helping seniors live well in later life

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Tag: Top Tips

  • Christmas shopping

    Christmas shopping

    If you’re not yet finished with your Christmas shopping, we’ve listed some websites below to help you.   

    If you want to help a charity, why not go with one of the big charities who sell new items online.  Have a look at these three as an example.  Or if you are looking for a secret santa why not pop into your local charity shop and get something bigger for your money? 

    https://giftshop.redcross.org.uk

    https://onlineshop.oxfam.org.uk/christmas-gifts

    https://giftshop.bhf.org.uk/giftshop/christmas-gifts

    For unusual and personalised gifts, we love www.etsy.com where you can find things for children, adults and pets!    You can type in ‘gifts for him’ for example and it will give you suggestions.  It’s very good! 

    You can’t beat a bookshop for a present and https://www.waterstones.com is an obvious one, but you can also buy from www.abebooks.co.uk  which amalgamates independent sellers.   They also have used books.

    Some of our tried and tested favourites are:

    www.Notonthehighstreet.com

    www.dontbuyherflowers.com

    www.findmeagift.co.uk  – Wind up sprouts anyone?!

    www.iwantoneofthose.com

    But don’t forget your local shops too, or those local to the person you are buying for.  Many will do delivery if you give them a call.  So definitely support independent shops where you can!

  • Income in retirement

    Income in retirement

    Pensions – oh no, boring!!  But very important.   The Triple Lock is all very well and good but that might not be enough to live on.   We aren’t regulated so we can’t give you financial advice BUT we can point you to some places to help you:

    You can find a Society of Later Life Adviser near you on the SOLLA website.  It’s really important to make sure that the person you are talking to understands getting older and what that means to your finances.  All the people on this website do that.

    We also know other financial advisers who are fully later life qualified but not SOLLA advisers and we can send you in their direction.

    There is always the possibility of a residual income (like a royalty that those who write and perform songs receive).  Some businesses that remunerate those working with them with residual income rely on sales of product which can be hard to maintain without building a team.  However, some companies offer a residual income based on household services.   If you want more information on something like this which could help plug a gap, let us know and we can help.

    HM Government’s Money & Pensions service also has a website called Money Helper and this can help you with pension and retirement planning as well as all sorts of other money queries.  Do have a read and do share with people you know.

  • Energy – confusing?

    Energy – confusing?

    Do you find your energy bills confusing?  You are not alone.    There is far too much jargon involved so we thought we would explain a few things that might help simplify things.

    Fixed price v variable tariffs

    Deciding whether to go for a  fixed or variable is like betting on the horses and taking out insurance at the same time.  It’s a gamble, but it gives you peace of mind.   The variable may go up or down in the time you are in the contract but with a fixed tariff you know the standing charge and unit rates you are paying.  Don’t forget it doesn’t fix the exact amount you pay, it fixes those unit prices and the standing charge.  No one can predict exactly how much energy you will use in the year, even you!

     Paying for your energy in equal monthly payments v paying for what you use

    Most people choose to pay their estimated annual usage in 12 equal monthly instalments.  This means you pay the same every month.  If you use more energy in those 12 months, your monthly price will go up the following year to reflect the extra usage and to pay off the previous year’s deficit.  If you use less then your energy company will give it back to you.  UW automatically put any credit balance in their customers’ accounts in the 13th month, but most other companies want you to ask them for it and we’ve heard stories of people having to ask multiple times.   However, if you would prefer your energy company not to have your money up front, then opt to pay for what you use each month.  You may need to commit to a smart meter depending on the energy company, but you will definitely need to read your meter at the end of every month for it to be accurate.

    Price cap

    This is set by Ofgem, the energy regulator, and it only affects customers on the variable tariffs and is to protect them from paying astronomical prices if they don’t switch.  The price cap is not a limit on your total bill. It restricts the price per unit (or kWh) and standing charge that energy companies can charge you.  When you hear in the media about an annual cost for the price cap (£X per year) this is based on an average usage.  And none of us are average, so your actual cost may be lower or higher. 

    Comparing energy costs

    If you decide to look at switching, remember to look at the annual cost rather than the pence per kilowatt hour.  This is because the annual cost includes the standing charge which is another variable.

    There isn’t a lot of difference between energy companies’ prices these days, but there is a big difference in the extra perks you can get such as other money-saving or environmental initiatives and of course their customer service.  So ask your friends who they use.

    If you want help looking at your energy bills, we can help.

  • Christmas made easy – part 2

    Christmas made easy – part 2

    Here is part two of our Christmas made easy tips!

    1. If you are hosting people over Christmas, start making a menu and a shopping list now. You can just jot down menu ideas and google recipes here and there, saving them by bookmarking them on your phone or desktop.
    2. Know and diarise when you are going to put in an online shopping order or go to the shops.   Lots of online supermarkets have a day when they release their Christmas slots, so do check online if you want one of those.
    3. If you are buying specific Christmas food, some shops have catalogues and order cut-off dates.   Most of these ask you when you would like to collect the items.  Make sure you get your orders in before the cut-off.
    4. We always make sure to pick things up / get them delivered with a shopping day or two to spare so we can pop out and get anything that was missing.
    5. If catering makes you stressed, ask people now to make and bring something so it’s less stressful for you.  Make sure you know what it is so you don’t double up.
    6. Prep as much as you can the day before – you can peel veg and store them in containers or bags in the fridge the day before.  You can even pre-roast potatoes and other root veg, so you can then pop them back in the oven to crisp up when the meat (if you have meat), is resting.   We love a Delia Smith Parsnip Roulade, but we still cook a bird for the rest of the family!
    7. Get other people to help with the clean-up so you can rest and enjoy the remainder of the festive season!

    If you need help making a Christmas plan, let us know, we’d be happy to help.

  • Christmas made easy – part 1

    Christmas made easy – part 1

    This is a repost of our blog in November 2022, because we think it’s worth repeating.  Part 2 will be next week.

    It’s all about making lists.  So get a pen and paper ready, or a note section on your mobile phone and make some lists.

    1. Make a list of all of those presents you want to buy, and who for.  If you haven’t started ordering yet, we recommend doing so right away!  Leaving anything to the last minute is always stressful.  Mark off when you have bought something, and if you need to go to a shop, put a diary note to go to the exact shop, or to go on a browsing trip,  so it doesn’t get forgotten.
    2. Once you’ve ordered a present online, make a note of where you ordered it from, how they are sending it, and when you expect it to arrive.  Also keep a folder in your emails for all of the email order confirmations.   Then you can follow up if it doesn’t arrive when you’re expecting it to.
    3. Check last posting dates https://www.royalmail.com/christmas/last-posting-dates to make sure you won’t miss it if you are sending internationally.
    4. Make a time to wrap presents and write cards.  Again, put this in your diary.  Put Post-its on the front of envelopes of any cards of people you are going to see in person, with the date you’ll see them and put them in order by the front door, so you can take them with you when you are seeing them.
    5. Do the same with presents, so you can save on postage.
    6. If you need to post presents, try to go to the post office first thing in the morning and not on a Saturday, to avoid lengthy queues.

    We help our clients buy, wrap and post presents and cards.  Don’t leave it to the last minute, get in touch if you would like help.

  • What is a superconnector, and why do you need one?

    What is a superconnector, and why do you need one?

    A super-connector is someone who knows the right people to help you, when you need help.  These are people who have access to a wide network of people to call on to assist where necessary.  Super-connectors are people that when you say ‘X happened to me today and I think I need to do Y’, they know just the right person to put you in touch with. As you get older there are many different people and professions out there who can help you, but the great news is you only need one as they can usually refer you to others.  Examples of super-connectors are:

    • Healthcare professionals
    • Financial adviser
    • Private client lawyer / will writer
    • Estate agent
    • Care agency
    • Social care consultant
    • Someone like us!

    But just because someone is one of those professions, it doesn’t make them a super-connector.   Super-connectors are generally helpful people who go out of their way to help others.  If you’re reading this you already know a super-connector – us!   So reach out if you need anything and we’ll connect you to the correct person!

  • Retirement Villages

    Retirement Villages

    Choosing to live in a retirement village / assisted living can be a fantastic solution for many older people who are looking to downsize, but it’s not right for everyone.  Here are some of the benefits:

    1. Community and Social Interaction:  If you live far from friends and family, there are built in social networks and plenty of other people ‘in the same boat’.  Regular social activities and clubs help build the sense of community.

    2. Safety and Security: Enhanced security measures such as gated entrances, 24-hour security personnel, and surveillance systems, making it a safe living option. Many villages also offer emergency response systems and medical staff on call, providing peace of mind for both residents and their families.

    3. Maintenance-Free Living: Maintaining a home can become physically demanding and stressful.  If you buy within a retirement complex they will usually have a handyman on site, and if you choose to rent, you have even fewer worries about any repairs that are needed.

    4. Financial Predictability: Although there is a wide range in the cost of retirement village options, there should not be any unforeseen costs as residents often pay a monthly fee that covers maintenance, amenities, and sometimes even utilities.

    5. Freedom and Independence:  Contrary to the misconception that retirement villages limit freedom, they are designed to promote independence. Residents can maintain their own schedules, come and go as they please, and continue engaging in activities outside of the village. At the same time, they benefit from having support and care available when needed. This balance between independence and assistance makes retirement village life appealing to those who want to maintain control over their day-to-day activities while having access to help.

    So if you are looking to simplify your life and live in a community-focused, maintenance-free environment, choosing a retirement village can offer an improved quality of life as you get older.

    If you need help with downsizing, we can help.

  • Get ready for winter

    Get ready for winter

    As we head into autumn it is important to get yourself ready for the winter and make sure you are ready for the arrival of any cold snap:

    1. Check your heating works (which we first advised in August).
    2. Make sure you have lots of thin layers that you can wear on top of each other.   You can also get an ‘Oodie’ which is a giant over-blanket that you can wear to keep you warm inside your home.
    3. Get a really warm hat, scarf and gloves.  If your heating breaks down you can always wear these inside.
    4. Drink lots of hot drinks, and have soups and stews for lunch and dinner.
    5. If you are tempted to use a hot water bottle, be sure to check it for holes as they can perish over time and you don’t want boiling water leaking on you.   They have a daisy on them to determine when it was made.  The inside number is the year and the outer segments represent the month.  If you’ve had it for more than three years you should consider replacing it.
    6. If you are mobile, keep moving, as that always keeps you warmer.
    7. Some Age UK offices run a Warm Homes programme.  See if there is one in your area here
    8. If you are on the Priority Services Register (for those over 60, those with young children and those with disabilities) and you have no heating due to a power cut or gas emergency, they can help you remain warm and able to cook with temporary appliances.  Find out more here.  
    9. Don’t suffer from the cold; contact your energy company or social services for more help.
  • Get that ‘back to school’ vibe

    Get that ‘back to school’ vibe

    September is a time for new beginnings, just like January, as it has the back-to-school vibe that is inescapable even if you don’t have children or grandchildren in the education system.   It’s a time to start on things you have been putting off and generally just get going on your own home projects.

    So, if you would like to start decluttering, now is a good time!  If you are looking at it and wondering where to start then we recommend the following:

    1. Start small, one cupboard or corner at a time
    2. Schedule the decluttering into your diary
    3. Put on a rousing music track to keep you moving and stop you getting distracted
    4. Do it with a friend (you can help each other) or tell a friend you are doing it, to remain accountable
    5. Always remove items from your home for the waste or charity when you’re done, so you can see the results quickly.

     If you’d like a bespoke declutter plan, or you need some professional help, get in touch with us, we can help.   

  • Test your heating!

    Test your heating!

    If you read our blog last month about getting your boiler service done in the summer, you are well ahead.  Assuming you got it serviced last month, you should be good to go.  But it’s still good to test your heating before you need it, in case you have any radiator or leak issues you weren’t aware of, or if you didn’t get your boiler serviced over the summer.  Last year we didn’t follow our own advice for the first time ever, and then had a problem with the thermostat connecting, coinciding with being sick and not being able to trouble-shoot it.  So we really do recommend checking that your heating works before you need it!  And if it doesn’t you now have plenty of time to sort it out.