Set your P-plan

“Start by thinking about what you want from retirement,” says Commercial Director Liz Hunter at MoneyExpert. “If you’re married or living with someone, this should be done together. Think about the type of retirement you want, amount you think you need, target retirement ages and any known future costs”. And consider talking to a pro. “Sitting down with a financial advisor will make sure you cover everything. Discuss your aims and options, and come up with a plan that satisfies you.”

Trace lost pensions 

If you’ve had numerous jobs over the years, you may have a pension that’s long been forgotten. “£31.1 billion is lost in pensions across the UK, so it’s worth double-checking you haven’t mislaid cash using the government’s free Pension Tracing Service,” says Liz. “It searches a database of more than 200,000 workplace and personal pension schemes to find the information you need.”

Track AWOL accounts

Similarly, locating a lost current or savings account can boost your bank balance. Search platform Gretal estimates there’s currently £4.5 billion sitting in unclaimed accounts in the UK, so now’s the time to reunite with your reddies.  “If you’ve lost your details, use the My Lost Account service to help find info,” suggests Liz. Surprisingly, bank accounts can be marked dormant in as little as a year if no transactions have been made – so losing touch with your cash is easier than you think.

Consolidate to accumulate

Fingers in too many pies? “If you have multiple pension pots that aren’t performing, consider consolidating to make things easier to track and manage,” says Liz. “This will reduce fees – you’ll only have one set of fees to pay with one provider – and you may get a better return if you transfer them all to a higher-performing scheme”.    

Maximise employer contributions

Many employers offer pension schemes that match any pension contributions you make (up to a certain limit), so this is an easy way to grab free funds. “Take full advantage by contributing the maximum amount your employer will match, as it effectively doubles your pension contributions at no extra cost,” explains Liz.  Even an extra 1% from your employer can boost your pension by hundreds – if not thousands – of pounds each year.

Mind the gap

Plugging gaps in National Insurance payments could also boost your state pension. “To receive the full State Pension, you need 35 years of qualifying National Insurance (NI) contributions, so check your NI record using the State Pension Forecast Tool for missing years,” says Liz.  “It’s also possible to save into your partner’s personal pension to help them avoid gaps when they aren’t working or receiving a reduced income, like maternity leave or going part time. The tax relief on these contributions is based on your spouse’s tax rate and earnings.” 

Add more when you can

Another way to pull up your pension is to increase private contributions you make. “If you’re not part of an employer pension scheme, or have an extra personal pension pot, you could boost this by reviewing and increasing your contributions whenever possible,” suggests Liz. Had a pay rise? Opt to add these extra pounds directly to your pension before they get swallowed up by day-to-day spends.

Diversify investments 

For low risk future payouts, try not to put all your eggs in one basket. “A diverse investment portfolio can help balance risk and reward, crucial for long-term pension growth,” says Liz. “Consider spreading your investments across various asset classes to boost your pot, which might include stocks, bonds and property.” Unsure where? Again, speaking to a financial advisor’s worth every penny.

Utilise tax relief

“Pension contributions receive tax relief; so maximise this by contributing up to the annual allowance, currently £60,000, if you can,” explains Liz. “There are reduced allowances for high earners with an adjusted income over £260,000, or if pension money is accessed, when the allowance drops to £10,000. Additionally, utilise unused allowances from the previous three years, potentially allowing much larger contributions, provided you already have a pension in place.”

Delay pay day

Finally, if you want to work for longer – go ahead! Putting off retirement increases income and employer contributions – and brings with it the social and mental benefits you get from working. “Delaying retirement beyond state pension age could boost it by up to 5.8% per year, resulting in higher payments,” explains Liz. “For instance, with the current full rate of the new State Pension at £230.25 a week, deferring for one year would provide an extra £13.35 a week.” That’s almost £700 extra a year – or maybe a package holiday in the sun. Sounds good to us.

The post Fretting over future finances? Panic not: these must-read tips can power-up your pension appeared first on Checklists.

1. Brighton & Hove

Brighton and Hove claims spot number one, ranking highest for the number of blue badge spaces, as well as strong health provision, dentists, and care homes per 100,000 people. It’s got good bus routes, train stations, and accessible toilets, plus there’s plenty of cafés, green spaces, and an age-friendly community infrastructure to support an independent lifestyle.

2. Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne ranks the highest for the number of GP surgeries per 100,000 people. But it also stands out for its excellent provision of dentists, hospitals, and care services, as well as a relatively low cost of living. The city also performs well on community indicators, with strong scores in both the happiness index and life satisfaction.

3. Bournemouth

Credit bournemouth.co.uk

This town ranks third, thanks to its strong access to care homes, a low starting weekly cost for care, and high life satisfaction among residents. The seaside location, combined with a high density of shops and green spaces, makes it an appealing option for later on in life.

4. Stoke-on-Trent

Why is Stoke-on-Trent number four on the list of top five cities to grow old in? It offers good affordability, low property prices, and solid scores across both health and community categories. Then there’s its strong life satisfaction score and a good spread of age-friendly facilities.

5. Glasgow

In fifth place is Glasgow, with a large number of shops, cafés, and accessible transport options. The city also scores highly for happiness and life satisfaction, although the slightly lower availability of healthcare services and age-friendly community infrastructure impact its overall position.

“As we plan for later in life retirement homes, life insurance, and pension planning often top the list,” explains Tom. “But it’s just as important to think about the community we’ll be part of. The UK’s ageing population means more of us need to consider how well our cities and neighbourhoods can support us. Factors like healthcare access, public transport, and community amenities make a huge difference to quality of life as we get older.”

The post The top 5 UK cities to grow old in appeared first on Checklists.

Christophe speaks to Checklist of the benefits of wearing supportive footwear, rather than slippers around the house, especially for long periods of time.

Comfort and stability

Ideally, anything you have on your feet for a long period should offer proper support and protection.

The more support your shoes can give you, the less unbalanced and unstable you will be, and therefore the less likely you are to slip, trip or fall. And this applies to any age group. So, choose a pair of comfy shoes for indoor wearing that offer support and then use them as you would a comfy pair of slippers.

Think of slippers a bit like chocolate. Yes really. Lovely but not good for you if you have it every day. The same applies to wearing slippers – an occasional treat only.

Heel support

With every step you take in slip-on shoes, your toes are forced to grasp the slipper to lift it off the ground and carry it until your next step. This is because your heel is not being grabbed by the footwear. This has an effect on the muscles and joints of the foot.

When the heel is secured within the shoe it helps to lift the entire shoe and carry it forward even as you bend your foot. This in turn supports the foot, and the rest of the body while walking.

Instability all the way up

Your ankles are the most challenged and challenging joints of your body because they connect two small horizontal feet with a tall and vertical body. Any time one of your ankles is unstable, every joint above is impacted. Slippers lack in ankle support.

Overlooking your ankle stability is like neglecting the first impression you’ll make when entering a room. Both will leave you with no second chance and things could go wrong. An unstable ankle can drag knees and hips down, in or outwards depending on your body type.

Orthotics and slippers

Orthotics and shoes work together. The firmness of the shoe sole and the action of the laces or Velcro are both part of the foot support that provides you with a better alignment, balance, and overall posture.

A pair of slippers with no heel or ankle support does not strap your foot, and so the orthotics are not wrapped around your heels and arches. Therefore, if you tried to wear your orthotics in your slippers, you would miss out on this snug and pleasant feeling that reinforces the action of the orthotics and optimises their results. And of course, if the slipper has no back – the orthotics will simply fall out.

Working from home

When travelling to the office and working with other people, most people wear shoes, not slippers, and this helps to support and cushion the feet. But take this away and swap it for spending the entire day barefoot or with slippers on a hard floor and it begins to have an effect on feet and posture.

Another change is the reduction in walking when working from home. When people walk, they swing their arms, and this helps to take some of the load off the feet. Walking puts around 80% of the load on your feet, whereas stepping in an enclosed space with no arm swing applies 120% of your body weight on your feet.

Slipper alternatives

Start by wearing supportive and lace-up shoes in the house. These should support, protect and cushion the foot. They should stay on the foot as you walk. Remember, shoes are like glasses, they help only if you wear them and only if they fit you well. Save walking barefoot for sandy beaches or your fresh-mowed lawn, and slippers for putting your feet up in front of the TV.

Slip-on shoes are not great if you spend most of your day standing or walking. Indoor slip-on shoes, like slippers, are soft and unsupportive and should be worn sparingly. If you want to wear slip-ons then it is possible to get a custom orthotic sealed to the shoe which will help, but still isn’t ideal as you won’t get the full lateral support you need. 

Some shoe brands do offer more support than others, for example Birkenstock Milano or Kalahari, Fitflop and TOMS, so sandal versions of these are an option. Alternatively, look for shoes with outer soles that are firm, can’t be twisted and only bend under the ball of your foot.

And finally, keep your slippers for serious relaxing only, and don’t use them for general wear.

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post Are slippers good for your muscles and joints? appeared first on Checklists.

Those with mobility issues often need and look for assistance to enjoy an active and independent life. Walking aids, such as a rollator, can help to increase one’s freedom and range of movement. Walking frames have long been the traditional go-to walking aid, but individuals often exert a great deal of time and energy in moving the frame. A rollator is a mobility aid possessing several features to help support a mobility-assisted lifestyle and is recommended for users requiring minimal support.

Typically modern, innovative, and easy to use, a rollator has numerous unique selling points. Tailored to the user a rollator is available in several sizes, and comes with wheels, instead of legs, allowing them to move along in front of a person with minimal fuss. Additionally, they are height adjustable, function very well outdoors, and are easily transportable.

A Rollz rollator is designed to help you to enjoy an active and independent life, and step out in confidence, comfort, and style. Designed by Dutch kinetics engineers, their modern rollators are built from the highest-quality materials, to last for as long as one needs to use them.

Rollz engineers are dedicated to crafting innovative, modern rollators to create the ultimate walking experience. Designed with the user in mind, the walking aids are geared towards making everyday tasks as straightforward as possible. Easy to push and manoeuvre, their rollators help users to enjoy their walk, holiday, or shopping trip.

Their rollators are a reliable shopping partner thanks to their large capacity bag. Even with a bag full of shopping, the modern rollator is easy to steer thanks to its smart gravity point. With the wheels set close to each other, it enables a tight turning circle which comes in handy in narrow spaces. Rollz have also placed an emphasis on stability, with their rollators designed to make walking feel safer by reducing the fear of falling. In doing so, it can provide physical stability and a boost of confidence you need to go out and move more.

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post Enjoy an active and independent day-to-day life when on the move appeared first on Checklists.

However, if we are to get the best out of those years some preparation is needed and questions need to be answered. There are important issues that should be addressed if our retirement years are to be the best in our lives.

Here are some things to consider so you can look forward to your golden years.

1. Inspired Villages

Inspired Villages currently run retirement villages in six locations across the UK – Cheshire, Hampshire, Warwickshire, West Sussex and Devon – with more planned in Kent, Bedfordshire and Hampshire.

Grounds are spacious and attractively landscaped and villages are located rurally, close to towns or by the coast. The apartments are well-designed and built to a high specification with modern features conducive to ease of living.

Moving house can be one of the most stressful events at any age. Inspired Villages take the stress and worry away. They can either purchase your existing home or help you sell it.

With a host of fantastic packages and incentives, an Inspired Village apartment has never been easier to obtain.

Find out more at inspiredvillages.co.uk

2. Premier Motorhomes

With getaways looking set to be closer to home this year, holidaymakers are turning to motorhomes instead. Established in 2005, Premier Motorhomes sells new and used motorhomes from their showroom located three miles south of Chichester, West Sussex.

The company have a 12-bay, Approved Workshop Scheme facility on site which is committed to maintaining your pride and joy and here they carry out PDIs, habitation serving and the fitting of various accessories from an additional battery, solar panels to full satellite and TV systems.

Premier Motorhomes is also the Camping and Caravanning Club’s chosen dealer for the South East region in the club’s Preferred Dealer Scheme.

Find out more at premiermotorhomes.uk

3. AFH Wealth Management

Living beyond 100 could soon be the norm, according to a recent report by the Pensions Policy Institute. But could you afford it?

Most of us will need to top up our state pension with a separate savings pot built up throughout our working lives. And the best bet is to start saving early.

In the early stages of your career, with student loans and saving for a house, retirement can seem a long way off. Later, it may still be achievable to build up a healthy pot, but you’ll have to put away more to match what you’d have built up with earlier saving.

A pension is just one solution to funding retirement and an independent AFH Wealth Management financial adviser can explain all your options.

Find out more at afhwm.co.uk

4. Girlings Personal Injury Claims

Although many people assume that compensation claims are all about the amount of money received, clients with significant brain injuries find that they are much more concerned with making a good recovery.

While people with brain injuries usually receive excellent treatment in hospital following an accident, NHS funding issues mean that they often receive very little medical help once they are discharged home.

At Girlings Personal Injury Claims, the team have a specialist medical negligence department. Their focus is to help clients get better, faster, in addition to dealing with the compensation claim itself, which is what sets them apart.

Find out more at girlingspersonalinjury.co.uk

5. Ecclesiastical Planning Services

Putting funeral plans in place can reduce the emotional and financial worry for loved ones at a difficult time. It’s one of the most thoughtful and caring things you can do.

If you have ever had to arrange a funeral, you will appreciate just how many decisions need to be made. Many people choose to take control and put plans in place to make things easier for friends and family.

Ecclesiastical Planning Services offers outstanding financial security with nothing hidden, a history of giving and the hallmark of reassurance.

Find out more at epsfunerals.com

6. Danbury Campervan

Looking for adventure? It’s time to visit Danbury, one of the top campervan converters in the UK who have been making memories for campers since 1964.

At Danbury their goal is to bring you exceptional campers in which you can enjoy great times with friends and family. Each journey big or small can be an occasion with a Danbury Campervan. They build each vehicle on a VW T6.1 chassis which complements their quality and eye-catching designs.

Find out more at danburycampervans.co.uk

7. The Hawthorns

The Hawthorns independent living villages and communities are one of retirement’s best kept secrets and provide a unique all-inclusive solution in senior living. After 25 years in the UK they are undoubtedly experts in rental retirement.

With locations in coastal towns or semi-rural positions in the centre of England, the Hawthorns offer stylish and spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments and studios. They all have great restaurants and cafés, hair salons, lounges, an active well-being programme and social calendar.

With all your bills, quality dining, housekeeping, council tax, property and garden maintenance, plus trips out in the private mini-coach all included in one simple monthly rental, life is enjoyable and stress free.

Find out more at hawthornsretirement.co.uk

8. Remember A Charity

During Remember A Charity Week charities across the UK come together to encourage more people to pass on something wonderful to future generations by leaving a charitable gift in their will.

From large national charities developing life-saving medical treatment to museums, charities supporting the elderly and environmental campaigns, a charitable bequest can have a powerful impact on the world we leave behind.

Find out more at rememberacharity.org.uk

9. My Pension Expert

My Pension Expert offers specialist, independent financial advice to those at the point of retirement and has created a ‘Guide to Retirement’ which explains the options available without financial jargon.

Retirement planning can be a confusing and many put off making a decision on their pension options because of this. My Pension Expert’s team takes all the confusion out of pensions. Their expert advice and dedicated client support team handle all aspects of the paperwork and application process, keeping you updated at every stage.

Find out more at mypensionexpert.com

10. Auto-Trail

Are you eagerly planning to reconnect with the beaches of Devon or the pristine waterfalls of the Peak District? If yes, then an Auto-Trail motorhome should be your first point of call. 

Touring the UK in the comfort and safety of your own Auto-Trail motorhome is not only a controlled environment for your family, but also grants you the sense of freedom you have been yearning for in recent times.

Auto-Trail motorhomes offer a full range of luxurious bed styles, modern kitchens, spacious bathrooms and a variation of specification and enhancement packs.

Find out more at auto-trail.co.uk

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email laura@hurstmediacompany.co.uk or editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post The 10 top secrets to a happy retirement appeared first on Checklists.

Incontinence refers to any involuntary loss of urine, wind or faeces.  It is incredibly common with around 400 million people affected worldwide, and affects an estimated 20% of people over 40 years old. One in three women and one in nine men suffer from urine incontinence and anal incontinence affects between two and 15 percent of adults.

Whilst incontinence affects a surprisingly large amount of the population, misconceptions are common and many people don’t quite understand what it is. Checklist is here to help inform you about this condition.

1. There are three different types of incontinence

Stress incontinence

Stress incontinence is the most common and for women it is often brought on by pregnancy and the menopause. It can be caused by weak pelvic floor muscles, resulting in small leakages when the bladder is under pressure, when you are coughing, sneezing, laughing or sometimes during exercise.

Urge incontinence

Urge incontinence is also known as overactive bladder and this type of incontinence is caused by the bladder muscles contracting too often. Leakages occur alongside a sudden, intense, uncontrollable urge to pass urine. This can be made worse by drinking too much caffeine or alcohol, not drinking enough of other fluids, or because of urinary tract infections.

Overflow incontinence

Overflow incontinence is also known as chronic urinary retention. Here, the bladder doesn’t completely empty when passing urine. In women it can be caused by an obstruction of the bladder, such as urinary stones. If you have overflow incontinence, you may pass small trickles of urine very often and may also feel as though your bladder is never fully empty.

In rare cases incontinence can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition and if you have any concerns you should seek medical advice.

2. It can be treated without drugs or surgery

Katie Knapton, CEO of PhysioFast Online believes that incontinence can often be treated without drugs or surgery through exercises that improve the strength of your pelvic floor muscles. 

She states: “One of the main causes of incontinence in both men and women is weak pelvic floor muscles. If your incontinence is due to a weak pelvic floor, try physiotherapy first to strengthen these muscles before considering an operation. Physiotherapy can help with both bladder and bowel incontinence.”

Research has shown that pelvic floor muscle training is cheaper and more effective than one of the main incontinence drugs. Other research compared non-surgical treatments and found that intensive pelvic floor muscle training, plus lifestyle changes, was the most effective method for treating urinary and bowel incontinence.

3. Anyone can be affected

Knapton believes that incontinence can affect anyone, not just unfit and overweight people. High-performing athletes such as runners can have incontinence issues as they can overload their pelvic floor muscles.

Or someone taking a high resistance exercise programme up again can just overload the system leading to leakage and pelvic floor weakness. She comments: “We see this a lot when women are returning to high-intensity activity and sports post birth which can overload the poor weakened pelvic floor.”

It is a condition that affects both men and women, young and old, and yet it is rarely talked about and many people are too embarrassed to seek help.

According to Knapton, it takes an average of seven years for a person to seek help and causes huge social issues, with people scared to go out and socialise and often creates real anxiety. Knapton said: “The good news is that there is gold standard evidence that the majority can be helped and some completely cured just by exercises themselves.”

Pelvic floor exercises can help with all types of incontinence and there is an 80% cure rate for stress incontinence with exercises and physiotherapy, it is the recommended first line of treatment.

And whatever type of incontinence you have, in general getting more familiar with your pelvic floor and also your breathing patterns can help.

4. Incontinence is more likely with increased age

While the development of incontinence is not inevitable, it is much more likely to appear as you get older. Particularly, women over 50 are most likely to develop the condition, with over half ladies between 50 and 80 affected with urinary incontinence.

It is not guaranteed to affect you but you should still be aware of the possibility of it developing so you can act as soon as possible to minimise its impact on your life.

5. Kegels are great exercise      

Pelvic Floor exercises are sometimes called Kegels and the best way to describe them is to imagine you are trying not to pass wind, or in other words holding in a fart.

They should include long, held squeezes as well as short, quick squeezes; ensuring that you let the muscle ‘go’ or ‘relax’ after each squeeze. You should work the muscles until they tire and do the exercises regularly to help the muscles become stronger and more effective.

6. Breathing is key

It is recommended that prior to doing the exercises you take a breath in and then sigh out and continue normal breathing throughout the exercises.

This helps to recruit the muscles in the right way and avoids the pushing or bearing down that often happens.

7. Don’t get discouraged

You may need to start with ‘little and often’ if you find that you can only hold the squeeze for a short time, or only do a few before the muscles tire.

Aim for 10 long squeezes, holding each squeeze for 10 seconds, followed by 10 short squeezes.

These exercises should be done at least three times a day. You may find it easier to start your program when you are sitting or lying down.

8. Build a routine

Build up your exercise routine gradually over the weeks and months. You should notice an improvement in three to five months and then keep practising your pelvic floor muscle exercises once a day to maintain the improvement.

As your muscles improve, aim to do your exercises in other positions such as standing up. Eventually you can practice using these muscles whilst doing activities such as walking and bending. Continue to breathe normally throughout.

9. Technique

Vary between long and short squeezes to maximise your exercise’s effectiveness.

For long squeezes, tighten your pelvic floor muscles, hold them tight, then release and let them fully relax. How long can you hold the squeeze? Try and build on that. Repeat the squeeze and hold until the pelvic floor muscles tire. How many times can you repeat the squeezes? Try and increase that,

When trying short squeezes, quickly tighten your pelvic floor muscles, then immediately let them go again. How many times can you do this quick squeeze before the muscles get tired?

Always let the muscles fully relax after each squeeze.

10. Men have a pelvic floor too

One in 9 men suffer with incontinence and the severity can be anything from an annoying dribble after you have finished urinating, to always feeling that your bladder is full, even after you have just been to the toilet.

Some men may also experience varying degrees of unexpected urine loss following prostate surgery. These kinds of urinary problems can affect every part of your life and can lead to some men not wanting to be socially active.

Male incontinence can be caused by a damaged or narrowing of the urethra, the exit tube from the bladder, nerve damage, infections of the urinary tract or prostate problem; with many men also experience some short-term urinary incontinence following prostate surgery.

The good news is that men too have a pelvic floor and that exercising can significantly improve incontinence. The pelvic floor needs to be strong and have a good blood supply.

This article was produced in collaboration with PhysioFast Online.

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email laura@hurstmediacompany.co.uk or editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post Ten ways to help you cope with incontinence that you may not know appeared first on Checklists.

It is never too early to start planning for your retirement. It sounds like a boring thing to be thinking about in your twenties and too far off to seem real, but consider:

If you want to retire on say £30,000 a year, then you will need a retirement fund of more than £600,000. That kind of pot is going to require some planning and a lot of saving, so don’t waste any time. After all, the earlier you start to save, the less you will need to save yourself, as growth will be a bigger factor on the size of the fund that you will achieve. Checklist spoke to Nico Goymer of The Wealth Group (Financial Advice and Wealth Management) in Evesham for some pointers on retirement planning at different stages in our life.

In your 20s

When it comes to retirement planning, it really is a case of the earlier the better. Consider setting up a Lifetime ISA (or LISA). A LISA is a tax-free account for saving towards your first home or your retirement, with the government adding a 25% bonus to anything you save.

You can save up to £4,000 a year, either as a lump sum, by regular contributions, or just topping up funds when you can. The state will add a 25% bonus on top. So if you invest £1,000, the state will make it up to £1,250 and if you save the full £4,000 annual allowance, you’ll be saving £5,000 a year. Then there’s interest on top of that and because it’s an ISA, it’s tax free.

If you have parents or grandparents with deep pockets, think about asking for ISA contributions for birthday presents. Every bit helps. It’s more bricks in the wall and remember, the state will add an extra 25% on top of anything you’re given.

In your 30s

Always join the company pension scheme. Younger investors often think retirement is just too far away to be worrying about, but the implementation of Auto-enrolment means many more people now have pension schemes. While the scheme will be a good start and it’s great that a culture of retirement planning is being encouraged in principle, in reality, your scheme on its own is unlikely to be sufficient for your future needs.

Our 30s is often the time that other priorities are calling on our income. Mortgages and the costs of young families often demand most of what the taxman hasn’t already claimed. But try to top up your pension with regular payments if possible – even if it’s only a very small amount. Research different pension schemes to find one that’s flexible enough for your needs and bear in mind that it’s usually the most tax-efficient way of saving for the future. Remember, funds invested when you are younger have more time to grow.

In your 40s

This is likely to be a time when our earning capacity is growing and consolidating. Perhaps a little more is available after the household budget has done its worst. Try to establish whether you might have spare income to supplement your retirement savings. If you’re not certain it really is spare, perhaps put it into a savings account that can be accessed if needed. Then, at the end of the tax year on 5 April each year, if the savings really are available, at this point invest into your pension or an ISA.

It helps to build and develop a retirement plan if you haven’t done so already. Set yourself clear objectives. Ask yourself:

1. What age do I want to retire?
2. How much income will I need in retirement?

Working backwards, consider how these questions will be answered and what funding is potentially required. Consider:

Typical rates of withdrawal are 4-5% p.a. from a pension fund. What guaranteed income will you receive in terms of both state pension and company final salary pension? What assets might you have in terms of investment, inheritances or properties?

If there is a shortfall, do you plan to address this through: Pensions? ISAs? Bonds? Other investments?

In your 50s

This is a time to consolidate the efforts you have made to date. Typically, demands on your monthly income are starting to ease, with children becoming (for the lucky ones anyway!) more financially independent.

Continue to invest as much as you can afford in your pension fund and while most private pensions can be accessed from the age of 55, consider delaying drawing on it if you don’t need the funds and continue to save a little longer. Typically, older savers are likely to focus deposits on their pension fund rather than ISAs or other investments as the tax efficiency is more attractive than the prospect of growth alone over a shorter period of time.

In your 60s

Congratulations! You’ve rounded the corner to the Big Six-O and won yourself free prescriptions and free eye tests! And if you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, a free bus pass too! (If you’re in England, you’ll have to wait another six years until you’re 66.)

Copies of Saga magazine suddenly start dropping onto your doormat and you’ll find you’re eligible for discounts to all sort of attractions and activities – many of which you didn’t even know you were interested in!

Today, you’re eligible for state pension when you reach 66, but it is set to rise to 67 by 2029 and to 68 by 2039. Current maximum state pension is £179.60 a week (HMRC July 2021), but with an ageing population and a financial future that’s more uncertain than it’s ever been, who knows what the value of it will be in 10, 20 or even 40 years’ time. One thing’s for sure, if you start planning early, you’ll be thanking 20-year-old you for looking out for your future self all those years ago.

Visit wealth-group.co.uk

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post The best ways to plan for a rocking retirement appeared first on Checklists.

Here are some ideas to get you not only sitting comfortably but walking, driving or however else you want to get around.

1. TriLift 

The UK has over 350,000 mobility scooter users who rely on their mobility device as part of their everyday life – and though their units are great for zipping round shopping malls and town centres, getting them there in the first place can be challenging and demand a degree of physical might and ability. Scooter and power chair transportation must be simple, affordable and easy to operate by one person – and TriLift UK has a remarkable and innovative product that neatly ticks all three boxes. 

Fitted onto the back of a vehicle, the TriLift engages with a coupling bracket that is permanently fixed to the mobility scooter or power chair. By the flick of a switch, the mobility device is raised off the road and locked in place on the vehicle’s rear.

Launched in the UK early in 2018, the TriLift has proved extremely popular and the company now has consultants covering the whole UK. 

Find out more at trilift.co.uk

2. Acorn Stairlifts 

Feel safe on your stairs with an Acorn Stairlift and enjoy the full use of your home once again. 

An Acorn Stairlift gives you a safe, comfortable and simple way to get up and down your stairs. Tailor-made to suit your individual home and lifestyle, an Acorn Stairlift can be fitted to all types of staircase, and what’s more, it can be done within a matter of days rather than weeks. 

Acorn Stairlifts will help you master ‘the three Rs’: Regain your independence; Retain full use of your home and Remain in the home you love. Installing an Acorn Stairlift turns your home into a bungalow by removing the obstacle of stairs if they become too challenging.

Whatever type of staircase you have in your home, straight or curved, Acorn can provide the perfect solution for your needs. 

Find out more at acornstairlifts.co.uk

3. New Life Mobility

New Life Mobility specialises in the supply of top quality rise-and-recline chairs and profiling beds, all designed and manufactured in the UK. Every item of furniture is specifically designed to suit individual needs, complementing the body’s natural position and providing support and comfort.

All chairs are made to measure, specially designed to give extra support and relief and there are lateral support and heat and massage options. There are hundreds of fabrics to choose from and the company has thousands of satisfied customers, including Mrs Walker, of Edinburgh, who says: “I am delighted with my purchase. The chair is so comfortable and I am glad I chose to have the massager as this has really helped to ease my arthritis. I can now look forward to a better standard of life.”

If you suffer from a condition such as osteoporosis, arthritis or diabetes may be eligible for zero-rated VAT on any purchase.

Find out more at newlifemobility.co.uk

4. Brotherwood

Brotherwood are the UK’s expert supplier of special purpose vehicles – discretely converting passenger cars to enable wheelchair users to travel without needing to transfer into a standard car seat. 

By installing a low, level floor, and robust anchoring systems, wheelchair users are able to travel inclusively and safely alongside their friends and family. With exceptional headroom and visibility out of the vehicles’ windows, every journey is made comfortable and enjoyable.

Access is via a shallow-angle, non-slip ramp which can be raised and lowered by remote control on selected models such as the flagship Mercedes-Benz V-Class ‘Klastar’. Simple-to-use winch and restraint systems make loading and securing the wheelchair effortless. 

A range of vehicles are available to suit a variety of budgets.

Brotherwood supply vehicles for private purchase, for lease via the Motability Contact Hire scheme for five years or hired long- or short-term hire. 

Find out more at brotherwood.com

5. TGA Mobility 

The Minimo Plus 4 mobility scooter from TGA Mobility is the ideal companion for trips to the shops, thanks to its supportive, stable ride and impressive range. But with its easy-to-fold lightweight frame, journeys further afield are also possible. The Minimo folds in seconds with one simple movement into a compact unit, so it can easily be transported via car boot, boat or even by plane, making those family holidays away possible again.

TGA Mobility offer a range of scooters for every need and every budget. Their background is engineering and a key focus is the introduction of innovative, quality products and enhancing existing models.

Every model, every option and every accessory has a clear and simple price with nothing hidden. TGA Mobilility are fully committed to providing the very best in customer care. If you can’t visit their showroom, they offer a free, no obligation home demonstration.

Find out more at tgamobility.co.uk

6. Trinity Homecare 

Rated ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission and with over 20 years’ experience, Trinity Homecare provides peace of mind to you and your loved ones with a live-in care service that is tailored to you.

Dennis and Pat, aged 91 and 89, continue to enjoy life in their own home with full-time live-in care, after Dennis was diagnosed with cancer and Pat was suffering from impaired speech and mobility due to a second stroke. Pat couldn’t manage on her own while her husband was in hospital and a care home would have been too disruptive for her. Inside their home are many warm memories and familiarities. Staying home meant the couple were even able to celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary. 

Their story is a heart-warming reminder of how vulnerable adults can happily continue to live in their own homes, remaining independent with the right care and support.

Find out more at trinityhomecare.co.uk

7. SECOM CareTech 

Personal alarms are designed for those who live alone or are at risk of a fall or medical emergency. They allow the user to raise an alarm at the press of button, letting friends and family or a monitoring centre know they need support.

SECOM CareTech’s personal alarms are discreet, reliable and easy to use. Their Care Go package offers GPS and fall detection functionality so no matter where you are – whether at home or walking to the shops – you’re covered every step of the way. If you are in distress, feel unwell or suffer a fall, you can use the alarm to speak to a member of the SECOM 24-hour monitoring team who assess the situation and call your contacts or the emergency services if you require further assistance.

SECOM CareTech are committed to empowering elderly and disabled people to live more independently. 

Find out more at secom-caretech.co.uk

8. Special Footwear and Orthotics 

As you walk through Special Footwear and Orthotics, a quaint yet atmospheric shop nestled in the bustling London city centre, you are instantly met by the smell of rich expensive leather. While your curious eyes are immediately drawn to the fine luxury shoes, designed to be admired on the front shelves, you are soon welcomed by warm staff brimming with many years of knowledge and expertise. 

The walls in the specialist fitting and consultation room are adorned with photos of celebrity and even royal clientele, from legendary crooner Rod Stewart, iconic actor Michael Caine and Hollywood star Kathleen Turner. But more heart-warming is the many, many, cards and letters from customers thanking master shoemaker Anthony Andrews for changing their lives for the better.

Shoes are designed for: diabetic and comfort; orthotics, foot supports; adaptions; alterations; quality repairs, home or office visits; computerised gait analysts and orthopaedic.

Find out more at specialfootwear.co.uk

9. Fenetic Wellbeing 

Are you sitting comfortably? If you suffer from achy joints and poor posture, the answer is probably no. You might think it’s an inevitable part of growing older, but it’s often your chair that’s to blame.

The way you sit has a profound effect on your mobility and wellbeing. That’s why for millions of people, a riser recliner chair can be a life-changing investment.

The Heritage Cullingworth is one such chair that’s currently stealing the limelight. According to independent experts Which?: “Simply put, this is the best riser recliner we’ve ever seen.” 

Handmade in the UK, the Cullingworth gives you the freedom to sit back and relax or rise to your feet effortlessly. There’s even a handy USB charging port built in.

This is the first British-made riser recliner chair with a powered headrest and lumbar to support your lower back. 

Find out more at feneticwellbeing.com

10. Accessibility Bathrooms 

Accessibility Bathrooms offer the best products at affordable prices, designed around your needs and requirements to give you the best option. 

They are a totally independent company with over ten years’ experience designing and fitting mobility bathrooms. They have their own installation teams and through honesty and quality of service strive to deliver the bathroom you need and deserve. They keep it simple and honest and would love to discuss your requirements and show you what they have to offer. 

Accessibility Bathrooms can help you regain your independence by allowing you to bathe in comfort and safety again. They offer a range of modern bathrooms, showers and wet-rooms, free, no-obligation design quote, 24-hour customer service, a 15-year warranty, a dedicated project manager from start to finish and a free luxury towel set with every installation. 

Find out more at accessibilitybathrooms.co.uk

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email laura@hurstmediacompany.co.uk or editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post The 10 top ways to improve mobility appeared first on Checklists.

Whatever family you have around you – and whatever stage of lockdown you find yourself in – there’s still a whole host of products and services here to help. From nursing essentials and toys to keep little ones amused, to home-schooling help and even how to prepare for your retirement, the following guide is here to help all family members get through this together…

1. Tilbea London Audrey Maternity Nursing Dress

Mum-to-be looking for the perfect statement maternity dress? Look no further than Tilbea London and their Audrey Maternity Nursing Dress, a gorgeous design complete with hidden nursing function.  The vibrant colour combination gives the elegant neckline and three quarter sleeve a helping of sass, while the subtle ruching on the waist make this the perfect pre- and post-baby dress.

Tilbea London was created after founders Claire and Nicky became pregnant for the first time, struggling to find nursing clothes that reflected their personalities. After huge success creating YouTube videos for new mums and mums-to-be, they realised they weren’t the only ones who wanted more from a maternity wardrobe than what the high street had to offer. As such all Tilbea London pieces are designed with either hidden nursing functions or easy access details. These carefully-designed touches help women on their exciting journey through pregnancy and beyond – and at affordable price points meaning they’re accessible to all.

Visit Tilbea London

2. Plum My First Wooden Playcentre

If you’ve been stuck at home with a toddler over the last few months you certainly have our sympathy. Spending days out entertaining them might not be an option right now, so why not invest the money you would have otherwise spent on farm parks and zoos with Plum Play’s My First Wooden Playcentre? The perfect outdoor treat for those 18 months and above, it encourages healthy, active play while aiding the development of gross and fine motor skills. Watch them climb the built-in wooden ladder to a raised platform where they can take in the views, before sliding down the four foot slide. There’s a colourful rock wall to make them feel on top of the world, before taking the cargo net down to the ground and starting the adventure again. They even have their very own den under the frame, with access through a colourful fabric door.

Visit Plum Play

3. Honey, I Home-schooled The Kids

If you’d have asked most parents over Christmas 2019 if they ever thought they’d home-school their kids – while working – you’d have pretty much got a ‘not on your Nelly’ response. Now look at us all. One such mum who did decide to do just that – five years ago to be precise – is Loose Women star Nadia Sawalha. Nadia, alongside her husband Mark, removed their two children from mainstream school after seeing them struggle with bullying and school phobia. Now, at a time when so many of us are having to adapt our roles as parents and teachers, they bring their experiences – both good and bad – with their book, Honey, I Home-schooled The Kids.

Offering a candid and practical guide to teaching at home, the book shares obstacles, insights and resources that all parents can learn from, whether they’re looking for help in supporting their child at school, or if they’ve decided that they would benefit more from being home schooled.

Buy Honey, I Home-schooled The Kids

4. The Den Kit Co The Nature Hideaway Kit

Fed up seeing your kids’ faces glued to a screen? We might have been told to ‘stay at home’ but that doesn’t mean you can’t think outside the box when it comes to enjoying the great outdoors. The Den Kit Co The Nature Hideaway Kit is ideal for reigniting a love of nature in any child aged eight or above. Designed to inspire children to play imaginatively – while challenging their ingenuity and teaching new skills – inside the canvas duffle bag you’ll find a powerful monocular to spot wildlife, a ground sheet removing any wet weather excuses, camouflage netting to get up close to birds, animals and mini-beasts, plus a jotter book with spotter sheet, perfect for sketching and recording discoveries.

This is also a gift that gives back to nature; a minimum contribution of £2,000 from the sale of the kits will be made in support of the National Trust’s conservation work.

Buy The Den Kit Co The Nature Hideaway Kit

5. Learning Resources Artie 3000

Schoolwork – both at home and in the classroom – isn’t all about printing out a thousand worksheets dedicated to fractions and reading comprehension. Coding enthusiasts will love playing with Artie 3000, the award-winning coding robot that introduces children to real programming languages.

Artie puts the ‘A’ in STEAM, making coding relatable and fun for kids. Learn to code and get drawing with STEAM-style robotics to create visual masterpieces. Perfect for beginners and advanced coders, if you can code it, Artie 3000 can draw it! Children can start coding with Artie’s simple setup and pre-programmed designs, and learn with Drag & Drop, Remote Control, Point & Click, Blockly, Snap!, Python and JavaScript coding languages.

With its own built-in Wi-Fi server, no internet connection is needed. All kids need is a tablet or computer to control Artie, testing the programme on the online simulator, before setting Artie on a sheet of paper and watch as he draws what’s been programmed.

Buy Artie 3000

6. Lascal Mini BuggyBoard Woodland Animals

A trip to the shops with a sleeping baby and a just-walking toddler might seem cute at first, but just wait until the toddler refuses to walk any further and you don’t have the pushchair space available. Step forward Lascal’s Mini BuggyBoard in this cute Woodland Animals design; a ride-on platform that fits more than 99% of pushchairs, prams and strollers. Instantly eradicating the hassle out of new year walks, it’s an affordable, practical and safe alternative to a double pushchair, creating a platform on which an older sibling can stand when their legs get tired. With a large anti-slip surface, side protection, reflective decals and a firm, comfortable platform, the BuggyBoardkeeps your child safely between your arms in crowds and high traffic areas. Going around corners, over kerbs and through doorways is also easy with BuggyBoard’s precision engineering and built-in suspension. Plus, when not in use, the BuggyBoard simply hooks up and out of the way.

Buy Woodland Animals design

7. Micro-Scooter Sprite Classic LED Micro Scooter

Want to nip to the shops for a pint of milk but your kid refuses to walk? Leave the car keys at home and get them on the move with this brilliant scooter from Micro-Scooter. Suitable for aged five to 12 years, this two-wheeled scooter now comes with LED light up front and back wheels. Its smart LED tech uses induction energy to turn the power kids create as they scoot into bright white light, meaning no batteries and no fuss! Whether building up speed or negotiating obstacles, kids can do it with ease thanks to the Sprite’s intelligent design. With adjustable handlebars for years of scooting fun, its lightweight aluminium frame offers the ultimate agility, while the perfectly-sized footplate is neither too big nor too small.

Buy Sprite Classic Led Micro Scooter

8. Garmin Vivofit Jr 3 Kids Fitness Tracker

With nearly a year of missed PE lessons and days out swapped for staying in, now it’s more important than ever to ensure your kids stay active. Sure, Joe Wickes is still helping out, but for those looking for more of an incentive why not try this brilliant Fitness Tracker from Garmin? Suitable for ages four and up, it boasts daily 60-minute activity goals and  offers built-in fun and educational games – unlocked through activities. Tracking their steps, as well as sleep and daily activities, its parental-controlled app monitors and assigns tasks and chores! It also has an ICE feature to add emergency contacts, is swim-safe up to 50m, and comes available in a range of bright colours and colour display has different watch face options.

Buy Fitness Tracker from Garmin

9. Studio Creator Video Maker

Got any kids at-home who, whether you like it or not, are desperate to be a successful YouTuber when they’re older? This Studio Creator Video Maker is the perfect tool for designing engaging content, leaving it looking just like one of their online idols. 

Everything you need to make your content look more professional is inside the box. It creates backgrounds you want in a few simple steps – just set up the Green Screen to give you the perfect backdrop and then edit in the background you want. It’s never been easier to create the atmosphere you want for your Instagram or YouTube video or TikTok dance, either. Use the adjustable tripod to hold your smartphone, then turn on the LED ring light which tilts 180° to get the perfect angle. You can even choose between three different light settings to enable you to create content day or night.

Buy Studio Creator Video Maker

10. My Pension Expert

Kids flown the nest and busy with families of their own? Once you’ve finished high-fiving at all the free time you’ve been given it’s time to pay some serious thought to your future, regardless of whether your retirement’s on the horizon or you’ve a few years left in employment. My Pension Expert is the UK’s highest-rated independent financial adviser, specialising in retirement. They specialise in providing independent advice to UK consumers about their pension plans, arranging millions of pounds of retirement income options each week.

Providing a service that takes the stress out of retirement planning, they offer advice on retirement finance products, from annuities to flexible drawdowns. Their team of qualified independent financial advisers takes the entirety of an individual’s financial situation into account, before making recommendations which suits their specific needs. The adviser then explains each option in a clear, jargon-free manner to ensure they make a well-informed decision about their financial future. They even take care of as much paperwork as possible, to ensure their client experiences minimal hassle.

To find more informationt: My Pension Expert

The post The Checklist top 10 family essentials, from starting a new life to enjoying your retirement appeared first on Checklists.