How much is enough?
 

Hello all. This is my first visit to this section.

I am just about to retire. I will be looking to purchase a home. My annual salary in Euro will be around 45000. I am looking for advice on whether or not this is a sum that I could live on...either comfortably ...or just bumping along?

There is just my wife and me...and a spaniel:)

Any advice is gratefully accepted.

Mods...this is my FIRST post...if I am in the wrong place ..please move me;)

Re: How much is enough?
 

I assume you mean moving to France?

How will you purchase a property, or do you already own one? If so have you a mortgage?

We live on about that amount - possibly less - very comfortably, though we do have savings for emergencies, trips etc.

It depends very much on exchange rates - our pensions come from the UK and are taxed in the UK so to be fair there are times when we are not quite so comfortable but as my father used to say "You cut your cloth!!"

Re: How much is enough?
 

I assume you are talking after purchasing your home.
45,000 will sound like wealth beyond the dreams of avarice to many on here.
I think the poverty line is about 15000, and most reckon on needing a minimum income of 18 to 20 thousand. But there are some here I know who manage on a UK state pension!
It all depends on what life style you want, but 45K a year for a couple will be ample unless you want to live in Paris and eat at the Meurice every night.
I find 10 K covers all basic overheads - car service, fuel, insurance, house heating water electricity etc, medical (mutuelle). If you need to service a mortgage then add that on.
After that it depends what you want. We tend to eat out a fair bit which boosts it a bit. But we don't live in Paris. (Mind you my booze bill doesn't bear thinking about!)

Re: How much is enough?
 

Hi
Why don't you rent somewhere in France for 6 months and try to view France from a resident's point of view rather than as a tourist.
It will give you a chance to explore your chosen region and find out first-hand about costs.
It would also allow you to have a close look at property prices etc.
This way you don't have to worry about being tax-resident or healthcare and all the other things that you need to do when you live in France.
You will also be able to assess the cost of living for your own lifestyle.

Re: How much is enough?
 

We (3 of us) live on waaaaay less than that! No mortgage though, so that helps.

Re: How much is enough?
 

Yes, a very good idea to rent for a while.