Someone buy that man a beer!
In an attempt to get back to the origin of the thread (and apologies to all for all above), Cwatters, I couldn't agree more. Making a provision for ones future should be paramount. Not turning around at what ever age and saying "Oh great, now what do I live on?".
IMO, it seems unfair that the "Arbitration" used by the French for their disputes effects all of Europe like this.