‘MY EQUITY RELEASE TREAT’

LIKE millions of women,

Barbara Pereira found retirement a struggle despite working hard throughout her life.

Even working to the age of 67 did not help, because she never earned enough to build up a personal pension or other retirement savings.

Barbara, 71, said: “I found the state pension wasn’t that good and I was struggling financially.”

She eventually decided to raise cash by taking out an equity release scheme on her twobedroom terraced home in Essex.

Barbara added: “After working all my life, I thought I’d like to treat myself.”

She borrowed a lump sum of £34,000 and said it has changed her life, adding: “Now I can have a few holidays. I’ve done the house up, and bought a new car. It’ll make life easier in my old age.”

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