Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
Blood in the streets is about right on Scott!
It’s funny…. perhaps not really. But when I watch all those silly zombie shows and movies that are so popular these days I can’t help but think (and tell anyone that will listen without thinking me crazy) that the scenes are this world’s future…. not some apocalyptic virus that turns folks into flesh eating zombies intent on seeking out those alive and eating them to “survive”. Instead it will be the masses that suffer from the harsh economic realities this world is headed for and those that have failed to provide for their retirement and future. They will be chasing down those that have… not to take a bite of flesh but rather to take what it is you have…. be it supplies or wealth. We’re already getting a glimpse into that reality in Europe. And once the downfall begins it most likely will accelerate. As welcoming as the EU and Germany were initially they had to put on the brakes once they saw the sudden acceleration in folks looking to “flee” to someplace they felt they would be treated to better goodies.
A torn rotator cuff or labrum that can wait a bit is a lot different than a life threatening illness or injury. Had your situation been cancer would the expense of traveling to the US been an issue? Keeping Medicare (beyond the free portion) and signing up when eligible is a no brainer. The monthly cost (and avoiding the penalty for delaying signing up) is a back up plan worth having!
When you have Saudi Kings coming to the US for important surgical treatment and medical care that should tell you something.
[quote=”Scott”]Not sure who “we” is but I would suggest that if someone already has his accommodation paid for – meaning they own their own home outright – then yeah! I think one person could live here comfortably – certainly not extravagantly – on $1,000 per month…
Scott
[/quote]And if limited to $1000 per month in CR I think most people would be living a much healthier (fresh fruits and veggies rather than expensive processed products and meats), simpler, and happy life. Money doesn’t buy happiness…. don’t get me wrong, it helps, but only if you keep your priorities straight!
I agree if your housing arrangements are owned outright you might be able to swing it…. but when you own your own place the upkeep and repair costs can eat you up. It’s important to have a nest egg and to maintain and fund one as part of your monthly expenses. Owning a car under a $1000/month lifestyle would also be a bit tight for the same reasons.
Not to say it all can’t be done… but for many folks the adjustment to such an existence might be a bit harsh… even if no other alternative is available. I guess time will tell since this very adjustment is awaiting many of the baby boomers steaming towards a retirement adventure they’re not prepared for.
[quote=”costaricabill”][quote=”Duth”]Find a good regular taxi guy(pirate) and cut a deal with him.Make sure he’s referred by several others.
Don’t waste your time with a car and the nonsense that goes with it here.
I spend about $350-400/month. It’s a bargain.One little problem with a vehicle and the dirtbag(expert mechanic) with the hammer and tube of silicone will suck that out in 2 or 3 days.
If you’re a mechanic go for it. If not ? RUN.
Then retive time…..there’s an adventure. It’s like a colonoscopy but less fun.INS is another complete joke of an insurance scam.Always remember. If you don’t ever complete anything…..or purposely don’t do it right from the start,there will certainly be more work tomorrow.
That’s how Ticos justify their employment-existence.That’s why the phones don’t work, the internet is sketchy, the electric flashes on and off, the water is scary at best, the roads are in constant dis-repair,the caja ran out of your medicine, the stuff you’ve been using for months or years no longer makes it’s way to the supermarket shelves, you go for an appointment and that person isn’t there. “Doctors” included.It’s also why the very best ones only get $8 or so an hour. They’ll fool you for a little while(OOOOO he’s GREAT). THEN ? Ben Dover.:shock:
Pura…whatever.
How about the recent website changes at BCR ? Prime example.[/quote]Duth, are you as miserable and unhappy in real life as you are on this blog?
If so, I suggest that you find somewhere else to live, or at least some other blog to share your unhappiness!:cry::cry:[/quote]Perhaps a little over the top… but unfortunately he makes a couple of valid points. The trick is laughing about the bad stuff and figuring out a work-around as he apparently has done with his transportation situation. Remember folks… this ain’t Kansas… there will be some bumps and curves on your path here in paradise! The right attitude and a little laughter goes a long way in smoothing out the ride!
Money can’t buy happiness…. but it sure makes getting up in the morning and going about your day so much more enjoyable…. and relaxing. Living on a “budget” for many folks means their income has become static while the expenses of life continue to move beyond their control. Not a comfortable situation, particularly for those that have enjoyed a life of living (and spending) to their full potential before entering the static income phase.
The question then becomes if “97%” of Costa Rican population will not be impacted by the majority of these proposed taxes (as has been indicated by those proposing them) just who is it that will be footing the bill for the billion ($$$) plus in new revenue the politicians see this plan generating?
Having witnessed these types of proposals before I’m not concerned YET…. but instead will keep an eye on how they progress.
As to Scott’s first point. Might the open and automatic exchange of income/asset information obtained by CR from the US be used at some point in the future when setting taxes (such as the mandatory CAJA participation tax) on expats that live in CR? That has been a concern of mine for a while and part of the reason residency is not now in my future plans.
Just a thought on the subject. In my ten years of experience in CR things have changed. But can someone tell me a place on this planet where they have not?
You make your own happiness in life. You enjoy the good and do your best to mitigate the bad. When the bad outweighs the good you move on or adjust to work around it and deal with it. When looking at the total package of what CR has to offer for those willing to WORK (Yes…. I said WORK…. Life itself is WORK) on living here, i.e. learning some spanish, learning the customs, adjusting your attitude, making good friends outside the expat community, accept things are not like “home”, you can’t beat CR! Sure it’s gotten more expensive, but once again where in the world has it gotten cheaper to live? Sure there are social issues that may create problems that may or not impact you, but once again where is that not the case?
Some folks aren’t happy no matter where they call “home”…. start WORKING on creating your own happiness…. because no one is looking to do the job for you…. and the more unhappiness you project the more likely to are to attract folks more than willing to feed into it.
The problem is when you grease the wheels they keep coming back for more and more grease… just like the mob…. eventually you can’t keep your business running because there are too many hands in your pockets. His story might have been a convenient way to explain why he walked away. He seemed to be one of the better developers. Reasonable plans, simple homes, taking on projects that had the potential to be completed. It looked as if he was doing everything the right way!!! Sorry to see him go.
I seem to remember that at the time there was word of a health issue or other problem that he and his wife were dealing with and were only returning to the US temporarily. Apparently his employees and workers got wind that he was really closing up shop and were making demands for additional compensation. I think he also had a Costa Rican son-in-law involved in the business…. not sure how that worked out.
I guess we may never know the whole story…. but thanks Victoria for sharing your FIRST hand knowledge of the issue.
Hey Scott seems like one of your fellow Brits had a very similar problem! And remember folks, FATCA and the recently executed financial information exchange agreement with CR is a two way street. So when CR or any other participating country wants YOUR financial info from Uncle Sam (such as total income or assets should CR want to base your CAJA payments on TOTAL income not just what you declared in your residency application) they will get it!
Think it can’t happen…. just read the story (from a very reliable source) below…. do you think the Mayor of London EVER IMAGINED he’d be paying the IRS taxes on the sale of his home in the UK?
A quick Google search will provide some great articles on the issue and how quickly he fell in line…. do you really think you’d have a prayer?
Not sure where that info came or if it’s in fact true. I think he managed to sell the business to a new couple who I doubt would have taken over if there were unresolved financial issues. From what I seem to remember he did have some problems when he was closing up shop with some of his employees making demands. I know of a couple of builders/business owners that have had similar problems when closing up a business here and moving back to the states. Not sure how that was resolved but as we know the employment laws in CR can be a real minefield.
Sweikert925 wrote: (in reference to Ambassador Haney)
“And when he DOES go out and mingle his first priority is to mingle with citizens of the country he is posted to, not with expats from the country he is representing.”
Did you really just write that????
[quote=”charientist”]The use of the word “Sunshine” is a bit patronizing. What’s up with that?[/quote]
Sunshine… the start of a new day, a new adventure, first light being cast on new possibilities, the warming of the body and soul after the darkness of the night, a rebirth, a new start….. all good. No reason to get the undies in a bunch.
But might I ask the significance of your chosen username?
[quote=”charientist”]Is this some of the fellowship you criticize Ambassador Haney for not conducting?
“To commemorate the 239th anniversary of Independence as well as his recent arrival to Costa Rica, United States Ambassador S. Fitzgerald Haney held a formal function at his residence on Thursday afternoon. More than 600 attendants from various sectors of civil society and private enterprise attended the event, which took place in the capital city of Costa Rica.”
http://news.co.cr/u-s-ambassador-prepares-for-4th-of-july-in-costa-rica/39945/%5B/quote%5D
Couldn’t hold off posting an internet link could you Sunshine? Of the 600 folks in attendance how many do you think were everyday expats and their families living in CR?
Thanks for your reply although I wasn’t asking about working on the Sabbath… only if fellowship with others was prohibited. I don’t expect the ambassador to work in conflict with his faith, his commitment to his faith is quite admirable in today’s God less world.
I notice you’re new to the board… and I really love your screen name there Sunshine! Look forward to your input! 🙂
