Mug, kettle, pension…

As a mother of teenage children, I have been discussing with their grandparents (who know about these things) the best way to prepare the girls for leaving home. And along with teaching them to cook and use a washing machine, we have been talking about pension planning.

With all the scandals and mismanagement of pensions over the last 20 years, it is difficult to know which way to steer them. One thing’s for certain – state pensions are unlikely to be an adequate source of income for them when they retire, maybe in their 70s.

So what are we thinking? Telling them to start a pension at the same time as their first job and stick at it no matter how hard it is to juggle rent and student loans. Will our children be the only ones being told to ditch clubbing in order to save for their future lives half a century away? And how realistic is it to expect them to do so? Only time will tell.

Win a Pamper Box!

We have teamed up with http://www.sixtyplusurfers.co.uk/ to give away 2 Pamper Boxes. Have a go and good luck!

Perfect presents – Pamper Box and Travel Box

Looking for the perfect present, then take a look at our exclusive Pamper Box and Travel Boxes at www.thefutureperfectcompany.com/shop/categories/4/buy_a_gift

Not only are the contents perfect for the keen traveller or someone who needs a little pampering, but the Boxes themselves (from www.hamperboxes.co.uk) make lovely keepsake boxes to be enjoyed long after the Christmas festivities are over.

Lasting Powers of Attorney – don’t leave it too late

I looked up Lasting Powers of Attorney after reading about them in the Sunday papers this weekend. It seems to me that anyone caring for an older relative or friend should at least consider whether they will at some stage need one to help them manage their legal, financial and health affairs.

There are two different types of LPA, both of which must be registered at the Office of the Public Guardian.

A property and financial affairs LPA enables the attorney to make decisions about property and affairs at a time when someone either lacks the mental capacity to take those decisions themselves or where it might be easier for someone else to take on responsibilities such as paying bills, collecting income and benefits or selling the family home.

A personal welfare LPA, on the other hand, can only be used when the person giving the LPA becomes mentally incapable of making decisions about their own welfare, because for example the onset of a condition such as dementia. It allows the attorney to make decisions such as where the person lives and can also include the power for the attorney to give or refuse consent to medical treatment.

Anyone aged 18 or over can make an LPA appointing one or more attorneys to make decisions on their behalf but only provided that they have the capacity to do so. This means that it is something best dealt with early on rather than when matters have reached a crisis point.

For more information, visit: www.publicguardian.gov.uk

New! Bionic™ Gardening Gloves

I have just added some fantastic leather gardening gloves to www.thefutureperfectcompany.com These gardening gloves from the Bionic™ range were designed by an American orthopaedic hand surgeon and protect your hands as well as increasing your gripping power. They also have very effective wrists supports, which are great for people like me whose wrists get sore after an hour or so gardening. A perfect Christmas present.

Tales of the City

I have been to a different world today. My erstwhile Senior Partner and doyen of the legal profession, Ronnie Fox kindly took me to lunch at the grand old gent of City members’ clubs, the City of London Club which dates back over 170 years. This is a fabulous place with a glorious members dining room and a library with ruby leather armchairs and a roaring fire. Walking back to Ronnie’s offices, we visited another of his favourite haunts, a chocolaterie in the heart of the old City run by Paul Young who has a reputation as one of the UK’s finest artisan chocolatiers.

With “the City” being blamed for our current economic troubles, it is easy to forget the great pride and affection which the place itself inspires in the people who have lived and worked there, many for much of their lives.

And what do you do?

I was emailed last night by Dr Barrie Hopson who writes a very interesting blog on the pluses of being over 50. One of the topics he discusses (and has written a book about) is how to create a portfolio career by reframing work around yourself and playing to your greatest strengths. This all sounds very attractive in this uncertain economic environment and it is an option which many of my friends are considering.

http://portfoliocareers.net

What’s in a name?

When I was a lawyer, names were very important. Lawyers love their full names. They introduce themselves with them, they have business cards printed with them on, they google them frequently and they write them on badges when they meet other people. In civvy street, names seem to be much more contextual. Many people use only their first names- call centre workers, shop assistants. Other people acquire more names, as they progress in their careers. When I was setting up the company, “Julie” processed my account application which was then finalised by “davidsmith2”. (I did wonder whether this was his real name or one which came with the job).

Is this also a generational thing? I had an interesting conversation over the Summer with 2 friends, one in their 60s and the other in her 80s. I asked them both how they liked to be addressed by people who didn’t know them. What surprised me was that it was the friend in her 60s who preferred to be addressed as “Mrs”, believing that it conferred respect. Both her 80 year old mother and I were much more relaxed about whether we were called by our first names. What, however, was very important to all three of us was that our family used names that denoted our family connections – Mummy, Granny, Auntie. So, not using our given names at all.

Simple computers for older people – positive or patronising?

This week a simple computer designed to enourage more older people to access the internet went on sale. This has divided opinion amongst my friends. The more web savvy amongst them have found the very thought patronising whilst those who lack confidence to use the internet thought it might be a good idea.

What this does show is that “older people” are not an homogeneous group and what will be unnecessary and stigmatising to some will be a relevation to others. It will be interesting to see whether the “simple” computer takes off.

Furniture Innovation Initiative

I was at an event yesterday hosted by the University of Brighton which brought together designers, educators, makers, manufacturers and retailers from across the South Coast. This diverse group of people were all focussed on one thing – designing for a better future. In these somewhat gloomy days, it was very uplifting to be amongst such creative and passionate people.

The purpose of the group is to bring together resources and develop new and innovative projects, products and partnerships that will ignite the furniture making industry in the region. It is very good news for people who appreciate well designed furniture.