Plan for the future and fear the worst – part 2

My last missive elicited a response from my reader. Yes, I know, amazing that anyone reads this. With his permission, I reproduce his views:

Your point is well made about how essentially unfair it is that  one can expect little help from the state if one has made provision for one’s old age. We were fortunate that none of our parents needed residential care.

Nevertheless, as one edges into one’s mid-seventies (I shall be 75 in January!) one’s thoughts turn inevitably to what might be required in our case.

There is an abundance of advice around to the effect we should spend our money and dispose of assets now (but stay within the rules as to the motive for disposal) so that the state has to fund any care.

The problem with that as I understand it is that there is then no choice other than to go into whatever home the local authority chooses – and some of them aren’t up to much. All a bit depressing isn’t it? Luckily, we’re both fairly sound in wind and limb and so the problem may not arise!

Looking on the bright side, it’s now only an hour and a half to having a bath, changing, lighting the fire and pouring my pre-dinner glass of whisky. My favourite time of day during these winter months!

Surprise of the week.

The UK will not be able "cherry pick" on issues such as the single market, according to the EU's chief negotiator for Brexit.

Michel Barnier said: "Being a member of EU comes with rights and benefits. Third countries (non-members as the UK will be after Brexit) can never have the same rights and benefits since they are not subject to the same obligations.

"The single market and its four freedoms (which include freedom of movement) are indivisible. Cherry picking is not an option."