Suppose we ought to get our cards sorted soon – only two weeks to go, after all.” Chris chose his words carefully. Helen was never interested in Christmas. If it wasn’t for him, they wouldn’t even have the tree standing in the hall. If you reached state pension age before 6 April 2016, you'll get any state pension based on your husband, wife or civil partner's National Insurance contribution when you claim your own pension. It’s me!” cries Malcolm, fishing it out with his fingertips. We agreed he’s a much better actor than me. Certainly not,” I say. “A girl has to have at least one secret. But I can tell you, my wish does come true every year.” On the day we make our Christmas pudding, I add silently, smiling.

I must say, I wish our dentist would do that. In fact, I think it would go down a treat with adults, don’t you? You can also apply for National Insurance credits, which can fill gaps in your record. You can also do this by paying voluntary contributions. We’re all squashed around our dining table, a bowl each brimming with stodgy fruity steam and fusion of toffee.He’d hoped it might change once they were married, but two years on, Helen’s opinion was exactly the same. Christmas was expensive – over-rated – an excuse to over-indulge in food and drink – and something she couldn’t wait to be over. Helen found herself dabbing a little of the “Here and Now” on her hand and inhaling carefully. The smell was familiar and as she sat there the faces of people she knew drifted through her mind.

It started when my old bike finally came to bits because I hadn’t covered it properly during the last winter. I don’t think that perfume agreed with you. Try this one – it’s called ‘Here and Now’ – you might like it better.She lined up the essential oils and dyes on the table in front of her and began to stir her soap base on the hob.

You paid less National Insurance (NI) and didn't get the additional state pension, and the money you saved in NI was put into your workplace or private pension. What if I've been contracted out? Of course we can,” Audrey smiled. “We’ll just see what the boys are up to in the raft contest first.” Meanwhile, I had my own adventure this week. I nearly got eaten up by a tent. I’m not actually joking. How do you qualify for the state pension? - read our guide to eligibility How do I get a state pension forecast?

So the whole office had gone to Bruges and not bothered to ask her. She didn’t need to feel guilty about not buying Christmas cards now. Julia scolded herself instantly for overreacting. Whoever he was, he had a lovely smile and looked harmless enough. She was sure he was local. Julia moved towards the door and he hurried off, raising an apologetic hand. She was good at spotting potential customers and this one had clearly just been browsing. She jumped onto the escalator. There was still time to buy a card for Chris. And when she got home she’d light the fire, open a bottle of mulled wine and maybe they could watch one of those cheesy Christmas films together. Finally, you can defer your state pension, which allows you to increase up your state pension by delaying when you take it. When can I claim state pension? spouses, civil partners, widows and widowers who will no longer be able to claim or inherit a state pension based on a partner's NI contributions

On Friday evening, it’s my zoom chat with some old school friends. One of them is the sailing granny I mentioned before who has just finished first in one of the clipper races.

No skeletons are safe in their cupboards with you around, Ivy!” Julia teased. “And careful there – I’m a city girl too,” she added. Julia ventured closer to find out what was wrong. Mark held up a broken beer bottle and glanced at his watch in exasperation.