Al R - as always, thank you for your professional perspective, which at least provides an element of optimism. Planning for the future is obviously good advice and common sense. One of the big problems now though is that many of us who enjoyed the RAF elected to waive earlier option points with a view to staying to 55. Financial plans, mortgages etc.. were predicated on a certain level of income (including flying pay) up to that point, which for me as a Nimrod directional consultant is now seriously at risk. The spectre of redundancy also means it's impossible to plan for anything over the next few years unless you have a guaranteed job lined up and volunteer to leave. Not sure what pension scheme comes with sales of 'The Big Issue' but it will be an interesting ride between now and then. Cheers anyway.