Fit, free, aged 60 and transitioning into retirement, this blog – see my daily posts below – is about what really matters in life – staying healthy, keeping your finances on track, setting goals and making the most of time. It’s about seeing the world, engaging with modern society, enjoying leisure and being with family and friends.
"Just a perfect day…
… drink sangria in the park and then later when it gets dark, we go home. Just a perfect day, feed animals in the zoo then later a movie, too, and then home.” Had a great day yesterday, wouldn’t go as far as it being a Lou Reed Perfect Day. There was no sangria, noContinue reading “"Just a perfect day…”
Reconciling our different retirement dates and dreams
My wife dropped the bombshell last night that she was considering putting off her retirement to “somewhere between 60 and 65”. She turns 57 in a couple of weeks’ time and she’d previously talked about 60 as a likely date to, at least, cut back her hours. There’d been nothing hard and fast about that,Continue reading “Reconciling our different retirement dates and dreams”
Will my new committee role feel like work?
Through choice I spent yesterday evening at a committee meeting. I spent much of my working life avoiding them and now that I’m retired I’ve started going to them when I don’t have to. Judging by the others in the room it’s what retired people do. In fact, aged 59, I was welcomed as newContinue reading “Will my new committee role feel like work?”
What is the point of Equity Release?
As part of my 60th year project to get my retirement finances sorted I thought I’d find out about Equity Release. What with all the bad press it’s something I’d only ever consider as a last resort to help both kids get properly on the housing ladder or maybe to fund a retirement property abroad.Continue reading “What is the point of Equity Release?”
My Billy-No-Mates trip to Sheffield
Last week I took myself off on a day trip to Sheffield on my own. There I’ve got it off my chest. I’ve only told a few people about this clandestine weekday activity and now it’s out there. I did mention it to a retired mate and, to be fair, he was very positive. HeContinue reading “My Billy-No-Mates trip to Sheffield”
60th birthday party planning gathers pace
The first of my 60th birthday invites are out. I handed a few out at Saturday’s surprise party and Mrs Jones is taking some with her to work today. The rest will go out later largely electronically via WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, text message and email, might even post one or two. The invite features picturesContinue reading “60th birthday party planning gathers pace”
I am not happy with my Cex-life
A quiet Sunday looms as Storm Dennis wreaks havoc across the UK. First thing today me and Mrs Jones made the most of a brief respite in the storm conditions to go for a quick 5k run. We’ve gone and booked ourselves in for a 10k on March 8th and thought we really ought toContinue reading “I am not happy with my Cex-life”
Humiliated again at the dentists
A couple of days ago I went for my now three times a year hygienist appointment at the dentists. Here, more than virtually anywhere else, I expect to be patronised and as I’ve got older I’ve noticed the tone become even more condescending. I care for my teeth as well as anyone, I brush morningContinue reading “Humiliated again at the dentists”
My lawnmower Valentine gift to myself
I’m getting myself a lawnmower for Valentine’s Day. Is there not a sadder statement? A lawnmower’s hardly romantic after all but what makes it even worse is that I’m buying it for myself. Unless Mrs Jones springs a surprise later that’ll be the only present I get. Saddest thing is I’m actually quite excited aboutContinue reading “My lawnmower Valentine gift to myself”
Magnesium might be helping me sleep better
There’s been a last-minute reprieve for magnesium, I’m sure Holland & Barrett will be delighted to know. Over the years I’ve occasionally dabbled with supplements and have rarely managed to complete the course. Inspired by a couple of things I read about it, I bought a month’s worth of capsules early in the New Year.Continue reading “Magnesium might be helping me sleep better”
Follow my blog
Type your email below to get my latest blog delivered directly to your inbox.
Get in touch
Email me at hello@brianjonesdiary.com or fill in the form below and I’ll drop you a line.