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Oh Boy…. I’m off the grid a few days and you folks are feeding quarters into the Steve slot machine like you own the mint!!!! LOL
He feeds on it… most people in his personal life avoid him or have the ability to walk away… but here he has a captive audience to espouse his view of the world and how it should be and is in his own little mind. He has the control he feels he should have in his real life but has never achieved… To tell you why he’s right and you’re wrong… to selectively address issues he can twist and hit you with an obscure web link to make his point while avoiding others he knows can’t be defended.
Those of you that know Costa Rica, live here, have spent time here, have invested here, have experienced FIRST HAND the good things and bad about Costa Rica are sure of one thing…. he won’t last here a year… we’ve all seen those types and go!
[quote=”pdsnickles”]Welcome to what I like to call “the New World ODOR”.
Here’s the deal in case some people haven’t figured it out:
Corporations and banks have taken over the world while the fine citizens of these countries have had their heads up their arses, watching soap operas and reading about the Kardashians.Thomas Jefferson said “The price of liberty is eternal vigilance”. Our “let George do it” attitude has led to our losiing more and more freedom to the point where there really is almost nowhere left to go if you truly want to be free of government interference in your life.
When the Trans Pacific Partnership goes into law you will see things get even tighter, worse for people, worse for the environment, worse for the world in general, thanks to corporations owning all the power brokers.
Like I said “Welcome to the New World Odor”.[/quote]
Thank you! Some folks just don’t get it! But as even Jefferson knew… WE THE PEOPLE …. are the real power… if we come out of the smoke and lies that have been cast upon us. The problem is that there is going to be a lot of pain and sacrifice … Two words folks have become very unfamiliar with!
[quote=”pharg”]Ahem!
I most courteously suggest that you folks arguing in the sandbox about Social Security et al., take your deaf locked-in opinions to the PM route unless they have direct relevance to Costa Rica.
Scott, I wonder how many WLCR readers have/will bail out because of these boring exchanges?
PEH[/quote]They seem rather lively… Not boring at all…. Then again perhaps you have this super fantastic exciting live you’d like to share with us. I’d love to hear all about it… Seriously! LOL
[quote=”pharg”]Ahem!
I most courteously suggest that you folks arguing in the sandbox about Social Security et al., take your deaf locked-in opinions to the PM route unless they have direct relevance to Costa Rica.
Scott, I wonder how many WLCR readers have/will bail out because of these boring exchanges?
PEH[/quote]Sorry if the topic seems to not be related to CR and something of interest to you but it really is! Remember the original posting and the banking issues… This is just one of many small steps governments EVERYWHERE are taking to lock you in. No matter if you THINK you’ve escaped to CR! The good folks in CR are engaging in the same actions as we’ve seen with first MANDATORY participation in CAJA as a residency requirement and now large increases in the payments you make.
While the issues being discussed may not seem to impact your life in CR they really do…. One way or another.
[quote=”pixframe”][quote=”sweikert925″][quote=”Imxploring”]I put “for the children” in quotes because that’s where the system gets sucked into paying for people’s irresponsible actions.[/quote]
So you have 3 possible alternatives:
(1) Provide for those innocent children regardless of the shameful behavior of their parents and resign yourself to the fact
(2) Stop providing for them to show those dirty stinkin’ poor people they can’t get away with their shameful behavior
(3) Keep providing for them but whine and moan at every opportunity that you’re forced to do soI see you’ve gone with option (3).[/quote]
Oh, gee, a survey. I love taking surveys! And, although this one’s wording is more than somewhat biased … I vote for #2 (Stop providing for them to show these parents they must personally take responsibility for their actions).[/quote]
I vote for #2 as well…. in addition I’m voting with my assets and feet… both of which have been headed off shore for some time now, way ahead of the latest changes designed to keep people from doing so (ie The topic of this thread)!
In addition to forcing folks to take responsibility for their actions I would add that it would stop people from having a sense of entitlement that the world owes them ( and their offspring) a living!
[quote=”sweikert925″][quote=”Imxploring”]See how much Octomom is taking in![/quote]
If you want to base social welfare spending on the basis of a particular case of a single mom with 14 kids (who committed welfare fraud to get her benefits) then you are using some rather twisted logic, if you can call that logic at all.[/quote]
Come now Steve… even just including the various forms of assistance she’s getting legitimately “for the children” she’s getting well over $60k! And there are tons more like her… with 4,5,6 children they brought into the world with NO realistic ability to ever support!
I put “for the children” in quotes because that’s where the system gets sucked into paying for people’s irresponsible actions. No one wants to hurt children… so they become the “breadwinners” in many families!
Just like folks that claim illegal aliens don’t get welfare and other assistance…. that’s not really true is it
…. because the 3 or 4 kids they have after they sneak into the country are US CITIZENS! And as such are entitled to all the goodies! Nothing like rewarding folks for breaking the law…. no wonder they keep coming…. try that act in reverse to Mexico or any other country and see how it works out!I’ll stand by my comments… not twisted logic my friend… but sad unfortunate and unsustainable facts… much like every other social program that rewards those that choose to only take and not contribute at some point it fails… even with fiat currency and a government willing to print itself into a harsh nasty debt fuel death.
You never responded to my query as to your plans on bailing out of Chi-town and ILLinois before the big TAX increases needed to keep the dream (or is it a nightmare) going! I’m interested on your thoughts about the financial viability of Chicago and Illinois beyond 2016.
[quote=”lyncota”]This post brings 3 things to mind:
1. Do your homework
2. If you plan to live in CR like you did in the States, it will cost you
3. You know that mold you have in your house? Hire a nice local lady to clean it at a generous wage. She is struggling to support her family on a lot less than $3,000/month.Eventually, you will find local workers you can trust to do contractor work for you. It takes time. Just like in the States. .[/quote]
Great post and so true!
[quote=”sweikert925″][quote=”Kwhite1″]…dodging the direct question. How much is too much tax to pay? [/quote]
Fair enough. On my last paycheck the taxes I paid came to 22% of my gross income. That includes both federal and state income taxes, Medicare and Social Security. For 2013 my total federal income tax was 16% of my income. I don’t consider that too much, and I make considerably more than the median income. Most people pay a lot less than that. So how much is too much? Well let’s say double my federal income tax rate – 32%.
[url=http://pgpf.org/budget-explainer/taxes]The average federal income tax rate paid was about 12% [/url]
[url=http://www.cbpp.org/cms/?fa=view&id=3151]Average taxes paid by Americans.[/url]
[quote=”Kwhite1″]Stop the wasteful spending.[/quote]
I’m all in favor of that. But we have a system where people vote for Congress, and then all those Congressmen get together and decide what to spend money on and how much. There is money spent on some things I personally don’t approve of. But I had my say when I voted. You had your say when you voted. If you or I still aren’t happy with the outcome, then we can run for Congress ourselves.
[quote=”Kwhite1″] I know folks who are unemployed that make $60K a year off benefits from the government.[/quote]
I flat out don’t believe that. The average monthly SSDI benefit is $995. The average monthly food stamp benefit for a family of 4 is $275. The average weekly unemployment benefit in Florida is $275. Even if you were collecting all 3 (and it’s illegal to collect unemployment if you are also on SSDI) then the total would come to $29,240/year. And unemployment benefits run out after 6 months in most states.
I assume you got that $60,000 figure from [url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/fact-checker/post/a-misleading-chart-on-welfare-spending/2013/02/20/1b40bcde-7ba4-11e2-82e8-61a46c2cde3d_blog.html]the same place Senator Sessions of Alabama did.[/url]. So you just made up that “I know some folks….” assertion, didn’t you?
OK, I’ve answered your question, so it’s only fair you answer mine: How would you fix SS if you insist that SS taxes not be raised?[/quote]
You kept it too simple Steve and didn’t read what was written or tally up the total cost White1 was talking about. By using a single person, averages, and a narrow view of all the government hand outs people grab you kept your number rather low. You forgot Section 8 housing payments, Medicaid health benefits, Heating assistance, SSI for each and other benefits. Add 3 or 4 kids from different daddies and the money/benefits they EACH get and a welfare mommy is getting $60,000 in cash and inkind government benefit payments easily! I deal with many that hit or exceed that total $60k number no problem. That’s total cost not just cash in the pocket. Or as is the case with WORKING folks… cash that left their pocket when they had to PAY for all those same expenses.
See how much Octomom is taking in!
[quote=”sweikert925″][quote=”sprite”]Spoken like a loyal slave[/quote]
You can think it it as being a slave, reasonable people generally think of it as recognizing reality rather than indulging in a private fantasy.[quote=”sprite”]I don’t feel any moral obligation to obey criminal[s]..[/quote]
Well I hate it to break it to you and further intrude on that fantasy, but you don’t get to decide who are criminals all by yourself either. If you don’t pay your taxes then you risk being the criminal, not the men and women in those black robes.[/quote]
Thankfully Steve there were a good number of people in America in 1776 that didn’t see things the way you do and were willing to stand up and fight for what was fair and right putting their lives and liberty as risk. You apparently on the other hand would have been quite comfortable continuing to be governed by folks in red coats that answered to a King. (No offense intended Scott! LOL)
History is a beast… it repeats itself over and over again… and only those willing to learn from it truly can see what is right and wrong with this world. But then again… being a sheep now, and back in 1776, was an easy path that many took…. but who was ultimately right and aren’t even YOU enjoying the benefits of those that made the difficult choice rather than the easy one?
[quote=”barbara ann”]I wrote once before about the stealing at the gas stations, especially the one just before the auto pista at the jaco exit. We caught the attendant again.
WHEN YOU GET GAS IN THIS COUNTRY, get out of the car look at the pump, check the receipt and make sure they aren’t adding money to it. Today they tried 10000 colones. We always watch the guys at the pump. Just think about how much money they make if they do that ten times a day. This is not the only station. Last time we got the owner involved and he fired the attendant. It has happened to us in Escazu also[/quote]
Always get out of the vehicle… Look at the pump and make sure it starts at zero! Also order gas by “amount”… ie Dias mill colones…. Telling them to “fill it up” makes it too easy to pad the bill!
[quote=”sweikert925″][quote=”pixframe”]Good idea for you to wait until age 70 to collect that starting monthly payment of $3,006. [/quote]
I haven’t decided to do that. My comment was just a hypothetical to illustrate why waiting may be a good idea – or may not.
In any case I won’t be eligible for SS for another 5 years, even at the earliest. I thought you were one of those guys who are predicting economic catastrophe well before then. So sorry, guess my SS funds won’t be at your disposal no matter what.[/quote]
I have it on good advice that Pix is already collecting that Social Security booty… So perhaps the comment was directed at keeping the plan going long enough to get her share back! LOL
David Wrote:
“the compliance officer explained to me..
“off the record” that all these stifling regulations doing business with Americans is becoming to the point.. they do not want Americans as customers
this came out of this womans lips I kid you not..”
That’s the plan. To make Americans “persona non grata” so that they can’t escape Uncle Sam’s control or tax. By making it impossible for you to bank overseas he is in effect controlling your ability to relocate or “take it with you”!
Think about it…. how much money does the average expat have living on SS in CR? They’re not wealth by any means… and as far as being some type of tax cheat… even if they had $20,000 in cash in an account in Costa Rica… how much would he be getting in interest that could be taxed after taking the standard income tax deductions? It’s crumbs as someone had pointed to earlier… and that’s the scary part… if they’re looking for crumbs things are REALLY bad!
[quote=”sweikert925″][quote=”pixframe”]Those legal means are the ones that are gradually being eliminated. [/quote]
On the contrary, there are more types of tax deductions now than ever. Congress LOVES to add new ones all the time because they’re so popular. See [url=http://www.jamesdance.com/deductions.htm] here[/url]. Those are just a few, the total number is even higher than what that list contains.
[quote=”pixframe”]For example: for many (the non-critical thinking population) the USA government has convinced them it’s better to delay collecting their social security.[/quote]
I’ve never heard anyone in the federal government recommend that. There are some private investment advisers who say that but only depending on someone’s personal circumstances. Sometimes it makes sense, sometimes it doesn’t. The federal government takes no poisition on when someone should file for benefits. I tried to explain my thinking on that ibn a private message I sent you a while back, which I will repeat here:
[i]There is no doubt that delaying SS benefits may not be in your best interests in some circumstances, but it is not as straightforward as you seem to think. There are 2 other significant factors – when you die and how high inflation will be in the coming years.
If I die at age 66 then yes, taking SS at 62 would definitely be in my interest. But if I live to 100 then it’s a very different matter.
Let’s assume inflation remains low – averaging 3%. After 37 years my age 62 monthly benefit of $1644 would be $5054/month. If I delay til age 70 my $3006 starting benefit would amount to $7296/month.
Now if I knew for certain when I am going to die and precisely what the inflation rate will be between now and then I could know exactly when to start taking Social Security – but nether of those pieces of information is available so I will have to make a wild guess. I’m guessing that inflation will increase quite a bit in the next 20 years so delaying SS as long as possible makes sense. I’m not sure when I will take it, but will continually crunch the numbers and see what they say.[/i][/quote]
Tax breaks? For who? Seems mine (along with all the other “methods” that government have been “taxing” us with) have done nothing but go up!
As far as the SS issue Steve… I recommend you wait as long as possible to collect yours. There’s a pot of gold at the end of that rainbow my friend… go for it… roll the dice! What could go wrong! You die… the plan goes broke… benefits are cut… what are the chances! LOL 🙂
I, in the meanwhile, will be taking mine ASAP…. even if I don’t need it I’d rather get MY money back and live on it rather than spend my personal assets down which can be passed on after death. Whereas that increased SS check you’re counting on (if you live to collect it) can not! You on the other hand might not have (or care) about passing anything on to your loved ones.
Once you get your head wrapped around the fact that SS is a Ponzi scheme you might be more receptive to getting your “investment” back sooner rather then NEVER.
Hey David thank you for the comment! A big problem with today’s “collective good” is the fact that there are too many people in the collective that are happy to be collecting and not enough adding. In fact it’s a way of life for many and has become a generational lifestyle. And making the issue even more serious is that we have politicians that have been more than happy to keep the free ride going in exchange for votes and a consolidation of lasting control. But as usual they didn’t think out the end game when the system comes crashing down on itself.
It’s funny… but if WE THE PEOPLE were permitted to deduct all the expenses we incur in generating taxable income (like a business does) as well as take the depreciation on our possessions (once again used to generate taxable income) I’m figuring I’d have a similar tax liability (percentage wise) to most of the major household name companies operating in the US…. or better yet a taxable loss! LOL
