When I worked, it was only ever part time. My income now is marginally higher that 10, even 15 years ago. Yet costs of everything else has risen. I've been working on a new monthly budget, and came across a few old receipts and list of expenditures. The increases are large. One thing I'm reluctant to cut back on is food, as I'm a firm believer that what we eat affects our health. I've been pouring over "eating on a budget" and "cut your food bills" articles, and I already do many of the ideas suggested. As I bet many *unprepared* pensioners on here already do. Ex had an excellent salary, but I don't think he's any more prepared than I was. Having a good income doesn't guarantee being in a good position upon retirement.