I agree with Jane's thinking provided you are happy to lose the fireplace and the finished floor allows for the plumbing installation. Much cheaper than extending the footprint, and doesn't result in difficult lightwell access.
Being financially independent so as not to rely on the government is a valid goal.
However as long as we pay taxes we will always be interdependent, and if in their infinite wisdom the government provides a tax incentive I can take advantage of I will not reject it.
In regard to dependence...
We know our direct neighbours names and a couple of others in the street but we don't know their kids names and wouldn't necessarily know them if we met them in a different environment. We don't have street parties and keep mostly to ourselves unless we need some loan documents witnesssed in...
I started with nothing and have kept most of it...
Our family was lower middle class.
My father was a storeman/forklift driver, mother stayed home and looked after the seven kids.
My dad never earned a fortune but he built our home, sent all the kids to catholic school, and paid off the...
I'm easily pleased but something's things just rub me the wrong way.
I don't give a rats how good the food or the service is, if I'm getting ripped that's the last time I'm going there. :eek:
That's assuming that you love what you do. For me work simply gets in the way of things I want to do.
Retirement does not necessarily mean you sit on your hands and do nothing.
Clearly there are some people who cannot work and therefore need ongoing support throughout life.
There are others who fall on hard times and need support while they get back on their feet.
Then there are even more people who will never earn enough money even working overtime to get a decent...