Before the adoption of the banking mobility service, changing banking establishments was a real ordeal for users. Banks were reluctant to let their customers leave for competitors and increased obstacles to force them to stay.

Thanks to the banking mobility service, it is now easier for the customer to change banking establishment, because the formalities are simplified and the deadline is set at 8 working days.

How to change banks?

The launch on November 1, 2009 by the Belgian federation of the financial sector (Febelfin) of the banking mobility service facilitates procedures for changing banks. This solution requires the old and new banks to agree on the details regarding the transfer of the account.

All you need to do is open an account in a bank of your choice, request a bank mobility form and complete it. From there, the new bank takes care of everything within an average time of 8 days. However, it is important to clarify whether you want to completely close your account with the old bank or if you wish to keep one or more of its products.

Permanent transfers

In the event of a total transfer of standing order transactions, the new bank takes care of everything. You must ensure that all permanent transfers are made before switching to the new account, otherwise you risk seeing a transaction refused. In case some transactions remain in the old bank, you simply need to cancel the standing order you wish to transfer and create a new one on the recently opened account.

What about direct debits if you change banks?

If all direct debits are transferred to the new bank, the latter takes care of all the formalities. The partial transfer of domiciliations is more complex, because it is necessary to distinguish domestic (Belgian) domiciliations from European domiciliations.

For the first case, it is necessary to close the domiciliation in the old bank and submit a request for Belgian domiciliation on the new account. It is up to the new bank to carry out the rest of the procedure. In the second case, you must first notify your creditors by letter of the change in the direct debit account. Each of them will send you a new mandate that you will sign and return to them by mail. It is up to each creditor to settle the formalities with the bank.

What are the costs to expect?

The banking mobility service is completely free. However, fees may be incurred if you close a term account or transfer a securities account. Likewise, your loyalty bonus is canceled from the moment you make a transfer from your savings account.

School exams over, children and their parents are enjoying a well-deserved summer vacation. However, in stores, the shelves are already well stocked with school supplies for the start of the school year and after mid-August the frenzy of purchases will begin in the stationery sections.

Back-to-school costs, all items combined (books, supplies, travel, university tuition, school fees, daycare, holiday course) can reach up to 11.4% of the family budget. At the start of the school year, this share of the budget can even rise to 27.5% of the budget according to calculations noted by the League of Families regarding several typical families.

Cost of going back to school: the annual Crioc study

According to the latest recent Crioc study, the next school year (supplies, clothing, school fees but not school bags) will cost around 436 euros for nursery school, 339 euros for primary school, 609 euros for secondary school and 1,315 euros for higher education.

Crioc looked at the analysis of a typical consumption basket, that of a 6th primary school student. The differences are very significant depending on whether parents and children are tempted by “low price” labels or by fashionable or well-known brands. The differences are very significant depending on whether parents and children are tempted by “low price” labels or by fashionable or well-known brands.

According to the League of Families, tuition fees vary from 171 to 727 euros depending on the type of family, the number of children and their ages. Over the entire year the total cost can also amount to between 270 and 850 euros. Travel costs can rise to amounts of 336 euros per month and 2,568 euros per year.

Tips and tricks for reducing school bills

50% reduction on STIB subscription

The French community covers 50% of the price of school subscriptions for young people aged between 12 and 24. More info here.

Bonuses and scholarships

To relieve your back-to-school budget a little, the Family Allowance Fund pays you around August 10 a fixed bonus which varies according to the age of your children. This bonus has unfortunately been reduced as part of the austerity measures put in place by our government. The amount of your premiums here.

Spread out your purchases

More and more schools communicate the list of school purchases at the end of the year in such a way that you can spread out your purchases from July onwards.

Combine your purchases

Some schools organize group purchases of school supplies for parents who sign up on the list. This approach allows you to obtain substantial discounts. Take advantage and participate in these initiatives.

Essential package offered by stores

For a series of essential basic supplies, there is no need to wait for the back-to-school list, some stores offer you supply packages at reduced prices.

Finance the start of the school year with our back-to-school credit

Our credit company provides you with a back-to-school loan at a reduced rate which starts from €2,500. Take advantage of this to spread your spending over time.

The school and university holidays are in full swing and with it, some parents are already considering their child’s next registration at university from the beginning of September.

Financing a university education is the wish that many parents make for their children. This transition into family life will necessarily generate significant costs and for some parents, this means taking out a loan. What exactly does a university year cost? Let us take stock of this important question which will not fail to interest many parents faced with the first registration of their offspring in a faculty in Belgium

A university degree: a necessity?

It all depends on the professional career that the young person wants to pursue. Certain professions necessarily require a compulsory passage through university, while other choices can be achieved through training in higher education or technical training.

Currently, we are also seeing shortages for traditional professions (plumber, masons, baker, etc.) while university courses are sometimes congested by a large number of students.

It is therefore entirely possible to earn a good living by opting for traditional training. Ultimately, it is the attraction to a profession rather than any other criterion that should guide the young person.

What does a university year cost?

There are several studies in Belgium on this subject and it seems that there is a consensus on this subject between the different universities: the average cost of a university year for a person who lives alone is €10,000.00.

For example, the average cost of a room is €270 per month or €3,240 for a year. Some websites are rich in information on the ordinary cost of living at university. Some universities also provide you with very precise information on the cost of student living on their campus: consult it, this will allow you to have a good idea of the budget and pocket money that you should allocate to your children.

What are the factors that influence the cost of university living?

There are many parameters that can vary the cost of a year at university. Let’s cite a few that could guide you in your choices:

• Renting a student room or continuing to live with parents during studies if the faculty is close to the family home;
• Request the allocation of a scholarship when this right is possible;
• Renting a room with shared amenities (community) or renting an individual apartment (the rent can then rise considerably);
• Go to your campus by public transport, carpool or purchase a car by parents;
• Investments in ancillary training (We immediately think of language laboratories);
• Some students look for jobs to increase their pocket money;
• Etc…

Financing children’s university studies

For many parents, this financing will necessarily involve taking out personal credit.

Example of personal credit to finance a child’s studies:

Zoomit is an Internet banking service currently with around 600,000 users and over 30,000 new sign-ups per month. Zoomit makes PC Banking more attractive because many companies join this application every day, increasing the possibility of paying bills online and reducing the risk of forgetting them.

The customers of major banks in Belgium

A dozen Belgian banks offer their customers the benefits provided by Zoomit for free on their Internet banking service. These include Deutsche Bank, BNP Paribas Fortis, Axa Bank, CPH, Record Bank, ING, Belfius, and Fintro.

A person who receives their salary by transfer can receive their pay slip via Zoomit and keep it in a folder on their computer.

Access to this application is, of course, secure to ensure the confidentiality of the information that circulates there.

Participating companies

Currently, there are about sixty companies and providers of products and services that use Zoomit. With this application, it is easy to receive your gas, electricity, or phone bills directly and pay them whenever you want. Many insurance companies are also among the providers accessible on Zoomit, as well as the majority of social secretariats.

Similarly, you can receive your tax notice via Zoomit. This gives you the opportunity to pay your taxes by transfer without having to re-enter your information. Additionally, Zoomit sends you a reminder email a few days before the bill’s due date to prevent any oversight.

First, the banking union in Europe is taking shape with the standardization of account numbers for banking service users (BIC Code). As a result, transactions are processed more quickly and securely throughout the European Union. This standardization has a significant economic impact as the speed of transactions saves time for users while maintaining an optimal level of security.
Simulate your credit online

What is the BIC code?

The BIC, or Business Identifier Code, is the second part of banking information. It indicates which bank it is, while the IBAN shows which account the financial institution holds your money.

The BIC code is used worldwide to identify banks. Other international organizations use this code to recognize the bank, so it is very important that it is correct.

What does “BIC” mean?

BIC stands for “Bank Identifier Code.” It is an international code aimed at identifying the bank, whether located in Belgium or elsewhere in Europe or the world. It consists of 8 characters, with the first 4 letters identifying the bank, the next 2 identifying the country, and the last 2 identifying the city where the bank is located.

How to use the BIC?

Therefore, established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in January 2007, the BIC is a standardized number that facilitates cross-border and domestic banking transactions. It is often used together with the IBAN (International Bank Account Number) because the latter indicates the account number while the BIC specifies the account holder’s bank.

When is the BIC used?

Finally, you must provide your BIC, in addition to your IBAN, when you receive a direct deposit or bank transfer.

What characters make up a BIC?

Nevertheless, Bank Identifier Codes consist of eight to eleven letters or numbers. Your bank’s BIC is used in banking transactions such as electronic transfers and direct deposits.

Do BIC codes and SWIFT codes differ?

They are the same! The BIC code is also known as the SWIFT code.

The Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) is a cooperative that securely manages communications between banks worldwide. The SWIFT company is also responsible for the BIC codes used by financial institutions.

Investing in a car is a particularly significant expense, often requiring a loan. Among the most common financing options are the installment loan, leasing, and specific-purpose credit. Each of these three types of loans has its advantages and disadvantages. How do you differentiate between them? What criteria should be highlighted to make a wise choice?

Car purchase: a closer look at specific-purpose credit

Financial institutions often present specific-purpose credit as a solution that can help you when buying your vehicle. As its name suggests, specific-purpose car credit is a loan specifically intended for the acquisition of a vehicle. Its contract is precise, including the cost of the car, the various installments, and the repayment period. It also informs you of the total cost of your credit, including the different applied rates and any additional fees.

If you have opted for specific-purpose credit for the purchase of your car, the repayment only occurs after the delivery of your vehicle. This temporary commitment results in the cancellation of the loan if the delivery of the item ultimately does not take place, regardless of the reasons. However, its major disadvantage lies in its rigidity. You cannot, in fact, change the purpose of the financing to purchase another item outside of what is provided in the contract.

The installment loan for buying a car

The installment loan is the most common for purchasing a car. It allows you to have a new or used vehicle according to your needs. With this type of financing, you can know from the start the cost of your credit and the duration of your loan. Other advantages include that the installment loan can be customized, meaning that the amount and duration of your monthly payment can be tailored to your profile.

Its inflexibility significantly penalizes it. You must, in fact, pay the same monthly payment every month on a pre-determined date. There is a variant of this type of loan: the balloon contract. It has the advantage of reducing the monthly payments for the first few years since the largest part of the capital is to be repaid at the end of the contract. The car also becomes your property from the moment you sign up. Be careful, however, as poor management can keep you in debt longer, and you will also need to plan to pay the final amount as the end of the repayment period approaches.

Advantages and disadvantages of leasing

Leasing is also an interesting option for buying a new car. Commonly known as leasing or lease-to-own, this credit allows you to rent a car from a rental company for a specified period and then purchase it at the end of the contract after buying it out. Until the end of the contract, the rental company remains the owner of the vehicle, and you are considered a tenant.

The advantage of leasing is the ability to spread the purchase over several monthly payments, which can significantly lighten your expense. For a business, a car bought on lease does not enter its assets since it still belongs to the rental company. No surprises are likely to disrupt its budget since the monthly payments are fixed until the end of the repayments. Far from perfect, leasing also has its disadvantages. The most common concern is the initial deposit required, which is sometimes quite high. Irreversible, leasing does not allow for retraction once the contract is signed.

Our company has become the official sponsor of the RJ Aischoise, a promotion football club in the Eghezée region near Namur.

Our company is committed to supporting numerous projects: sports, but also cultural, artistic, and social. Do not hesitate to inquire!

Discover more information about our sponsorship actions

The fulfillment and success of a couple are often measured by the partners’ ability to conceive, undertake, and succeed in joint projects. This inclination is nothing surprising as it simply translates into action the desire of two people to look in the same direction.

Buying a property, having children, starting a business are all projects that can strengthen and consolidate the bonds between two people. Even though it is far from indispensable and often outdated in certain social circles, organizing a wedding is still one of those symbolic events that some couples love to achieve together.

Organizing a wedding is different from the other projects mentioned above because it is primarily an act of sharing. Indeed, when two people unite, either civilly or religiously, they primarily want to give a certain form of publicity and commitment to their union. In other words, it is about publicly formalizing the happiness that exists between two people. In this case, the presence of family and friends allows the lovers to share this happiness with their loved ones.

This is why weddings remain extremely popular and symbolic for millions of people.

Organizing a wedding is no small feat. On the contrary, this joyous event requires vision, organization, method, preparation, and financing. To make this day a complete success, you will need to seriously build a project and execute it meticulously.

Essential elements

It is generally accepted that the serene organization of a wedding requires one year. Here are some basic keys that will help you start thinking about organizing your wedding.

Take the time to reflect…

Do not rush headlong into organizing a wedding. Spend a weekend together in a quiet place and take the time to ask yourself the right questions such as:

• Do you want to marry religiously or only civilly?
• Will the civil and religious ceremonies take place on the same day or on different days?
• Do you prefer a discreet and intimate wedding or do you want to invite many of your friends and family?
• Classic ceremony (reception, catering, dance party) or more minimalist (walking dinner with friends in a garden)?
• Do you plan to go on a honeymoon the day after your wedding or later?
• Where will you invest your money? The meal, the religious ceremony, the civil wedding, the dance party, your honeymoon…?
• Etc.

Plan to gather information from the town hall first!

Depending on the availability of your town hall and the administrative procedures, you will have a clearer idea of how much time you will need to organize your wedding. Start by asking questions at the marriage service of your town hall.

Inquire with the priest or pastor of the parish of your choice

Finding the right parish is far from as simple as one might imagine. Many couples plan to marry in popular parishes, and often the wait can be long. It is not uncommon for some priests to refuse their parish because you are not domiciled in the area of their parish or town. Similarly, availabilities are not always obvious. Think about it at least a year in advance, and remember, you will need to align the availability date of your parish with the availability of the caterer, the ceremony hall, and sometimes even with your town’s vacation. Being clear: planning ahead is essential.

Book your caterer and reception hall

Here too, you will need to consider booking nearly a year in advance, especially if you hope to marry during the most favorable times of the year for this happy event. In general, most weddings are booked between April and September. You will not be alone in desiring a particular date, location, church…

Having your wedding dress made

Is not only a pleasure but can also be a long process, especially if you want your dress to be custom-made or if you plan to design it yourself: a conception period of 6 months is not uncommon.

Take advice

Do not hesitate to listen to the advice of your friends: they represent good guarantees. Some will recommend a good caterer, a good hall, the right priest. There are also many websites specialized in wedding planning, consult them.

Some couples hire the services of a wedding planner or master of ceremonies. These are small luxuries that can be essential for those who would have difficulties conceiving and executing such a large-scale project on their own. You will also find on our website, the basics of organizing your wedding. Take the time to read these tips.

The time invested in reading these preliminary recommendations will quickly pay off by avoiding mistakes.

Financing and budget of your wedding

What does a wedding cost? What budget should be considered?

All this will depend on your wishes and ambitions.

Renting a reception hall costs around 2,000€.

The cost of a wedding banquet is around 60€ per guest.

Let’s assume that the budget for a wedding ranges from 10,000 to 40,000€ for the most expensive ones (not including the honeymoon, of course).

Do not forget to plan and count everything.

Additionally, you can get discounts if:

• You organize your wedding during less busy periods (between September and March). For this reason, renting a hall in January will be much cheaper than in July.
• Some halls offer a complete package of services: reception hall, caterer, dance party. This bundled formula will undoubtedly be cheaper than if you opt for a caterer or DJ of your choice.
• Providing your wedding meal as well as your own wines can also be a winning formula.

Our credit company offers special conditions to finance your wedding. For wedding loans, we automatically offer you our lowest APR rates on the market. It is our way of giving you a beautiful wedding gift.

As you can see, a considerable number of parameters need to be considered. That is why a year is not an unnecessary luxury to successfully carry out what will undoubtedly be an unforgettable day for you, your family, your friends, and all your loved ones.

Before making the full payment for the real estate property, the buyer and the seller must use the services of a notary.

In addition to the advisory and informational role, the notary guarantees a proper real estate transaction for both parties through notarial deeds.

Acts and procedure established by the notary

According to Belgian legislation, several acts must be established by a notary for any real estate acquisition project. The seller’s notary contacts the buyer’s notary to proceed with the signing of the sales agreement. This is essentially a provisional sales contract. It may include suspensive clauses at the buyer’s request. This signing is generally accompanied by the payment of a deposit corresponding to 10% of the sale price by the buyer.

The law requires that a maximum of 4 months separates the date of signing the sales agreement and the final deed. The notary’s role during this time is to conduct administrative searches to ensure that the deed is incontestable, both in form and content. This period also allows the buyer to finalize their file if they are taking out a loan from a financial institution.

The notary’s duties then consist of drafting the notarial deed of sale and collecting the registration fees corresponding to the transaction. These are calculated based on the sale price of the property and their rate varies depending on the region where it is located. The legal professional also collects the registration fees for the mortgage deed if the buyer finances the transaction with a loan. These taxes are subsequently paid by the notary to the tax administration.

How to calculate notary fees?

It should be noted that in addition to the registration fees, the buyer must bear the notary fees as well as various other costs. The calculation of notary fees is based on the value of the real estate for the purchase deed and on the loan amount for the mortgage deed.

On our website, there is a notary fee calculator on this page where you just need to enter the purchase price and the applicable base rate. In a few clicks, you will be informed about the registration fees to be paid, the various costs, and the notarial fees.

Generally, it is the aesthetic or mechanical side of the machine that attracts the beginner who wishes to acquire a motorcycle. However, many criteria must be taken into account to combine road pleasure and savings.

From the intended use and desired equipment to the available budget, including the choice of financing method and insurance, nothing should be left to chance.

Buying a motorcycle: new or used?

At first glance, buying a new motorcycle is more appealing for a beginner. Indeed, the shiny appearance of the machine, the gentle purring of the mechanics, and the guarantees offered by the seller are all reasons to opt for a new bike. However, expect a higher purchase price compared to a used motorcycle. Unfortunately, if the rider plans to sell their motorcycle in the future, they will lose much more money than if they had opted for a used vehicle.

The beginner is therefore better off buying a used motorcycle to gain initial riding experience and improve their reflexes if their budget does not allow for a new machine. It is also important to note that the insurance for a used motorcycle is lower than that for a new motorcycle.

The type of motorcycle suitable for beginners

The type of motorcycle that suits a beginner depends mainly on the intended use. For city commuting and daily short trips, the maxi scooter combines comfort and the ability to weave through traffic jams. The roadster is also a suitable mount for beginner riders. Quite maneuverable, it proves to be very reliable and provides a sense of security for the rider.

The sports bike is another affordable machine for beginners. Its advantage lies in its lightness and powerful brakes. If the rider wants to venture onto trails or tracks, the trail bike is the ideal choice with its great height. It takes a bit more experience to tackle ruts, sand, and obstacles with an enduro or trail bike. If the former is approved for street use, the latter is prohibited in cities.

The ideal engine size for a beginner motorcyclist

To start learning to ride a motorcycle and acquire the essential riding reflexes, it is preferable to opt for a low-displacement mount. Indeed, the beginner does not fully master riding techniques and is not entirely familiar with their machine. The best choice is a motorcycle with a 500 to 600 cm³ engine. Its relative power enhances the sensations at the handlebars and it is easier to control.

What about tax advantages?

Riding a motorcycle to work offers considerable tax advantages for the motorcyclist. They can deduct the actual expenses incurred by their new vehicle from their tax return. These include fuel, maintenance and repair costs, protective clothing, insurance premiums, and road tax. Just keep the receipts for these expenses. If the motorcycle is only used to commute to work part of the year, you can request a flat rate of 0.15 euros per kilometer, up to 200 km round trip per day.

It is also advisable to include the depreciation of the motorcycle purchase in your professional expenses. A new motorcycle is typically depreciated over 5 years. However, it is possible to apply a declining balance depreciation after obtaining approval from the tax authorities.

How to finance your first motorcycle?

The purchase of a new or used motorcycle can be financed through a loan. The motorcyclist can choose between a designated loan or an undesignated loan. The installment loan is the ideal solution for a machine whose price exceeds 2,500 euros. The repayment can be spread over 24 to 84 months. Some banks offer to grant a loan equivalent to 110% of the price of the used motorcycle to cover the costs associated with this purchase, such as road tax or the first insurance premium.