Retiring in Belgium: A Guide for Expats

Members of the group called 'The BRATS' (Brussels Retired Expats) joined More From Brussels to discuss their book, "Retiring in Belgium: A Guide for Expats". Ken and Maggie Inglis and Peter Adye were part of the team which contributed their own research and first-hand knowledge of retiring in Belgium, and it's certainly a complex subject. Their wide-ranging discussion touches on aspects of retirement which are mentioned in the book - fears of losing motivation, money worries, a reluctance to give up work, a loss of status, changes in the balance of a partnership.

The book is first and foremost a practical tool, featuring useful checklists and asking pertinent questions that might otherwise be overlooked. It doesn't give in-depth explanations on issues of taxation or pensions, but it does provide clarification and signposts to experts. There's broad advice on investment, currency fluctuations, technology and continuing education in Belgium.

And the interview also gives attention to the 'softer' aspects of this huge life change - support structures, family considerations, making adjustments if your health deteriorates, and why retiring to the sun might not necessarily be the best decision.

Their message is: It's never too early to start thinking about retirement.

For more information on the book, you can contact the Community Help Service on 02 647 67 80. Copies cost 15 EUR plus postage.
Also available from Waterstone's, Boulevard Adolphe Max 71-75, 1000 Brussels, and from the Press Shop in Overijse.
Funds raised from the sale of the book will support two charities in Belgium which provide support for British expats - the Community Help Service and the British Charitable Fund.

http://www.bcfund.be/retiring-in-belgium-a-guide-for-expats

http://www.chsbelgium.org/images/Publications/retirementBook.pdf

Community Help Service - Help for expats in Belgium

More From Brussels, talks to Rex Parker, Chairman of Community Help Service, and one of the team of volunteers from the phone Help Line.

CHS provides two different services to expats - the CHS Help Line, a 24/7 confidential information and crisis telephone service, staffed by trained volunteers under the supervision of professional therapists. And, the CHS Mental Health Centre with a professional staff of psychologists, psychiatrists and educational specialists supported by a volunteer administrative staff.

We find out about the importance of confidentiality, the commitment of the volunteers, the need for funds and the continued commitment to provide a quality service.

You can call the Help Line on +32 (0) 2 648 40 14, and you can visit their website at www.chsbelgium.org

Calendar Girls

More From Brussels speaks to members of the English Comedy Club in Brussels at one of their final rehearsals for "Calendar Girls", to be performed at Bozar in Brussels from 12th to 16th March 2013. The play tells of a group of Yorkshire women who posed nude for a charity calendar, and how their friendships are affected by the calendar's success.

We spoke to actors, Roisin Dore, Claire Harris and Graham Vincent, and the director, Janet Middleton.

2 EUR from every ticket sold for this production will be donated to Fondation Contre le Cancer.