Keywords: Retire, retirement, best, places, countries, country, taxes, cost of living, expat,....

 
Topic:        Ed Brown IRS Standoff Exclusive Video (3 of 5), Read 22 times
Conf:     Off Topic
From:     Jim Ross
Date:     Tuesday, January 23, 2007 01:05 AM

Roger--I know this isn't on topic,but since you are an admitted transcontinental bum,I assume you are fairly well traveled--What country's in your opinion would you say,are the best in terms of a westerner residing in?just to live kind of a low key lifestyle in a good climate?

Topic:     Ed Brown IRS Standoff Exclusive Video (4 of 5), Read 20 times
Conf:     Off Topic
From:     Roger Martins
Date:     Tuesday, January 23, 2007 02:17 AM

 You know Jim, 10 years ago I thought I could answer that question by simply travelling through various countries and then choosing one, but, I have discovered (the pleasant, albeit hard way) that this is not possible.

The main reason is that countries are changing so rapidly these days that it is quite difficult to finger just one country as the ideal spot.

The short answer, at the moment, would have to be Australia and New Zealand, but remember, New Zealand is not the greatest country for anyone wanting to "make money" - ie, you need to have a little bit of money from a non New Zealand source to live reasonably well, but it is a pleasant country - not as cold as Canada, but not as warm as Australia and it is "Southern Hemisphere" so less chance of a "nuclear fallout" - remote, I know, but a consideration nonetheless.

The sunshine belt of Europe is a also very nice, but culturally demanding. For example, I find it difficult to avoid those odd occasions when you feel the urge to knock the "bonet" off some idiot's head for doing something stupid like assaulting a lady, something you don't see much of in Australia and New Zealand.

In France and Spain I've been caught in a "spot of bother" occasionally for handing out a casual smack to the odd offender - but aside from the cultural differences, South Western coastal europe is really pleasant, and Portugal will experience growing demand for property, so now is still a good time to invest. The North coast of Portugal has the best waves in the world for hard core surfers, cold but HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Southern Africa remains my favorite place, but it is not for the faint hearted, let me leave it at that. If you are the adventurous type looking for luxury as well as excitement, go to Botswana (Maun district) or South Africa (Cape Town-NOT PRETORIA OR GAUTENG!).

South America is, in my opinion, the best place for the next few years, particularly Argentina and Brazil because their economies are growing, their immigration rates are fairly high and the quality of life for those with an average income and average asset base can actually be quite good. Unlike Australia and New Zealand the South Americans know how to roll out the carpet for anyone willing to spend a buck or two. Service is good and luxurious living is not considered "vulgar". The trouble, though, is that the South Americans need to "clean their act" regarding their cities, they do tend to be a little offensive.

Other South American countries along the Western coastline of South America also have some beautiful undiscovered gems where you could retire and live like a king for small money, but if you're still full of kick and energy, then they can be quite boring.

The absolute ideal is to travel between 2 or three locations because:-

1- You receive the benefit of never becoming a "resident tax payer" in any country - which means you are welcomed as a "foreign investor" with all the usual trimmings and you never have to pay tax anywhere until you become a "tax resident"; - the problem, though, is that you MUST leave before the allotted time for "tax residency" is over otherwise you will be forced to submit tax returns (yech!!!!)

2- You spread your financial risk by ensuring your fixed property investments are located in more than one economic zone; - right now our Argentinean properties are rocketing in value while our New Zealand and Australian properties have peaked with over 150% average growth for the past 6 years.

3- You get to see more of the world and you get to notice changes easier than the locals which means you get to invest in new developments before the locals notice the opportunities.

If you're looking for a second place of residence and want immediate capital gains on your new property start looking in Argentina or, if you like Australia, I would try the Queensland Northern coastline or the Perth region because I think Australia's property market is at a peak with little prospect of big growth outside of the faster growing regions.

New Zealand will give you better rental returns for your buck and there is no capital gains tax on your fixed property, the profits are generally tax free.

I am investigating Vietnam and South Western China at the moment, and so far I like what I see, but I need to do some more homework before making any recommendations.

In a nutshell, that's it Jim, if I can help you more just drop me an e-mail and I'll try to answer your questions.

Roger


*********************************************
Note to all tax Authorities across the globe, please record my occupation and address:-

Permanently unemployed transcontinental Bum of no fixed tax residence or address

Kindly also note that I subscribe to the "FORKEM" principle on personal income tax

Topic:     Ed Brown IRS Standoff Exclusive Video (5 of 5), Read 12 times
Conf:     Off Topic
From:     Jim Ross
Date:     Tuesday, January 23, 2007 08:59 AM

Thanks Roger-I have been looking at Argentina and it sounds pretty good,always good to hear others opinions

From: Ralph Wood ralph.wood@sbcglobal.com

Date: Saturday, February 03, 2007 10:02 AM

Hello David

May I, as an American citizen:

Buy land in Canada?

Build on it?

Live in it?

Can you point me to some online resources which would help me to understand the rules?

Thanks,

Ralph Wood

Walnut Creaky

California

====

From: David Bischoff

Date: Saturday, February 03, 2007 06:31 PM

Ralph:

Yes you can buy land.

You can build.

You can live.

Kind of just like the USSA...without the rampant Fascism.

Immigration is another matter.Contact "Immigration Canada"...got all the info you need to start the process which is not very difficult.

If you are fairly independent financially it is simple.

Or you can just come on up...pretend to be Canadian...don't get in trouble and just have a great ole time.

Dig yourself a bunker back in a mountain some where...losts of old mines around...stash your bullion and your food...oil your weapons...wait for the final coming.

From: Jim Ross

Date: Saturday, February 03, 2007 11:48 PM

Ralph--You can do all the things in Canada that David said,there are a few hang ups though----

You will have no property rights-no one does-

If you live in the west,you will watch the federal govt.pilfer you and your provinces wealth,then see it transferred to the vote rich eastern provinces--

You will see govt. nationalize any resource industry in order to gain votes--

We just witnessed the newly elected gov.(on a promise to stay out of the market place)interfere in the stock market and shave 30 bill.$ off investors portfolios in one day--

Your tax dollars will pay for govt. owned and controlled radio and television--

You will be covered under med-care,the only problem is you have 6 month waiting lists for treatment of serious ailments--

We have gun control(watered down now because of the outrageous cost)--

We are working hard to obtain national citizen registration--

We print our money and back it with yours--

We have-zero-gold reserves--

We have a new terrorism law that leaves the gov.wide open jurisdiction over any privacy--

I could rant on for hours here but I just wanted to let you in on a few of the irritants-that you would face--

That being said-the country is beautiful-we are rich in resources-we have lots of room,and like David said,you would be more then welcome to come here--

One of the best places to relocate is Belize. Off shore is the 2nd largest reef in the world. Great for all ocean related sports. Diving, surfing, great sea food, swimming, and the night life in town is fantastic. Like the jungle then go inland and there you are.

They still have an arrangement where if you deposit your money in a Belize bank, have your income coming in from out of the country, and keep your main office in Belize, you can obtain citizenship. With that NO MORE US taxes! Employ the locals and you also get invited to all the government social functions.

But the country is small, and expatriation from the US to Belize is increasing weekly.
Beach front apartments for $500 month, and houses for $100K, will not be available much longer.

Look me up if you retire there. I plan to spend my last days drinking beer in a beach chair when I'm not surfing.

While I am enjoying the current rise and my commitment to this metal bull market, I have already started researching what to switch profits to before this bull peaks years from now.

There is no doubt that the Middle class in America, which I am part of , will endure a severe lower standard of living. It is already happening right now as the real inflation is eating at nearly everything and as the housing market continues its plummet.

Just one example of current middle class status is enough to shock most people. Being self employed, for my family of four, our Medical plan which is only an Aetna HMO type, plus all the leftover co-pays for visits, specialists, prescriptions, lab work and a rare emergency room visit, all equal almost an astounding $28,000 a year. For many U.S. middle class families, that is nearly half or more of one full salary !

In all previous generations, when did any have to pay nearly 50% of one income for family health care coverage ? That is the easiest question of the day. NEVER !

So, while they try to inflate the middle class away and are trying even harder to figuring out how to acquire our metal wealth that this bull market is bringing, what's Next ?

I truly believe for several reasons which include, global warming, continued pollution, ever rising expenses, more warfare, and increasing shortages, that any size land that contains a natural fresh water spring will soar in value and demand. Depending on where you live, small parcels with natural springs may be easy to research and purchase. While the real estate market is heading still lower, it is a great time to research any spring property nearby or in a state you might consider retiring in. With the accelerated pace mankind is destroying his habitat, fresh water will one day become the most valuable commodity needed.

While most Baby Boomers that are nearing retirement think of water as an ocean or lake front view, it is much wiser to perceive it as a drinking source for your own needs and possibly helping others and small business use. I am lucky to live in Florida where there are estimated thousands of natural springs in the state. Most are in the northern and central part where even a 20' ocean rise from global warming would not affect them except to soar in value. Using some metal profit to lock in an unimproved spring property may be cheaper than you think in a falling real estate market.

Another What's Next, is Foreign ocean view property. My Brother recently bought a 1 acre oceanfront property with a 180 degree point view, 20' high above a private sandy beach strip, with new underground utilities, for $80,000 on the Island of Roatan, Honduras. He and his wife are building a modest 3,000 Sq.Ft. dream home where they will retire. Taxes on the property and house will be between $300. to $400. dollars a year. Many smart U.S. and European middle class people are learning that living their final decades outside their birth country, may provide a much higher overall quality of life including extra money to travel often to their homeland for visits. As the huge baby boom generation starts to notice that life in the U.S. may become a real struggle, many will start looking elsewhere.

Both of these examples will pay huge dividends to those who act ahead of the crowd. Neither is as simple as it may sound. They both take time and research and are full of family living decisions. I am just presenting two alternative choices that are not paper related to think about.

Best, Gold Fish

This can be the start of an excellent thread. We may have to move to Off Topic, but I think we should continue this. I, too, am looking for just such a safe house... with underground water that can't be dammed or diverted... just a small place and I don't care where it is if it meets the specs you outline. So you mention Florida and Honduras... anybody else? I'd love to move to New Zealand, but you can't retire there... almost every place I've looked outside the US requires an income producing activity you are involved in... you can't just up and retire in a foreign country, you must just be an extended tourist. If I'm wrong I'd love to know it.
Marji

http://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/guangxi/

If you need to relax go to Guilin. There is a nice river there for swimming, many nice restaurants, and nice roads for bike riding. They also offer rock climbing if you like that. Guilin is famous in China for those who study English so there's an abundance of beautiful young Chinese women who go there to attend the many English language schools.

Once inside China domestic flights are relatively cheap. Thus, you could fly around a bit.... Xian for the Terra cotta warriors, and Tibet for the cool(this time of year) and to see the Potala.

Have fun,
hc

joveno2029@yahoo.com

Friday, April 27, 2007

don't know if we got time for guilin. we're going to japan first (kyoto and tokyo), then seoul. then hongkong, shenzen, hangzhou, shanghai, beijing, xian, back to hk then off to philippines for a month. gotta finish that beach property i was working on.

i'm still holding that promise to all cafe members of free lodging at the beach property when it's done. probably in a couple years.