Horse riding may be for you – and it doesn’t need to cost the earth. The truth is horse riding isn’t all racing around and jumping fences. The majority of horse riders, especially those who’ve ventured into the horsey world in later life, have a more laid-back approach, and it’s always a great form of exercise.  

Let’s get physical  

We’ve all heard the phrase ‘The horse does all the work’ but even ambling around the countryside on horseback requires work on your part, and you may not even realise you’re doing it. If you’re sitting on a horse whilst it’s moving, you’re actively working to balance yourself. It may not feel difficult, but holding yourself in the centre of the saddle, and keeping your arms and legs in the right place means you’re engaging multiple muscles, especially your core. 

Not only that, the positioning of the ball of your foot in the stirrup acts in a similar way to DVT therapies – meaning you’re actively improving your blood-flow, without even trying.  

If you do decide to take things further, venturing into the world of jumping or dressage is a great form of cardio… especially if you’re riding a horse that needs a bit more encouragement. 

And age is no barrier to getting started. Gogglebox star Stephen Webb picked up the sport in his mid-forties, and he’s not the only one. Even at the top end of the sport, some of the best riders are hardly spring chickens; just look at John Whitaker (69), Mary Hanna (69) and Carl Hester (57).

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Let’s break it down  

• Great form of cardio 

• Engages your core muscles  

• Increases blood flow  

• Boosts mental health  

• Improves coordination and balance 

• Engages leg muscles  

The social side  

Most riding schools offer group lessons. They’re normally cheaper than the private alternative, and see you paired with other riders at a similar level. It makes it easy to connect with others and form a community. 

I’m still friends with people I met at 10 years old, thanks to horses. Seeing the same faces every morning, you’re bound to make connections. Some of my fondest memories are of hacks along the South Downs, riding to the ice-cream van at Ditchling Beacon and chatting away for hours. 

You’ll also find that most horsey people are extremely passionate and will chat for hours about their beloved ponies. So, help and advice are easy to come by. 

Where to get started 

If you want to dip your toe into the equine world before diving in, a one-off lesson is a great way to start. Most riding centres will provide basic equipment and some even do discounted taster-sessions for new clients. 

The British Horse Society website allows you to search for accredited riding facilities in your area, so you can be confident that you’re being taught by a qualified professional. 

Not sure about being in the saddle, but like the sound of equine-exercise? 

Horses aren’t machines, and there is a certain risk that comes with riding a horse. If you’d prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground, there’re still ways you can get involved. Grooming, mucking out, carrying hay and buckets of water are great forms of exercise. 

There are equine charities dotted all over the world, notable UK based ones are the BlueCross, RSPCA and World Horse Welfare – they’re often searching for volunteers. Just feeding and caring for horses in need will ensure that you’re out in the fresh air and getting your steps in – whilst helping a charity, good on you!  

If you really want to get involved, a lot of charities have non-ridden companion horses in need of homes. Taking on a companion pony will provide you with routine and a loyal friend. As well as the community that comes with a public stables.  

Emma Cruickshank

Emma is a literature, TV, and film enthusiast. When she’s not writing, she can normally be found out in the Sussex countryside, walking her dog Herbie, or in a restaurant drinking an overpriced cocktail and dreaming up ideas for her next literary endeavour.

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Forgetting our hobbies is an unfortunate and natural part of living life. We often face periods of stress and overwork so overwhelming that we don’t have enough time for what we used to love. By the time our calendars open up, we’re often settled into new patterns, and we forget about getting back into older habits.

There’s nothing wrong with finding yourself on this path, but there’s also nothing that says we need to stay on it.

With some hard work, it’s very possible to rediscover old hobbies, and there are few better ways to do that than by creating a hobby room. Make a special space for it. Whether this means remodelling an older room or building a new one, there’s a lot to be gained from this process, with serious advantages that pay off in the years and decades ahead.

Working on any kind of hobby rewards you with the feeling of a job well done. Whether it’s relaxing after exercising, thinking over the message of a book you just read, or admiring the work of a creative project, simply finishing it can be its own reward. Hobbies are also more than that, aiding in positive health outcomes.

According to research as mentioned at Sword Health, keeping mentally active can maintain cognitive health and delay age-related decline. We’ve all seen people in their eighties with minds just as sharp as they’ve ever been. And hobbies can play a major part in you achieving the same sharpness later in life.

Working on your home

Clearing a room or creating a dedicated space to pursue these activities can be a great way to get started on a new hobby. Not only this, if you do it right, remodelling or rebuilding a room into a hobby space comes with the added benefit of increasing the valuation of your home. These are highly desirable spaces, and the extra value they created is taken into account by estate agents, including online home sales services like We Buy Any Home.

This online system works by looking at the entirety of a home, including the work that you’ve done, and running calculations to determine value. Free cash offers are then returned within minutes and funds in as little as seven days. Any enhancements you’ve built can create appreciable payoffs if you do choose to sell. So, you could be investing in your home, as well as yourself.

Discovering or rediscovering a passion

Mental sharpness and financial rewards are already strong reasons to think about building hobby rooms, but just as important is the joy that it can bring into your life. Hobbies aren’t just distractions; they’re ways that we can express ourselves, our creativity, and grow into more developed people.

Hobbies can also be a useful way of connecting with loved ones or meeting new people. Online communal hobby group systems like Meetup can help with this process, letting you find like-minded individuals to share new or existing passions with.

The idea of creating a hobby room might be challenging, but it’s likely to be worth the effort. Investing in a hobby room and jumping back into the hobby space is an investment in your future, even if the first steps can be difficult ones. It’s all about taking a long-term view, and asking yourself where you’d like to be five years from now. And what skills and personal projects you’d like to have achieved when 2030 comes around.

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Retirement is one of life’s greatest rewards. After decades of contributing to society, you finally get to relax, travel, get up whenever you want, and dive into any hobbies or pursuits you like. Although we all dream of the day we get to leave the office for the last time, we often approach the idea like winning the lottery. We see it as a distant dream, not an achievable and inevitable reality, rather than planning it carefully. While we can’t guide anybody to their perfect spot on the planet specifically, we can help you choose the best place to retire to; the home for your best years yet.

Take full stock of your wants and needs

When choosing where to move, we can often focus on our wants while overlooking our needs. This is only natural, but it can introduce challenges down the road. It can be better to take a step back and consider all the options:

• Local weather patterns and possible future changes
• Access to local infrastructure, shopping, and activities
• Proximity to community activities and friend groups
• House suitability. Does it require modifications?
• Difficulty and intensity of regular upkeep
• Suitability for current hobbies and future potential hobbies
• How easily you’ll be able to accept (or deny) guests based on living arrangements
• Suitability for travel if you decide to go on long holidays
• Gardening or local green space for growing food or enjoying nature

Some of these elements might be necessities to you, while others might not be concerns at all. Determining which are important means looking at what you want now, and what you might want going forward. If you’re unsure, ask your retired friends or family what they value most and what they wish they had changed, and you’ll start with a better idea of what’s essential.

Read more: Why we are happier as we grow older

Staying prepared for the move

Before actioning any of your ideas, you’ll also need to sell the property you have now. While traditional property selling systems can help here, modern options to help you sell property can be far more streamlined. Using the latest in online tech, these online house sale platforms can help you sell in your own timeframe with no hidden fees, promising to offer sales much faster than traditional estate agents can. This would potentially allow you to capitalise on great opportunities when they appear, not having to worry about missing out.

Regardless of how far you are from retirement, it’s important to remember that this inevitability is something to take seriously. It’s not just about fantasy, it’s about looking towards the reality of your life ahead.

If you have big plans for things you haven’t tried before, get some practice in now, to see if your dreams really appeal to you in real life. This way, when your golden years do appear, you’ll be in a better position to take advantage of them

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Thinking of trading grey skies for Spain’s sunshine? Moving there might be a breeze—or a little trickier, all depending on where you’re from and your specific situation. EU nationals, for instance, can practically waltz right in; it’s simple for them. But here in the UK can you still move to Spain? Like, permanently?

But if you’re not from the EU, ahem, it’s still possible. Spain has flexible visa options like the Retirement Visa Spain and Non-Lucrative Visa that open the door for you, too. Let’s go over the details you need to make this dream a reality.

Visa options and immigration docs

EU citizens, including Swiss folks, are in luck. No visa hassle here; just a residency registration if you’re planning to stay over 90 days. And if you’re a Brit already settled before 1 Jan 2021? You can register with the Servicio de Extranjería without a hitch.

For the rest of us non-EU citizens, here’s what’s on the table for longer-term visas:

• Tourist Visa – Allows you to explore Spain for up to 90 days per year, keeping in mind the strict 90-day rule.
• Job Seeker Visa – Nine months to search for work, provided you show financial proof.
• Seasonal Work Visa – Up to nine months.
• Startup Visa – Got a groundbreaking business idea? This one’s for you.
• Self-Employed Visa – Comes with a €7,200 registration fee.
• Digital Nomad Visa – Two years if you meet income and savings requirements.
• Residency Visa – Covers 1 to 3 years, but you need a sponsor.
• Retirement (D7) Visa – Ideal if you’ve got a steady retirement income.
• Golden Visa – Investing €500,000 gives you indefinite access to the country.

Key documents – what do you need?

If you’re thinking about applying for a longer-term visa, start to think about your documentation:

• A passport valid for six months beyond your planned stay, with photocopies.
• Photos no older than six months, passport-sized.
• Visa application form, fully filled out and signed.
• Proof of outbound travel arrangements.
• Medical insurance with coverage of €30,000.
• Accommodation details sorted out.
• Work offer letter or service contract, if related.
• Criminal record check (some cases only).
• Academic certificates.
• Proof of financial means.
• Marriage and birth certificates for family members on dependent visas.

As part of ongoing changes to travel regulations, UK citizens should also be aware of the upcoming ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System). Set to launch soon, ETIAS will require British travelers to obtain pre-travel authorisation before entering Schengen Zone countries, including Spain. While it’s not a visa, this new system is designed to enhance border security and streamline entry procedures. You can read more about how ETIAS will impact UK travellers here: ETIAS impact on UK travellers.

Read more: The best kept secrets of Benidorm

Steps to ensure a smooth transition

1. Start looking for housing (3-4 months in advance): Rental demand is high, so it’s wise to search early. Rooming with others can ease both expenses and the social transition. Research different neighbourhoods, public transport links, and local prices to get a feel for what suits your budget.
2. Translate and legalise documents: Important documents like birth and marriage certificates should be translated and apostilled in Spanish.
3. Wrap things up, and book flights: Cancel any ongoing leases or services, close your bank account, and arrange shipping for items you’ll need in Spain.
4. Apply for Residence Authorisation (within 30 days): Once you’re in Spain, get a Tarjeta de Residencia for 3-6 month stays, or a Spanish bank accountis highly recommended if you’re staying longer than that.
5. Register at the Town Hall (Empadronamiento): Anyone staying over 6 months must register their address, a process that simplifies things like getting an NIE number, buying property, and securing health insurance.
6. Obtain an NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero): Staying over three months? An NIE is a must, and luckily, the process is straightforward.
7. Set up health insurance: Health insurance is non-negotiable in Spain. Workers access public healthcare, students need private coverage, and EU citizens can use their EHIC card temporarily.
8. Open a Spanish bank account: To keep your finances in check, a Spanish bank account is highly recommended.
9. Get a SIM Card: Switching to a Spanish SIM saves on roaming fees and provides affordable data and local calls.
10. Register with the tax office (if necessary): Anyone liable to pay taxes must sign up with Agencia Tributaria and choose from various tax options.
11. Get insured: Make sure you’re covered—car, home, life, liability, and contents insurance are worth considering.
12. Exchange your driver’s license: If you have a non-EU license, check if you can swap it within six months of arrival, or use your EU/EEA license for two years.
13. Bring your pet: bringing a pet to Spain? You’ll need to meet certain requirements, plus have the right documentation ready for a smooth transition.

Spain may seem like a world away, but with a little planning, the transition can feel seamless. You’ll have your feet up in the Mediterranean sun before you know it!

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Studies have highlighted the significance and benefits of these relationships, not just for the children, but also for the grandparents themselves. Here, we explore the many benefits of the unique bond that are grandparent grandchild relationships.

Stronger family ties

Grandparents play a crucial role in strengthening family bonds, often acting as the glue that holds the family together, providing a stable and loving environment for their grandchildren. In families where both parents work, grandparents frequently step in to offer care.

This involvement can increase feelings of security and continuity, which are essential for a child’s emotional wellbeing.

Read more: where to start if you want to trace your family tree

Emotional support

Grandparents provide a unique form of emotional support. They often serve as confidants and provide a listening ear, which can be particularly comforting during challenging times.

This support helps children navigate the complexities of growing up, offering them a safe space to express their feelings and concerns. Grandparents also benefit emotionally from these interactions, experiencing increased joy and purpose in their lives. Indeed, a study has suggested that grandparents who are more involved in their grandkids’ lives may even live longer as a result.

Life lessons and wisdom

The wisdom that grandparents impart to their grandchildren is invaluable. With years of life experience, they offer practical advice and historical perspectives that enrich a child’s understanding of the world.

Grandparents may teach important life skills, such as cooking, gardening, and even storytelling, which might not be part of a child’s daily routine in a busy household. These lessons connect children to their roots and cultural history. You could even create uniquely personalised photo books for your grandchildren to look back on in years to come

Sense of belonging

This connection is crucial for children’s identity formation and self-esteem. However, maintaining contact can sometimes be challenging, especially in cases of family disputes or parental separation.

Grandparents don’t have automatic legal rights to see grandchildren in the UK. To navigate this, grandparents may need to seek legal recourse, such as applying for a Child Arrangement Order or Special Guardianship Order. Family law solicitors can offer guidance and support in these situations, ensuring that the best interests of the child are prioritised.

Child development

The involvement of grandparents often positively influences a child’s development. The nurturing and supportive environment provided by grandparents may help children develop essential social skills and emotional resilience.

The intergenerational bond encourages a broader understanding of relationships and empathy, contributing to well-rounded personal growth.

Mutual benefits of grandparent grandchild relationships

One of the most profound takeaways from examining grandparent-grandchild relationships is the mutual benefit derived from these bonds.

For children, grandparents provide a sense of security, emotional support, and life lessons that contribute to their overall development.
For grandparents, these relationships offer joy, a sense of purpose, and emotional fulfilment.

Nurturing these connections can significantly enhance the wellbeing of both children and their grandparents, highlighting the reciprocal nature of family love and support.

Elena Harris

Elena is one of Silver’s interns. She has a love for illustrating, reading, and all things media-related. She is a self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur who spends her free time in coffee shops sketching and journalling.

The post The importance of grandparent and grandchild relationships appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Should you start saving in your golden years? In the UK, we’re starting to see more people reaching retirement age who are financially unable to stop working.

Despite the increasing difficulty, though, having a clear focus on your goals for retirement is well worth the effort. Putting yourself into a position where you are financially stable and free to pursue whatever you want with your time is incredibly rewarding.

The road to that point should start as soon as you can. Here’s some advice on how to start saving in your golden years.

Start saving early

When we see stories of retirement-age people needing to carry on work due to being insufficiently financially stable to retire, the importance of saving for as long as possible only goes up. The earlier you save money, the more time that it has to grow in value, so putting away what you can when you can is always going to be helpful.

Putting together a robust budget is an important step here, as you don’t want to commit to saving more than you can afford to do. Work out what you need to spend on everyday living expenses as well as things like healthcare costs and other essentials, then leave yourself a bit of wiggle room for spending on leisure – you don’t need to force yourself to live a completely spartan lifestyle – before seeing how much you might have left over that you could put towards savings monthly.

Consider working for longer

Nobody wants to think about it, in an ideal world, but you might be able to make a plan towards a more tapered approach to retirement, where you can make your savings go further by continuing to work in some capacity for a little longer than you otherwise would, even at a reduced capacity.

A partial retirement, involving working part-time or reduced hours for a certain period to build up a larger savings kitty, could be the way to go. You could also explore some transitional jobs after leaving a full-time career, like driving or childcare, which might represent a lower-stress way to continue making money.

Investments are worth it

To make your money go as far as possible, it’s wise to lean on the professionals. There is always some risk involved but it is possible to identify lower-risk opportunities that can contribute greatly to your savings pot. You could consider reaching out to a financial investment advisor to create a plan that works with your goals; their expertise may be able to help you get more out of your investments than if you were managing them all yourself.

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How do you avoid having a toxic clash when it comes to going your separate ways? Divorce is never easy, but even harder when we are older, and there’s more at stake. We spoke to Ashley Le Core, Senior Associate at Stowe Family Law about the best advice for divorce settlements when you’re both a bit older, and maybe have more assets, and longer term joint or shared finances.

Sadly, divorces can be messy. No one ever expects to be in that situation, and the dream of having a smooth amicable end to years of commitment isn’t always fulfilled.

Over the last twenty years, divorce amongst marriages of thirty years and over, have steadily risen. In 2021, 1 in 4 divorces were of couples over 50. It’s tough feeling like you’re starting over later in life, but to even get there you have to navigate the division of assets and untangle the decades of intertwined life. Even knowing how to take the first steps to broach the topic may allude many.

Ashley Le Core of Stowe Family Law says “In terms of discussing a divorce with your partner, this can be a difficult process, especially if they do not know it’s coming. If you feel able to discuss it with your partner yourself, then perhaps pick a sensible time when you are on your own. If you don’t feel comfortable doing it alone, try to ensure that you have somebody you trust with you.

“It is understandable that you may feel anxious and upset about this conversation, particularly if you have been married for many years and are heading towards or in retirement and later-life plans with your spouse.”

Managing emotions

Ashley stresses that it’s important to try and keep things calm.

“When a marriage breaks down, we would always suggest mediation as a sensible first step. It takes a lot of the emotion out of the situation. Solicitors will always advise that if there is an amicable solution to be found, then it should be pursued. A mediator can give good advice as to what a settlement would look like, and can do that whilst working with the couple together, whereas solicitors of course do not work in this way.”

But if mediation doesn’t work, choosing the right person to represent you is vital. “When choosing a divorce solicitor, build a rapport with the person who is representing you,” says Ashley. “It is a very difficult time, so deal with someone that you feel has truly got your best interests at heart. A firm with good representation, good communicators and someone who is attentive is most likely the right solicitor for you.”

Read more – Divorce later in life – financial and emotional considerations

How does it all work these days?

“In terms of the solicitor’s role in navigating the divorce, the divorce process now is more straightforward, as it’s an online process. The solicitor will of course outline to you exactly what happens at every stage, and involve you accordingly, but instructing a solicitor means that all the preparation of documentation etc is dealt with by them, and simply approved by you.”

In terms of dividing the assets of the marriage, it is important you feel ready to commence that process. It can be very in-depth, and quite upsetting

Having this support and having the divorce online takes a lot of the stress out of a split, but at the end of the day, you’re still going to be haggling over the terms. So what’s the best way to approach this? Ashley advises caution and pacing yourself at this stage.

“In terms of dividing the assets of the marriage, it is important you feel ready to commence that process. It can be very in-depth, and quite upsetting (naturally). If you’re not in a good headspace when you go into that process, it can hinder the progress you can make. And if you are not yet over the end of the marriage, or if there is a lot of animosity, diving into that process too quickly may not be in your best interests in the long term.

“Practically, once you have filed for divorce, you can take as long as you need to organise your assets and finances. This must always be done before you apply for your final order (previously known as the decree absolute), but there is no time limit after your initial 20-week cooling period.”

Ensure you’re ready before entering negotiations

Where is a good place to start?

“In terms of financial planning post-divorce, the way in which the court works in this country is that the settlement will be reached based on what each spouse needs. As such, the court will only give to each spouse what they believe they need to continue a comfortable lifestyle moving forward,” explains Ashley. So there is little point filing for divorce and asking for the moon and the stars. But a roof over your head is the first port of call.

…if the marriage has come to an end, you are effectively starting a new chapter of your life.

“The most likely effect of the divorce is a feeling of unknown financial security. If there are enough assets at the end of a marriage to rehouse both people appropriately, then that financial security is there. However, if that’s not the case and it means that both people need to review their finances in order to consider themselves comfortable, things are more complex.

“Selling the family home does end up being one of the more stressful aspects of a marriage or relationship breakdown. Often it has been a property that the couple have shared for a significant period, and letting go of that can be exceptionally difficult.

“However, if the marriage has come to an end, you are effectively starting a new chapter of your life. To start that new chapter, you potentially need to cut ties to everything that was in place before, including a house. Whilst it may be a wish to try and retain the property, I always ask people how they would feel living in a property where they have a significant number of memories, and potentially not the nicest memories.”

It it worth having a pre-nup?

“The major positive of having a prenuptial agreement is of course to protect any wealth that was brought into a marriage. If one spouse was particularly wealthier than the other, it is common practice that prenuptial agreements (whilst not legally binding yet, in this country, but considered exceptionally persuasive) are very normal in cases such as these.

“When the marriage breaks down, the prenuptial agreement takes precedence and the individual who came into the marriage with more wealth should be able to have the majority of those funds returned. There are increasingly popular for those entering second or third marriages as a way to protect property and inheritance for children from the previous marriage.”

…you should regularly review the agreement, particularly when any significant changes occur to your finances

It’s important to keep checking in on this though, as things change. “The ‘con’ of having a prenuptial agreement is that they can become massively out of date. If you agreed one pattern at the beginning and then there are significant changes throughout the marriage, it can tie the couple to an agreement that might have been made a significant number of years ago.

“This is why you should regularly review the agreement, particularly when any significant changes occur to your finances, property, or children. If you do not have a prenuptial agreement, then the court will take the standard position. Which is that – depending on the circumstances as you are at the point of divorce (i.e., your ages, any children, earning capacity, assets, future) – they will look at what each person needs and decide accordingly.

“The usual starting point for individuals who have been married for a long period and who have children over the age of 18 or no children at all, is 50/50 of all the assets.”

How does a divorce affect pensions and investments?

“The divorce itself will not affect any pensions, but it is likely that if one spouse has a larger pension pot than the other, then they may well be expected to share some of that pension with their spouse as part of the divorce process.

…any assets that form part of either person’s asset portfolio will be considered as part of the matrimonial pot, although a split isn’t always 50/50

“Usually, a pension actuary would be instructed to address how those pension pots should be split to make it fair for each spouse, and that advice should be pursued.

“In terms of investments, any assets that form part of either person’s asset portfolio will be considered as part of the matrimonial pot, although a split isn’t always 50/50. One party may wish to ring-fence certain assets due to having only just received them. Or there may be issues arising from prenuptial agreements or other such arguments. But everything will be considered by the court before making an appropriate determination.

“It is therefore very important to be categorically clear when you end your marriage as to what all assets are, where they are, and the value. The court expects complete openness and honesty about all these matters in order to make an appropriate decision. And any attempt to be seen to be hiding or dissipating assets unnecessarily, the court will usually take a very dim view of.”

Starting anew

Finding your way through a divorce is never easy, no matter what stage of life you’re at. Approach it with patience and composure, and discuss things openly with your solicitor at each step. Being equipped with knowledge can give you some confidence going through this taxing time.

When things feel overwhelming or too distressing, remember the reasons why you or your partner came to this decision. At the end of it all, there’s a fresh start and an exciting future ahead of you.

Lana Hall

Lana can usually be found spinning her collection of records, or writing odd poems in her phone notes. Her mixer of choice is a ginger beer, and you’ll never find her away from the sea for more than a few weeks.

The post Best advice for divorce settlements when you’re older appeared first on Silver Magazine.

As well as giving you the chance to get some vitamin D, which is great for your immune system, doing a hobby you enjoy triggers dopamine, the hormone that helps you feel motivated. In fact, the NHS has prescribed gardening as part of tits Long Term Plan since 2019, showcasing that the professionals believe in its health benefits. How can you create the perfect garden for retirement?

So, how can you create the perfect garden once you’ve retired?

Call in the experts

If your garden is a bit of a challenge, consider calling in the contractors to tackle the big tasks first. If there are trees that need clearing or landscaping to be done, it can be worth investing in the services of professionals who know where to start.

Additionally, you can add in decking or a patio to divide up a larger garden and make your outdoor space more manageable. Once you have everything in order, you can concentrate on making the space your own.

Grow your own

You could try growing your own produce. Whether you’re new to gardening or a pro, there are plenty of vegetables that are relatively easy to grow in your own patch. And it can be rewarding to tuck into the foods that you grow yourself.

Find a flat part of your garden so that your patch is level and make sure the plants get plenty of light. Also, check out the growing guides for each fruit and vegetable you plant as they will need different watering levels.

Plant new plants

Shrubs and hedges can form pretty, elegant borders in your garden. It’s worth starting with these big-ticket plants before going for smaller flowers so that you can work out your boundaries.

Keep everything neat with the right tools, too. A cordless edge trimmer for your shrubbery will keep them tidy, as well as hoes, rakes and shears being some of the essentials to invest in if you’re focusing on your garden now.

Choose outdoor furniture

Outdoor furniture can transform the space. If you’ve set up some decking or a patio, this a great area to place a sofa, some garden cushions and an outdoor table. This means you’re more likely to make the most of your outdoor space as you can sit in your garden and take in all your hard work.

What will you do with your garden?

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But how feasible would this actually be? This article will break down everything you need to know about getting a boat in retirement.

What are the benefits?

Retirement brings with it the opportunity to break away from the mundanity of normal life. And embark on that adventure you have always dreamed of.

It’s also the perfect time to think about downsizing ¬– or selling up completely – and getting a boat for the slow-paced, tranquil life. You’ll have the freedom to explore this beautiful country at your leisure. Away from the hustle and bustle of busy towns and cities.

Finding the right type of boat for you

Depending on your circumstances and preferences, there are several different types of boat to choose from. Along with the price, be sure to consider the vessel’s size, maintenance costs and how it runs.

Below are some of the most popular options for the perfect floating home:

• Narrowboat: Narrowboats provide the perfect solution for retirees looking to spend their time on the many canals and rivers that weave through the UK. Many people create an intimate outdoor seating area above the hull to enjoy a relaxing cup of coffee.

• Sailboats: Classic sailboats give you the freedom to venture out on the seas for an exciting adventure. Some smaller ones may not come with all the amenities you require, though, so consider something larger if you plan to spend the majority of your time on board.

• Trawlers: These boats are designed to cope with long-distance journeys and are perfectly suited for retirees looking to live on the water full-time. They are spacious, which means many can fit in full-size amenities such as bedrooms, bathrooms and living spaces. Their size is reflected in the price, which is considerably more than a smaller sailboat.

• Yachts: An option for those who have a larger budget, a yacht will provide you with the most luxurious experience. They are well equipped with state-of-the-art technology and lavish fixtures and fittings. Offering you the closest experience to having a floating home.

Buying a boat

You can buy a new boat in a range of places. Many people buy them used, and there are online marketplaces and platforms where you can check out your options and plan a trip to see the vessel in person. Make sure you carefully check the condition it is in matches the description and confirm all the necessary paperwork is in place before buying.

Insurance and licenses

The type of vessel you choose will influence what sort of boat insurance is suitable, so take the time to consider your options carefully. You will need to attain official documentation, licenses and experience to be able to sail. So, getting some qualifications beforehand would be ideal.

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From investments and savings to pensions and daily expenses, it can be hard to know exactly how to keep on top of it all. In this article, we’ll be discussing how managing your money in retirement is done best.

Budgeting

Firstly, consider what your plans are for retirement. Perhaps you have activities you’d like to tick off your bucket list, you have plans to go travelling, or you’d like to spend time with your loved ones.

By asking yourself these questions, you can get a gauge of how much money you might need to comfortably afford your retirement lifestyle. This, in turn, can help you draw up a budget so you have enough money to complete the things you want to do as a retiree.

Part of the planning should include how long you want your money to last. Having a rough idea in mind can help you budget accordingly. Having your finances laid out this way can encourage self-control and prevent you from dipping into important funds that you’ll need to support yourself in the future.

Sources of finances

Part of managing your money in retirement can be identifying where your money is coming from. You’ll likely have more than one income source coming in. Like a private pension, state pension, and any investments you’ve made over the years.

You could also consider downsizing your property to access the cash or use equity release to unlock some of the money in your property while you still live there. This can be a good opportunity to fund any retirement activities you have planned.

Wills and insurance

Making a will is the only want to guarantee your money, possessions, and investments go to the right people. Draw up a list of your assets, work out how much everything is worth, and distribute accordingly.

Ensuring your will, estate and insurance policies are in order is incredibly important for retirement. While this may not affect you and your personal finances directly, it can help relieve any stress for your loved ones should anything happen to you.

Bank and savings accounts

You’ve probably opened many different bank and savings accounts over the years. It’s worth trying to go back through and access these where possible.

Once you’ve located these accounts, consider moving the cash into newer and better accounts that offer various benefits to their customers. Whether that’s high-interest savings accounts or switching offers, you could be making additional cash on your existing money.

Managing your finances in retirement can be overwhelming, especially when juggling pensions, savings, and investments. Working with a trusted financial planning firm like PMW can provide personalised guidance to help you make the most of your retirement income and ensure long-term financial security.

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If you’d like to receive a regular mini-magazine direct to your inbox with a selection of editorial features to read at your leisure, please sign up for our newsletter. We also run the odd competition and offer and whatnot, and newsletter members get the heads-up first.

The post Guide to managing your money in retirement appeared first on Silver Magazine.