How I live on my teacher's pension of £772 a month

[@janjohnson5209]

The secret to being frugal is not to care what anyone thinks. I live on my small NHS pension and my carers allowance. I live with my partner and grown up son, who can't afford to move out. I managed to pay the house off 5 years ago. I make do and mend, make my own clothes, cook from scratch and we grow a lot of veg. Todays job is making blackberry wine from blackberries we picked. I'm coming up for a year retired. Best thing I ever did even though leaving the safety net of employment was scary.

[@aliliveswellonless]

Brilliant comment! :-)

[@griswald7156]

The North Koreans can teach us a lot about budgeting ,certain animals they find running around frogs, and things ,they find delicious ways to consume them..

[@griswald7156]

The Philippinos can also teach us about budgeting,they collect all the waste food from restaurants and boil them up into a stew add a few spices et voila! tasty meals. Also they sell these meals from street vending positions...

[@qanon_qanon]

I have been with no money a few times in my life - like pennies a day for weeks and months, and now I have loads, I drive a brand new Dacia Duster but the poverty spec model because I still remember the bad times. I could drive a top end BMW, but that is saying to everyone look at me I am stupid wasting money and working harder to pay for a stupid badge for it to sit in the company car park for 8 hours a day. I can quit my job anytime I want even though I have another 20 years to go, most of my colleagues know this and suprisingly I have a pleasant time at work......

[@gingerfellah5665]

I agree about the not caring about what people think. I saved very hard because I wanted a long holiday, I self catered and stayed in the cheapest tent you can get from Decathlon, I use a blow up mattress and a pad from a sunbed bought second hard and a duvet and my own pillow. Very few campers are single women in their late 50's but I go the beach and enjoy the seaside just as much as anyone else. I can''t afford to pay for a fancy hotel for a long time but camping allows me to holiday for longer. I spent years being a stay at home mother so my cooking skills are pretty good and that saves loads.

[@jacquelinedoghmani2741]

Some of these comments make me sick. I feel quite angry! The writers have clearly not listened to what Ali has said. She retired early so is not yet old enough for state pension. No state pension means no pension credit. Unlike the negative commenters she's not saying "poor me". She's just saying how she manages, quite happily on a limited income, by spending her money on only the necessities, but also the things that make her happy eg her lovely dog and companion. Many people nowadays fritter away money on things that in the end don't bring them satisfaction or happiness. She's not saying this is how you should live, just how she lives, and manages. Her budgeting ideas are obviously helpful to some of her subscribers. Those of us in the 60 to 80 age group who own our own properties are fortunate. I don't agree with the term lucky! We didn't win our homes or get given them as a nice surprise! We worked f****** hard to pay for them. Many including myself went without holidays and other luxuries to pay the mortgage. So many older people paying rent now could have done the same. It's called prioritising!! It was so much easier to buy a house back then. I feel sorry for the younger generation. Only 3 out of 5 of my children are on the property ladder, and go without to pay their morgages. Their are many government benefits available to older people who are genuinely poor. Also Ali did say how she paid home and car insurance. Well done Ali, good on ya, keep blogging!

[@aliliveswellonless]

I think this is honestly the best comment I've ever had!! You definitely understand what I'm saying :-) I've come to realise the negative commenters just don't want to hear about sensible advice like planning/hard work/budgeting/prioritising mortgage over holidays etc They want a magical secret to do what I'm doing and are pi$$ed off when they realise there isn't one!!

[@janjohnson5209]

@jacquelinedoghmani2741 I agree. I went without everything to buy my first flat and then my house after I split up from my husband. We didn't have a holiday for 8 years. I went without everything. I'm nearly 63. I retired from my job before it killed me.

[@analogueman123456787]

I couldn't agree more. As a 56 year old who retired late last year (purely through choice rather than necessity), I really am getting sick to death of a largely younger generation persistently commenting how 'lucky' I am. Cobblers! While a workplace pension gives one choices, it's NOT the 'gold plated' lottery win it's erroneously made out to be by the sneering masses. All it actually gives you is options. It's up to you to make it realistically happen. Personally, I financially planned to retire early the year I hit 40. Northing was handed to me on a plate, or dropped into my lap. I made it happen, through sound decision and prude action with an eye to the future. I still pay my taxes (though no longer NI), and won't be eligible for a state pension for another ten years (67 for me). I can't help feel that the current bitterness expressed by a vocal proportion of a younger generation is in part due to yet another (vile) social media trend. And yet, who is first in line with their hand outstretched when Grandma or Great Uncle Fred falls off the perch and there's a whiff of a will in the offing? Hmmm...

[@janjohnson5209]

@analogueman123456787 I agree. Nothing was easy. Having worked for the NHS for nearly 30 years, I saw too many of my colleagues die before they got their pension. Healthcare is incredibly stressful as is teaching and any other public sector job. I've done my grafting, got my first job when I was 13. Worked 60 hour weeks, worked all through covid, looked after my parents. I want to spend time with my disabled partner and I won't be getting a state pension I've paid into since I was 16 for another 4 years. My pension is £609 a month and I get carers allowance. Money is tight but I'm alive.

[@analogueman123456787]

@@janjohnson5209 - You get a big thumbs up from me simply for working within the NHS for 30 years. Well done! I too was in the public sector for 40 years (though semi-privatised in the mid-nineties) from the age of 16, and since retiring have realised that retirement is as much of a state of mind as it is a financial reality. Sure, we'd all welcome a hike in income, but it's how you feel that matters most. I'm calmer and less stressed than a year ago, and that has to be a good thing. Like you, I've known way too many former colleagues and workmates kick the bucket far too young, and I'm absolutely determined not to join them! At least retiring earlier than many gives me a chance for a longer retirement before booking my place on a cloud with a harp.

[@karlpennington72]

Your all doing brilliantly keep it it i retired 55 im now 63 and have no debts n a small pension of 550 per month .living within your means makes you feel good 😊❤❤❤

[@brightsunshinyday]

Gave up TV in 1995. Have not missed it. Have lots of time to read, listen to music, garden, go for a walk, time to just sit and think. Currently in a holiday cottage with TV and am appalled by the absolute "carp" that is on there. It seems like every programme is about money in some way ( Flog it / Cash in the attic etc/ quizzes to win "big"), the ads are depressing (wills / illnesses / insurance / credit), the ads and programmes all seem to show a 6 figure lifestyle that most people would not be able to afford. Hubby said to me yesterday that it was really no wonder people were depressed if they consume a diet of this stuff day in and day out.

[@missread7781]

Totally agree. We did too. Same as you not missed it. Do reading, crafts, walking, etc but also use free catch up services (particularly in the winter). As long as it's not BBC iplayer all legal. We use ITV X a lot. Mostely - agree with you again - not modern, but older programmes such as Miss Marple.

[@janetmalcolm6191]

@@brightsunshinyday I thoroughly agree with you. Same old programmes recycled day in day out. Plus ads about funeral plans. Can't wait to cheer people up with that!

[@daffyduk77]

And for me. Although there might still be something to be said for a non-commercial publicly-funded channel or 3 for those who are reliant. What I find annoying is all the programs whose creation I funded up until 2014, which I can no longer watch, through Iplayer

[@malcolmbalsillie3908]

Totally agree about the ads being depressing. I can be watching a good programme then the doom and gloom ads come on. Funeral plans, illness, money etc. Who wants to be reminded about death every five minutes. They seem to be a fairly recent trend ie within the last ten years or so. I remember watching tv in the 70's, 80's and 90's and the ads were actually fun and enjoyable to watch. What has happened!

[@analogueman123456787]

Yup. I too gave up broadcast television in the mid-'90s. Thirty years on, I still don't miss it.

[@rustykatt3870]

It was mentioned in the news recently that many people in the UK have decided to give up their TV licence, and just continue to watch 1 or 2 streaming services, or find free programs online. We cut our cable tv decades ago. All the best to you Ali and us all! ✨😊✨.

[@francesrenner2384]

Well done. Once a teacher, always a teacher.

[@aliliveswellonless]

Lol, so true! :-)

[@simonmason8582]

@@aliliveswellonless "ONE PENCE"? It's one PENNY! Tut tut, Miss.

[@notrut]

Psst! Teachers teach for 39 weeks... but have 13 weeks paid holiday.

[@aliliveswellonless]

@@notrut Psst! Their salary is aggregated which means they get paid less per working week so the holidays don't leave them without money. All school employees are paid this way. There's a lack of teachers so why not go train as one?

[@yodaami]

@@notrutno, you are ill informed. They aren’t paid for holidays. They are paid for 39 weeks but it’s spread over 52 weeks payments. So as to have money over the time they aren’t employed.

[@puppydood]

Great video. It’s not about having what you want, it’s about wanting what you have. 😊

[@andyc972]

Thanks for this Ali, and sorry for all the grief you've got for sharing your experience here, sadly this subject often brings out the worst in many people, be assured though that many other people will be very grateful and reassured by your honest insight ! To be content is a wonderful thing, hoping all goes well for you while you wait the OAP kicking in at 67 !

[@aliliveswellonless]

I was initially shocked at the response but now I just delete the nasty comments. People want a secret magic solution and they don't like it when I say it took me 14 years of hard work and planning to get to this stage!! :-)

[@miacat1727]

Scotland is a lot cheaper to live than England, so maybe you should direct your videos specifically to Scotland.

[@aliliveswellonless]

@@miacat1727 Parts of Scotland may be cheaper than some parts of England. What I'm saying is universal

[@elorateq3672]

@@aliliveswellonless Agreed. I took early retirement to look after my mother, then decided it wasn't worthwhile going back to work for crap managers who don't care about you one jot. I live in the south, and my income is around £950 a month. Like you I paid off my mortgage, through hard work and living modestly. I had my first holiday in over 10 years this year, and even then stayed with friends (at their insistence - I cancelled the room I'd already booked at a BnB). I eat modestly. Autumn & Spring, for 3-5 days a week it's porridge with fruit for breakfast, scrambled eggs or similar for the weekend, lentil & assorted seasonal vegetable soup for lunch and a sandwich if I'm hungry in the evening. Winter I make 2 pots of stew, freeze some of it and rotate which types I use. Summer it's salads. Basic stuff, but then it's often not worth doing fancy meals for one. My treats are deserts such as home-made apple crumble, or a slice of cake, or a mini ice-cream or a Gu pot on a Sunday, and the occasional piece of chocolate. I've chosen to no longer drive, but there's a bus service nearby every half hour until 6pm to the local town, and the saving on petrol, car tax, insurance & maintenance allows me to take a taxi when needed in the evenings. I don't often go out to the cinema, or out for fancy meals (perhaps once a month at the local inn). There's a library within walking distance & I buy my monthly book from charity shops or World of Books online. Gaming, gardening, watching tv online (for which I pay the annual licence), a sub to Netflix-with-adverts for £4.99 a month, reading the newspaper (also online for an annual sub of £c70), and crafts are my main expenses/occupations. For anyone who wants the same, the first step is to set out your goals - when you want to retire, where, and how much income you will need. Then work backwards from there. Always contribute to your employment pension, if you can. Put 3 months wages aside (over time) in case you're unemployed for a while. Find things you enjoy, preferably ones that don't cost much. Buy a home, if you can, as soon as you can (I left it until my 30s, wasting money on rent all that time, and spending far too much on "stuff"). Life's too short to spend it all working.

[@southy7523]

It brings out the worst in people because there are a bunch of 50+ year olds that are staring down the barrel of never being able to retire, and it scares them, so they lash out at people that put the effort in earlier in life. I screwed myself over in my late teens and early 20's, getting into mountains of debt. I worked my ass off for 15 years, living a more frugal life, scrounging and saving. Turning 40 next year and I am now seeing all that benefit. There is a strange attitude among a lot of people that you shouldn't "waste" your youth, that if you work too hard in your 20's you will regret it when you are "old". Fuck that, I say, work your ass off while you have the energy and enjoy your middle years in comfort.

[@Autonomous1969]

Just stumbled on your channel. Great stuff. I retired last year at 54. I comfortably live on a monthly pension of just £431. Yes £431 per month. I want for nothing because...........I already have everything I need. I too have no mortgage (paid off) and I have no debts. The secrets to a happy life is be frugal and don't just waste money and more importantly just be content with what you have.

[@aliliveswellonless]

Love this comment!! Thanks! 🙂

[@TheEnglishladyskitchengarden]

Totally agree. ❤

[@Jo_J_]

Agree 😊

[@peterstorey393]

Thought the retirement age was around 66

[@aliliveswellonless]

@@peterstorey393 You can retire whenever you like, you just might not get your pension yet. When you get your pension depends on your date of birth and when the law says you can claim state pensions. For me it's 67, might be earlier for some people who are a bit older than me

[@MadisonBriggsArtchick]

Hi there! ❤ I found you today and subscribed. I am in Utah, USA. I sold my house a year ago and moved into a low income apartment building that was brand new. I wish that I had made enough off my house sale that I could buy some thing but that didn’t happen. I had debts to pay and still have debts, unfortunately. I am on Social Security and part-time income that I make from doing graphic design and painting pet portraits and other types of art. You are remarkable that you’re able to be so diligent about how you spend your money. I admire that.

[@kencondron1990]

owning your own house is a big plus

[@Yvonne-ls2pw]

Except maintenance costs which can be huge.

[@MrDirkles]

Don't destroy the illusion 😉

[@bbuzz1687]

​@@Yvonne-ls2pwbut less than rent

[@lesleyscholz9432]

essential

[@japoemka]

​@@Yvonne-ls2pwyou spend less on maintenance than on a rent

[@magscouk]

I just found your channel and like you I’ve just downsized my house. Your budgeting is great and when you do get your state pension you’ll feel like a millionaire! Now I’m off to review my own budget because the house move was an expensive business, although going forward my monthly expenses will be much less. Looking forward to seeing your progress.

[@motherclanger]

I seriously needed to hear you talk about money in retirement! Thankyou so very much

[@bambit08]

Thank you Ali. This is very helpful. I am 63 and not entitled to a UK state pension for another 4 years (if they don't put it up again). I am seriously looking at how to 'retire' sooner as my health and mobility is getting worse. Life is for living - I have worked non-stop for 43 years. Love seeing and hearing Luna - the real joy in life. 🐾💙🐾

[@OneAndOnlyMe]

Just goes to show it is possible to have a comfortable retirement on a modest pension, well done. Too often people wait too long to retire, my advice to my friends and family has always been plan to retire as early as possible.

[@leskaighin8903]

Very impressed. I fear many of us have kost the habit of being careful and condidered in how money and time are spent.

[@sheenamaclean8324]

Hi Ali, I am currently not working and have set myself a budget of £400pm. I have a fully paid off 1 bed flat on the outskirts of Glasgow, no pets, kids, car, TV or TV license (it was hard to give up the iplayer though), so I'm down to only CT, G&E, internet and mobile as DDs which is less than £200pm. Home insurance is paid annually and factor fees quarterly. I get a lot of food from olio or yellow sticker and try to walk everywhere where possible to keep my costs down. Luckily I volunteer in a cinema so that ends up being free entertainment which also has benefits that I can pass on to others as "bartering"tool, lol.

[@aliliveswellonless]

Brilliant! Now that a few folk are mentioning it I might rethink the tv license 🤔 I'll have a look and see what I actually watch on the iplayer

[@janicesmith975]

Couldn't do without my t.v.

[@aliliveswellonless]

@@janicesmith975 I know loads of people who couldn't but it's all about choice 🙂

[@sandraparry8653]

What a good idea

[@sheenamaclean8324]

@@aliliveswellonless I do miss being able to watch live TV though, (you can't watch ANY live TV, even on commercial channels), especially when it comes to things that bring the nation together like the Olympics or the World Cup (not so much Royal weddings or funerals), it was great to see the Commonwealth Games from Glasgow when I had a TV as it made me really proud to see my adopted city portrayed in such a great light.

[@hazelisted7710]

Ali, you make me feel better about money now as I see I could just about manage on my Pension, thank you 🙏

[@saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555]

Great vid. 👍 We've retired early, 5 & 7 years before any pension and are currently budgeting & getting rid of "stuff" as we are losing about a £800pm on our current lifestyle. Food? We've got that down to £30 per week with no processed food, good healthy food is pretty cheap & doesn't leave your body feeling hungry.

[@aliliveswellonless]

Yep cutting out the processed stuff does save money and it's better for you! Win win!! :-)

[@cosmicretrouniverse]

Great Informative Content,, Very Much Enjoyed This Lesson,, Better than Most Teachers I Had at School,, Many Thanks.

[@maggiedonaldson8432]

Lovely Luna, looking at you like “but I don’t cost you a penny mum!” Living within our means is a great art, I found divesting myself of a lot of ‘stuff’ helped

[@pootlingalong8928]

Gosh this is interesting! I’m still working with State Retirement still a few years away. I used my workplace pension to pay off the last of the mortgage on my small house. I’m in awe of you buying a month’s shopping for just over £100, it’s the one area I know I could do a lot more, my budgeting for shopping is non-existent and you’ve inspired me to sit down next weekend and make an old fashioned list! I’ve had dogs all my life but when my last little terrier passed away I thought I wouldn’t be able to afford another dog (vets fees 😱), but if you’re doing it on £773, I must be able to do it on my State Pension when it comes 🤔 You have inspired me to look again at my finances - thank you!

[@aliliveswellonless]

You're welcome! Having a dog takes up a large chunk of money but living on my own she's company and security! I need never worry about attacks by delivery vans and pigeons 🙄🤣

[@jessiemacintosh6627]

You do a great job! I have just become a widow and have been cutting down on everything, so you have given me some hope that I will manage. Thank you.

[@aliliveswellonless]

@@jessiemacintosh6627 I'm so sorry for your loss. You can do it if you plan everything 🙂

[@maxpom68]

I easily can manage on £40 a month for myself. I make everything myself especially for work which I'm there 5 days a week.

[@juliafisher5844]

​@@maxpom68what did you mean £40 on food ?

[@yogajaxx8299]

I agree with comments about cancelling the life insurance. That's for partners and dependents, not adult kids who've moved out! Save the money for one-off expenses or use it for activities and enjoy your retirement. You've earned it! Leave them your house - that's more than enough. Thank you for sharing all this. I'm 62 and will have less than I'd hoped when I retire so it gives me a bit of hope. Being mortgage free is the key and I tried to make that happen but, the property market being what it is in London/SE, it won't be possible for a few years yet.

[@marianhunt8899]

If you need elderly care in the future, won't the privatised nursing homes be taking your home to pay for your care, especially if you live to a very old age. They are extremely expensive.

[@TenaciousP]

@@marianhunt8899not even nursing homes, even care IN your own home - it’s bad. I am frustrated by comments and naivety around the thought you are living perfectly healthily until your heart stops - for many people and families this isn’t the reality.

[@aliliveswellonless]

@@marianhunt8899 Yes they will. Karen over at Prime of Midlife has just done an eye opening video on this.

[@jablot5054]

​@@marianhunt8899yes they will but you won't need that money because the home meets all your needs.

[@miacat1727]

Consider a funeral plan.

[@kitchenworker446]

Personally I think pet insurance is a big rip off...if you read the small print of any policy, the dog is hardly covered for anything. Once i realised this, I stopped my monthly payments to the pet insurance company and put the same amount of money in a seperate saving account. When or if anything happened to my dog and I needed to take her to the vet, I used the money that I saved up. It soon added up and I never was in a position that I could not afford the vet bill.

[@aliliveswellonless]

I used to do this. I haven't renewed yet so will reconsider :-)

[@Harasezza]

I agree! Many years ago, I had adopted a puppy who was about 2 months old. I had gotten him pet insurance, and he ended up with some parasitic ear infection. The pet insurance refused to pay for it saying it was "pre-existing". How is it pre-existing when he was 2 months old?!😅 I had also gotten the full coverage plan that was supposed to cover him being neutered. Insurance still tried to fight me on that! After that, I just got rid of the policy and started saving money on the side for his expenses.

[@sarahr6089]

Yes, unfortunately, insurance is a gamble in itself! I think a lot depends on your own attitude to risk. I think most policies are a waste of money but it depends on whether you want the peace of mind in case your pet requires surgery and rehabilitation costing thousands. Yes, the chances of that happening are low, but the impact if it does happen is high. It is very much a personal choice.

[@susanadams4964]

Our pet insurance costs a fortune. Our labrador is now 11 3/4 and very fit but he was very ill when he was 3 and the insurance was invaluable then even though we also had to pay a lot on top of what they paid out.

[@Thomas-g5t2k]

Pet insurance total ripoff save the money instead it NEVER covers anything when the time comes always want more £

[@Tom-sg4iv]

They key is being debt free when going into retirement. Things will be a whole lot easier, even on a small income.

[@aliliveswellonless]

Totally agree! :-)

[@donnacosta5633]

@@aliliveswellonless I've just found your channel, well done! I've lived on a budget all my life, even when I could afford to spend all my salary of £3,000 on frivolities, but the things I most like (peace & quite) are free. By being thrifty I've managed to semi-retire at 45 and not be dependent on jobs I didn't like. If you'd like to travel you can still do it on a budget with home exchanges (check the guardian home exchanges uk and abroad) or by staying off-peak in YHA hostels. Most are very good and have single rooms now. Some time ago I spent 10 glorious days pottering around Devon & Cornwall for less than £10 per night, it was May and they had a discount. A bus from London cost me £5 each way booked early. There are also plenty of freebies by volunteering with YHA or the National Trust, when they need people to open & clean their properties before the summer season.

[@cseosborn892]

Yes and having a little savings for emergency, although these will deplete as one is unable to add to them.

[@louisecampbell8094]

Thank you Ali for this video.. I have retired early through ill health and although I don’t have much money it’s been the best decision I have made. I have a small pension and can mage too. My health was more important than work xx

[@janetleach2421]

Hi Ali very informative video. Like you I retired early and had to live on a very similar small works pension for a few years. I am now receiving state pension and this has made a big difference 😀 I have 4 dogs so this is a large expense for me but they are my family 🐶🥰 Ali I would reconsider the money fee to your vet as the flea and worming tablets can be bought on line with a prescription from your vet. Also as others have suggested I would ditch the life insurance as your family will inherit your property. I am very happy with my life I have an allotment and a garden and my dogs I don’t know how I worked full time before.😂😂😂😂

[@aliliveswellonless]

I didn't explain the pet plan properly but it includes more than flea and worm treatment :-)

[@steviemac8075]

Thing is as long as you’re happy and have sanity. Well done you 👍🏻

[@Diana-007]

Excellent video, thank you, I think your attitude is the thing that makes the difference ie it’s not about what you haven’t got it’s about what you do with what you have. Always recognise a fellow dog lover! Luna sounds a character. That’s a small monthly amount, you budget well, glad you have some savings to fall back on. Good luck to you.

[@petersimpson633]

house insurance jumped out as being high, perhaps a comparison website, if not already used. Others have mentioned the £2880 pension tax break, worth £720net profit as a non taxpayer. Thanks for posting, inspiring and reassuring to us who don't have huge pension pots

[@sheenamaclean8324]

@@petersimpson633 I thought that insurance was low, I think it's a lot harder to insure a flat in block that it is a standalone house. I have a 1 bed flat in Glasgow and I was paying £275 up until a year ago, now it practically doubled that!

[@frugalhappy9572]

Hello from Wales, I work part time and live of around £1000 a month. I also cancelled TV licence as watching only KZbin so it can be done.

[@aliliveswellonless]

I'm really going to give it some serious thought 🙂

[@sandraparry8653]

I may do the same!

[@eliza479]

Really sad to hear that people are cancelling their 5V licences. Once the BBC is killed off, it'll be a race to the bottom. No more Our Planet and the like. Not to mention all the wonderful radio programmers. Our TV and radio options will mirror the US....... and, believe me, you really, really do not want that.

[@sarahr6089]

​@@seamus7054 I do the same 👍 The only thing I miss is Wimbledon on the BBC!

[@Paulie44]

I stopped paying my TV licence in 2015 because nothing on TV interest me. I enjoy rugby and go to my local pub to watch any games I really want to see. I watch KZbin and have a Netflix account for my other half as she likes to watch all the series. If it was me alone I wouldn’t even watch Netflix as I don’t enjoy a lot of the modern films with their "hidden messages".

[@Elements795]

Enjoyed the content of this video…I’m certain it will benefit / inspire many people who have either retired, or are contemplating retirement. To be open and honest is brave and admirable. Good job👍

[@honorburza9110]

We look after somebody’s dog two days a week while the owner is at work, full days. We don’t charge, because we do it for joy! It has helped my son who has anxiety and we couldn’t commit to buying our own dog. Don’t know if Borrow my Doggy is in Scotland but that would be a hell of a lot of money you would save. She’s like our extended family now we love her.

[@uno-tu9xx]

Well done, you're a very good example of how to manage a budget!

[@CamperVan-K]

My pension is £60.62p a month. Missed out on the State pension thing, because they moved the goal posts. Now having to find work to survive... I live in a van and hooking-up to the electric is very expensive, therefore, not looking forward to the Great British winter weather.

[@baraw9305]

🙏

[@peezebeuponyou3774]

You should be getting a state pension, surely?

[@CamperVan-K]

@@peezebeuponyou3774 Nope. The govt moved it - have to retire at 67 now, not 60. They changed the rules in 2015 in the hope that no one would notice. We didn't as we weren't told/informed or notified. It's theft.

[@leemack2000]

Thanks for the honesty of your sharing.

[@tonyc2837]

It’s the extras that take your money. Car maintenance costs, Christmas birthdays etc. Basic living expenses are easier to cover because they’re roughly the same every month I find.

[@aliliveswellonless]

Spot on!

[@sarahr6089]

Apologies if you do this already, but I find it useful to save on a monthly basis for expenses that are not payable monthly. Various ways to track this but I use a spreadsheet. So I save, say £50 per month, I add this to the balance of 'savings' and I note an amount against individual items. Eg. £20 in September is added to the running total for 'Christmas' (now at £180 as I have been saving since January). Come December I know I have £240 to spend on Christmas. Hope that makes sense, tricky to explain without pictures! All the best.

[@aliliveswellonless]

@@sarahr6089 Yep that makes sense. I've got Christmas covered this year but will need to do something similar for next year 🙂

[@sarahr6089]

@@aliliveswellonless 👍 I have a lot of things on the spreadsheet that I don't pay out monthly (Car service, car insurance, MOT, road tax, holidays, dentist, home insurance). It really adds up 😕😂

[@jablot5054]

Give up being a Christian then you don't have to do it. As for Birthday presents say you don't want one and you are not going to get any. The key is to be a strong individual and not be cohersed into things you don't or can't afford do. You earn a lot of respect.

[@twpsy634]

You are so fortunate in comparison to so many people.

[@WouldbeRenaissanceLady6926]

The biggest problem when you are on a low income, is how you are going to cope in financial emergencies such as when things go wrong with maintaining your property. You can't live in a home with a hole in the roof! 😱 😢. In addition, dental care also costs too and can be highly expensive. Sadly, it's life's little surprises that can cause a major bump in the road no matter how much you downsize!🤷🏼‍♀️

[@aliliveswellonless]

@@WouldbeRenaissanceLady6926 I've said elsewhere in an absolute emergency that wasn't covered by house insurance I can sell my car or get a part time job. I'm lucky to have an NHS dentist. I have thought of every single eventuality, I haven't gone into this without years of research 🙂

[@atristram54316]

@@aliliveswellonless doubt NHS dentists will be around much longer, ours has just kicked off all NHS patients sadly.

[@teresaspensley5640]

@@atristram54316-we pay about £70 a month for our dentist, there won’t be any NHS dentists left before long 😩

[@janecartmale2884]

​@@atristram54316I have an NHS dentist and they wanted over £300 for some work, it's a good job they told me beforehand as I told them I couldn't afford it and had a filling instead and that was over £60! I'm on pension credit, please be aware not all People who receive pension credit are entitled to free dental care, free council tax etc. I'm wondering whether I will receive the cwp this year🙁

[@eh6454]

I rent from a housing association, so outlay is relatively low. I have no additional obligation to pay for buildings insurance or routine maintenance and upgrades. I like where I live and have security of tenure, which gives me great peace of mind. I feel very fortunate in that regard. I have 4 years to go until State Pension kicks in, so am working part time (in this job 10 years) and have two modest occupational pensions which started paying out at age 60, so I'm comfortable currently. I can afford to go on holidays, keep a cat, run a car and go to cafes, etc. I've given a lot of thought to whether to retire early or keep working, and for now I think it gives me a feeling of normalisation and purpose. That may change, however! I was interested to see how you manage your finances on your current income - well done for sticking to your budget as much as you can. There will always be surprise expenses, but it sounds like you're as prepared as you can be.

[@ShirleyWyatt-t5j]

You have given me a lot of inspiration for my future

[@bubskar]

I found this really useful as a comparison of how I could manage. I am returning to the UK after living 24 years abroad and will only have a state pension and some small employment pensions to manage on. I would say apart from basic utilities and not needing half of your expense requirements, makes me less concerned. Thank you.

[@timothypeacock2737]

I retired . I was so bored as like you I retired early. So I got a part time job and spent the money on projects in my home, nicer clothes holidays. I filled my days and evening. Also why are you saving for money for your children! They will inherit your home one day. You brought them up and that costs money. Surely now is the time to spend your income on you and you alone. As other people have commented, you are very brave to put all this information in the public domain Rebecca

[@aliliveswellonless]

Brave or daft given some of the comments!!! I'm certainly thinking about a few things people have said including the life insurance 🙂

[@juliecarne7706]

With regards to paying insurance for your children. If they were my children the first thing they would say is mum don’t save for us you spend it on yourself. You brought us up to be independent and not dependent on you. Please free them of this continual spiral of parents feeling like they owe their children for the rest of their lives which they will feel they have to do. I’m constantly shocked at how adult children think their parents owe them a life and bail them out when they have spent their money foolishly

[@aliliveswellonless]

@@juliecarne7706 It was a policy I took out a few years ago when I had a small mortgage. I've just kept paying it even though the mortgage was paid off. It's something I am definitely reconsidering after all the comments here. Thanks! 🙂

[@TenaciousP]

I’m 56, work as few days as possible for clients in my small biz and am comfortable - however, I have good health, I wouldn’t bank on my children benefitting from the proceeds of my estate if that changes and I ever need care in my life that forces the pillaging of my assets which are currently ‘protected’ as much as they can be.

[@aliliveswellonless]

@@TenaciousP The cost of care issue is something I'm starting to think about and I'm taking on board a lot of comments here about life insurance and passing assets on to my kids

[@samhedges169]

Look at phone/internet costs when contract is up for renewal. We pay £35 p/m for super fast broadband. There's really cheap SIM card deals for less than £5 p/m with good data packages if your package currently includes a mobile. You can go pay as you go.

[@SeonaidMacdonald]

Thank you so much for this Ali. I am 53 and have profound chronic health issues and a very stressful job. I think its time i left but the money had stressed me. My income would be similiar to yours if i did so this has been hugely useful. Life is just too short xx

[@aliliveswellonless]

No job is worth making ourselves ill. Go for it but do all your research and cut your costs now. Good luck!! :-)

[@pensivepensioner1244]

You cope amazingly well, Ali, and I know from experience that it could be depressing surviving on such a small income. We are in a shared ownership bungalow so have to pay rent on 40% of it for life. Unless we have a windfall (unlikely) there is no option but to pay rent as we couldnt afford to buy a bungalow outright in our area and my hubby has health issues which mean stairs are difficult. Thanks so much for going into incredible detail regarding your budget. We don't have pets and yet the breakdown you show is so helpful. Thanks Ali 👍 Angie x

[@aliliveswellonless]

Thanks! I do have concerns that long term living like this will become a slog. But for now I'm trying very hard to find solutions for future issues. I wish I had been able to afford a wee bungalow but they're like gold dust here and go for way over the asking price when they do go on sale. My stairs are steep but straight so I hope I'll be able to fit a stair lift in the future if needed! 🙂

[@sheenamaclean8324]

@@aliliveswellonless I'm assuming your state pension will kick in sooner or later though, which means you'll me nearly a £1000 a month better off.

[@sarahr6089]

​​@@sheenamaclean8324 Hi Sheena! Unfortunately it will take her over the personal allowance so some tax will be payable. But yes, that will significantly improve things. Of course, the govt could change things in the next 9 years! 😀

[@juliafisher5844]

​@@sheenamaclean8324it's not 1k pm ?

[@sheenamaclean8324]

@@juliafisher5844 I said nearly £1k, full state pension is £221pw or £957pm. And as Ali has 9 years before she gets her pension it might be £1k by then

[@MrRichardlangley]

Hi,love your video,I take my hat off to you.I think we can all learn something from this.Like you I downsized a couple of years ago .I had bereavement and retirement all with in two months.Downsized from a 3 bed to a 1 bed and downsized my car from a 4 wheel drive to a fiat 500.I am happy with my life, at 69 and a nice girl friend to go out with.

[@aliliveswellonless]

Lovely comment! :-)

[@JaneHolgate-k1b]

Really enjoying your videos Ali, they are so encouraging especially as I’m in a similar situation and trying to stretch my “limited means” as far as possible! Thank you ☺️

[@aliliveswellonless]

You're very welcome. I think it's important to see older ladies doing what we do and remind younger ones to plan ahead 🙂

[@1962Jivatone]

Well done, you look like you're quite someway off collecting the state pension but I'm glad you're in good spirits.

[@samanthal562]

Hi Ali, yes I agree it’s not about giving things up it’s about making adjustments and getting what you need at the best price. Hubby & I are in the process of selling our house to downsize and reduce our outgoings, hopefully I’ll be able to reduce my hours at work as I’m getting older and it’s getting harder for me to work full time now. Thanks for such an informative video, it’s always helpful to see where others reduce their outgoings and adapt accordingly. As my granny used to say, cut your cloth according to your means. Lots of love Ali ❤

[@aliliveswellonless]

Thanks for the lovely comment 🙂

[@alisonmike2912]

I think you're fantastic and I have to say me and my husband are very similar to you, work hard save hard and travel when you are young and give up work early. It's all about budgeting and living within your means and just being happy with what you've got and stop chasing after the newsest gadgets. I would much rather not work but have to budget than work and have more money, you're a long time dead and no one said on their deathbed " i wish id spent more time at work "

[@RichardHead-s2y]

My dad got £90 a week and £90 a month private he owned our home and when he died he had £30 000 in the bank. He rarely bought clothes lived frugally and often won at the races as a punter! We can't complain he was 93.

[@brittrubin9461]

Ali I am so impressed ❤thank you for sharing your story. I will attempt to do better..

[@mossie1954]

Here in Australia, I gave up working 3 years ago. I did not have any pension fund that I paid into. I am now 70 years old. So, my government allows you to retire at age 67. A great deal of the population of course do have retirement funds. I get now a month $2,232.00 (Aus dollars) to live on. But, here's the catch! unless you own your own home, out of that pension you will be paying about $350 a week for some 1 bedroom to rent. Or, you may be lucky to have your name down on Public Housing a now about 12 years. Then it is about a 3rd of the rent. I was smart and put all my money into buying a home, with my then-husband. So my expenses are about half of my pension, and the rest is mine to save. We do have it very good in Australia and free health care. I was born in England, and moved to Australia in 1963 with my mother. I remember times of being homeless, but then my mother got a break, and we did ok.

[@griswald7156]

@@mossie1954 well done Sheila,, I nearly came to Melbourne in 68.,, but I decided to stay..I wanted to come for the sunshine..but I’ve since found out I like grey wet weather.. but I miss Melbourne and what might have been..

[@greenness7387]

@@griswald7156 Melbourne has grey weather, wet in winter. Queensland is the best state for sunshine. I live in a small 1 bed with a garden which I own. I've planted a tropical garden which gives shade in the summer. I receive the full age pension. Life is okay, but I can't afford to travel which I thought I would do one day.

[@user-lp1uy4tw6p]

Having not seen your channel before, when you referenced Lunar i was imagining small fluffy dog. What a surprise i had Lunar is massive and gorgeous. 😂

[@aliliveswellonless]

Lol! Yes Luna is a huge 30kg/5 stone monster :-)

[@nicolascott6514]

Very much enjoy your upbeat, positive vlog.

[@aliliveswellonless]

Thanks 🙂

[@uksunshinekid992]

Great video. Thanks for sharing your costs & expenses. We’re thinking of retiring early so it’s good to know other people can live well on a company pension.

[@maggiecraven9625]

Interesting video Ali. Thanks for explaining how you go about allocating your income as it stands at the moment. Also for being so kind as to explain the position re pension credit/ state pension with such patience. One thing that might be a good topic for a video is how you deal with celebratory events eg family birthdays/ festive season etc. as I don’t think you had a category for that, unless it comes under socialising maybe? These events could involve Money Mondays and Foodie Fridays as there’s often a bit of both cost and food involved. I hope you continue with your channel, I do enjoy your blog but it’s nice to see and hear you as well.

[@aliliveswellonless]

Thanks! Those are great ideas for future videos. I'm realising this channel is taking up a lot more time than I thought!!! 🙂

[@nealevans3952]

As your income is below the tax level, I would do the following to boost your income by £720 a year. Even if you are not working and have no earned income, you can still contribute to a pension, such as a Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP), and receive tax relief. Here’s how it works: 1. Pension Contribution and Tax Relief:- You can contribute up to £2,880 per tax year into your pension, and the government will add basic rate tax relief (currently 20%), which means an extra £720 is added, making a total contribution of £3,600. 2. Drawing Upon the Pension in the Same Year: - Once the funds are in your pension, you can access them from age 55 (rising to 57 in 2028). You can take 25% of the pension pot tax-free, and the rest is subject to income tax ( in you case none)- There are no specific rules preventing you from drawing on the pension in the same year you make the contribution. 3. Repeating this in Subsequent Years: - You can continue to contribute £2,880 each tax year, receive tax relief, and withdraw.There are no limits on repeating this process annually, provided you stay within the contribution limits. Hope this helps!

[@william_marshal]

Be careful what you wish for ... This may be supplemented by tax breaks now but it will definitely push you over the Tax limit when you retire meaning that all the taxes you save now will be given back to the government later !!!

[@eileenpeat2259]

😊

[@aliliveswellonless]

@@william_marshal Don't worry, I'll be making sure the government doesn't get my money!!

[@tivvy-xf4kz]

@@aliliveswellonless When you get your state pension you will be taxed on the private pension if the total takes you over the allowance. I have 3 very small pensions just earned when I changed jobs eg 3-4 yrs each. I pay tax on it and I don't qualify for Pension credit either and I am not on any benefits at all. My wife is on the old state pension but as a couple we are just over the couples allowance so we get nothing. Whoever works out benefits etc are crafty. We were supposed to retire within a month of each other and my wife was one of the first to get the womens retirement age raised by one year so all we had coming in was my pension. Fortunately that was low enough to qualify for pension credit for a year and then she got her state pension. They soon take any benefits off you.

[@cseosborn892]

I don’t understand a word you’re about.

[@user-Tortured-soul]

I hope you will eventually get your State Pension. Well done.👏 ❤

[@hazelisted7710]

Thank you, you are so organised, I wish you well and God Bless ❤❤❤

[@lynnoorman2144]

Thank you for that break down of costs. It reassures me that I am not doing so bad, managing on as little as I do. I am on a no spend week - including groceries! I bought 4 pts of milk yesterday so that should last us most of the week. ( me +adult son who is here due to a messy break up which left him with nothing!). I may have to go and buy lettuce once the cabbage and lettuce here runs out for our lunchtime salads. Other than that I think we will manage ok. Trying to last until next Saturday - so I'm going to give sprouting some seeds a go - perhaps to use instead of lettuce????

[@aliliveswellonless]

I'm so sorry for your son. One of mine came back home for a wee while for similar reasons but is now happily married. You've just reminded me about sprouting seeds and growing microgreens as I have a ton of unused seeds from this year. Highly nutritious and free! Thanks 🙂

[@heartyoddment]

@@aliliveswellonless In the Pacific NW region of the US some people grow lettuce in outside planters. The weather is good enough for these easy-grow plants. Your latitude is cooler than here, more like Canada, so perhaps the hardier greens such as kale, chives, etc. would do well.

[@janecraftswhen...8115]

Love your mind set. You have exercised choices which I think makes all the difference.

[@aliliveswellonless]

Thanks, it's all about choices 🙂

[@Natalka.Poltavka]

Great greetings from Ukraine. Very informative

[@Yagdrol]

Refreshing to see such a real and honest video on KZbin. I would say you are very comfortable financially indeed. The impending pension time bomb for tens of millions of adults is going to be horrendous. Over ten million without any pension at all, millions retiring with not even a fifth of what they actually need to live on. Lastly, millions more without their own home. I believe this time bomb may end up having a detrimental effect on us all.

[@aliliveswellonless]

I don't want to stray into politics but I think you're absolutely right. It's very worrying

[@missg3283]

I often think about this too! I have friends my age 52 no private pension and still renting 😢, but they had holidays and expensive cars!

[@MrM1neill]

Fabulous video, i'm getting older and worry about my finances and how much I need to get by. This was very helpful

[@Glory3823]

got Rid of TV in 2018 after my Husband died been living on ESA up until last week when it ended i am 66 today 2:9:24 i will get a Small inherited pension of Just over £75 will receive monthly waiting on hearing from pension credit ❤

[@aliliveswellonless]

I got rid of my tv about 5 years ago when it broke and I never replaced it 🙂

[@juliafisher5844]

You won't get person credit if you get full state pension

[@Glory3823]

@@juliafisher5844 so sad wrong 😢

[@dararowland8749]

I'm on pensions and live on less than you with the exchange rates. Once you begin getting Old Age Pension, you'll have about £1650 per month and that's pretty good.

[@vernaxxx8940]

I live on $2000 Australian per month, but my Superannuation fund makes me take out more, so i just save the surplus. Owning your own place makes the big difference. You should make a big push to do that during your working life (not so easy these days). I moved a couple of times and made a bit of money by upgrading the places i sold, that's why i have extra money besides my savings. I am hoping my money will last me til i die. Having a parsimonious lifestyle and a saving habit is great for future security.

[@fionahaigh708]

Thanks Ali for you positive attitude and honesty about your finances. I find living on a small income quite wears me down, since health meant I had to stop working early. I find it easier to include those annual expenses like insurances in my monthly budget, to save for them on that basis over the year. Also, here in England some essential service providers have social tariffs for things like phone/broadband, which I discovered accidentally when seeking a cheaper deal. Not sure if the same applies in Scotland, but it might be worth asking.

[@aliliveswellonless]

A few folk have mentioned this. I didn't know about it but will def look into it now :-)

[@juliafisher5844]

Wow .. that's news to me .. which broadband provider has social tariff please?

[@trishamy6512]

​@@juliafisher5844I'm on BT social tariff and pay £20 a month for broadband.

[@fionahaigh708]

@@juliafisher5844 BT British Telecom

[@sarahr6089]

I might be wrong, but I think you need to be on certain benefits to qualify for social tariff. Worth asking though.

[@sianstevens2779]

Well done I'm impressed , I've just found your channel and will watch out for more x

[@robertbutwell4272]

That's a good deal with the combined council tax and water.

[@gdok6088]

Luna looks to have everything she needs too and appears very happy and comfortable. Thank you for an interesting video. Best wishes to you and Luna :)

[@aliliveswellonless]

Thanks! 🙂

[@AJ-hi9fd]

Tbh, I’ve always found it easier to work than to budget!

[@jackierowe9195]

@@AJ-hi9fd I agree totally , I’m 67 still work and just crack on going on Holliday ect

[@henryaxe1]

I’m stunned at the price of your phone/internet. I’m in France and I pay £10 a month for the lot. Respect to you for these vids.

[@elaineduker.6355]

I'm in the UK, phone is PAYG £10 month, I always buy my phone outright, no monthly payments, sad if you can't have a water meter, I was paying £48 .50 a month in 2013 when I switched to a water meter, I now pay quarterly average payment is £65 a quarter! My friends who are not on a meter pay £78.50 a month huge saving, with a meter.

[@evelyngott2056]

Be happy you don't live in Canada. Monthly phone/internet $120

[@tivvy-xf4kz]

Yes housing and associated costs is the one to get rid of. We aren't on any benefits so still have council tax etc. If I could go back app 10 yrs I would also get solar with batteries and go off grid. Yes there is no obligation to have mains electricity in a normal house and you can request to be disconnected. The solar would charge up batteries NOT be connected to the grid. Any power would be mine. Electricity is going to be a big cost in the future. Gas is reasonable at the moment so if you have it keep it for cooking otherwise you could run an air fryer on the batteries along with small fridge etc. Main thing is to keep a roof over your head and the other stuff you can get by as the camping world has improved a lot over the years and with the power stations it's feasible to have a lot of the home comforts.

[@normanboyes4983]

Well done Ali for sharing this. I am surprised at some of the comments. You mentioned you were ‘lucky’ but I disagree - you worked hard, paid into a pension scheme and invested in buying a home, so less good luck than working hard and making sacrifices (rather than spaffing it up against the wall). So your good fortune is entirely down to your efforts and decisions. Of course when you qualify for the State Retirement Pension, you will feel more comfortable, although with fiscal drag on personal tax allowance you will ‘lose’ around £1K in income tax. The downside of course is you will be classed as ‘wealthy’ according to the current Labour Party definition, so expect more fiscal attacks.😉

[@aliliveswellonless]

Thanks! What's that famous saying? The harder I work the luckier I get! :-)

[@jencarter6785]

Thanks for sharing! Just a thought, for my dog I used to buy the flea treatment pipettes as single items from eBay, and I think you might find it cheaper than what you are paying your vet.

[@aliliveswellonless]

I should have clarified that the pet plan also includes other things like one vet appt, nurse check ups and some vaccinations as well🙂

[@markhedger6378]

If you feed your dog the BARF diet ,you will not need vet visits, medication or the suffering of dental cleaning, cavities etc .Cooked processed dog and cat food will slowly poison them.

[@barbsdee3831]

Wow I must review my spending. My supermarket shop is £350 a month and dog food (2 dogs) including treats is £90 I don’t insure my dogs anymore they are 10 and 11 years old and of course no vet fees as they don’t need vaccinations every year (it’s a money spinner for vets!). Car insurance has gone up to ridiculous prices 😢 Well done 👏🏼

[@Gavin-t8w]

this is really informative indeed, thank you

[@bernicescanlon6137]

Best of luck what a wonderful lady

[@hardcorealienpg]

Lovely video! I'm 45 and currently done 27 years at my work place I'm planning on retiring in 20 years time at the age of 65. I'm gonna have to survive 3 years with no state pension that's what's worrying me. I've started a life time isa at 40 and have set up and AVC on my work pension. I'm planning to retire on £110,000 thousand.

[@aliliveswellonless]

You can do it!

[@Afrinaturality]

Are you planning to retire on £110K to cover the period before state pension eligibility or will the £110K be your full retirement fund for the rest of your life (excluding state pension)?

[@aliliveswellonless]

@@Afrinaturality I'm not sure what you mean by £110K???

[@Afrinaturality]

@@aliliveswellonless ☺️ Oh, I was responding to @hardcorealienpg

[@peterowen4456]

Great video with some really useful info. I have to say my current pension income is significantly higher than yours and I do get the state pension. Nevertheless my wife is currently in care after a discharge from hospital and, going forward, may have to remain there (I hope not but it's not impossible). Care costs are quite literally eye watering and will diminish anything we are able to leave our children and have an impact on day to day income as well. I will use some of your info to trim my costs accordingly.

[@volt8684]

I am single, own house, old banger car, don’t drink or smoke. I need £900 to survive. However, if something goes wrong or needs a repair that’s the terrifying bit. Plumber 100 ph etc. boiler replacement £4k. Service my car and pushbikes. Don’t have tv licence, no life assurance, just energy, food, ctax, w rates , internet etc. I eat pretty awfully but cook my own not take aways etc and £900 is my minimum, having worked for 50 yrs

[@volt8684]

What upsets me as oap is why do we have to scrape to live

[@aliliveswellonless]

@@volt8684 Totally agree!

[@denisescally7090]

Most of Europe and Canada and USA can get their state pensions at 62. We have to wait a whole 5 years more. It’s adding insult to injury.

[@mollytabitha8851]

I would be interested to see your budget. Not from a judgement stance, just curious why you need £900 minimum if you own your own home and don't have the outgoings that you mentioned. I am in a similar position in that I am single, own home. old car and don't drink and smoke. Wonder why the difference between my minimum and yours is all. Either way, take credit that you are a strong person with a good constitution that can manage on a low budget. Best wishes.

[@sarahr6089]

It's the big items that worry me too.

[@carolineskipper6976]

This short video has inspired me to take another look at my outgoings.....I'm living on a combination of a Teacher's Pension, Carer's allowance and Savings while I wait for the time I get my state pension. I really must be more vigilant about my avoidable outgoings!

[@paulaevans2555]

Hi Ali. Thank you so much for sharing this breakdown. I think when you live alone, it’s hard to know whether there is anything more one can do to reduce costs as people will rarely share their financial position so this is very kind of you to do so. That’s very interesting that you pay water bills within your council tax in Scotland. Do you have council tax bands there as we do in England? Also, your car. Can I ask please roughly how many lines you do each month and are you doing more or less that you did before you moved or had a previous non hybrid car? I really worry about the ongoing increasing costs these days and that my little pension, like yours, will never keep up. I’ve 6 years and 4 months until state pension age…if that’s not means tested by then or withdrawn completely. I hope we are fortunate enough to still receive a state pension in 7 years time and to help us through our older age. Given like me, you have to draw on what savings you have too for other costs, how do you stop yourself worrying that your savings will run out? LOVING THE RESTFUL PHOTO OF LUNA! Those naughty delivery vans Luna, my little girls do not like them either. 🐾🐾💕

[@aliliveswellonless]

I'm so happy this is useful for people. I do watch channels of people who have retired but if they're a couple they usually have double the income. I'm bearing all these costs on my own. Yes we have council tax bands in Scotland and you get 25% for being a single adult. My car is a Honda Jazz. My mileage has always been very low as I worked close to where I lived. It's now 4yo and has done 9,000 miles!!! I walk a lot and as Stirling is very compact I don't need to travel far to do anything. Can't wait to get my free bus pass at 60!! I do worry about my savings running out. I really only have enough left to cover the 2 upcoming insurance renewals and the odd bit of DIY essentials. So I'm going to try really hard to put a small amount away each month so it adds up. In a worst case scenario I would sell the car or get a part time job (def not teaching!!) 🙂

[@sheenamaclean8324]

@@paulaevans2555 the water and sewage charges aren't actually included in the CT but they are billed at the same time because Scottish Water is a Nationalised not a Privatised company.

[@sharonallenberry6588]

I use coconut oil on my cats for flea treatment and a flea comb, I would not use a toxic treatment especially monthly and you can bath a dog

[@lesleyscholz9432]

I use flea treatment only when I see flea dirt in my cats' fur. Worming is another story if you've got cats! I think most dog and pet owners don't have to use flea treatment from at least October to March in UK, assuming that every so often you vacuum sofas and skirting boards, etc. thoroughly (or any dark, undisturbed place in your home, like those unused shoes and coats in the hall that rarely get moved or the bottom of wardrobes).

[@charlottemacgregor5061]

£109 is really good for council tax, especially as it includes water x

[@kerrypapworth1526]

This was great. Hello from Australia. 🇦🇺

[@jillmcaleese6514]

Very encouraging and positive. Thankyou.

[@aliliveswellonless]

Thanks! :-)

[@sarahsselection]

Hiya! Your channel was recommended to me & have subscribed as it's right up my street! ❤

[@jackiephillips9042]

You do very well on your small budget. Being happy and content is the main thing. God bless.

[@aliliveswellonless]

Thanks! Reading some of the comments it's clear some folks are neither!! :-)

[@juliafisher5844]

​@@aliliveswellonless😂

[@garyharley3868]

We feed our dogs on a product called free flow minced chicken at £7.90 per 2KG plus frozen vegetables in 500GR bag £1.00 we then slit it up into the correct Dailey weight for the dog in containers and freeze them. This is a very good way to feed the dog and they never see the vet. Vets don’t promote this as there is nothing in it for them

[@carolvenables3970]

Thank-you Ali that helps I'm paying rent 😢

[@aliliveswellonless]

Paying a mortgage or rent once I'd retired was something I knew I couldn't realistically afford so made plans back when I was newly divorced and in my mid 40s. I'd still be working well into my 60s if that was the case as I wouldn't qualify for any benefits until I'm 67 and getting my state pension. I'm glad this video was useful 🙂

[@perculiar_daughter]

Hi Ali 👋 new subscriber. Loving the channel.

[@emmavik-fredriksson640]

Interesting. Very brave of you to be so honest! I had to Google Stirling since I've never heard of it before and wow! Such a cute town! Well, the parts I found on Google maps at least.😁 I went to Edinburgh one summer many years ago and worked, but never went outside the city. Always wanted to go back to Scotland and see more! To have a paid off house must be such a relief. I'm my 40s and never got into the "house ladder" (don't know the proper term) and so we rent. Renting here in Sweden is good. We have a large flat 5 bedrooms and pay £720 in rent wich is quite fantastic for Sweden. I like renting for the ease, but of course I will never own a house in the end. Wich few people in my generation will, since the house prices have been very high for a long time. I've been on sick-leave for stress relatwd diseases for a long time and I don't think I will come back to a normal work life. I was a nurse wich isn't the best job for a stressed soul. I worry about my pension, it will be super low but then again I have lived on very small income from time to time. See you next video!😊

[@aliliveswellonless]

Stirling is very historic and beautiful! I'm being honest because I think we need to be more open about what happens when you retire. This retirement isn't the one I thought I would have when I was in my 20s/30s/40s. But life happens and you need to be proactive 🙂

[@chriswalford4161]

@@aliliveswellonless: Thank you - yes

[@lesleyscholz9432]

Renting in most European countries is steady and reasonable, but in the UK it is fraught and so insecure and I would recommend anyone, even moaning Gen Z, to get on the ladder, starting with carefully selected tiny flat in a goodish area. Give up daily coffee, cook from scratch, etc. and really go through what you spend your money on.

[@elizabethwatson7883]

Hi Ali. Just found your channel and so glad to see realistic honest content for most people. Can I just say I only pay 26/month for phone and broadband with Talk Talk. Do you need super fast? Also I only pay £6/month for mobile sim only with ID. Maybe you could save in these costs? Looking g forward to watching your other videos. ❤

[@einseitig3391]

I am dreading retirement. In fact I have decided I will not be 'retiring' and will keep my little job trading CFDs going. At 6:45 you have given a snapshot of a budget. I have one question: (i) Your three pensions are private pensions. Are you drawing the state pension? (I think not. I don't think you look 66.) The budget shows 'car tax', what of car insurance? Answered at 10:24. December payment. I wrote this at 3:09 so I will continue to view in case this is made clear before submitting. Notes: The water was part of the old Rates which the same in England before the Community Charge. Very well done on the downsizing. My mother, 87, has a council tax demand of £2500 or £250 per month (10 month payoff). The house is in Band E and London. The cost of living in Britain has not just jumped, it has increased markedly from 2020. Local and national government costs have spiralled upward with many (England) councils on the verge of insolvency. Labour, will have no choice but to allow them all to increase the Council tax by 10%. I will (hopefully) be able to finance a house purchase with my private pensions somewhere in the midlands to a house which is much better laid out; downstairs lavatory and a bedroom with an en-suite. The London house will need a £300k renovation to bring up to standard and I will let it out. Not sure any of this is worthwhile doing. Were we still part of the EU I would happily emigrate to somewhere much more pensioner-friendly than the UK with better weather and commute back to the UK for healthcare. [Edit] Various typos having written it during the wee hours.

[@aliliveswellonless]

Brilliant comment and thank you for watching to the end to see if I answered your questions! It seems many people didn't. I've still got 9 years until I get my state pension. Renting out a property isn't straightforward with many hidden costs and obligations. That's why I'm not counting on that money yet. It would be nice to move somewhere more pensioner friendly and warmer!! 🙂

[@dyoung1492]

This is a very helpful video and since taking early retirement from teaching myself at 57 I find myself having to curb spending. I have started shopping (and selling) on Vinted which has now become something of a free hobby which satisfied my fashion addiction. My husband is also retired and we are not badly off. I find we have made savings with not commuting so much by car. I shop cannily (you're Scottish so you'll know) and no caviar for us but we eat well. We are selling our flat in London and moving to Glasgow (my husband is Scottish) so the downsize gives us a nice sum. I know we could probably make some efficiency here and there but I think we do allright. We have a dog too and she has the vet plan but we also have an insurance plan which we probably don't need but it's not very much. We buy everything during the month on a credit card with 1% cashback. I pay this off in full every month. It would seem that interest on savings is going down anyway so having large amount of savings is not great these days. Again, thanks for the helpful video. Your cheery and upbeat nature will see you through!

[@Catriona-t4j]

Another good video, Ali.

[@aliliveswellonless]

Thanks! 🙂

[@lindawhite8258]

A very frank and interesting video, Ali, and shows that with careful thought, you can thrive on a low income. Though I find that what can derail the most carefully planned budget is those unexpected costs - breakdowns, repairs etc. I would try to set aside some money each month into a contingency fund (plus ditch the life insurance). Many people asking about your state pension so it might be worth while in your next video explaining that you don’t yet qualify for one.

[@aliliveswellonless]

Thanks! Yes it's unplanned events that I'm still working out how I'll cover. I have explained in previous videos about my age and the state pension and answered that question many many times here! But yep I'll explain in my next video :-)