France Made Simple

If you are living in France or planning to move there, then you are going to have specific questions and potential issues when it comes to pension provision and UK pension transfers and payments. We answer some of your questions in this first episode. And stay tuned for part two!

Our resident financial expert Davis Lawson explains how the recent UK budget might affect those of us in France.

Using my newly gained personal experience of moving from one end of France to the other following my recent separation (and as a result of numerous cock ups on my part…), I’ve come up with a list of ten things that will make your move go more smoothly!

Following on from our hugely successful webinar on the 17th October, co-hosted by yours truly, we take another look at some of the most popular questions that were asked and some of those we didn’t get time to answer. Don’t miss the next FREE webinar, this Thursday the 7th November and you can register quickly and easily here : https://www.fabexpat.com/upcoming-webinars/

Well if you’re not, you’re lucky! Most of us are and are plagued by questions such as, how much am I going to get, when will I get it and how to I get it? Let alone, how do I get it to France and is it taxable? But never fear, in this episode our resident pensions guru Dave Lawson talks us through everything you need to know about the UK state pension. Listen in and don’t hesitate to ask questions...

Welcome to episode 1 of our mini series! It’s all about money and getting your finances sorted out so that you can relax and really enjoy your life in France. We chat to Survive France’s resident financial guru Dave Lawson from deVere France about how working with a financial planner can help ensure a stress free future.

We take a look at all the best sites for online shopping in France. Whether you are after clothing, DIY materials, electrical items, books or vintage decor, there are sites where you can order online and either ‘click and collect’ or have stuff delivered to your door. Have a listen and please do feel free to add your own recommendations in the comments below!

This is a really short one just to give you a heads up about the webinar I am doing on the 17th of October (which is also my birthday!); you’ll be able to get your questions answered by a relocation expert, plus a French consul will be on hand to advise about visa applications, plus you get to meet me!

We take a quick look at the post Brexit changes that you need to factor in when buying items from the UK or posting gifts across the channel. Listen now and make sure you are up to speed before you start your Christmas shopping!

I share my thoughts (and opinions!) on what we all need to do when moving overseas to ensure that we live a happy and fulfilling life - wherever that may be!

We take a look at all the things you can do (big and small!) to reduce your outgoings on your French property and enable you to maximise your spending power, and really enjoy your life in France!

We take a quick look at all the things you can do to ensure you get through the winter months unscathed and stay nice and toasty warm to boot!

We take a look at what happens during the ‘back to school’ period known as La rentrée in France and explain everything you need to know!

How to add extra outdoor living space to your French property for alfresco wining and dining! Given the increasingly volatile weather we are getting these days, adding a sheltered space makes enormous sense and will maximise the time you can spend outdoors. We talk you through all the things you need to think about before getting your project of the ground.

For new arrivals who are already struggling to get to grips with the language, the wide range of French acronyms that are in use on a daily bais, can prove daunting to say the least! We talk you through the most frequently used terms to simplify your day to day life in France. And you can find a complete list here https://www.thoughtco.com/common-french-acronyms-and-abbreviations-4086490

We chat to Julia McKeivoir (as seen on C4’s Chateau DIY) about buying and renovating a massive 1790’s chateau in the south west of France. A must listen for anyone who loves old French properties! You can catch up with Julia on FB here https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560232607282 and read more about Paul and Julia here https://chateaudiy.com/chateau-larribau/

All you need to know when it comes to installing a pool in France! We look at where to site it, the type to choose, essential safety considerations and of course, all the paperwork that you need to complete. Check out the legal requirements here : https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F31404

We run though all the administrative procedures (and yes, there are quite a few…!) and discuss all the things you need to think about before signing on the dotted line. Check out vehicle prices here https://www.largus.fr/ see what help is available when buying here https://www.primealaconversion.gouv.fr/dboneco/accueil/ and register your new vehicle online here https://ants.gouv.fr/

Interior designer Benji Lewis tells us what he loves about the Les Landes region is the south west of France, reveals how he ended up here and gives his personal perspective on interior decor French style! A must listen for anyone who loves French houses! You can follow Benji on Instagram @benjilewisinteriors and check out his site www.benjilewis-design.com

We catch up with Sheelagh Gorman who’s the co-owner of Agence Newton and pick her brains on buying property in France! Sheelagh explains what potential buyers can get out of attending French property shows in the UK and reveals what buyers can expect when they use her agency. And you can see all the properties Agence Newton currently has for sale and get in touch with them here: https://www.agence...

We take a look at the differences between France and the UK when it comes to female healthcare and what you need to know when visiting the gynaecologist. Find a specialist near you here https://www.starofservice.com/

In this first episode of a three part mini series we look at everything you need to consider from a practical and emotional perspective when moving to France. As well as insider knowledge how from the host - a seasoned mover herself - we share tips, tricks and regrets from our listeners.

Visa and relocation guru Fabien from Fab French Insurance https://www.fabfrenchinsurance.com/ joins us to answer listeners questions on the tricky subject of getting a visa!

In this final episode we look at all the people and organisations you need to inform when you move within France. Notify the tax office, health providers, EDF etc here : https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/R11193 and register to vote here : https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/N47#1_3. Make sure your pets new address is registered here : https://www.i-cad.fr/ and d...

We look at everything you need to get done in the final month before your move and all the post Brexit rules and regulations that concern your move to a new life in France! Complete your customs declaration CERFA 10070 here https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/R42719?lang=en and get all the customs info you need at http://www.douane.gouv.fr/dossier/trouble-free-travel-french-custom...