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7 ways to find and get the Cheapest and Best Internet Provider in the Netherlands in 2019

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Finding the cheapest and best internet provider in the Netherlands

There are so many questions when it comes to sorting out your internet provider. What internet providers are there in the Netherlands? How do I find the cheapest internet provider in the Netherlands? What sort of internet do I need? What’s the best internet provider in the Netherlands? What do I do if I’m only in Holland temporarily? If you’ve just moved here and are looking for the cheapest and best internet in the Netherlands or are feeling a bit lost and not sure where or what to look for when buying an internet package, then, as usual, DutchReview has come to the rescue. 😉

Finding the best internet in the Netherlands does not have to be a hard or expensive task. You just need to know what internet package will be best suited to you and how to make the most of your money (hey, you’re in the Netherlands after all)! But how?

We teamed up with Prijsvergelijken, an expat-friendly comparison site, to help you find the best internet for you in Holland!

 

1. Check which companies provide internet within your area

You may not get access to every internet provider where you live and that’s because there are only two large network providers in the Netherlands: Ziggo/Vodafone (cable network) and KPN (DSL network). You are able to go with other smaller providers such as Online and T-Mobile and these operate on the larger networks. You can choose between DSL, cable and fibre connections, but again, this depends on where you’re living.

I know, I know, it gets even more confusing when it’s all based on your address. However, there are ways to make it less confusing. Sites such as Prijsvergelijken ask for the address straight away, so they will only show you the current plans available in your area. So if you spot an incredible internet deal – then you’ll be good to go!

 

2. Decide what internet speed you need

Buying an internet package is not just “oh, that’ll do” and that’s it (I mean you could, but it’s not ideal). Some providers will attempt to draw you in by offering really high internet speeds. However, that doesn’t mean that internet speed will be available in your area. Note: VDSL and ASDL connections are much slower than fibre and cable in general – so go for the faster one if you can! However, make sure to check your max speed through your address, as you may find that you won’t be able to achieve that speed.

 

You also need to work out how many people will be using the internet at one time (how large your household is) and also what you’ll be using the internet for. For example, one person using the internet uses a lot less bandwidth than a family of four. If four of you are using it, naturally, the internet would slow down. How you are using the internet also affects it. Are you just meaninglessly scrolling through Facebook (yup, I feel you), or are you streaming lots on Netflix (again, I feel you), or both? These all make a difference and that’s what you need to determine when you buy your internet.

Hey, we’re not here to judge, but if you spend your days uploading selfies to Instagram while streaming criminal dramas on Netflix, then you’re going to need a decent internet provider. Livin’ the dream.

best internet provider in the Netherlands

 

3. Use a comparison site to choose the best internet provider

By far the easiest way to find the best internet (and the best price!) is to use a comparison site. Comparison sites not only allow you to find the cheapest package, but you will be able to compare them alongside one another all in one place. Going through each provider one by one would take forever (plus, you may not even know what to look for in the first place).

Prijsvergelijken is a comparison site which is easy to use (has an English option – ideal!), fast and accurate. Using comparison sites like these automatically filter out any providers not available in your area from a quick address search and show prices and services provided with the different internet packages. It saves time so you can have more time Netflix-ing and less time browsing for your provider.

 

4. Look at the contract terms to avoid penalties

Reading the small print is always something you’re meant to do, but not always something we actually do. In situations such as contracts, it’s really important that you read the small print in order to avoid penalties. If you’re an expat, then you may not be here for the full year – so in this case, you definitely should be reading the small print!

Most contracts are for a minimum 1-year term, which means that when you join with them, you are essentially committing to that internet for a whole year. But what if you don’t need it for a whole year? In general, if you cancel your subscription before your term has ended, you will likely have to pay a penalty fee. The penalty fee is usually what you would have had to pay for the year anyway. However, this can amount to quite a lot if you’re cancelling after only a couple of months. Bear this in mind, as it may be better just to buy mobile internet and hook it up to your computer.

Looking to cancel a subscription past a year?

So maybe you’ve just seen a better deal and you’ve been with your current internet provider for over a year. By law, you are allowed to leave this subscription with 1-month notice – so no fees for you!

 

5. Look at the deals the provider is putting on

Many internet companies provide deals such as “first month gratis/free” or “half price for three months” and other enticing deals. Sometimes they are excellent and an absolute steal and other times it really is just a ploy to get you to go with them over a cheaper alternative. When looking at these deals it’s important to see how much you will be charged AFTER this deal has ended.

Look at their starter deals BUT also don’t fall into the trap – sometimes after these deals are over, the rate is much higher every month after that, so look at the overall cost for the year. For example, one company may be giving you 3 months cheaper, but it’s 20 euros more expensive per month after. This is in comparison to another company offering a worse start-deal, which is definitely still cheaper overall. At Prijsvergelijken you can check this month and yearly price easily. Be more Dutch – research and seal that great money-saving deal!

 

6. Consider combining your package to get a cheaper deal

Are you looking to get a TV or mobile package as well as your internet? Then consider getting a combined package from a company, as this will likely be cheaper and of course much, much easier overall. Some companies will offer this as an add-on option when buying your internet and the others you may need to delve a little deeper.

On Prijsvergelijken, they will ask you straight away whether you are looking for just an internet connection, or other services too. This way you can compare packages instantly. It’s never been easier to get that great deal with minimal effort. Now you can WhatsApp your mates on your mobile, watch Brexit unfold on the news on your TV and stream cat videos on your computer, all under one package. Result.

 

7. Consider an expat-friendly provider when getting internet in the Netherlands

Moving to the Netherlands is stressful enough as it is, without having to worry about bills and what companies to deal with (IN DUTCH). Sure, Google translate has become the biggest saviour of all time, but we’ve all become victims to the poor translation more times than once. Prijsvergelijken has an English option, meaning that you can browse the different companies all in English. This ensures that you know what you’re dealing with and you can avoid all of those awkward and nonsensical Google translate moments. Brownie points if you can pronounce Prijsvergelijken BTW. 😉

Honestly, before you sign up to something, you really need to make sense of it.

So there you have it – 7 ways of finding the cheapest and best internet provider in the Netherlands. With Prijsvergelijken, finding that Dutch internet has never been easier.

* Oh, and have all our Giphy’s not loaded? Then time to get that new internet provider; you really wouldn’t want to miss out on those. 😉

Any other hints and tips on finding the best internet provider in the Netherlands? Let us know in the comments!

Coronavirus update: 13,614 total cases, with an increase of 1,019 patients since last count

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The RIVM has published the latest count of coronavirus cases in the Netherlands. The new number is 13,614 cases. This is an increase of 1,019 cases since yesterday’s count, with 134 more deaths (total: 1173) and 447 more hospitalizations (5159 in total). 

For what it’s worth, the number of deaths and hospitalizations are lower than they were yesterday. But it’s important to remember that the numbers might be off by a bit, as the RIVM also has reported.

The big news of yesterday and today was of course that the Netherlands has decided to extend the deadline of the existing measure until the date of April 28. What else was happening on the coronavirus front today?

A vaccine in the works for coronavirus by a pharmaceutical company in Leiden

A vaccine is currently being researched and produced by pharmaceutical company Janssen, which previously worked on an Ebola vaccine together with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, part of the US Department of Health.

The vaccine has already received an investment of one billion dollars, and the first tests reveal that the vaccine creates antibodies that latch on to the virus and eliminate it.

First trials on people will begin in September of this year, and if it all goes well, we might see the vaccine being given to the general population in the beginning of 2021.

101-year-old coronavirus patient in the Netherlands leaves hospital after being treated

Another positive news is that a 101-year-old woman was released from a hospital in  IJsselland after being successfully treated for coronavirus.

Her daughter praised the hospital staff for their prompt and helpful interventions, as well as for keeping her informed on her mother’s situation.

The woman will now be transferred to the Aafje Care Hotel, which is a section in the  Maasstad Hospital designed for recovering coronavirus patients.

Check out our coronavirus guide

If you need a centralized source of information on the coronavirus in the Netherlands, we’ve gathered all relevant information in one article, which is updated daily.

Follow the DutchReview Facebook page for more updates on COVID-19 in the Netherlands.

Feature Image: DutchReview/Canva

 

Five pages of obituary in local Brabant newspaper due to coronavirus

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This week, at least five pages of obituaries were filled in the DeMooiRooiKrant newspaper in Sint-Oedenrode, North Brabant. In the past, the obituaries would fit in half a page, NOS reports. 

The amount of obituaries for the week totalled 18. Jeroen van de Sande, the editor-and-chief of DeMooiRooiKrant, told Omroep Brabant that “there have never been so many.” He continued to say that “two-thirds of this number can be attributed to coronavirus.” Most casualties were over 70 years of age.

The village is Sint-Oedenrode, comprising of 18,000 inhabitants, meaning that it is a close-knit town where people know each other. “It’s sad,” van de Sande notes.

Similar trends elsewhere

In Italy, the town of Bergamo in the northern region has experienced so many casualties that life has come to a standstill. In its local newspaper, L’Eco di Bergamo, the obituary section lasts 10-11 pages.

Most of the casualties were reported to be coronavirus-related.

Coronavirus numbers on the rise in the Netherlands

The coronavirus count has been increasing daily in the Netherlands (as well as in other parts of the world). It therefore comes as no surprise that restrictive measures in place have been extended till the end of April.

ICU capacity in the Netherlands is 1900 coronavirus patients and 500 non-coronavirus patients, according to NOS. This limit has not been reached as yet. However, should we get this far, Diederik Gommers, the chairman of the Dutch Association for Intensive Care notes that patients can be taken to Germany which has a greater ICU capacity (25,000 beds total).

Follow DutchReview on Facebook for more information about coronavirus in the Netherlands.

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Positive news from Leiden: coronavirus vaccine has promising results

Researchers and scientists around the Netherlands are working hard to develop a  vaccine against the coronavirus.

Pharmaceutical company Janssen, located in Leiden, is currently working on developing such a vaccine, reports NU.

First tests of the vaccine are promising

Hanneke Schuitemaker, the head of the viral vaccine department within the company, has said that while she cannot give guarantees, the first tests of the vaccine are promising.

The vaccine is still in its first phrases, but so far, the tests revealed that the vaccine produces antibodies that then latch on to and neutralise the coronavirus.

A billion dollars have been invested in this vaccine by the parent company of Janssen, Johnson and Johnson, alongside the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the US Department of Health.

The vaccine is in production already

If all goes well, by September we will have the first trials of the vaccine on people. Based on the results then, it will be decided whether to mass-produce it and hopefully by early 2021, it will be readily available.

In any case, the vaccine is already in production, so that in the eventuality that it does work, a stock is already ready to go.

Jannsen already has a track record of developing a vaccine against Ebola

A reason for optimism regarding the vaccine developed by Jannsen is that they’ve already been successful in developing a vaccine against Ebola.

The reason why BARDA decided to make the investment is that the two worked together in the past in order to find a cure for Ebola. Schuitemaker has said that BARDA is confident of Jannsen’s methods.

Follow the DutchReview Facebook page for more updates on COVID-19 in the Netherlands.

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101 year old coronavirus patient well enough to leave hospital

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Some good news this morning: a 101 year old Rotterdam woman has been released from hospital after recovering from coronavirus, AD reports.

The lady was released from IJsselland Hospital yesterday evening, after spending a week and a half in there. She was admitted after experiencing shortness of breath, and tested positive for the virus.

Staff at hospital did an excellent job, says daughter

In an interview with AD, her daughter, Marianne (64 years old), recalls how crestfallen she felt when she heard that her mother was infected with the virus. “Such a pity that she has to experience this in her old age”. Marianne found it particularly hard that she couldn’t visit her mother while she was ill, but she said the care staff at the hospital did an excellent job keeping her informed.

101 year old transferred to Aafje Care Hotel

The 101 year old woman will now be transferred to the Aafje Care Hotel at Maasstad Hospital, which has been set up to take care of coronavirus patients who have recovered from the worst of the virus, but who are not ready to return home.

Recovery boosts staff morale at IJsselland

The lady’s recovery has also provided a boost in morale at the IJsselland Hospital, where healthcare workers have experienced plenty of sad situations over the past weeks. “Fortunately there are also these positive experiences,” said the IJsselland in a statement.

Follow the DutchReview Facebook page for more updates on COVID-19 in the Netherlands.

Feature Image: IJsselland Ziekenhuis

Minister Hoekstra says he has not shown enough empathy regarding Southern European countries

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The European Union is currently divided on the coronavirus outbreak, between the hard-hit South and certain Northern European countries — the latter are delaying access to funds required to provide relief to countries gravely affected. 

Yesterday, 12 Italian mayors, alongside governors and a member of the European Parliament wrote an open letter criticising the Netherlands for failing to assist Southern European countries that were affected by the coronavirus crisis and for not showing solidarity.

Minister Hoekstra says he did not show enough empathy

We finally got a reply to the criticism from the Dutch side, specifically from the Minister of Finance Wopke Hoekstra, RTLZ reports. He has stated that if the Netherlands has attracted that much criticism, then something must have been off with their approach.

He has further stated that he is aware that he has not shown enough empathy regarding the issue. He claims that he does want to demonstrate solidarity and that it is in the Dutch interest as well to have a strong European Union.

Italian Prime Minister says that Italy’s relationship with the Dutch remains unaffected

Despite the quarrel between Italy and the Netherlands over the issue, the Prime Minister of Italy Giuseppe Conte, has stated that it does not affect Italy’s relationship with the Dutch people, RTL Nieuws reports.

Rather, the confusion comes from the choices made by Dutch authorities, and why they are not supportive of a fast, strong and coordinated response at the European level in order to tackle the coronavirus. As Conte has stated (to Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte), “Dear Mark, if correct answers are late, they can be useless. We must avoid saying that we have finally found the therapy, but then discover that the patient is dead.”

Follow the DutchReview Facebook page for more updates on COVID-19 in the Netherlands.

Feature Image: still of NOS conference/DutchReview

More coronavirus tests on their way, mostly for healthcare workers

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The number of coronavirus tests per day will quadruple over the next few weeks in the Netherlands, from the current average of 4000 a day to 17500, according to Minister for Health, Hugo de Jonge, RTL Nieuws reports.

The majority of these tests will be aimed at people who are working in healthcare. At the moment, it is only those who work in hospitals who are tested when they show symptoms of coronavirus. For everyone else in the population, the recommendations remain the same: if you or a member of your household has a fever, you should all be in quarantine until 24 hours after everyone has stopped showing symptoms. If you have cold symptoms or a cough, you should stay inside yourself.

Who will get tested?

The extra tests will be rolled out in the following manner. First of all, the frequency of testing for people who work in hospitals will be increased. Then, testing will be expanded to other healthcare workers, such as those who work in nursing homes, who show symptoms of coronavirus- this will happen from next week onwards.

Tests will eventually be expanded to the general public, minister hopes

Finally, there is the eventual hope that testing will be expanded to the general population, but this is likely a while away yet. But Minister de Jonge does recognise that it is important to reach this level of testing capacity eventually, given that testing swathes of the population has proved highly effective in other countries. It is hoped that testing can eventually expand to 29,000 people per day.

Follow the DutchReview Facebook page for more updates on COVID-19 in the Netherlands.

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Rutte press conference: current coronavirus measures extended till the 28th of April

After today’s meetings with the cabinet, health experts and the Outbreak Management Team, Prime-Minister Mark Rutte and Minister De Jonge are having a joint press conference at 7 PM. There will be an extension of the current coronavirus measures in the Netherlands till (and including) the 28th of April (which was previously the 6th of April).

This means that the schools will remain closed after 6 April till and including the 28th of April, as will bars and restaurants. You might want to check your children’s school vacation schedule, as most will have a ‘may-vacation’ carrying on into May (and we have 3 different regions and periods for this in the Netherlands)

The urgent advice to keep a distance of 1.5 meters and to stay at home as much as possible remains in force. Contact professions, such as hairdressers and masseurs, are also not allowed to open up.

These are the most important messages from the press conference:

  1. All measures are now extended till, and including, the 28th of April 2020
  2. These measures can be (in part) extended, and this will be announced well in advance of the 28th of April
  3. If the country will be ‘opened’, it will be in phases
  4. Schools will remain closed till, and including the May-vacation – so that might be longer than the 28th of April
  5. Don’t plan trips and such after the 28th of April
  6. Care employees working outside of hospitals (nurseries etc.) can now be tested for coronavirus too.

There were also compliments from Rutte for the Dutch people as most of them complied with the measures and he knew this was hard for some and at times. He also reiterated that this is an intelligent lockdown (or ‘targeted’ lockdown) as the Netherlands isn’t a country that’s fit for an absolute lockdown in his opinion. So he once again called for thinking before one acts and for people to stay at home as much as possible.

Feat image: still from press conference Rutte

Great innovation news: valves for oxygen masks 3D-printed in Tilburg hospital

In these difficult times, entrepreneurs, scientists and healthcare workers are working their hardest to find new innovations that can aid in the battle against the coronavirus.

Thankfully, we have some good news from a hospital in Tilburg. Trauma surgeons there have started to 3D-print valves for oxygen masks, reports RTL Nieuws.

What role do the valves fulfil?

Oxygen masks are used for the care of coronavirus patients at the St. Elizabeth Hospital in Tilburg. The valves are colour-coded and not reusable, and their purpose is for adjusting the intake of oxygen into the mask.

As they were starting to run out, a trauma surgeon from the hospital named Mike Bemelman looked online for blueprints for the valves. He luckily found them, and then sent the models to the hospital’s 3D printers.

Three 3D printers in the hospital

Normally, the 3D printers in the hospitals are used to print out joints and ones for the purpose of surgeries. Now, they’re being used for the valves.

According to Bemelman, they use around 60 to 80 disposable valves per day, but with the help of the printers, they’re now making more than 100 valves per day. With a fourth 3D printer on its way, production will ramp up even more.

In a true spirit of solidarity, Bemelman is giving, on request, the blueprints for the valves to companies and other hospitals that need it, ensuring that more places with 3D printers have the possibility of making these much-needed valves.

Follow DutchReview on Facebook for all news about the coronavirus in the Netherlands.

Feature Image: ETZ Tilburg

Coronavirus and the Dutch housing market: what has changed?

Unless you have been living under a rock, you’ve noticed that the sad impact of the coronavirus pandemic hits home on all aspects of life. It’s bound to have a significant effect on the housing market in the Netherlands too, and then there’s the personal question if now is still the right time to buy a house in the Netherlands.

If social isolation (or live under the aforementioned rock) has taught us anything, it is that a good home is the second most important thing in life. Number one, of course, is to #WashYourHands.

I had a long and interesting chat with Henk Jansen, the founder of our friends at Expat Mortgages, on the good, the bad and the ugly of buying a house in the Netherlands in this day and coronavirus age.

The chat was, of course, a digital meeting, with a lot of ‘Can you hear me Henk!?’ and cats intervening. But it was a good one too since from the comfort of our homes we could reflect on some meaningful points in life, the housing situation and how coronavirus paints a different picture for everybody considering buying a house in the Netherlands.

We teamed up with Expat Mortgages to bring you this article. Many of our readers had questions about this important choice in their lives so it made sense to touch upon a few of the aspects that come into play when you’re deciding if you want to buy a house in the Netherlands. If you have anything to add or have questions, you’re welcome in the comments or contact Expat Mortgages directly.

Coronavirus and buying a house: things have changed, but not everything

Q: There’s no denying it, these are turbulent times and whether you should be buying a house now is different for everybody. What’s your perspective?
Henk:

This has all been a shock and has had an impact on everybody. But buying a house shouldn’t be a spur of the moment thing, so that kind of changes our perspective. And perhaps for the housing market in the Netherlands, it isn’t the worst thing since it was pretty much overheating and could have used a cool-down period anyway. Perhaps there can be an end to all that overbidding and such. But of course, it’s mostly a personal question.”

Your personal situation and buying a house

Q: What are the biggest personal issues for your clients right now then? Besides coronavirus, what questions do they have?
Henk:

“First of all, besides coronavirus and the way the Netherlands is handling it, it’s important to remember that, in general, this is a pretty stable and prosperous country. If you have an indefinite contract and you’re not into the event or travel industry you can count on having a job in the foreseeable future.”

“Many internationals might not be sure about staying here now, but sadly, things aren’t that much better in most other countries as well. And I’m a positive man — although things might look pretty bleak at the moment, new opportunities and perspectives will be there on the horizon as well.”

After coronavirus, a different perspective

Q: Tell me more about the positive stuff you see in the future (because we really need to hear about some of that now!)
Henk:

“You can already see right now that this digital meet-up is just as good a regular one, but less time-consuming as there is no travel involved. People everywhere are noticing that those meetings really could have been just emails and that’s here to stay.”

“I’m convinced that in the long run, our perspectives will change too. Now we’re seeing travel and event companies go bankrupt and it’s all bad news. But the Dutch economy has always been one that can adjust, and other companies will be born from this crisis and prosper in the future — such is life.”

“I’m also personally set on enjoying life as much as possible when this is over and I’m expecting others to do the same, so this might all hit hard and deep but the economy will rebound in a shorter time than the previous crisis.”

“And, again, this undeniably terrible time also shows the importance of having a nice house. An actual home for you and your family is making all of this all more bearable and that’s something to consider for the future as well.”

How about the technical stuff when it comes to buying a house? Interest rates and housing availability?

Q: I saw that the interest rates were going up? How will that evolve?
Henk:

“Normally, in a crisis, interest rates will go down — but they’re already at a historic low. And the hike in the interest rates is tiny, 0.05%, which I suspect is just for the banks to cover all the extra costs they’re having because of this crisis.”

“The longer this all will take the more banks will increase the interest rate, but in return, you can also expect prices to stall a bit or actually decrease. The silver lining here is that the government won’t fiddle with the mortgage interest rate deduction in these turbulent times — well, they shouldn’t at least.”

Q: So housing prices might decrease? And won’t there be many more available houses now?
Henk:

“Housing prices might be a bit lower in the long run, but I don’t expect huge price drops. There’s still going to be a shortage of houses in the Netherlands, simply because there were many many people looking for one. And while it might scare off some investors and people with uncertain job perspectives, you also have to keep in mind that the whole building sector is on its back as well and almost no houses are being built at this moment too.”

“In the end, again, if you’re here for the long run and you need a home, buying a house is still a good move for most folks. We all need a place to live, and now we need a place to live for a prolonged period of time with your family and work from home.”

Thinking of buying a house?
Get in touch with Expat Mortgages to discuss your options.

Q: Speaking of working from home, how are day to day things going for Expat Mortgages? Still working?
Henk:

“It’s a challenge for us too, but we were kind of lucky because of the nature of our business. Many meetings with clients were already taking place digitally because all these internationals travel a lot, well, they used to. All the paperwork and contact with mortgage lenders was also from a distance and digital in the last years.”

“At Expat Mortgages we’ve also used the past period to fine-tune some of our essential processes with our business partners. At this moment digital identification is possible, so less physical contact, and a digital signature is also accepted by most of our business partners (banks).”

“Our advisors are still available for any possible meeting, besides the physical ones. And it’s still possible to get a mortgage as any other day, rules haven’t changed, yet. But it’s also not business as usual because the human toll of it all is a terrible thing. Not only the loss of life of course but also because we’ve got clients from Spain and Italy, we’re trying to help them as best as we can.”

“Everybody is concerned about this and has their own private story to cope with, and when it comes to that, we can only hope for the best and stay safe and positive.”

Free webinars
Expat Mortgages will keep on providing free information through their webinars. Their Housing Workshops are available at least once a week (check their website for registration) and their Expat Housing Seminar is now an Expat Housing Webinar —first session on April 21. Don’t forget to register!

 

Were you planning on buying a house in the Netherlands? How do you see the housing market in the Netherlands develop over time? Have your life plans been altered by coronavirus? Tell us in the comments below!

Note: The information on this page is for general information only. You should consider seeking legal, financial, mortgage, taxation, and/or other advice to check how this relates to your unique circumstances.

Feature Image: DutchReview/Canva