[vegasknite]

The US can stop most retired people from leaving the US with one simple new law they can stop Social Security Benifits from being paid outside of its borders. Social Security currently has a list of foriegn countries that you cannot collect your retirement benifits in. If the wording were to change to all foriegn countries the majority of retired americans would have no option except to remain within US borders.

With the current rise in interest rates, the slowdown in new US home starts, the soft US real estate market resulting in lower prices are all keeping American’s and their dollars in US borders. Many Americans are concerned with how the slow down within their borders will affect housing costs in the rest of the world. All this plus higher energy prices are hampering US investment in foriegn real estate; that may not be seen in weakening foriegn real estate pricing yet. The US slowdown isn’t just affecting foriegn investment but it has an affect on tourism, retail sales and so on….

[vegasknite]

Maybe I am the exception to the rule but I am not leaving the United States for any of those reasons. I am leaving because I am in love with the Costa Rican lifestyle I can enjoy. While I am sure I can find many issues that aren’t perfect with the US I still believe there are a lot of things that are right with it. For me it is similiar to having grown up in NYC as an adult I left not because NYC wasn’t perfect but because I wanted to live in a different climate with a different lifestyle. I am grateful that I was born and raised in NYC because I experienced many different things and learned many lessons I feel the same about being born and raised in the USA. I am grateful for what I learned earned and experienced. I am just ready to experience Costa Rica this is a concious choice that I am making. I will not bash the US with all its faults there are still many good qualities that it has too.

I remember the cold war all the propaganda that was taught in school & then learning that the average Soviet Union resident had the same fears as we did. In hind sight both of our countries leaders spent our tax dollars in waste based on fear and distrust. I don’t know if talking could have eliminated all the money spent on building up arms and neglecting the social needs of both countries people. What I am certain is I prefer peace to war and at the same time security to fear. Real security based on a disarmed world living in peace with all our differences. Tolerance for our uniqueness rather distrust of our differences. We have been killing each other for thousands of years in the name of God whichever God you choose to kill or die for. I hear we get more intelligent with each generation if that is so then why are we still fighting the same old battles. Why does the pigment of ones skin cause distrust and hatred still why does it matter if you face east and pray 5 times a day or kneel in a pew on Sunday to pray and the look at the other as prey. Am I the one who is ignorant because I understand tolerance and living with my neighbor. I am the same no matter where I reside be it the imperfect USA or the tranquility of Costa Rica with its faults too. I have one last thing to say ….. PEACE!!!!

[vegasknite]

Marvilla: I would sugestthat you contact your accountant and or attorney if you have one to bring you up to date. I don’t think you will be in any major trouble and will limit any issues using someone that is familiar with the system and can get you brought up to date with at most a minor fee. If you don’t have a local accountant & attorney I would suggest that you ask Scott Oliver to refer one to you with local experience & relationships. Good luck.
Steve

[vegasknite]

Well GingoTico I have to admit we all really got our moneys worth with your dos colones seems like you gave us the entire nickle tour. In my humble opinion you said it all and very well I must add. Mucho Gusto.

[vegasknite]

Hi Neil:

I have similiar concerns as you do. I am relocating to CR early this year I will be formimg a Corporation to purchase my Condo as well as a couple of our items like my automobile. Based on that information I asked Scott Oliver if he could recommend how to handle my concerns Scott introduced me to;

Randall Zamora Hidalgo
http://www.CostaRicaABC.com
Accounting & Business Center
(506) 356-8992
(506) 261-4283

I would suggest that you ask Scott to make an introduction on your behalf. Not that you couldn’t contact him on your own I believe you will see when Scott introduces you the response is quick and you are treated with a different value.
I hope that helps.
Steve

[vegasknite]

You’re welcome… Before you know it you will be conversing in spanish too. Have fun learning. If you have any other questions about Costa Rica this forum is the best place to come for answers.

Pura Vida,
Steve
vegasknite@aol.com

[vegasknite]

Annette

If you go to arcr on the right side of the page there are links if you click the top box called learn spanish it will take you to a new page press start and it will take you to some free spanish lessons that are fun and easy. It’s not just writen but has voice lesson. Try it it’s fun.
Steve

[vegasknite]

Marcia: The report of Violent Crime shouldn’t keep you or anyone from moving to Costa Rica. It should be noted while Violent crime is on the rise it is very far from terrible in Costa Rica. There are areas in Costa Rica that you have to keep your guard up because of crime but those areas are very small. Even in those small areas the chances of becoming a victim is quite limited. None the less I believe we are responsible to take care of ourselves and should use good judgement in everything we do. So stay aware enjoy your life and never allow anyone or anything to keep you from living. Stay safe and happy.

[vegasknite]

Marcia: “All is forgiven come on home” I really don’t believe that you are a selfish person. I can understand you not wanting to read about things you know very well however, I think you need to understand that while you nay know what is written here that may be repetitive to you, may be new to others. If you see a string that you disagree with or you believe has been beaten to death just don’t read it rather than ask it to end or to be removed. How does that sound to you? I think that is fair to all.
Steve

[vegasknite]

Mario Zamora is a hero in every sense of the word!!!

This is a Beautiful bright day for all of Costa Rica, We lead by example I don’t know if this was a difficult decission for Mr. Zamora but I believe not.

Passing up 2.5 million dollar bribe comes easy to honest people

It is a true pleasure to read about a honest Government Official from any country. In our world that has become about money and me me me it is REFRESHING to know we may be on the road back to doing what is proper and honest.

I refuse to over shadow what Mr. Zamora has done by thinking about or writing about politicians in any other country that has disgraced their citizens with their bad actions.

I will end with AGAIN KUDOS Mr. ZAMORA I AM PROUD OF YOU !!!!!

Edited on Jan 12, 2007 17:01

[vegasknite]

Hi Marcia:
I agrre with you that your opinion is valued just as everyone else’s opinions are equally as valuable so why would you prefer to not allow them to share their opinions on this string in this forum? I believe you ignored my question in my previous post. (What about those who don’t know as much as you, aren’t they entitled to learn?),

Are your opinions more valuable in fact or only in your opinion? I truly hope you and your son enjoy the closeness you seek. I also hope that every other person seeking to learn about Costa Rica is able to continue to read facts and opinions posted on this forum whether they are positive, negative, popular or not.

I find it selfish not to want all others to becomes as educated as some.

Edited on Jan 12, 2007 01:08

Edited on Jan 12, 2007 01:13

[vegasknite]

Hi Marcia I have a simple question for you, Would you want Scott to pull this string off here if you had no knowledge about Costa Rica and you were visiting for the very first time in a few weeks and this was one of your main sources of information about CR because it was recommended to you as a great site to learn everything about the place you are coming to visit. Take it a step further the ignorant travel agent has you booked in Downtown San Jose and you have a sleeping disorder so you are up nights and sleep days plus you love to walk on city streets. Wouldn’t it be nice to know you might end up learning that you need to use caution while on vacation just as you would while at home. Just a thought about what censorship does to enlightenment. Take note new people come to this site without the knowledge that you have or the experiences outlined in previous strings. Under that premise would you still pull this string and it’s negative positive information?

[vegasknite]

ssure Part Two of my response to your post. When I decided to move to CR and started doing my research I read and heard if you are a Gringo moving to CR do you want to continue your Gringo lifestyle or are you looking to change your lifestyle to a Tico or Gringo/Tico lifestyle. I hadn’t given that much thought at the time several years ago but I asked why are you asking that, the response was if you want to continue your Gringo lifestyle stay in the US it’s made for it. If you are relocating to CR you better adjust your head first or you won’t be happy. I am typing all that because I wonder if you have given much thought to where you intend to tow this trailer, what facilities you will utilize, if there are roads sufficient to tow on from point a to b. Remember many CR roads are fair at best and some come in way below fair if paved at all. While I am not clear on what facilities exist for motorhomes/traveltrailers I hope you have done your homework. I would hate for you to pay the taxes shipping and whatever other costs you may inccur to find out you will have no place to tow and utilize your trailer. Again I am writing without knowledge but I am not sure if CR is ready for the easy movement or use of travel trailers. Good luck doing the homework and I hope it turns out you will have many years of pleasure with your trailer and your new home.

[vegasknite]

ssure I have heard similiar stories from people I know and even had offers to assist me with tax isssues. I am very leary about those type of deals I also know what may work today may change tomorrow and will rear it’s head at the worse times. I won’t do anything without the advice of legal counsel prior to taking the action and would suggest you consider that as good advise. While it may be perfectly legal and safe remember Costa Rica is a foriegn country with different laws and people to take advantage of your lack of knowledge or inability to read spanish documents. All I am saying is CYA with a local experienced attorney. Good luck with whatever you do.
Steve

[vegasknite]

Thank you Jerry, I may take you up on your offer to assist in several weeks. Right now I am busy dealing with getting my housing in place and all the other issues I need to complete to have a smooth move and new life. I’ve worked out a few options none of which I am 100% crazy about but all of which will take the car out off the issues of the day. Once my mind is free from all the other larger issues I am taking care of I will focus back on the car and may contact you then. Again thank you and stay well.
Steve

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