I honestly don't know how we'd manage if we had to rely solely on State Pension, as so many do. Fortunately, we are privileged to have 5 pensions between the two of us. Nevertheless, we have both had to look hard at our monthly outgoings, in particular where energy costs are concerned. We've reduced the boiler temperature to 60 degrees as suggested, and turned the thermostat in the hall down a couple of degrees to 20. We're cutting back on car journeys too, and opting for shopping from home for groceries with expenditure to a level which entails no delivery charge. We're also looking hard at whether or not we actually still need a car nowadays, as doing without one would certainly produce a significant saving. Apparently we are experiencing the most extreme fall in living standards since the 50's. We had also thought that perhaps we'd reached the stage where the Bank of Mum and Dad might see some relief, but no, we're having to step in again to help family out. At least we're still in a position to do that, as I'm aware that many aren't. Hard times indeed, and I honestly can't see things improving any time soon, despite "upbeat" posturing in the budget.
