11 May 2013 20:53:

Yes very off topic but you could be describing Canada here, it's no different, public workers get higher wages, shorter working hours better benefits, iron clad job security and of course a gold plated pension at 55.

On topic thanks so much for the EU link, had no idea, my wife worked for 7 years Germany than 7 years in Spain and now have returned to Germany where hopefully the company will buy here out at age 60 (10 years from now)

It should be noted that autonomo SS payments are for healthcare, unemployment benefits and pension. The pension it's self is basicly a defined benefit plan meaning pay this much and you'll get this, pay more and get more.

I have a friend who retired and paid the max for I think 15 years as autonomo and now gets 1300 a month times 14. She also worked in Canada many many years ago and gets a piddling 100 CDN a month.

Recently the Conservative Goverment gave Gen X (those following the baby boomers a nice kick in the nuts by raising the pension age to 67, I'm not affected but my wife is.

Thread: GB versus Spanish Pensions

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02 Apr 2013 18:27:

they can be ordered online at Eurocar.es

I bought mine from a local dealer, just emailed him and I expect he can provide it as well, for a fee that is

 

rob

Thread: Certificate of conformity for Spanish registered car

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03 Mar 2013 17:16:

important point that not everyone will agree with, move to an area with loads of expats, yes it will feel "less Spanish" but when you need something you'll be soooo happy that you live in an area that caters to exapts, i.e. they speak English

Thread: so confused about healthcare & prescriptions for non-pensioners

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03 Mar 2013 16:54:

"I love living in Spain. Where I live is quite rugged & is surrounded by wonderful mountains and views. I have made some very long standing frendships with a number of the locals (including my wife)."

I see this comment quite often and am curious do you converse mostly in Spanish/English or a mix of both. I can’t see you fitting in unless your fluent in the language

Thread: Are you happy with spain, how long you lived here and where?

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09 Feb 2013 18:29:

Where the heck did you find healthcare for 52 bucks a month?

On the SS thing, a lot of people (me included) pay only a few months a year, enough to fly under the radar and then simply declare their income at the end of the year and pay the appropriate taxes. Will this still work with the goverment desperate to get it's hands on as much mon as possible I don't know, but if the choice is between paying your rent and paying SS I'd opt out for a bit.

Thread: autonomo

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