Financial advice

Pearsonb · Post by **Pearsonb** » Tue 26 Nov 2013 13:10

My 92 year old dad is planning to move permanently to France next year. He has various pensions and other assets. I am looking into the steps he needs to take and am wondering if it worth paying for advice from one of the specialist firms.

I am in the French pension system and know nothing about the UK system. I have a masters degree in economics, trained as a chartered accountant and am numerate. Can I sort this out myself?

Thanks.

Post by **Kate** » Tue 26 Nov 2013 17:36

We are doing the same thing at the moment Pearson, and taking advice from John Lansley of the Spectrum group, who lives in the area. So far, he seems to know what he's talking about (bearing in mind that I don't!) and there is no charge for his advice - payment is commission on any investments etc. One of the main things he is helping us (not) to do is to pay more tax then we need.
John Lansley
Tel: +33 6 42 23 94 95
john.lansley@spectrum-ifa.com

Bon courage by the way!! I'm already stressed just thinking about it. Mine's a young 'un though. He's only 91!

russell · Post by **russell** » Tue 26 Nov 2013 21:12

We used these people to plan our move to France 10 years ago and set up pensions etc: http://www.siddalls.net and have had good service ever since.

As with Kate's contact, advice is free.

Russell.

Santiago · Post by **Santiago** » Tue 26 Nov 2013 23:46

You can probably work it out for yourself but if you want to pay for advice, pay a set fee to an independent rather than trying to get "free" advice. That advice is tied to commissions so you will be sold the package that makes the adviser the most most money and it's very unlikely to be the best package for you.

Post by **Kate** » Wed 27 Nov 2013 07:11

These people ARE independant. Not everybody is a rogue or scoundrel - there are some decent IFAs around who genuiney work in the interest of the client. It is not to their advantage to give duff advice, as they are hoping to manage your financial affairs in the future. The more money you make from investment, the more they make. Of course there are some villains and profiteers around as in every walk of life, but you can't go tarring them all with one brush.

malcolmcooper · Post by **malcolmcooper** » Wed 27 Nov 2013 08:22

I can second Kate. John Lansley looks after my pension and I'm very happy with what he's done for me.

Smiley G · Post by **Smiley G** » Wed 27 Nov 2013 09:53

You may need to spend some time researching healthcare.
Your father will need to join the French healthcare system, for this I recommend a trip to CPAM in Perpignan with all the paperwork he will need. In addition, you will need to look at "top-up" insurance as I understand they are now asking for evidence that a mutuelle is in place. Exclusive Healthcare sell policies for those with pending CMU applications.
Having said all that, if your father is eligible for an S1, his healthcare costs, that would normally be paid for by France, will be paid for by HMG. He will still need top-up insurance unless he can demonstrate he has the funds to meet shortfalls.

Phipplebert · Post by **Phipplebert** » Wed 27 Nov 2013 22:58

Another John fan here. We would recommend him too.

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Financial advice

Financial advice