chessie
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Posts posted by chessie
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Up-date; contacted Nationwide on-line customer services - and was met with extremely helpful, very courteous, very pleasant helpful response to my query.Couldn't speak too highly of them; got the answer I wanted, no problems - and provision of up-to-date statement requested by telephone, without any hassle.Maybe the on-line staff are more clued up - but I was quite impressed. And my problem's been solved.But very, very reassuring to know that a/c wouldn't be closed due to no longer being a UK resident - big sigh of relief from me.Always interesting to read comments - thanks for help.Chessie
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Been a long hard road, this one.For those who might have to go the same route (for remortgage or anything to do with UK finance institutions) here's what I've learned. Please note - this is advice spcifically for married woman, UK ex-Pats - because 'proof of ID' isn't easy.For 'proof of ID' so many of them want to have utility bills that give both names - ha ha b---y - this is France. Gas bills - uhmm don't use gas. Check your utility bills - are you listed as M and Mme - or just 'M' ? Because that will cause a problem. Don't know if it's possible, or how long it would take, to have second name included for water, telephone etc - but try.Passports; took ours to Notaire to be 'certified, and although I had taken exact words and terms (and it had to be written in English - the Finance bods wouldn't accept French) - the certificate wasn't accepted because it didn't state 'place' signed, nor did it carry the Notaire's 'qualification'. I had to point out, very strongly, that a Notaire is a Notaire, and that a Notaire is the qualification. (Thanks for advice on this to those that responded to previous post; I actually printed out some of the comments and sent them with the docs - didn't hear another word so your comments obviously helped to back me up - thanks for help).Bank accounts; oh beejaybers this did cause problems. If you do on-line banking then screen shots are of no help - you will need the .pdf document. What I didn't realise, because we have printed statements sent out here, is that our bank a/c statements are generated every 2 months for main account, and every 3 months for smaller account. No amount of .pdf-ing will download anyuthing up-to-date because the bank's computers won't generate statement until 'due date'. Ensure that your statements, either on-line or printed, are available monthly.In the end I had to ask bank to send 'Historical Transactions Summary' - which was accepted; but they had to be printed and sent out here, adding to the time delay. Because these finance bods want bank statements covering last 3 months - by the time you've got all that sorted out you now need to have an up-dated 'last month's statement' because those you've sent have become out-of-date !!!When asked for 'council tax bill' you will have to explain that the Tax de Hab and Tax de Fonc are the French equivalent out here; you'll still be asked for them.And this is another sticking point; only one referred to me - only one had my name included - and that was in my MAIDEN name. When I pointed this out I was told I would need a duplicate of marriage certificate. (Same with driving licence - Maiden name).So if this applies to you, get a copy (or 2) of the entry in the Register of Marriages; doesn't cost much - £10 - and can take about a week or so, but if you have this already available can save time.Savings accounts; again if you only receive yearly statements be prepared to either dig your heels in and say that is what is provided by the organisation; you might also have to phone investment company, explain the situation in the hope they will send out up-to-date savings statements (for which they'll make a small charge).I have hit so many snags, hiccups, delays and sheer 'tick box' responsese, getting the 'it is mandatory and nothing we can do' comments, I've been on the verge of banging my head against the wall.However, we got there in the end. Oh, and couldn't send docs by FedEx - seemed they couldn't accept large, bubbled envelope, so had to use La Poste and 'Avis de Reception'. Sent those off with crossed fingers but they did arrive quite safely, and within 4 days.This whole episode has been rather stressful; with Christmas and New Year hols (in UK) thrown into mix it's taken longer than it should have - but we got there.I hope any of the above info is of help to anyone in similar situation - just be prepared !!!I think I might have been a nuisance on here with some requests, but I've always found replies and support of great help - and I really do appreciate advice given - thanks to those who've taken the time.Regards - Chessie
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Oh I loved all that - made me laugh. Does sum up this country though.......Just a thought; maybe the bank already 'holding' the account didn't want to lose it, so they were damned if they were going to be of much help - because it's a drop in account numbers, and amount of euros going through branch, with possible 'knock-on' effects, ie reduction in opening hours.That's something else I think some of us certainly find difficult out here. One week local branch is open 5 days a week, 6 hours a day - following week hours reduced and only open the 4 days a week. Aaaarrrggghhhhh !!!!
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Thank you - that's wonderful news. Had a horrible feeling that if I made 'changes' I'd get the brusque response -'Not living in UK, not entitled' - but it seems as though, once opened in UK (as I had done long before moving to France) they are then quite happy to accept you've moved out of UK, and will let you keep and continue the a/c - with no problems.That is so, so reassuring - thank you very much for taking the time - greatly appreciated - and quite a bit of a weight off my shoulders, must admit.Merci - Chessie
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Here's another 'high finance' question for you all !!The advice about UK bank or building societies is to 'open whilst in UK' - then keep accounts open whilst living in France. (Best bit of general financial advice ever).I have a Nationwide savings account (not on-line banking); can I keep using this whilst living in France; would they accept my french address for receipt of statements etc ?Don't want to upset present arrangements - but might have to...(long, long story and I won't bore anyone), but up-to-date info and advice would be very, very gratefully received.Thank you - Chessie
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Thanks everyone for your help and guidance - very useful and helpful suggestions.But I've cracked it - and it is nothing to do with my PC.It's very complicated - bear with me if you're interested. But here goes.I needed this bank statement print-out for a mortgage broker. The instructions from them, which HAVE to be complied with are 'NO screen shots of bank statements - must be a .pdf document' - ie a direct copy of the computer generated bank account statement.Here's the quirky bit - that totally threw me. If you have on-line banking you can see all your bank transactions right up to the last 24 hours. But - if you want a .pdf print out you will NOT be able to print up to the last 24 hours - the .pdf will ONLY print out the computer generated statement that is generated either once a month, or once every two months, or once every three months.That's been my problem. I've needed a .pdf print-out of my bank account. My problem was that my bank account ONLY (up to yesterday) was computer generated once every THREE months - not much activity on it so no need for monthly statements. The main account only has a computer generated statement once every TWO months. So there was no point in trying to get a .pdf print-out which included the last 24 hours transactions - because it wasn't there in the bank's .pdf system - in fact I wouldn't have been able to get an up-to-date .pdf for one a/c until March for the main one, and April for the other. On screen it's possible to view transactions between any specific points, go back months if necessary - but you cannot download those transactions as a .pdf - 'the computer says 'no' !!So none of the lovely suggestions you've all come up with would have been any help whatsoever - because the info wasn't on the bank's computer system in a .pdf format in the first place.On-line banking is great - until you have to hand over to a third-party details of your bank statements to 'prove' who you are, that you have XXX number of £££s/Euros floating in and out of your account and so they can check you're not money-laundering or anything else (that the 'elites' who make the rules get up to - and for which we have to suffer).In effect, what I was asking for from my bank didn't exist in the form I wanted. Screen shots are fine for personal use - but for a third party it MUST be the bank's computer generated .pdf; and if you are not aware of it, the computer statement might only be up-dated every two months or every three months.Had long on-line chat last night to try to get this sorted - and the above is what was explained to me which I had not known. So I've put it this info out there just in case - at some time in the future - someone else might find it useful or helpful.I've also now changed the timings for our accounts; the computer generated accounts are now to be done monthly so, if needed, I'll be able to download two .pdfs from the bank up to the end of January (but that's only going to be available after 2 February so there's still a delay !!) It's amazing what I've learned, and rather wish I hadn't because it's been a very frustrating time. But I now know that what I was asking for wasn't possible anyway - because of the bank's system of providing the .pdf docs.So although I won't need to follow-up any of the suggestions I'd like to thank you for your kindness in trying to help me out. As always, I'm very impressed with the knowledge people have - and are willing to share.Thank you all very much. Now I just have to hope that Adobe Acrobat won't fall off the tight-rope next time I ask it to do something .......!!!!Chessie
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Thanks for your help everyone.I have listed the programmes which my bank uses; it is necessary to have one of those programmes on your pc to enable you to download - and print the statement that appears on screen, and which covers the dates specified - the ones I've listed are those listed by my the bank.Please don't tell me I can't do it; this is what the bank itself has told me; this is what those of us who bank on-line have to be able to do from time to time. I can read my statements on line; I can make transfers between accounts; I can make payments to others from our accounts.What I cannot do - is download to my pc - and then print out a statement - it is not possible because I do not have one of the software programmes that my bank supports/uses. I have tried using AdobeAcrobat; when I have 'downloaded' - I get the message 'unable to read because no supporting programme - error 00000.06xc (?) - or similar. But Adobe refuses to co-operate. It can Acrobat all over the damn place as far as I'm concerned if only it worked - but it isn't, it won't. It is no good these wretched banks asking us if we want to bank on-line, and NOT to receive our monthly paper statements - if it is impossible to download and print our own statements.That;s all I want; that is perfectly normal. It is what we are expected to do. That is what I would do - if only this b---y pc had any one of the programmes I have listed.All I wanted to know was whether anyone had used them; which could be recommended; which ones can I download (with English please as I need to understand clearly) - for free- and if they are easy to use.That's all.Chessie
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OK - I'm a dumbo when it comes to this modern techno - so guidance in simple words of one syllable much appreciated.I need to download statements to print out from my UK bank.This pc is running Windows 7 HP.I am unable, totally unable to download and print bank statements at the moment.My bank uses -Microsoft Money97 (ofc file)Microsoft Money (ofx file)Quicken 2001 onwards (ofx file)Sage Line 50 (ofx file)Microsoft Excel, Lotus 123, Text (CSV file) -NONE of which is here on my pc, not one flippin' one.Now I've tried to download my bank statements; they 'seem' to be read by AdobeAcrobat - but when I try to open and print I get the message 'can't be read - error 00000---- or file has been damaged'.Desperately need to print these statements. Seems as though I have to download some programme first; Microsft Money97 not avail; Microsft Money/Sun ofx - doesn't seem to allow printing of bank statements.Does anyone have a recommendation on which programme I should download, to run on Windows 7, - for free (if poss 'cos I'm not likely to want to do this again);and which will definitely let me download and print off my bank statements -but which will be easy to download - and easy to use.:Please, clever techie bods - I'm in a bit of a hole here, and need help - please.Thanks - Chessie
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I'm being driven to distraction by UK mortgage company... so if I seem a bit irritated please have patience !!We need to have our passports and driving licenses 'authenticated' - got this done, using the EXACT wording as requested by UK company and sent to UK.Got reply - 'Not acceptable' - because the Notaire had not dated it, nor put his 'qualifications' nor his web-site address - despite including Notaires business card with the written authentication.Returned to Notaire to ask for new 'authentication' (ie copies of passports signed as 'true likeness' and dated etc etc'.Asked about qualifications - highly indignant - 'A Notaire IS a qualification madam'.... !!Now we all know that Notaire is the highest ranking legal position - but how on earth do I convince a UK company of this - who seem to be very, very obstructive over this whole issue.Can anyone please advise what the letters 'SCP' indicate after an Avocat's name ? Might help if I know what the difference is, because I might still have a battle with UK mortgage company over this difference.As for web-sites - do many Notaires and Avocats out here have their own - get this - 'verifiable web-sites' !!! ??At least the sun is shining (here anyway) - no more grey skies and rain for a few days - maybe Spring's on the way !!!Chessie
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I can understand your point, Wooly - and if we lived in a lovely old stone house with solid wals I'd probably not worry too much.But you missed what I said earlier; this is a NEW build; no stone walls - but the new, wonderful, properly insulated, draught free - MODERN bit of rubbish (which I loathe, detest, and hate... but that's another story).I'm living a house I HATE - as far as I'm concerned the dear little thing can chew everything so the roof falls down and the place crumbles to bits; however, I don't think financially that's a very goode plan, do you ?Maybe simply because the French have the solid wall homes they haven't worried too much about this dear little dormouse; but now there are more new builds perhaps the French might, in time, begin to realise that the dear little dormouse and modern housing materials are not a very good match.In the meantime, enjoy your lovely old stone house - you won't have this little creature behind the walls chewing the electric cables, the plaster and the insulating materials - be grateful for that.But we do - and we have - and I simply wanted to know if putting a trap high up on one of the garage shelves might enable us to trap and move this dear little creature - that's doing damage to our home.Maybe the idea of sticking pins in a picture of this Loir might do the trick....!!!!
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Wrong assumptions young man !! My partner doesn't snore for one; secondly if he did and it kept me awake - I'd soon wake him up.......!! - or move myself into a spare bedroom.Anyway - none of your -------- business. We have a 'dear little pest' that is chewing the fabric of our home. Leave this dear little thing alone long enough and the walls might come crumbling down - you want to make us homeless !!There are no 'gaps' into which we could put a stick wrapped with a diesel soaked cloth. There is nowhere we can put mothballs that would be effective. This dear little 'thing' is chewing its way behind the plasterboards...... causing damage - and you think we should let it be.Anyone know an effective bit of witchcraft ? - that might be our only answer.
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Normally I would agree with you.I do NOT, hoever, wish to poison or kill it - I just want it to become uncomfortable, to bcome worried or frightened - whatever - so it will leave us in peace.As for 'it's not hurting anyone' - I'm not sure that is a very sensible or helpful comment; I understand that it can do incredible damage chewing, and gnawing through stuff including electrical cabling.Which could lead to a house fire - which might 'hurt' us........So I want to know if it is possible to 'drive it out'; maybe I should try witchcraft !!!!
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We live in a fairly new build 'villa' (14 years old).We're sure we've got one of these loir in the walls of the house.We've heard scratchings from behind the plasterboards separating one wall from another. It is definitely there - behind the plasterboard - and the gap is only small.So what is it eating ?We can't get up into the attic to put down any kind of trap - because we have no roof access space to the attic from any of the rooms. The only access we have is from the attached garage which is open to the attic space over the rest of the house. But the roof space and supporting wall is very high; and then there is very little head height from the ceiling of the rooms below up to the roof. So we lie in bed at night listening to this thing chewing away .... we hit the walls to make it move away but damned if we know whre it goes - but it returns again. I've heard it in the ceiling above my study as well.Don't know where to put any trap, even if they work. Do they work?; would this creature move away from the inside the interior plasterboard walls to go in search of something tasty like peanut butter?And would a French pest control company be able to do anything to help rid us of this demon scratcher ?Feels as though the place is haunted at the moment with the scratching behind walls going on - fortunately I don't have a very vivid imagination !!Help appreciated please -Chessie
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Idun - I am very impressed if you have found a way round the money laundering eu and finance rules, regulations and diktats; maybe you could share how you did that.You must be very wealthy, or have high level 'friends' and connections.I do not. I have had to do exactly what was required; certified copies of passport etc etc etc.Just for info you might this link interesting -http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/shopping-and-consumer-news/11804682/How-your-entire-financial-life-will-stored-in-a-new-digital-vault.htmlYou will see there reference to what is required these days.Your comments about fire damage, although interesting, aren't really anything to do with my problem. In such cases one would, presumably, be dealing face to face with fire authorities, the police, insurance assessors.I am having to deal with a London company, via telephone and e-mail, from here in France. It is MANDATORY on them to have evidence that I am who I say I am - and there is no way round it - unless you know otherwise.- - - - -Will let everyone know my progress; and thanks for help and advice about posting; one envelope it will have to be - but there's my life, all in one parcel !!!Happy New Year everyone.Chessie
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Oh dear - I'm going to seem so grumpy - but wonder if others feel like this....Before we moved to France we had big family Christmases, all kinds of get-to-gethers, Christmas lunch, plenty of family and friends coming round.Loved to put up the Christmas decorations and all the foodie preparations.Out here, not the same. No family - so no large numbers for Christmas meal. Friends all seem to live distances away - so no 'just popping round'.... Some friends 'disappear' at Christmas - foreign parts or back to the UK.So not really very social time. Each year I'm less and less inclined to put up the Tree and the decorations; just don't see much point in it - not really interested.Now writing that down makes me seem like a real grouch; but I'm not, I quite like Christmas, but it's not the fun it was.... and this French place doesn't have windowsills for a start; don't want to put marks on the ceilings to hang the twinkly things, no bannisters to decorate....... Christmas wreath on the door - only seen by us.We do have a (fake) tree; we have put lights on the trees outside, and the cards are on display.. so we're not totally non-Christmasy.... just my heart's not in it anymore.Is anyone honest enough to admit that, given the choice, they'd probably not bother with putting up many Christmas decorations - happy to keep it to a minimum ?Go on - let's have some truth from you all !!!!!!!!!Oh - and Happy Christmas (Shame there isn't a Santa icon)
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Will come back to this in next few days.But, very quickly, YES Idun - thank you very much indeed for your concern about me, and this institution - but they are a guaranteed company, checked by MY solicitor - it is a genuine financial institution - but not a bank.They are not just 'accepting' a photocopy of a passport; it is a copy of my passport, which has to be seen personally by our French Notaire, and photocopied by Notaire, and which he has to counter-sign. And they will only accept a signed photocopy from a French Notaires which also has a web-site - so that the UK side can check that the Notaires are genuine !!!Wouldn't mind if were millions of £££s involved - sadly not !!!Chessie
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The problem, Idun, is that the organisation has specifically said that it will NOT accept certified copies of anything (except passport) - no matter how many stamps on a photocopy and even if signed by Monsier Hollande himself - wouldn't be accepted. 'Originals only' was the response - no option - 'that's the rules (to combat money laundering and fraud). Faxed documents - they laughed - not aceptable. You might find it 'strange'; I find a blasted, nuisance - and a huge worry.They have insisted that all the 'proof of identity' HAS to be original. Everything that identifies me as me - all originals - to be despatched to them. The non-acceptance and non-understanding of the european system of using a married woman's maiden name is just so frustrating. And before anyone says 'try another organisation' - this one said that it was for ex-pats and that they 'understood the problems' etc etc (rubbish).But like all organisations, they have to abide by the rules; and these are the rules under the eu's directives on money laundering.If I was doing this to get my hands on the millions waiting for me in a swiss bank account from a gentleman in Nigeria I might not be quite so annoyed. And frustrated.Chessie
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Sorry - was not meant to sound like an 'outburst' - just a wail of sheer frustration that some bod in London thought it would be easy to change my name on french 'tax de hab'.Yes, my maiden name is on my driving licence, and the legal stuff when we bought the house.It's just, when I really looked, I was surprised that some of the regular bills are addressed only to OH - had never thought of it until now.And as for the paying of the bills - OH likes to sort them himself - who am I to dare interfere with how 'he' prefers to run things. As long as they're paid - and I know I can trust him, and I see the bank statements not a problem.It's just the thought of everything about me, all the legal and official docs, having to be sent out of France, entrusted to who knows who.... that's what's causing me angst.Consider - copies of passport, original bank statements, proof of income and pensions, and savings, and marriage certs - all with NI numbers etc - anyone just picking up such an 'envelope' has an easy access to fraud or 'adopt a different identity'. It's all going to be there, in one packet.No wonder I'm getting paranoid; everything I have to prove me is me - is going to be in a parcel, being handed on from bod to bod........Just wondered if someone had encountered similar problems - and how they dealt with it.
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Here's a conundrum - anyone explain ?For legal/financial reasons I have to convince an organisation in UK I am who I say I am.French Solicitor to confirm copy of passport and other docs - OK - tick box.Bank accounts, joint - show both names - OK - tick box.Then I got asked for a utility bill showing MY name; all the bills are in my husbands name - there is only 1 which includes my name; that will do - OK - tick box.Then 'council tax' bill; right - the equivalent is the 'tax de hab'; I look at the bill more closely than I've ever done before - and got a surprise - it refers to me - in my MAIDEN name.... huh.So I'm living out here, in a home I jointly own - and the tax de hab refers to me in my MAIDEN name. When I pointed this out to the legal/financial bods in the UK - 'ah - oh dear - that's not a tick in the box then'.I explained that, like my driving licence - it appears to be the norm out here that women still retain their maiden names in official documents.Very very long pause from London - 'ahhhh - then can I suggest you phone the 'tax' people and ask them to change it, and use your married name, and re-issue the council tax form ?'Me - 'Don't really think that's possible; it seems to be the norm out here, and I'm not sure I could ask an official organisation to go through this rigmarole and change their system just for me' (fingers crossed that I'm fairly right about this). Comment from London - 'Hmmm - then you're going to have to let us have your marriage certificate as well...............- the original mind....!!!'AAAAARRRRGGGGHGHHHHHHHHHHHI know it's the 'money laundering' rules etc etc - but it really feels like the Spanish Inquisition at the moment - no-one in authority seems to want to believe that I'm me, and I'm telling the truth about me and they need proof about everything. Feel like sending them drops of blood and some hair for DNA testing.Has any other married woman encountered this problem before when dealing with UK authorities ? And if so, how did you deal with problem ?Chessie
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Thanks everyone for very helpful advice.Would love the chance to 'hop on a plane' - but not feasible - sadly.Coments about Le Poste (and I've had problems with them before) do confirm my feelings that 'anything else' is the way to go.Will try the FedEx link first; need to have some docs counter-signed by local Notaire as well - why is life so complicated !!!Thanks - as always, very helpful advice and much appreciated.Happy Christmas - Chessie
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Can't find previous refs to this - so many apologies if already been asked.Find myself having to send some - almost irreplaceable - legal and financial documents to solicitors in UK. Letters and documents using letter post - not parcel.Extremely worried they might 'get lost'. Have used the French 'avis de reception' service before now - but that was only from French addres to another French address.What should I do; what service can be recommended as throughly reliable and trustworthy as possible - and what should I be asking for at Le Poste.Really concerned about having to do this; would very much welcome advice and info as these documents are so extremely important I'm also scared to let them out of my hands !! When I brought them from UK out here I hand-carried them and wouldn't let them out of my sight - I know I'm paranoid, but really worried.Advice appreciated....Chessie
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Oh dear - if I've misunderstood something - then I so apologise - my fault.But as I understand it, the WFA is ONLY for UK residents, and those in 'colder' eu countries than France - and we all know what was behind that decision and how 'they' arrived at it; crafty little b----rs fiddling the stats - not so pea-brained after all.But for someone living in France to receive the WFA then they MUST have a UK address - no other way around it. So using a UK address to receive a benefit which is not payable in France isn't just being 'naughty' - that is fraud.........
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Oh dear - some rather snide sweeping comments here - not very nice.It is possible to keep one's UK bank a/c, to have one's UK pensions, state and government, paid into UK bank accounts, and have a french bank account - AND be part of the French tax system.We have, we are - and we will not receive the WFA this year.So be careful about making unfounded accusations without full knowledge of circumstances. Run the risk of libel there, so be careful.
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Thanks everyone for your help.Went back, tried to log-in in normal way, got the same web-page asking if I wanted to change password - 'for security'. I then re-checked the page and decided to click on the button 'not now' - and was moved immediately to my e-mail page.The same web-page has come up on a couple more occasions, each time I've clicked the 'not now' button, and each time then been moved straight to e-mails.So it does appear a genuine Orange web page; for some reason Orange think I should change password - but it's such a complicated mix that I've never used it for anything else, so I wish Orange would stop 'nagging' me !!Everything seems to be OK - so I was obviously being paranoid for no reason !!!As always, very helpful bods on here willing to give advice - so much appreciated.Thank you - Chessie
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