Living abroad tips and hints for money savers

brodev

We bought our house in Estepona 14 years ago. We have been very happy there, we had nice neighbours and friends. Our daughter met a Portuguese lad,got married and had a son. Hence our move to Praia da Luz, where we are also very happy. There are differences but there are lots of similarities. The language is difficult. We had fairly good "resaurant Spanish" but although the written language looks very similar the pronunciation of Portuguese is totally different. I would like to sell the house in Estepona but in the current market it is not easy.

Savvy_Sue

worrypants wrote: »

wonder if it could be moved to a titale of its own?

Welcome worrypants.

If we get over-run by younger expats, this thread may be moved elsewhere although I'm not sure where! However, because this is a UK moneysaving site it's unlikely to get its own board (or separate discussion area, if you prefer).

Whenever I see anyone asking about living abroad, I do mention this thread and assure them that we don't ask to see a birth certificate before they join in.

Actually I'm a bit of an interloper myself, I qualify on age but not on living abroad! :rotfl:

donny-gal

Sue you are also welcome anytime! :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: As long you don't want to stop us nattering!
DG

droopsnout

Savvy_Sue wrote: »

this is a UK moneysaving site it's unlikely to get its own board

Thanks for the info, Sue, but I feel that this is an inadequate justification.

I guess it depends on whether you are limiting the site to the UK geographically, or to UK subjects wherever they may live. Naturally, I prefer the second!

Who contributes to this board: the UK land mass or UK (and sometimes other) citizens*? Do UK subjects not need to continue to look after their financial interests in the UK as well as in their new chosen country? Are the decision-makers at MSE aware of just how many Brits emigrate each year? Is it known at MSE just how many ex-pats there are? Is it realised that the ex-pat community is no longer made up only of well-to-do, gin-swigging civil servants, but of people of all natures who have decided to look for a different dimension to life, whether temporary or permanent?

In recent weeks, we have had younger people come here for advice. Why not make it easier for them and stop pretending that it's only over-50s who fly the British nest?

For the many people who may be considering emigration, what else does MSE offer? Where can they find out further info from this Board? Yet the implication is that you have to be over 50 to change countries. What patent nonsense!

Sure, if you want, leave us old codgers here to waffle to each other about the pros and cons of international incontinence pads, but there should really be somewhere for the younger ones, too, to find out info as they start to put their ideas together, save their money, seek advice as to the best bargains on removals, legal expenses, etc., etc. So, please, either start a new forum elsewhere so that they can, or else move this forum into another area of the Board so that we aren't just a bunch of grey-haired, blue-rinsed, big-bummed burblers.

"This is a UK moneysaving site" ... You should add, "and so we don't give a stuff about you if you feel like moving abroad."

That's not really the ethos of Martin's Board, is it?

* Yes, I know we're not strictly citizens ...

donny-gal

Consider carefully, Sue, this is a nice friendly site, please don't place us in one of the silly/nasty areas, I would much rather the nice younger ones come to us here!

seven-day-weekend

[quote=droopsnout;16443793
* Yes, I know we're not strictly citizens ...[/quote]

Yes we are ! At least I am. I am Spanish Resident but I have not changed my nationality.

I have a house in the UK, bank accounts, a dentist and am still registered to vote as a non-resident voter.

Therefore I am still interested in what goes on in the UK, moneysaving or otherwise.

And I agree droopsnout, I think an expat board is justified too.

droopsnout

donny-gal wrote: »

Consider carefully, Sue, this is a nice friendly site, please don't place us in one of the silly/nasty areas, I would much rather the nice younger ones come to us here!

I see the problem. But how would they know where to find us if we stay here?

donny-gal

Dunno, but it depends on where they suggest they move it, or have two? A new one for everyone, and still keep this as I am sure some would pickup on our older comments! We could link to both.
DG

droopsnout

seven-day-weekend wrote: »

Yes we are ! At least I am. I am Spanish Resident but I have not changed my nationality.

I have a house in the UK, bank accounts, a dentist and am still registered to vote as a non-resident voter.

Therefore I am still interested in what goes on in the UK, moneysaving or otherwise.

And I agree droopsnout, I think an expat board is justified too.

Sorry, s-d-w. But you're not a UK citizen. In the UK, we are Her Majesty's subjects. A small distinction, but crucial in democracies. That's what we get for having a monarchy!

missile

If you have spanish residency you are entitled to all the benefits same as a spanish national. Although many do, you are no longer entitled to claim UK benefits like free dentist and doctor.

Big brother works slow, but they will get you eventually. A freind of mine had been getting free prescriptions from UK, but they were caught out. I am sure you are NOT claiming benefit to which you may not be entitled and it is none of my business, but please be advised DWP have a new "snitch on your neighbour" line here in spain. see http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/BenefitFraud/DG_10014876

What is benefit fraud?
........
+ not reporting they are going abroad, living abroad, or have changed address