But with careful financial planning, modest day-to-day spending, and a surprising side gig, the couple from North Yorkshire have carved out a comfortable and fulfilling retirement – several years before the state pension age.
Speaking to The i Paper, Donna said: “We were fortunate to be able to afford early retirement due to my husband’s Ministry of Defence pension, along with our local authority pensions and savings. We wanted to stop working and enjoy ourselves.”
Frank served over 22 years in the RAF before becoming a sit manager at a special needs school, where Donna worked as a secretary and later a teaching assistant.
Public sector pensions pay a guaranteed income each year for life, unlike private sector pensions, which generally require savers to manage a pot of money and ensure it lasts through their retirement.
Donna said: “Leading up to retirement we saved approximately £1,000 a month.”
Now, with essential monthly outgoings of around £1,000 – including bills, council tax, food, their car lease, phones and insurance – they carefully monitor their spending.
According to the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA), a couple in the UK needs around £43,900 a year for a moderate retirement lifestyle, which includes some holidays and meals out, while £60,600 supports a more comfortable retirement.
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She said: “We didn’t have to make any major lifestyle changes, maybe a few less foreign holidays and less expensive meals out. We’re just aware we have limited income.”
They work part time for company Homesitters, which places retired or semi-retired individuals in clients’ homes while the owners are away.
“On average, we earn £2,000 per year from this. This amount varies with how many assignments we undertake though.
Frank served over 22 years in the RAF before becoming a site manager at a special needs school, where Donna also worked. Image: Guy Gumm
They typically do about eight assignments a year, she said, which fit easily around family visits and holidays.
The assignments often take them to new parts of the country, giving them the chance to explore on a modest budget.
Their approach highlights the growing trend of retirees using flexible, low-stress side jobs to top up their income and maintain independence.
Currently, the UK state pension age is 66, rising to 67 between 2026 and 2028, and likely to increase again in future decades. The full new state pension is worth £230.25 a week, which equates to £11,973 a year.
Donna said: “We are confident that our financial planning will ensure our pension will sustain us for the rest of our retirement. When we begin to draw our state pension, we will be even more secure.”
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