It’s Stoptober! So How About You Stop Worrying?

Sometimes the endless search for the best deals, including the best annuity rates, can seem like the straw most likely to break the camel’s back.
There are plenty of other things to try and get your head around in life and it sometimes seems like the older you get, the longer the list. It’s important not to let the small stuff get to you though because if you spend your life worrying you’ll forget to just live.
Annuity Marketplace have put a list of the most common worries retirees have and some ideas to quell those fears:
Home

• Remember the adages “waste not, want not” and “make do and mend”, where appropriate
• Make sure all of the paperwork is present and correct (mortgage, insurance, etc. – this is particularly important if a move to assisted living is likely). Everything needs to be serviced, insured and in good working order
• Watch those pennies because homes are expensive habits. Energy efficiency improves how economical your home is;
  • draught proof with curtains, insulation and draught excluders
  • be smart with your thermostat and heating use (tip: silver foil behind the radiators reflects heat back into the room)
  • watch the electricity and water use – always turn things ‘off’ not to ‘standby’

Health

• General TLC: sleep, hydration and fresh air are all crucial to your wellbeing. Also, make sure you regulate your body temperature regulated so you’re warm in the winter and cool in the summer
• Immunity boosting: have a diet with plenty of fresh foods rich in vitamins, minerals and fibre to boost your immunity and keep your body feeling as young as you do
• Regular check-ups: go to the dentist, opticians and for ear or general check-ups on a semi-regular basis. Remember, many NHS services like prescriptions and screenings are free for over 65s. If anything does come up don’t stress about it unnecessarily; there’s plenty of support in place regarding health issues and qualifying for assistance and specialist schemes, such as an impaired life annuity or other government benefit schemes.

Family

• Organise all personal and financial paperwork: review your Will and make any necessary amendments. It may also be worth investing in a funeral plan so you don’t have to worry about your family struggling with administrative duties at a difficult time.
• Give them your advice. Anything you worry about to do with their future is something you have already seen, done and gotten the t-shirt for. They may be resistant at first or try to avoid difficult subjects but something will sink in, so your mind will be at ease and they will appreciate being better equipped.
• Spend quality time with your family; you might be worrying about them and their futures but there is only so much you can do. Rich or poor, it’s the memories your loved ones will end up treasuring

Safety and Security

• Care is available and you should never feel as though you can’t ask for it. Your first port of call is the Social Services department of your local authority in order to determine your eligibility and discuss your options (a carer who visits your home or assisted living, etc.)
• Personal and property alarms are a deterrent and can help you feel more secure at home. You can also rely on a support system of neighbours, friends and family so it’s a good idea to keep social as well as to keep safe!
• Never be afraid to ask for expert advice of any kind. As long as the advisor is someone you can trust with sound knowledge in their field, you should feel entitled and encouraged to approach them and ask plenty of questions in order to make informed decisions. Age UK is a top source for information and advice concerning all aspects of everyday life as well as more challenging matters.

Remember, life is what happens when you’re busy making plans – so no more head in the sand moments; get things done and out of the way as soon as possible, make sure everything is organised and finalised so you don’t have to fret, then go and enjoy your golden years.