A whole host of complex matters that I need to get my head around is bugging me at the moment. For starters, I can not really buy stuff or pay bills because my UK cards are not accepted here: a) credit cards are not popular in the NL (read this), b) they don’t accept foreign cards. Online stores also don’t accept paypal! It’s all about cash and local debit cards. It does not help that ABN AMRO are taking their time to send me the token that I need to log into my online bank to transfer myself some, any money! 0.O  Very different attitude to risk vs business opportunity here compared to the UK.

I also have to understand and take decisions on various insurances I apparently need – a host of landlord insurances for back in the UK, and then a variety of insurances here – contents, liability, health, etc. OMG. I saw this before in Belgium and Switzerland where insurance is a massive business, because people like to mitigate risks. I get the feeling it’s a similar mentality here… Nothing says a middle age adult more than a massive insurance collection. Who have I become?

And then to further add to the confusion, my UK bank sends me a letter asking to confirm whether I am now considered a UK resident or not. I think not, but quick check with HMRC guidelines suggests I still am. So now I need to read the multipage, tax language brochure to know for sure, which no doubt will make me even more confused.

This morning I decided I would have a happy day. I meditated to give myself energy. And I am not going to let boring finances and financial institutions ruin this. I have to remind myself that money is just energy. It flows in and out, and there is no sense in obsessing about either. I hence decide to face my financial fears and go take some decisions and actions. Anything is better than this anxious procrastination after all!