🍔 From Flame-Grilled to Fully Funded: Planning for Retirement One Meal at a Time
Jun 10
2 min read
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Let’s imagine you and your partner are both 66 today. You’re both entitled to a full state pension, which just about covers your basic needs—food, utilities, a roof over your head.
You’ve sold the car (too expensive). You’re not going on holidays. Your retirement plan? Watch some telly, visit the library, return your books on time to avoid fines.
But there’s one thing you really want…
🍟 A Weekly Treat
Once a week, you want to eat out.No taxis, no Ubers—you’ll walk. And you’ll order the same thing every time:
A large Whopper Meal at Burger King.Flame-grilled beef patty. Salad. That iconic swirl of ketchup. Perfection.
💷 So How Much Would That Cost You?
The meal currently costs £9.59.That’s £498.68 per year for one person, or £997.36 for both of you.
To guarantee this income for life, inflation-protected (LPI), with a 50% payout for your partner if you die first, you’d need approximately:
👉 £24,925 in your pension pot
That’s just to enjoy one Burger King meal per week, forever.
🍗 But What If You’re Feeling Fancy?
Let’s say you raise your game. You both want to go to Nando’s instead. Half chicken, chips, coleslaw, and a bottle of Fanta.
That’ll set you back £17 each, or £1,768 per year for both of you.
To cover that, factoring in inflation protection and some tax (since you’ll exceed your personal allowance with the state pension), you’d need around:
👉 £48,575 in your pension pot
So…
Nando’s may tempt you with the “HalloOoOoOoumi Sticks & Dip,”but if you only have £48,575 saved, I’m afraid you’ll have to skip them.
🧮 A Slightly Serious Point
Before you say you don’t want an annuity:
Yes, annuities aren’t the only way.
You might have tax-free cash.
Prices go up and down.
I’ve made some assumptions.
But the numbers won’t be wildly off.
🕰️ The Real Message
If you want any sort of life after work—whether that’s a cheeky Nando’s or just peace of mind—you need to plan for it today.
📌 What have you saved so far?📌 How much longer do you plan to work?📌 Do you have a plan at all?
It’s never too early to start thinking about your future.
This article is for information purposes and does not constitute financial advice, which should be based on your individual circumstances.
The value of pensions and any income from them can fall as well as rise. You may not get back the full amount invested.
Levels and bases of, and reliefs from, taxation are subject to change and their value will depend upon personal circumstances. Taxation and pension legislation may change in the future.
The value of pensions and any income from them can fall as well as rise. You may not get back the full amount invested.
