15 Ways To Be Productive In Retirement (On A Budget)

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

A spammer has used my photo and is asking you to what’s app them.! It’s not me. I’m going through each example of spam and reporting and blocking. I don’t use what’s app. Don’t fall for it!

[@candaces3959]

Thanks for the heads up. I was perplexed.

[@patmartin9727]

Kerry I have to say down sizing is the best decision I have ever made. I lived in a big 4 bedroom 2 bathroom house which was expensive to run and I felt I never got to the end of the list of jobs that needed doing. I now spend half the amount on household bills. The cleaning can be done easily in one day or a couple of half days a week. Everything is at hand and easy to find because I ensured when I moved in that I had lots of accessible storage space. Everything has a home and I try to ensure when not in use things are in their allocated place. I have everything to hand and can quickly see what I have and what I need. My little home is cosy and comfortable and does not rule my life. The reduction in my expensive has led to more savings and has allowed me to retire and enjoy my time after having worked all my adult life.

[@yukofreeman4483]

I love it that if I get tired I can choose to take a nap!

[@cindiblazer8621]

Yes, I'm very structured. I having a running calendar. I document all my activities. Appointments for my girls, schedule meeting times for friends etc. I don't like to sit around and do nothing. An example is I walk 4 to 5 miles most mornings with a friend. We have pets, I have hobbies , I crochet, paint, garden, . We have A camper and plan trips A year ahead.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Love that!

[@preppernut]

I wish that I could give you a two thumbs up, because I listen while I work, and then enjoy the video once again with my feet up, pen & paper in hand, taking notes.

[@lindadorman2869]

I think these are all wonderful tips for people who like structure. For me, it's the reverse. Having a routine and structuring my time created too much stress. During the pandemic, I left my job and started a home-based business. Now I've simplified my life and let the day take me where it will. I work when I feel like it, do chores when they need to be done, eat when I'm hungry and sleep when I'm tired. I'm content and no longer feel the need to tick off things on a list. It does make a difference when you're alone with no family, pets or others depending on you though.

[@christinephillips3435]

I retire in October I love to crochet and knit.

[@Chnacatsnflr]

Retired five years ago; live on a tight budget in order to save about 1/3 of my income. But I always splurge on a grand trip; this year my friend and I are going to Europe!

[@gladyschandler6724]

Me too love to travel went this year to the Balkans

[@annebremer8011]

We do this too. We cruise. I feel fine about cooking everything from home if I know that the resulting savings will allow me to have a fantastic trip.

[@patmartin9727]

I totally agree I cook from scratch and live frugally to allow me to save for the things I love. I heard on the radio toady that you could have 6 weeks to Spain half board for £500. Cheaper than trying to live at home in the UK.

[@susanandersonn904]

Recently retired ad a RN at almost 71. Helped my son move. Next week will be my first real week of retirement. I will begin doing respite volunteering with hospice. I love having structure in my life. Debt and mortgage free.

[@mysustainabilityjourney9321]

I like to act on the things i learn on you tube. I've brightened my home on a budget, learnt how to make all sorts of things from old jeans, found my strengths and weaknesses and learnt all sorts of perspectives on frugal living and retirement ! Free Open University courses are helpful in keeping me up to date on current thought too,

[@lindajacquot5391]

Great video today! This one really hit home. Not following a schedule, not having structure is a waste of time, and before you know it, time is gone, your health is too poor, and those things you dreamed of doing all your life are now beyond your reach. Thank you, Jane and Michael for a "poke in the ribs" to remind us to stay focused, especially in retirement. 😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You’re welcome

[@trishblack2418]

Thank you for this lovely chat! I’m a recently retired hospital RN; ( grateful to have survived working through the pandemic ) I identify with so many of your points ☺️ ie Utilizing a wall calendar, putting structure to my new found freedom, identifying personal pursuits, & ensuring time for family & friends… I could go on & on Have a lovely day & 😘 thank you again

[@annettefunk2595]

I like having a shopping/errand day and then i can be at home with my scheduled hobbies, walking, housekeeping and then volunteer activities. I am stilll finding my passions as the decades pass.

[@sheilajoseph9953]

Thankyou for sharing Jane, some very useful tips. Im from UK. I retired mid last year, I was a full time district nurse and now can plan all I want to do, ican be flexible ican change plans if something untoward shows up. I enjoy long walks with my dog and go swimming in open air pool. I'm also into many crafts and enjoy reading. I don't miss out at family events anymore. I absolutely love retirement. Spend far less money but somehow do more enjoyable things. 💚

[@deeanyim2648]

I will be retiring soon and i will be going to University of Hawaii for free because if your over sixty, the classes are free. I want to take French History, European History, Philosophy, etc. I want to take one class per semester on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I will still be working one hour a day delivering papers around downtown on foot. It will be great exercise and i will be paid to do it. Thank you so much for your video, it really helps me a lot.

[@carolined3058]

Retiring in 4 years to come , But already practice some things , like once a week shopping, minding the budget, take time for myself, enjoying my garden and doing craft; and give a helping hand to my children; Retirement will mean more time to do al does enjoyable things

[@arcadia1081]

I'm 55 and lost my career as I became a stay at home Dad. Since the Pandemic my wife works at home and we go out to the Alps mountain biking. I'm proud that we can climb steep hills together and drink a beer in an Alpine hut or "alm".

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for sharing

[@phoebebird1804]

Excellent, Jane! I so appreciate your videos...this was a good one. Yes, I am retired and living on a budget. My main challenge in retirement is having a good and balanced use of my time and giving myself permission to do the things I love as well as maintaining responsibilities at a lower, slower pace. 😊👍

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We all face that challenge

[@alegna4132]

This is very timely as I am resigning today after 15 years in my job. Have had lots of thinking and worrying about whether right for me to do but absolutely know that it is right time. Wish me luck and thanks for your encouraging video.

[@lynnoorman2144]

Don't stay and be miserable. Even if you have to get very frugal! Last year I lived on a shopping budget of £5 per week. It made me very creative and used up all the odds and ends in my pantry. Going out for coffee/ a meal was restored to its rightful place in my life - a treat to be throughly enjoyed not just grabbing something because I couldn't be bothered to think!

[@cherylT321]

How have things been going since you resigned?

[@alegna4132]

@@cherylT321 thanks for asking all good. Have travelled with hubby on a couple of overseas hols, helped hubby with his business admin, looked after grandkids, gardening, reading, going to aqua fit, keeping in touch with friends, managing the home and finances - so all good. How did I ever find time to work? Best wishes

[@carolynm9798]

We have similar routines. I prefer active work in the morning, desk or needlework or reading in the afternoon. Up at 6:30 usually; in bed at 10. I plan monthly; shop every 2 weeks. The end of the two weeks is time for a combo meal, eg casserole, enchilada or stuffed peppers or fried rice. Nowadays I cook every 3 days to reduce energy.

[@adilahaz]

Great tips. I'm planning for early retirement and I know I need structure similar to working days to feel productive. So I split my work hours to 2 blocks: 9am - 12pm and 2pm - 4pm Monday - Thursday. So it's like 20 hours week. Thank you for sharing 👍

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You got this!

[@jacquelineshukla919]

I am retired and I do many of the things you suggested. I especially love to travel and I am accompanying my husband on business trips when he goes someplace interesting. For instance, we spent 2 weeks on a trip to Prague and Vienna in September.

[@alegna4132]

Me too! We have done this a few times over the years but mostly within UK. Going to North Wales in a couple of weeks time. Three days paid by the company while he works and I amuse myself and weekend paid by us to look around together. You have to make the most of these opportunities.

[@helenhartley6904]

Retired, debt free in Aus. I volunteer at hospital 2x 8 hr days/wk, reading, art journalling, some gardening, fishing, camping and start travelling again I hope late next year, Vietnam, UK or NZ are next on bucket list.

[@margarethoughton6288]

Another great video. All your Wednesday money chats are always thought provoking. As an early retiree last year everyone asked me 'what are you going to do'. Whilst I have a list of things that I may consider doing in the future, I consciously decided not to replace one set of commitments with another set of new commitments. It helps me know that I can drop everything to have a 'walk and talk' catch up with former colleagues when they are available or be able to care for family. As you always remind everyone, everyone is different, and you need to do 'what suits you'. My big do was getting a puppy, as you rightly say, it's about doing the things that matter to me, and it was now or never and part of my retirement spending goal 🐕

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I’m glad you got that dog.

[@josephinesage8301]

Excellent Jane I agree with all you’ve said. I could have written the script myself. I love being retired. My days are full.

[@mariannewesten3638]

Jane,Just wanted to say,That you are an Inspiration to me. And you helped to motivate me today.Well I did Something for me today( because of you), and met someone ,who I didn' t See for months. Made my day extra beautifull👍 Thank you👍😀

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you

[@heathertucker7056]

Some splendid points today Jane! I couldn’t survive without my wall calendar! It’s all very well putting things in your phone but I need visual reminders of plans, jobs and socializing! I love being retired and enjoy time for enjoying my hobbies!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Heather

[@ulrichweber5215]

Hi Jane, would you please give us a video, how to organise your leisure time as a retired person. Suggestions of low cost activities

[@jonnaborosky8836]

I love the fact that you're scheduled. It makes life more productive and fulfilling and makes sure we do have the time to do what we want. I try to do this but I'm not very good at it. I used to do it. I took a medical retirement. In my head, I can still do what I used to do. In real life I can only do a tiny fraction of what I used to be able to do. So, I over plan. I try to keep in mind how long it'll really take me to get something done; I'm really slow now. But, time is not the only issue. I'm physically not capable of SO much. I just don't have the strength or ability any more. I can't pick up a tree in a pot, to plant it. I can no longer pick up the hedge trimmer high enough to trim the hedges. It takes me 2 days to sweep the front porch. By the 2nd day, the wind has likely blown more leaves and other debris back onto the half of the porch I swept the day before. I really get very, very little done. I have good days and not so good days. If I wake up to a not so good day, I'll get absolutely nothing done. So, on good days, I try to do more. That's tricky, though. I've learned the hard way that if I push myself too hard, I end up back in the hospital. I've done that more than once, as I tried to find the balance between what I can and can no longer do. Even standing up becomes too difficult at times, most of the time. I'm encouraged by this video...to keep trying to get more scheduled...let's see if I can do better now. In any case, I appreciate your encouragement a great deal. Thank you.

[@annebremer8011]

I am retired. My husband is not and loves it. One of my passions is genealogy. I retired to my home town with a wealth of resources in this state. Another passion is home improvement. We bought a 100 year old cottage, so plenty of outlets to use my passion. I learned a great deal from this video. I do not batch cook and end up squeezing the time to do it at the end of the day. I feel nervous. So that has to change.Thank you for all your thought provoking and entertaining videos.

[@zblingcreations6445]

Not retired but I do keep a note book on all the small big projects I want to do when I retire. I find myself doing something already and keep adding

[@Tess-FrugalLiving]

Lots of great points Jane. My self-employment keeps me very busy and I suspect that, once I retire, I'll continue to sell on eBay as I genuinely love it. I have a long list of things I'd like to make and as I work through it, I add more things to the list. I'll never be bored lol.

[@marilys3549]

I'm a early to rise and early to bed. I get so much more done when I keep to that schedule. Sunday I go to church and try to do something enjoyable in the afternoon. I think of Sunday as a reset and focus day and the start of a new week. I attend a Zoom exercise group a 8:00am most mornings and then start my chores for the day. I don't have a specific laundry day, I just wait until I have 2 full loads. Same with the dishwasher I wait until I have a full load. 😁 I probably need to be more scheduled with my time, I have a long to do list, but eventually usually get to it. Lots of great advice 👍 😀

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

Another advantage of batch cooking is that you don't have to eat anything in the freezer on a specific day. If you want something that is not in the freezer you can cook from scratch, leaving the freezer food for another day. I got trolled once over freezing food by someone who apparently had no idea that food lasts for some time in a freezer! Thank you for the video!

[@anneknight164]

I've found following 'Diane in Denmarks' KZbin videos very good for housework routines. I've adapted them for my needs over the last eight years that I've been retired. Thank you Jane for all your suggestions as well which are very helpful in these difficult times!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

ThNks, I will make a video sharing mine

[@joycegonzales4994]

Such good tips. Things that work in whatever country we live in.

[@dawnmorandin541]

I'm working my way through all of the hamish Macbeth books on youtube by M C Beaton. I also love gardening and baking. I'm also a morning person, all chores done by 8am, relax then.

[@katherinerichardson1767]

When I was teaching, I was use to scheduling every hour and minute of every day Monday through Friday and the weekends held a LOT of work and play to be done, so it was a bit of a shock to my system to have more time on my hands after 40 years of structured time. When I retired, it didn't take long for me to set up a more leisure way of life but have structure so I did get to do those activities I wanted more time to do. I loved your program today because you hit on the very things I have had to set up so I did the necessary work around the house, but still have time for real quality FUN. Thanks for sharing!

[@katworkstowander9853]

Hi Jane and Mike, I’m retiring next year in March and I’m ready. I’m easing into retirement this year as I have a lot of paid time off due to me that I can’t cash out, so I have every Friday off and every 6 weeks I take a week off until March. My user name is what I love to do..travel. I have lots of plans in that area, but I also have a small volunteer opportunity a few times a month, as well as pursuing some art classes and resuming piano lessons. I can go to the gym when others are at work, and have quite a few home projects planned out. I plan to keep my weekly chores the same but like you, I plan to do them in the mornings so I have the rest of the day to do all the other things mentioned above. I am debt free including my mortgage and I’m retiring early but at 100% of my pension. Through frugal living I’ve attained this, I couldn’t have done it any other way.

[@suellensellwood5854]

Structure and scheduling are really important. The first year of retirement I would set the alarm to get up at the same time for when I was working. I was getting a lot of chores done. This stopped in the second year. Now I'm always trying to stay on top of things.

[@geoffreyboyling615]

As I approached retirement I chatted to a few friends who were already retired, and their advice was the same - Make a plan or a timetable and treat retirement like a job, otherwise you'll just drift

[@rachaelhearn6957]

Great video as always Jane. Although I'm nowhere near retirement all of these tips will help me be a more productive stay at home mum. Thank you.

[@bria2596]

In 20 min. you covered everything I have read in many books on retirement, and it is interesting that my decisions and schedule and budget are very similar -- and it is working, and working well. This leads me to believe that some simple structure will work for everyone who is building a new life "post-work". But, I really am as busy, if not more so, than before I was able to break free from selling the minutes of my life for small amounts of money. Thank you for a truly brilliant video.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you

[@pattimcd3177]

I’ve worked full time + my whole life. Always frugal, canning, sewing, cooking from scratch, cutting my own hair as well as my husbands, doing our own car maintenance, and Yardwork. Debt and mortgage free. We have money in the bank but I still do all the same things.

[@patmartin9727]

I also have always worked full time and lived frugally, I too am debt and mortgage free. I have always tried to avoid debt and tried to pay extra on the mortgage.All this has seen me retired with a little nest egg as a cushion and a reasonable pension to live on.

[@debbiesavage7107]

Thank you for this thought-provoking talk. I’m going to start making lists. We pay ourselves a set amount of ‘walking around money’ every month. This can be used, or not, on anything we want. We don’t have to ask each other for ‘permission’, it’s ours to do with as we want. We never did this for the first 38 years of marriage.

[@MrGaladrial]

Great video, I watched the first time and then went back and watched it again to take notes. I would love to hear more about no. 7, home routines. I have started a routine and am finding it quicker to do everything as it is done regularly. Thank you Jane and Mike.

[@gladyschandler6724]

Since I'm still working M-Thurs. I do a chore at lunch time or evening. I like to get things done before Friday - thats a me day to go for a long walk and to do local travel, museum, movie or shopping, etc. Cook only 2-3 days because my adult son lives we me. I enjoy movies so I go out once a week. I'm also a morning person. So, relaxing at 8, wash some T.V. and do some reading. I plan a lot out in my calendar-exercise is an important routine. Too hot to walk so do most of it on weekends early mornings. Financially I check my budget & bank every morning. I get paid every other week.

[@heatherbirch9407]

Love this Jane!!!❤️

[@christinerose9648]

thank you for that , it was very good and I have made lots of notes. I think im going to treat my retirement like a job, ive always worked in accounts , now its time to use those skills on my money and prioritise my time better as I would have done at work 🙂

[@rosaestrada41]

I retired 4 years ago and I’m enjoying it!!! I have time for gardening and home schooling my two school age grandkids. I’m learning French and I do travel weekly day trips or plan on going to other USA states for now. Thank you Jane for suggesting to meal plan and to do things I love to do. I also like your idea to plan our work days. Thank you, thank you for another splendid video.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks Rosa

[@debbiedennis5269]

Terrific video. So much good advice! Thank you

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you

[@sammie44]

Will be watching! 🌷Sam

[@lovechangesus]

I get up at 3am…. Cannot wait until I retire.

[@annewright3129]

Yes, I do budget my money and it covers my needs and a few wants and I am thankful. I also budget and organize my time and it helps me live a fuller life and provides the opportunity to do some of those things I want like read, play the piano, learn Spanish, and be with friends.. I see you have some more good ideas. Thank you for a pleasant helpful video.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for watching

[@rmcwchandler]

Retired three years now and husband also retired. I do a lot of voluntary work which I really enjoy as a charity trustee, as a governor of the local college and as a campaigner at local level on environmental issues which has always been a passion but I had limited time to be involved before. It’s opened up opportunities to meet new people and do things I would never have had time for. I’m also learning to play the drums! I always wanted to but it was never the right moment so better late than never. Felt very awkward at the beginning but I love it. I’ll never be Phil Collins but really who cares? We set aside Fridays as a day to go out, usually for a walk or bike ride with a picnic. Took a while to get used to retirement but I wouldn’t want to go back to full time work now.

[@nata3467]

I am so excited to volunteer for trail work, historic societies and restores. I am ready to be able to bike, hike , swim and workout for hours a day and to walk my pupster multiple times a day so he can live his best life. I have my travel list - Nepal in year one ( life long dream) . I am now about a year and 3 months out and knowning what I want to do is so motivating

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Best of luck!

[@mkhuntstreasure3192]

Love this! I started working at age 8 and retired this year at 77, had surgery the following week and still recovering (lower leg very hard to heal). I have things planned but am in limbo until my incision heals-feeling very frustrated and restless!

[@sharonmcgee8178]

Always great advice!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Glad you think so!

[@clairekuchel-klassen7103]

Thanks, Jane. I am approaching retirement and you give me hope. Looks like your strategies are very much how I approach my downtime now anyway. ( Weekends/ vacation time). I appreciate your transparency and sharing

[@tinkerbell9399]

Been retired since lockdown. This has been so helpful to hear how you structure your day. To be honest, last couple of years have passed us by, because we are retired, we fell into the trap of not organising our days. No routine any more. Gonna sit down after dinner, and have a good chat, and see what we can do to be more productive. Thanks so much for sharing your ideas.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for the feedback

[@rachelwalsh4378]

Great video Jane & Mike 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@kathybradley9873]

Awesome video!!! I am not retired but all those suggestions are so very relevant to most of us. I'll be watching this video again later today and pulling out some tips and implementing them in my life. We just sent our beloved dog over the rainbow bridge yesterday so my husband and I are looking to make some new routines. ❤

[@ruthcornforth6243]

Early retirement for us. We have a weekly schedule of exercise (kayaking on the calmest day, cycling on the next best day) and then a weekly cafe and shopping or walking day, grocery day, two afternoon sessions of board gaming with our son, and then slot in social activities with family or garden group and opera singing for hubby. My passion is chickens and a vegetable garden.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

How lovely

[@barbarabruce7648]

I allowed myself $20 weekly for coffee after the school drop-off with a couple of parents each school morning. I had been up 4 hours already making breakfast and lunches for everyone and needed the break. It was like a cheap form of therapy to talk through daily highs and lows. I don't spend money on myself for anything else.This year the kids are at different schools so we don't have the regular coffee breaks anymore. Just occasionally.

[@teresaearl5688]

Thank you Jane, great tips for when we both retire.

[@momof2momof2]

Very true. To keep our homes and our lives easier and in order we do have things that need to be done. At night I think of what my work will be for the next day. It might be grocery shopping, finances, or going to the home improvement store, or an appointment etc. . Home care is daily, which keeps our home fresh. I LOVE seeing how far I can stretch my goal money. I am redecorating my laundry room and have had so much fun picking up things, very inexpensively, to do it. Sounds frivolous? Maybe, but its where our back door is, and its a room that I want to look nice and inviting, neat, tidy and attractive, like all of the rooms in our home. Thanks for sharing 😘💐🍂🍃✝💗🇺🇸

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much

[@connieholcomb8396]

I'm ready my friend🤓💕

[@elainearchbold259]

Ive just retired from the NHS this yearand im putting all you said into action.Im still looking after grandchildren and my son who has mental health issues. Thankyou for being there with all your great advice also Mike xx

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Enjoy your retirement

[@jeannebowes2898]

I am up early , we do the essentials and head to the gym four days a week. It is social for us as well as exercise. Summer early and late evenings are for outside. Indoor admin matters to escape from the heat. Hubs is a writer so….We both enjoy gardening and fam get togethers.

[@moirasutherland7443]

Your video was very interesting I live between South Africa and the UK and find that the weather dictates my schedule. If at home I spend thirty to sixty minutes doing cleaning, but if the weather is good then we are off to do something a lot more interesting. We plan for the week then look at the weather, I had an appointment for a vaccine this afternoon so as it was dry we went on a local 13k walk this morning before lunch we then had lunch hubby went to the gym I did grocery shop then after vaccine we went and picked 3kg blackberries which I have used to start wine. As we are retired life is flexible. Tomorrow we are off to the Edinburgh festival. Be busy but the joy of retirement is you do not have to do it to a time schedule but do not vegetate.By the way we are 81and 72

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Enjoy the festivities

[@charlettenitzsche1895]

Great ideas! I just totally retired this past May.

[@bertagarcia3686]

Thank you for this nice and useful video. Regards from Spain.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you

[@gerardkelly6316]

This has come at the correct time for me. I've been doing chores when I felt the time was right and everything is in a muddle. As you said " Loosey Goosey ". Now I see a budget also covers our time and not only our spending or eating. So much for me to incorporate into my life. Thank you Jane and Michael.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks for the feedback

[@candaces3959]

Lots of important things to consider that had never crossed my mind, though I am not yet retired. Good to get ahead of it though.

[@ulrichweber5215]

Well done, dear Jane. Looking forward to your ideas

[@patmartin9727]

Fabulous video Jane, I retired from regular work in February, I still do a few hours here and there on an as and when basis. I have been busy since then preparing and moving house. I am now almost sorted so I can now settle into a proper retirement. I will take your advise and plan my week.I prefer to go out in a morning and get my errands done, then back home. I then do jobs around the house.I try to do some household tasks do each day. I try to be finish by around 4 then have an hour to myself before starting to make the evening meal. I try to then have my evening free. I too go to bed early and read or watch you tube or a little Netflix. Having watch this video I am going to try and be more structured about when each household task is done. I also need to give myself some days off maybe at the weekend. All this is work in progress.

[@bridge7528]

I’m getting ready to retire from teaching next year. I’ve found keeping a schedule when I have time off in the summer to be extremely helpful. After retiring, I plan to substitute a few days a week to still see the children!

[@projectminimal5889]

Thanks Jane and Mike for another great video. I really enjoy your videos ,hoping to retire in my mid fifties , ten years time, so I’m trying to prepare for this. Love the working hours idea think this is something I will try to implement. Looking forward to more videos many thanks 🙏

[@AK-gh6cp]

Greetings from Canada! I really enjoy your videos and occasionally comment. I am still in the middle of my working-outside-the-home years, but this video was inspiring and relevant to me. One particular thing that I feel I can incorporate into my life now, possibly in a modified way, is that idea of having a list of daily tasks, weekly tasks, monthly tasks, and to do one of the weekly tasks per day, one of the monthly tasks per week, etc. Thank you!

[@erinlavigne6644]

Hello Jane! Plan to retire within 5 years.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Good luck

[@KsoPlans]

Not retired… I’m 39 but realised recently I really need to start planning for my retirement so I can live comfortably. I feel like I’ve left it too late (since most people say the best time to start was 20 years ago) and it’s so confusing to work out how much super/pension I’ll need along with government contributions. One thing I won’t do though is wait till I’m retired to start doing the things I’ve always wanted to do. I’m going to find the time now. My official retirement age is 67 in Australia hard to believe it’s another 28 years away 😱

[@bernieozzie7480]

I didn't start till my 30's and am now retired at 65 in Australia. Don't believe the Hugh amount needed to manage. I managed to pay off my house then retired. I live very well on $30,000 a year from super (no pension yet) and manage to save emergency funds. I run a car and with sensible budgeting I am doing well with enjoying the joys of life. It is not too late, good luck. Cheers

[@logarithmic7]

It's like that old adage: The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the second best time is right now. It's the same with savings. I find a budgeted life is a happier life and you may be surprised how much you actually are able to save. Bernie ozzie makes a great point re: paying off debt and have that emergency fund.

[@KsoPlans]

@@bernieozzie7480 Thank you 🙏 It’s nice t hear from someone who has done it and are still on their feet. I think media and superannuation companies do like to fear monger… just trying to learn and approach things sensibly 😄

[@bernieozzie7480]

@@KsoPlans You are welcome. I actually didn't have a lifestyle of eating out, drinking wine or travelling frequently which plays a big part of those suggested saving requirements 🙃. I have enough to meet friends over coffee and enjoy myself. I have full private health insurance to be there if necessary and funds to cover most appliance failures. I did my sums and found what my ins and outs actually were, that made the planning easy. Put your plan in place and enjoy your life knowing that when you retire it will be great. Cheers

[@patmartin9727]

Hi KsoPlans. I too didn’t start saving into my pension until I was in my late 30’s. I Retired at 62 with a UK state pension and a pension from my employer. I contributed the full amount I could as I knew I had years to make up. I managed the household budget and made sure we lived frugally, I built up an emergency fund and paid down the mortgage ( we never really had any debt as I was careful to avoid it) this allowed me to save every month into a long term saving fund . I made sure any extra money that came in like bonuses and overtime was saved, I looked at it as if we could live on basic income one month why not every month. About 3 years ago I discovered sinking funds which became a game changer for me. Prior to that if the car needed tyres or the house insurance was due I dipped into savings not any more as there is a pot of money set aside to pay these irregular bills. Even though I am now widowed and retired with a much smaller income I still budget, have an emergency fund, use sinking funds and most of all save. This allows me to live a quiet but enjoyable life, I still travel, go out to coffee with friends, have the occasional meal out, follow my hobbies and follow my dreams. Your retirement will be what you make it and yes yesterday was the best time to start preparing for it but yesterday is gone so start today. Little by little you will see your funds grow.

[@2Beldam]

I find I’m the opposite. 1 year in retired on a disability pension & I love being unstructured & unscheduled. I like to fly by the seat of my pants & just see what the day brings. I like deciding in the moment when I do chores & run errands. That and finally being able to take naps if and when my body needs it is my favorite part ❤️👍 Still loved hearing your list even though I’m “retired” due to different circumstances & do things differently. It’s always fascinating to hear what works for others

[@gerardkelly6316]

Mini C . Read what I've written. This is how I started off. Without any structure. Now I've been wondering why not much is getting done. We all need a bit of structure.

[@2Beldam]

@@gerardkelly6316 I think I’m different because I’m autistic & disabled. A schedule makes my brain 🤯 I’m very productive this way (my doctors are super impressed by all I’m accomplishing). I find I’m most productive when I feel in control & am able to do whatever I please in the moment. But I appreciate the warning & you looking out for me ❤️ I’m glad you found that switching to a structured day helps you more. We all gotta do what’s best for us 🥰👍

[@joycegonzales4994]

I want to watch this one again too.

[@sophiawolthof1238]

👍👍👍

[@gaildurocher6553]

❣️

[@christinewheeler8274]

Hello Do you have a suggestion for how to re-purpose mens dress shirts? My husband has lost a lot of weight and he can no longer wear them. The cuffs are quite frayed to donate. I love the material and there's a lot of it. Most are a french stripe. Thanks a bunch Enjoy the last days of summer.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Cut them up for quilting

[@bethanysherwood5930]

French stripe is very chic for home decor. If you get hold of some toile de jouey fabric, and maybe a co-coordinating plain, cushion covers will look fabulous. Also, as Jane says, for patchwork. I use Pinterest a lot for ideas!

[@joycegonzales4994]

Many ideas on Pinterest

[@maryjothompson4578]

Make pillows, hot pads, simple pieces quilts, aprons, recut for a blouse, child's dress...

[@mariannewesten3638]

Jane,did you sent a second answer? Otherwise someone has send Something ,unser you' re name!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Dealing with it

[@meanqueensuperscrimper8908]

I have reported several spams on this post. ilona

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you. We’ve reported it to you tube too. We’ve been deleting comments all day.

[@lovechangesus]

someone's spamming on your page...

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

We’re on it.