Originally Posted by snikpoh (Post 7475725)

I'm not so sure than an off-shore bond is the answer. I did that some time ago, I draw 5% monthly as income but have seen the value of the bond drop by over 30%!!!!!!

Had I kept the money in the bank, would I have been better off - who knows!

Isn't hindsight a wonderful thing.

Originally Posted by Kat Oakley (Post 7475741)

Indeed that wonderful thing called hindsight!!! However, now is in fact a good time as the market has dropped so much and has hopefully bottomed out - watch this space - as for leaving the money in the bank - they are offering such little returns and who would have thought that banks would go bust like they have in the 21st century - let's hope the trend is on the up for you (and indeed all of us, though I do like the low monthly mortgage repayments - still cant win them all)

Originally Posted by Benan (Post 7466556)

Hi all,

just signed up after reading quite a few posts over the past week regarding moving abroad. My oh's family live in Spain and her father isnt in the best of health so it looks like we are moving over there in the very near future. In a way works out well as we sold our house in Richmond a few months back so have money to buy somewhere or to rent while there. The main questions I have are about currency...I know I know, most boring topic on here, but something important to us as want the best rates possible. I see that this site is full of various reccommendations but want to know what the main difference is between all the companies.

thanks in advance for all your help, im sure that your advice will be better than non at all!!!

Ben.

Originally Posted by bigglesworth (Post 7478385)

Ben,

Speaking as an ex trader, if you want a friend, get a dog!:)

Traders and dealers are very stressed, and with all the economic and financial news all over the place at the moment they are likely to be more so

Originally Posted by bigglesworth (Post 7478531)

Ben it was meant as friendly advice.
I agree with the courtesy bit, but judging by your response to me, I am surprised people answer you at all!

Originally Posted by bigglesworth (Post 7478886)

Fair enough Ben.

I wasn't being sarcastic. What I meant was, no matter how "friendly" a trader may appear, he is still a trader.
Echoing what others have said, shop around. HiFx seem frequently recommended, I am just about to try them out.
As a similar beginner at this, (and I may be corrected by those with more experience) , IMO there might be some additional protection in going with the better known ones at the outset, and perhaps suffering a bit on the rate, as the last thing one wants is to entrust ones hard earned cash to some fly by night.
best of luck

Originally Posted by bigglesworth (Post 7479006)

Will be interested to hear how you get on.
My experience is not promising so far -I am awaiting a reply to my instructions emailed at 9 o'clock!

Originally Posted by Benan (Post 7478367)

Hi all,

Thanks for all the info, seems like there are quite a few companies that do this sort of thing, have phoned a few of them and they seem to be quite competitive but i noticed that some of the big ones dont seem to have a clue about customer service! Not being funny, but if Im sending my hard earned cash to a company I dont really know, the least Id expect is some sort of friendliness!!! Anyone else find this???
will let you know who i go with in the end.
thanks again,
Ben