do as others have suggested and work out your finances.
I am a great fan of Martin Lewis' Money Saving Expert website, and it is well worth a look for ideas on everything from managing savings to making day-to-day economies.

When we retired we did quite a careful plan. In the current climate, savings won't give much of an income, but we worked out, for instance, major gifts for family weddings, replacing a car, rainy day fund. We made a decision about whether holidays would come out of savings or be saved up for out of income.

We are fortunate to live in an area with a nice lot of community events, and can have pleasant evenings without going far or spending much.

Some of our friends do volunteer work at local National Trust places, or community theatres, in return for free membership or tickets. A nice way to keep active and stretch finances.

Take your time, don't rush into anything; do some calculations, then let them sit in your head for a while as you think over the implications, then maybe do some more.

Good luck.

Totallylost, All my sympathies at this sad time. As you have your job I would keep it for at least a while. Every thing seems totally black now, but gradually you will find your ability to cope with life will return

When that happens get in contact with Age UK (used to be Age Concern). Online they have a whole range of Fact Sheets, some of which will help you. Ring your local office They can help you by doing a benefit check. When you stop work and only have your pension, you could qualify for more a benefit called Pension Credit that will bring your pension up to about £160 a week, plus possible help with paying your Council tax. As you own your own house, however small, you could also release some of that money through something called equity release. It needs to be investigated carefully, but Age UK and the CAB will be able to advise you.

Adding my sympathies, totallylost. As others have said, could you carry on for just a little while longer without making a decision? In essence, decide not to decide just yet which is different to avoiding. Just give yourself some space.

Once you feel you can face it then ask Age UK or the CAB for a benefits check of your current position and your financial position if you give up work. They will do it easily. Once you know if any extra is possible either ask your daughter for a day of her time, ask a trusted friend or other family member to help or involve the CAB. Then sit down with all the bills, details of your income, including any benefits you are entitled to, and do some sums. Again I agree with others, it will be so much easier with someone there to help you.

If you'd like to keep working but find full time too much then why not ask if its possible to reduce your hours to give some income? If you enjoy your job and are well then you can continue for as long as you want to but knowing your position should you decide to stop will stop the worry.

Your outgoings will change a little now its just you. I'm hoping you have applied to have your council tax reduced as a single occupant and even considered a water meter if you don't have one already.

Just be kind to yourself, accept any help that's offered.

Sending a virtual hug. Please let us know how you get along. The GN community can be a good source of support.

Lots of good advice here, as there always is on GN. I just want to send my condolences at this very sad time. I wish you well .

Thinking of you totally

Thanks again everyone I really do appreciate your thoughts and kind wishes, think I now need to do as you say, look at all my options but not make any hasty decisions xx

Totally lost, there is a charity called Cruise Bereavement Care that may be able to help you. I really feel for you as you say it happened very quickly. I think you really need to talk it through with someone. How are you finding work? I hope it's a job you enjoy.
What is your worst time during the week? Do you have a cat or a dog?
Really feel for you.

[flowers ][hugs]

Rewind; [hugs]

I am sorry to hear of your loss. As others have said, find an Age Concern advice centre and ask for some help.

So sorry to read of your sudden loss, you must be devasted and it's not an ideal time to have to deal with practical matters, but they do need dealing with.
The advice already given is brilliant, but to add that I run a home, no mortgage and all costs paid by monthly direct debit. It is a standard 3 bed semi, not in London, my DP pays for food and car expenses. My outgoings amount to£400 a month approximately. You will receive a reduction in Council Tax so this will help a little.

Totallylost I can only repeat what others have said on here.
One thing I would say is "keep posting, keep asking questions" lots of, not only advice on here but also a lot of very kind people with broad shoulder and good listening ears.

One thing to be aware of though as some gransnetters shave found out is! Just be aware of posting anything too private or personal as what ever you post can be seen on social media. You can always send a Private message to anyone if you don't wish to ask in the main forum.

Hope that you may find a little comfort on here...I know I did.

So sorry to hear of your loss Totallylost
Lots of good advice on here not least to take your time, not make any hasty decisions and get lots of advice. One thing I will tell you is don't reject any help whether it is practical or financial. An aunt was so disgusted with the 5 pence offered to her that she rejected it and thereby lost a whole raft of other helps which were available to anyone on even a minute benefit. Once rejected it was no longer open to her and sadly she could have done with all that could have been on offer.
Keep posting and looking on here and if you need help this is the place to ask as there is always someone on here with the relevant knowledge and experience. Hope that life settles down for you and you come to terms with your new way of life soon. Just remember when in doubt do nothing - wait until it feels right. Best wishes.

So sorry for your loss, Totallylost. Lots of good advice here. What a huge shock. My thoughts are with you,

Living perfectly happily on £200 a week if that helps, No mortgage, nice little modern house so low outgoings, good public transport for the bus pass, shops doctors etc in walking distance. It really depends on how you want to live how much you can manage on.

I found taking control of the money helped with my grief oddly enough. for you.