02
Mar 2016
0

Working From Home: Pros and Cons

Business Owners , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Sabrina L. Williams

Well, here you find me writing on my blog at 3am, this is what happens when you’re laid up in bed and unable to move due to muscle contractions, add a beautiful cocktail of drugs to help manage the horrible pain and to help you sleep and it is a recipe for disaster for insomniacs like myself. At least I can make the most of this time that I’m now wide-awake to do something productive (please don’t expect me to be available tomorrow at 9am!)

In Spain, registering as self-employed can be a minefield, a procedure full of set-up and on-going costs that many do not appreciate during the initial stages of development so it is only natural to find ways to reduce costs, at least at the beginning. One way many choose to do so is by working from home and while this may be a logical step, it also has its own pros and cons to consider.

28
Feb 2016
0

Non-Payment of Social Security Contributions

All business owners know that the last working day of the month is Social Security’s big payday and

Non-Payment of Social Security Contributions

Business Owners , , , , , Sabrina L. Williams

All business owners know that the last working day of the month is Social Security’s big payday and like clockwork, a chunk of their earnings disappear from their bank accounts. Every single one of my clients has heard me say the words, “if there is ever any bill you cannot pay, make sure your Social Security contribution is not one of them”. Why do I make a point of highlighting the importance of paying Social Security contributions on time? Well, simply put, because the consequences are quite harsh if you incur a debt with the Administration.

21
Feb 2016
0

Banco Popular Loses Floor Clause Battle

Real Estate, Spanish News , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Sabrina L. Williams

The Spanish Supreme Court has ruled in favour of OCU (Consumer Organization) by manifesting that Banco Popular’s floor clause to be null and void. This is another battle OCU has won against one of Spain’s leading banks following up from sentences in 2013 that ruled against BBVA, Abanca and Cajamar.

Floor Clause TrapIf you have been following this particular issue that is rampant in Spanish banks, you would know that during the property boom, limits were placed within clauses of mortgage loans to stipulate a minimum interest rate throughout the life of the mortgage. This means that if the interest rate were to fall below the stipulated minimum or floor clause, the holder would not benefit because the bank would charge the “agreed” floor clause. I say “agreed” simply because most holders were not properly advised of the existence or the meaning of this clause in their contracts.

06
Jan 2016
0

The Final Chapter: Who is Obligated to Exchange their EU Driver’s License for a Spanish One?

Trafico , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Sabrina L. Williams

Right, so this issue has been talked about extensively, debated, caused arguments, tears, frustration and near bloody murder. Instead of spending my time off over Christmas and New Year’s relaxing, I have been reading and re-reading legislation, articles, documents and making further personal enquiries because for the majority, this law makes zero sense and nobody until now has really been able to explain it clearly in a way that can be properly understood (myself included!).

The big question is: Who is obligated to exchange their EU driving license for a Spanish one and why? I hope that by the end of what I hope to be the final and definitive article on this matter, we can lay it to rest for good. Please note that throughout this post, I am only referring to EU licenses as non-EU must follow a different procedure.

1 … 3 4 5