The Science of Social Media Syndication.

The internet is changing… and although the world wide web is still little more than a huge encyclopedia in the ether, the way that people use the internet is also changing.

If you or your business has any sort of presence on the world wide web you must have noticed these changes.

The internet is becoming very personal.

The current financial climate has left may people looking for a personal financial rescue plan.  Particularly, those people who have decided to leave the rat-race and live their dream in France, are finding that their financial resources cannot accommodate the recent changes in currency values, investment returns and interest rates.  As a result, many are coming to the conclusion that it is necessary to return to the hurly burly of work if they are to survive.

But does that mean giving up their dreams?

For some the answer is “yes” – but in my view it doesn’t have to be so.

I have been involved in several different businesses throughout my “working” career and have long held the view that, in order to survive financially, it is important to generate income from several different sources and in different currencies.

In other words, I don’t believe in putting all my “eggs” in one “basket”.

You may have noticed on this web log (blog) that there is a significant lack of advertising.  Simply put, I publish the blog because I enjoy writing, I like to share my experience with other individuals and it seems that others like to read.  So this present post is the nearest thing to an advertisement that I have written.

If you are considering giving up on your dreams, read on…

One of the commentators on my post “Who Really Rules Your World?” bought this video to my attention – for which thanks goes to greenman.france.

Money as Debt

When we understand how money is created in the modern world we can then understand the main cause of many major problems: ever increasing taxation; pensions disappearing; inequitable distribution of wealth; inflation; national debt; currency crises and devaluations; recessions; depressions; and even the failure of government in a democracy to govern in the interest of its electors.

We have all heard it said that “money is the root of all evil” and probably thought that was a bit of an exaggeration. But when we understand how money is created in the modern world we can then understand the main cause of many major problems: ever increasing taxation; pensions disappearing; inequitable distribution of wealth; inflation; national debt; currency crises and devaluations; recessions; depressions; and even the failure of government in a democracy to govern in the interest of its electors.

Money was invented to be a tool for facilitating trade, but has now become a tool used by the rich to govern the world. If you have any doubt about that, please read on.

Many banks in France have regional English language websites with English speaking staff.  Banking services and facilities in English may also be found at some branches.  Doy you need a French Bank Account? Read French Bank Account

Opening an Account

A foreigner may open a bank account if they are (or are going to be) resident in France for at least three months.

The following documents are required to open an account:

• EU citizens: Proof of identification (a valid passport or ID card)
• Non-EU citizens: Proof of residence (Carte de séjour)
• Proof of a French address: a utility bill (Electricity, Telephone etc.), rental agreement or property deeds
• Proof of earnings or status: Contract of employment or proof of earnings or proof of status (e.g a student card)
• Reference from another bank where accounts are held (this is usually only required when applying for loans and overdrafts)
• In some instances, a birth certificate.

Opening an account can be done in a day and means of making payments (cash cards and cheque book) will normally arrive within a week, or so, of the account being opened.

French bank Societe Generale has seen net profits crash by 84% for the third quarter, hit by the credit crisis.

Net profits in the 3 months to the end of September fell to €183m  ($235m; £145m) from €1.12bn  in the same period last year.

The bank has been hit hard by the chaos in the finance sector with the collapse of Lehman Brothers alone prompting a €447m write down.

Despite the results the bank said it was positioned to deal with the downturn.

The French plan to rescue the financial industry do not disrupt competition, says EU Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes .

The European Commission on Thursday cleared French and Dutch plans to preserve their lenders from the global credit squeeze.

Both were judged to be in line with EU rules on community aid and with guidelines reported by the European Union’s executive arm on 13 October.

These say that any rescue package should be limited in time and range and must not discriminate against foreign-based banks operating in that country.

Lending criteria in France are far more complex and restrictive than in the UK and the whole process of getting a French Mortgage can take quite a lot longer than most people expect.

French Mortgage lenders expect clients to put down a deposit of at least 20 per cent and to have a reliable income stream. If a client is able to put down a deposit of 40 to 50 per cent, other aspects of the loan may be offered on more favourable terms.

Lenders stipulate that a client’s debts and liabilities must not exceed around 35% of income. French lenders will ask for details of other mortgages as well as current account statements, to ensure there are no other debts repayments that may have been overlooked. Some French banks will take into consideration income from buy to let houses and other non salary income, all of which can help when presenting a loan request to the bank.

As in the UK, lenders do not like a loan to go beyond a client’s 80th birthday. It is better, though, if the loan will be repaid by age 65 for the simple reason that French mortgage lenders insist upon life cover being effected, generally via their own insurer.  If life assurance cover starts after a 65th birthday, costs rise considerably.

Do you really need a French bank account , especially if you’re only buying a holiday home and not moving to France permanently?

Well, it is certainly preferable to have a bank account in France, especially for those looking to move abroad and work, in order to have their salary paid. You also need a French account if you have a French loan or mortgage so that the repayments can be made to your provider.