Another post that has hung around unpublished for some time. At least I've ticked one thing off. I'm over it, and publish as is.
In the last years before I retired, I was constantly worried about whether I would have enough money to retire. I did have enough, and then the government gave me a portion of an old age pension, the extra benefits being of many things being discounted.
Before Ray died, we had paid half for our apartment to be repainted and recarpeted. It was a long discussion about whether to change to timber boards, but we decided on carpet.
While I delayed it for a couple of months after Ray's death, it was done.
Then money from my mother's estate came through, which meant I had money to spend on what I now see as neglecting our place for some years.
In no order over two years;
New microwave.
New dishwasher (the old one failed).
New French door fridge.
New range hood.
New dinner service.
New chair cushions.
A stand for the desktop screen to ensure I keep my head held high, and a new mat for the computer chair, and then another after the first broke, plus a new desk chair...so comfortable.
Living area venetian blinds cleaned ( a waste as I replaced them the next year).
Bedroom of Phyllis and Kosov window tinting redone.
Living area blinds replaced.
Living area and a couple of bedroom window tinting redone (it decays over twenty years).
New lounge chairs.
Range hood fan replaced (the old one failed).
Extra benchtop lighting added.
New split system air con.
A robot vacuum cleaner.
The future may see new fan lights in the living room and at installation, have the hard wired smoke detectors replaced, done. While the fan lights are very practical, my living area lights are very old fashioned and to modernise would be adding about ten recessed LED lighting fittings. While these would make the place more modern, I don't want the bright lighting and I'm quite happy with my lamps. Fan lights are what I want.
I might have new floor tiles laid over the top of the old kitchen, bathrooms and toilet tiles. Smart looking in 2026 is quite different to 1998.
I am adding value in some areas to my home, but I don't care about that and nor am I out to impress anyone. I am spending money to please myself.
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Quite right too. After a lifetime of working and saving we deserve to spend our remaining money on what makes us happy.
ReplyDeleteWhen my financial advisor told me that I had more than enough money to retire, I burst into tears. My body was so tired. It's scary though, making that leap into retirement.
ReplyDeleteWe're in the process of slowing replacing things that need done now rather than waiting until we're too old.
I am planning for my retirement too. The way things are changing now do pose a concern how to plan ahead. Good that you treat yourself well.
ReplyDeleteI too am in receipt of part pension and its benefits .With the generosity of others having left money we have too able to completely renovate our house..We of course will be generous when we go and the children and the grands will be the recipients … Grateful and generous, no matter how large or small always makes someone elses lives a little easier.
ReplyDeleteAnd well you should please yourself. Remodeling and replacing can be a pain, but they can also lift the spirits and make home a place that makes us happy.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure what you mean by fan lights. Are they ceiling fans with the light in the centre? And can the light be used separately from the fan? Or are they table lamps shaped like fans Art Deco style? It's nice that you can change things for the better and be comfortable as well as more modern.
ReplyDeleteYes River, overhead fans with inbuilt lights that operate independently. We've had them in our bedrooms for twenty years and in the spare room, that one dries clothing, and since having them installed we've never needed to use air con cooling overnight as long as the place is cool when we go to bed. Just the lowest speed with a sheet over your body is enough to sleep well and stay cool.
DeleteI have a pedestal fan at the foot of the bed for cooling while sleeping so I can turn off the aircon at bedtimes.
DeleteAs long as you don't feel you're about to run out, why not spend it?
ReplyDeleteThe older I get Kirk, the more money I seem to have but a lesser ability to spend it.
DeleteAndrew, right, why not, money has to circulate and after all, we only live once :))
ReplyDeleteI miss translate.
Hug, Andreja!
I am trying to circulate money, Modrina.
DeleteGood idea to spend the money to suit yourself if need to.
ReplyDeleteFan lights - do you mean a fan with a light in the middle of it? We have that and it's way too bright for me.
I have them in the bedrooms Margaret, and at least the one in my bedroom is not bright enough, but I rarely use it.
DeleteYou seem to have done a very big refresh over the last couple of years. I bet it feels wonderful. You might as well enjoy the money you have.
ReplyDeleteI only regret the blinds Kylie. But I am not sure how I could have done it better.
DeleteSpending your money to please yourself is exactly as it should be.
ReplyDeleteWe've also been doing a bit of remodelling and fixing-up of our house since our retirement. Money has to be spent, but we can also feel more comfortable with the upgrades. Enjoy the rest of the week Andrew
ReplyDeleteKeep home comfortable and safe for you.
ReplyDeleteFixing the nest is always a welcome plan.
ReplyDeleteI am totally with you on the new microwave and dishwasher. Retirement is a great time to avoid repetitive, boring and time consuming kitchen activities.
ReplyDeleteBut Andrew has staff to do those for him!
DeleteI was really worried about cash and retirement, having been self-employed for many years. But even though I am not wealthy, or even close, I realized that worry was unfounded. I was lucky enough to find a seniors' rent-subsidized gorgeous apartment and I chose to retain a few clients for a little bit of extra income. I'm finally free of underlying financial worries after a lifetime of single motherhood and self-employment. You have done well, Andrew and I am delighted you have your little treats of luxury. Mine are equally satisfying even though tiny at times.
ReplyDeleteXO
WWW
It's important to keep the place up, for investment purposes, but also to keep it looking good for you! So bravo to your spending. Carry on!
ReplyDeleteThere always seems to be something that needs attention (and money), Andrew.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what Sandra Cox said 👏 👍
ReplyDeleteThere's always something needing refurbished or replaced (most recently, our central heating/air conditioning unit) but what a blessing that we can afford to get these things done. Several times over the last few weeks I've considered making a blog post listing little home improvements. It's amazing how getting rid of minor annoyances can be a true mood booster. ~nods~ Be well!
ReplyDeleteI have a list like that. I didn't realise so much needed replacing. It included a new dividing fence and a shade sail, which is being installed next week. There's no point in being frugal, tho it's hard to shake off that mentality. Better to make your living space comfortable and attractive.
ReplyDeleteI so understand how your mind has to switch from saving ten cents here, a dollar there, to laying out large amounts of money to spend on home improvements, or even travel. I am getting better at it, after what I now think of years of neglect. But then until you retire, you don't really know how much money you will have.
DeleteI put in three new ceiling fans. Only one has a light because I never use the lights, but people find it strange if you walk into a room and there's no central light.
ReplyDeleteI can see things here that could be updated, but I'll do what makes me happy, not about adding value. I'd rather spend my money travelling while I can!
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