[smekuly]

David

great advice..

I would have to agree

cars here are very expensive.. going from gas to parts maintence due to the terrible roads here.

I would liken a car here is like buying a car from jerome avenue from the bronx .. actually worse since the rads here are such poor conditions.

now
if you had some moxy the best strategy would be to buy an older mercedes.. or similiar quality. like an 86 etc

rebuild the motor and tranny like its new..

then ship that car here..

the marchamo would be less than a $100 bucks per year.. and in essence you have a new vehicle.

[smekuly]

scott

please dont tell me about the pain you experience because i have this mental image of you being a commando invincible guy and this changes everything :D:D:D:D

good to hear your doing well

[smekuly]

Guru

you speak as if “life is fair”

when in fact it is NOT

[smekuly]

here is more info

this needs to be stopped as the implications will be so far reaching

I am so sick and tired of all this crap out of the U.S. goverment

[smekuly]

Scott

thanks for that link and making aware of the comments below each article in la nacion.

I was NOT aware although not surprised that each article has a comment section..

this is one of the best ways to kind of see the ticos versions of all this..

kind of tuning in to their frequency..

thanks again

[smekuly]

I also agree 100%

it is the job of these countries to handle this sort of thing

forget about relaying on costa rica for anything..

well maybe except to turn off your $4.00 water bill if your a day late and charge you $6.00 to reconnect :lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

Lucy.. Im just kidding:D:D

[smekuly]

Thank you for your reply

honestly

I believe to learn about the future is to study the past.

Ron paul had been pretty accurate regarding some of the events that has occurred over the past years.. housing collapse…etc

I was curious to know on a sample scale what people thought about social security for the future with events being played out.

it’s not rocket science when more is going out than whats coming in than something has got to give.. even printing more monopoly money will eventually run it course..

personally

I don’t think it will be around or it will morph into something much different today.

initially what will happen in my opinion and would love to hear feedback from this.

is that as we get more into our years the initial plan will be to keep moving the years one will be eligible.. 65.. 67 68 70.. all with the common reply

well people are living longer so adjustments need to be made…

when finally it just wont work anymore.

what about pensions..

I remember years ago when a government job would not make any money BUT people would still work for the goverment because of the benefits..

now they make great money and have the benefits.

a few friends just retired from the police force and they will be making $80, 000 a year for the rest of thier lives.. in pensions ( the last few years they worked double time to inflate the numbers)

my question is how long can this go on???

oh well

should be a great adventure

at least I dont have to worry about this as I plan my own future and never want anything goverment wise.

worse case scenario

if everything falls by the wayside

I can partner with Scott and sell tamales on the road near his penthouse :D:D:D:D:D:D

[quote=”*Lotus”]Steve,

I wish I knew, I wish I could see into the future…I would be a very rich man enjoying life in Costa Rica.

Lot’s of people make predictions on this board, gold, stocks, currencies or a total collapse of it all.

The truth is if anyone had even an inkling of what any of this stuff would actually do they would be very wealthy indeed. Even the best of the best of the best only make a great call once in a lifetime and those folks are very rare. Paulson shorting housing is one of them (this year I believe his investments are down 30%).

So how can you explain in detail a non-existent event?

I guess it’s all very interesting to hear speculation, but the reality is no one has a clue what will actually happen. It’s interesting to see on these boards all the yelling and name calling based on speculation of some future event.

If any of us were actually intelligent enough to predict with any certainty real macro economic events; I doubt you would be here on a forum about living in Costa Rica. But if it makes someone happy to spend time this way, that is their prerogative.

Regarding SS it is around now, that’s all I know with any degree of certainty.[/quote]

[smekuly]

these are scary times indeed.

initially I would just shrugged this off as something that will never occur here. BUT

like a drug addict.

costa rica has already tasted blood (metaphorically speaking) with regards to some successful tax collections these past 2 years.

now they will be gearing up with all sorts of ways to tax, tax and tax some more.

and to all the people that feel paying taxes is a moral obligation… good for you..

that is your own personal rationalization of being powerless of not being able to do anything. and you can continue to walk around in that bent over position allowing these idiots to keep milking our money and nothing to show for it.

[b]here is an observation… and I would welcome different views on this just to tell me I am off base…. I want to be wrong here..[/b]

costa rica

1. has the most expensive fuel in central america.

2. cars and car parts are the most expensive in central america

3. appliances and electronics are the most expensive in central america.

4. traffic tickets are the most expensive in the world

5. now that the U.S. has gone thru alot of adjustments with pricing in real estate..

you can buy a nice house in places like florida for less than buying a house here??

[b]where is all this money????[/b]

I can see why professionals that I have relationships with all say the same thing..

and I would meet many in the business that I had before

paying taxes here is like throwing money into the wind.. since there is NO accountability.

don’t misunderstand me..

taxes are indeed necessary .. but not in this way.

like scott previously stated

do not keep any large amounts of money here..

and if you do.. the best way to protect this would be to buy small tico style homes under $100 grand..

and then sell them financed. at the current interest rate.

give them a 30 year mortgage with 10% down.. and just collect your monthly revenue. this keeps any large sums safer and out of the banks.

saludos

steve

PS. Being here for so long is like watching a movie that you watched before… as you see things unfold similar to the U.S. so its NOT that I am smart by all means I am a laymen…. but its not brain surgery to witness these repeating issues.

[smekuly]

Clewis

I think someone should suggest to scott they shold maybe have a dedicated forum to

1. people who actually live here

and

2. people who would like to live here lol

as I found both come from 2 totally different vantage points.

I remember my first few years when I would do nothing but dream of living here with such an attitude that wow

costa rica is this and costa rica is that

now I live here and actually had business here for 10 years

and now I have a good perspective about living here or anywhere else for that matters

no where is perfect

and like life

everything is always in a constant flux. meaning one day you wake up and everything has changed. so you either adapt or you move.

everything always is based on personal values of what is important to each individual and this also changes with time.

for example.. and I am just outlining this as my personal example for illustrative purposes.

my priorities when I first came here were

[b]women!!!! women!!! and More women!!! :D:D:D:D[/b]

[b]freedoms[/b]

[b]low taxes[/b]

[b]low cost of living[/b]

[b]weather[/b]

to name a few

now fast forward and now I am married with kids and everything so women although I always love women are NOT on the top of my list..

so now I go through the internal evaluation process and make adjustments.

for example

[b]crime and safety[/b] was never on my original list BUT now with my family it is on the top of my list.

and with time if I find my other items on my list start to be dissolve.. like

increased taxes
less freedoms: I remember back in the U.S. that nervous feeling you associate when you see the flashing lights of a coop car behind you stopping you for whatever reason..

and how free I felt when I first arrived here..

now I am actually aware of transit constraints to avoid being extorted with these high fines. since its now a cashflow for the government here.

so you go from a country that allowed a grace period to pay the marchamo which is normal in this culture

to one that

waits like hungry vultures to pounce on people to see if the marchamo is NOT paid and if you late 1 day

you pay hundreds of dollars..

different attitude here

in the end its all about our personal choices..

sorry for the rant

😀

[smekuly]

Sprite

unfortunetly and even though it pains me to say.

your right 🙂

the only true freedom we have as individuals.. is to get up and leave.

anyway

lets have a big cheer for

walkabouts 😀

[smekuly]

relax gee gee

its all good 😀

here’s to a healthy and prosperous 2012

[quote=”GEEGEE”]I dont find you funny or entertaining anymore. Please if you want to be nasty write me in private. I find that FIT AND PROPER!.
Thank you,

GG

[quote=”smekuly”]Gee Gee

I don’t understand the hate you have in your heart

just smile and say pura vida

everything is going to be fine and things are just wonderful.

:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

obviously its amusing wthat you add your observations when it seems fit.. 😀

ok all kidding aside

the answer is

INCOMPETENCE!!

as the costa rican goverment begin to realize the $$$$ windfall of aggressive taxation

you will begin to see taxes creep up in all areas of life here

they learn from the best grand daddy U.S.A.

mark my words

happy new year

[quote=”GEEGEE”]HI Les,
The question you ask is how?

Well, you need an honest Government that will pass on the taxes to finance these
Police, roads, bridges, traffic lights, marked roads, lighted roads, cheaper electric, infrastructure.

MIND you that C.R. has 13 1/2% tax on about everything you purchase here. Lets not forget the 100% on

TV,Computers, Washer, Dryers, toasters, Cars, Motorcycles, liquior, beer, mayo, ketchup :).

C.R. CUSTOMS a huge duty on any itemin a container, shipped or mailed into the country etc, etc.

Each month I leave the airport now $28.00.
Lets not forget the Government owns elect, ice, insurance, Companies. Where does all this money go? They charged us $1,800 to move a phone pole and it took them 3 1/2 months after we paid them. Income from many other sources they sell and export of C.R. natural resources.

Large Corps. that pay to do business here.

C.R. sells its electric to Panama. Panama pays about 1/2 or what we and the Ticos pay. Why? They sell Electric cheap to Panama and other countries and charge their own people/Ticos double for what they sell it for to other countries. This does not make sense.
So, I ask you where is the improve infrastructure, new roads, trained police depts, court houses, new computers to
expedite paper work ie. drivers license, medical exams,car registration etc.
What IMPROVEMENTS ARE THEY MAKING WITH THE MONEY THEY COLLECT NOW. I am sure if we add up all the taxes. It is
enough to run this small country. More than enough.
Airport alone has to be hundreds of thousands a day. Are these taxes going back into the country to improve it? NO, NO, NO.

Lets also add all the pay offs the officials get to look the other way for the so called Falling new Freeway. What a disaster and many more pay offs.

IT is so corrupt that the money never gets into the government check books.

Have you ever asked yourself why are all the car dealerships owned by the same families??? Pay offs.

Please dont get me wrong I could be speaking about the USA. But my point is when are the Ticos/ and us Americans going to start to march and demand an honest government? We have the same GREED and pay outs in the USA…. at the cost of the tax payer.

Les, my thought is we do pay and we do contribute…. BUT the real question is WHO disperses it properly
IF at ALL, so that this country and USA can improve????

We do pay into the system everyday with each item you purchase and service you receive.

Just like the USA.

gg.

[quote=”waggoner41″]While we complain about the way taxes are created to finance the Costa Rican government we should be aware of impending peril to all of us.

While I do not agree with the tax system is set up here I can see that there is a definite need to finance the police authorities and revamp the judicial system and criminal laws. [url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/americas/for-costa-ricas-pura-vida-a-drug-war-test/2011/12/20/gIQARoW8NP_story.html?wpisrc=nl_headlines]For Central America’s pura vida state, a drug war test[/url] The drug element now making inroads into the country is contributing to a lawlessness never seen in Costa Rica.

The question that we all face is how the police and legal system is to be changed and paid for in order to provide a secure environment for all of us. One thing is obvious from the start, the criminal conviction rate in Costa Rica is abysmal. Depending on the type of crime, whether it be murder (61%), rape (90%) or robbery (97%), the non-conviction rates range down to 3%. [url=http://www.amcostarica.com/112911.htm] Financial cost of crimes placed at millions of dollars[/url]

Many of the expats living here are cloistered behind high walls, steel gates and barred windows ignoring the fact that these luxury communities containing either single-family homes, condos or both are in themselves a draw for the professional criminal element simply because of the plethora of electronic and luxury items available in the area.

There is no doubt that we have an obligation to contribute to the resolution of the problem. What is in question is how we should contribute.[/quote][/quote][/quote][/quote]

[smekuly]

Gee Gee

I don’t understand the hate you have in your heart

just smile and say pura vida

everything is going to be fine and things are just wonderful.

:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

obviously its amusing wthat you add your observations when it seems fit.. 😀

ok all kidding aside

the answer is

INCOMPETENCE!!

as the costa rican goverment begin to realize the $$$$ windfall of aggressive taxation

you will begin to see taxes creep up in all areas of life here

they learn from the best grand daddy U.S.A.

mark my words

happy new year

[quote=”GEEGEE”]HI Les,
The question you ask is how?

Well, you need an honest Government that will pass on the taxes to finance these
Police, roads, bridges, traffic lights, marked roads, lighted roads, cheaper electric, infrastructure.

MIND you that C.R. has 13 1/2% tax on about everything you purchase here. Lets not forget the 100% on

TV,Computers, Washer, Dryers, toasters, Cars, Motorcycles, liquior, beer, mayo, ketchup :).

C.R. CUSTOMS a huge duty on any itemin a container, shipped or mailed into the country etc, etc.

Each month I leave the airport now $28.00.
Lets not forget the Government owns elect, ice, insurance, Companies. Where does all this money go? They charged us $1,800 to move a phone pole and it took them 3 1/2 months after we paid them. Income from many other sources they sell and export of C.R. natural resources.

Large Corps. that pay to do business here.

C.R. sells its electric to Panama. Panama pays about 1/2 or what we and the Ticos pay. Why? They sell Electric cheap to Panama and other countries and charge their own people/Ticos double for what they sell it for to other countries. This does not make sense.
So, I ask you where is the improve infrastructure, new roads, trained police depts, court houses, new computers to
expedite paper work ie. drivers license, medical exams,car registration etc.
What IMPROVEMENTS ARE THEY MAKING WITH THE MONEY THEY COLLECT NOW. I am sure if we add up all the taxes. It is
enough to run this small country. More than enough.
Airport alone has to be hundreds of thousands a day. Are these taxes going back into the country to improve it? NO, NO, NO.

Lets also add all the pay offs the officials get to look the other way for the so called Falling new Freeway. What a disaster and many more pay offs.

IT is so corrupt that the money never gets into the government check books.

Have you ever asked yourself why are all the car dealerships owned by the same families??? Pay offs.

Please dont get me wrong I could be speaking about the USA. But my point is when are the Ticos/ and us Americans going to start to march and demand an honest government? We have the same GREED and pay outs in the USA…. at the cost of the tax payer.

Les, my thought is we do pay and we do contribute…. BUT the real question is WHO disperses it properly
IF at ALL, so that this country and USA can improve????

We do pay into the system everyday with each item you purchase and service you receive.

Just like the USA.

gg.

[quote=”waggoner41″]While we complain about the way taxes are created to finance the Costa Rican government we should be aware of impending peril to all of us.

While I do not agree with the tax system is set up here I can see that there is a definite need to finance the police authorities and revamp the judicial system and criminal laws. [url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/americas/for-costa-ricas-pura-vida-a-drug-war-test/2011/12/20/gIQARoW8NP_story.html?wpisrc=nl_headlines]For Central America’s pura vida state, a drug war test[/url] The drug element now making inroads into the country is contributing to a lawlessness never seen in Costa Rica.

The question that we all face is how the police and legal system is to be changed and paid for in order to provide a secure environment for all of us. One thing is obvious from the start, the criminal conviction rate in Costa Rica is abysmal. Depending on the type of crime, whether it be murder (61%), rape (90%) or robbery (97%), the non-conviction rates range down to 3%. [url=http://www.amcostarica.com/112911.htm] Financial cost of crimes placed at millions of dollars[/url]

Many of the expats living here are cloistered behind high walls, steel gates and barred windows ignoring the fact that these luxury communities containing either single-family homes, condos or both are in themselves a draw for the professional criminal element simply because of the plethora of electronic and luxury items available in the area.

There is no doubt that we have an obligation to contribute to the resolution of the problem. What is in question is how we should contribute.[/quote][/quote]

[smekuly]

dona laura chinchilla has so much faith in the caja system that she uses private hospital

i think it was hospital metropolitano

caja is a coin toss…

[smekuly]

Disabled Veteren

its these complacent atitudes allows one to wake up in the future and say

holy smokes

how the heck did I get myslef into this :D:D:D

just as the law went into effect

there was a 14% increase in the tax since its linked to base salaries

so now its $350 or $174 for inactive

next year it goes up and every year it will go up.. so

if you have a property in a corp

you now pay your property taxes

then pay the corp taxes..

in a few years this will not look like such a deal anymore

[quote=”Disabled Veteran”]If having read the article in amcostarica.com, is correct. The $300.00 is for active corps., inactive corps only pay half. In my humble opinion, these luxury property tax increases, and corp. tax increase; are a small price to pay, for enjoying all the positive aspects of Costa Rica. I pay several thousands of dollars, in U.S. property tax, in retaining my U.S. home. Often, we forget, we are guests of the Costa Rican people, for better or worse.[/quote]

[smekuly]

Clewis

can I ask you a very personal question?????? 😀 and please don’t take offense.

.

.

.

.

.

.

can I kn ow what it is that your smoking because i would love to get my hands on some of that 🙂

happy new year

[Author]

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