Living abroad tips and hints for money savers

droopsnout

seven-day-wonder wrote:

Welcome to the forum bu the way. You can be the honarary 'daughter' to us over-50s!

Indeed. But, Rachie, don't type so fast. I can't keep up!

seven-day-weekend

Torrox is around 30-45 minutes east of Malaga and Torrox Pueblo is lovely! (Torrox Costa leaves something to be desired, imho).

Antequera I have not been to, but I would say about the same, but inland, north of Malaga.

Although it is usually reasonably warm on the Costa, February and March are often cold and especially somewhere like Antequera where it is higher.

I live 1000m above sea level and it can be very cold.

Although it is still warmer than Wales or Wolverhampton!

droopsnout

Watch out for Living In Spain TV starting on Sky in May: http://www.livinginspain.tv/index.htm

donny-gal

Thanks for that droopsnout. I hope this one is realistic, as the one thing that does annoy is the black picture painted by the Panarama type of programs. The one recently was regarding health cover, which the people who had a problem should have known better. These people mainly lived around Torrevieja, where there is a big Private hospital, and a brand new public hospital built and opened with about 2 years. Did they show these improved facilities, no but a tiny clinic in Denia, miles away. Did they mention other new hospitals being built in the area to cover the increased population, no. One of the people complaining how much it had costs them, was someone on a RAF pension, one of the better pensions around, but they were trying to save money which backfired on them. It's not perfect, but then again it isnt perfect here either.

droopsnout

Understood. On the other hand, most of the "Live Abroad" type programmes I've seen on TV paint a misleadingly rosy picture.

I would certainly agree that what is needed is honesty - not sensationalism or an excuse to sell loads of books and magazines.

And as for that Nigel and Nippy rubbish ...

donny-gal

Just seen Living in Spain on one of the Overseas Property channels, with an estate agent saying the property market in booming. It's not dead but wouldnt call it booming. Talking about people buying for investment and rental, where we are there are far to many to rent, (we didnt wish to anyway), that and buying off plan is 25% cheaper, woul dispute that too. Some really good bargains on the second hand front.

As you say honestly would be great. Luckily we came out with our eyes open.

Looks like the rainy season is with you at the moment, hopefully it clears up by the end of the week. We've only had one good Easter out of three so far, and this one not looking promising either.

droopsnout

I'm in SW France - not too much rain so far, though it has been greyer than most springs. The daffies actually lasted more than a week!

missile

The only problem being an honest reflection of the situation is well boring. Similarly bad news and sensationalism sells newspapers. They need to pep it up and exagerate to get viewers / readers. Are people really that gullible? ............. of course they are - they voted for Tony Blair

droopsnout

... and Margaret Thatcher. And John Major.

Let's not get too political here ...

You're right, though. People do fall for all sorts of spin.

missile

I am embarassed to admit I voted for Blair too :-( It was meant as a joke, someone said we get the government we deserve!