We never had it easy, so don’t be jealous of our comfy retirement
THE younger generation are said to be envious of older folk, who seemingly have it all. Maybe they should realise how today’s pensioners achieved their financial security. When we got married in 1957, we had a simple reception for 35 people and a three-day honeymoon in Bournemouth. We lived in rented rooms and then a flat for 11 years until we could afford the deposit for a house. At that time, building societies rationed how many mortgages they granted per month and did not take the wife’s salary into consideration. My husband, John, served two years in the Army doing his National Service, for which he received 30 shillings a week (£1.50), so we had to save every penny. We did not have holidays abroad and instead went camping or, as a treat, stayed in a caravan. We didn’t have a car, never went to a restaurant and when we got holes in our shoes, they had to be repaired. We waited five years to start a family because until then we couldn’t afford for me to give up work. We did not have all the latest household appliances or even a phone; we had a black-and-white TV and second-hand furniture. Not having credit cards, we saved up for what we needed, so no debts were accrued, and we saved for our old age throughout our working lives. So we feel we have earned the right to enjoy the fact that our hard-earned efforts have resulted in a secure retirement, although we still have the worry that our home may be sold if we are unlucky enough to end our days in a care home. KATE MANNING, Wittersham, Kent.