What would my neighbors be like in San Miguel de Allende?
Eric Chazaro - Keller Williams Allende
One of the reasons why San Miguel de Allende has become popular is because we have mixed neighborhoods. The neighborhoods here are neighborhoods where a typical Mexican family would live and the expat community would just blend in. Americans usually come to San Miguel, purchase a house, renovate it to the highest standards and top of the line facilities and they would live right next to a Mexican family so they would become part of the community.
Of...
One of the reasons why San Miguel de Allende has become popular is because we have mixed neighborhoods. The neighborhoods here are neighborhoods where a typical Mexican family would live and the expat community would just blend in. Americans usually come to San Miguel, purchase a house, renovate it to the highest standards and top of the line facilities and they would live right next to a Mexican family so they would become part of the community.
Of course, there are also gated communities in San Miguel but even in these gated communities you would find a good mix of Americans, Canadians, and Mexicans (perhaps from Mexico City, Queretaro, or Monterey) who would have second homes in San Miguel. In general, San Miguel de Allende has become a very special place because the expat community here and the Mexican community mix really well.
(Christmas celebration at Rancho Labradores, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, pictured.)
Should I keep my US bank, brokerage, investment, IRA, or retirement account if I move to Panama?
Elizabeth Vance - The Gringo Guide To Panama: What To Know Before You Go
Maintaining a US bank account is also important for some online shopping, which you may do when you live in Panama. Many online vendors require a US credit card for purchases and won't accept a foreign-based credit card account. For this reason, it's also a good idea to maintain your US bank accounts, at least one of them.
Maintaining a US bank account is also important for some online shopping, which you may do when you live in Panama. Many online vendors require a US credit card for purchases and won't accept a foreign-based credit card account. For this reason, it's also a good idea to maintain your US bank accounts, at least one of them.
What would my neighbors be like in Managua, Nicaragua?
Frank Martínez
Most of your neighbors here in Managua mind their own business. People might think that just because we are Nicaraguans, because we are Latin, we like to talk a lot, get together, and be involved in your business. That is not the case here in Managua. Many Nicaraguans here are well-educated. They live in good neighborhoods and hardly see each other. However, if they see each other, they know each other’s names, so when they bump into each other, they are very...
Most of your neighbors here in Managua mind their own business. People might think that just because we are Nicaraguans, because we are Latin, we like to talk a lot, get together, and be involved in your business. That is not the case here in Managua. Many Nicaraguans here are well-educated. They live in good neighborhoods and hardly see each other. However, if they see each other, they know each other’s names, so when they bump into each other, they are very friendly. That is the kind of neighbor you will have here in Managua. You will get a friend, but he will be someone who will not bother you.
Is the electricity reliable in Algarve? Are there blackouts or brownouts in Algarve?
Luis Teixeira da Silva - Algarve Senior Living
The Algarve has hardly any blackouts or brownouts. We have a very, very reliable power source. In a typical year, we will have zero blackouts or brownouts.
(Night lights at the pool and restaurant at Algarve Senior Living, Portugal, pictured.)
The Algarve has hardly any blackouts or brownouts. We have a very, very reliable power source. In a typical year, we will have zero blackouts or brownouts.
(Night lights at the pool and restaurant at Algarve Senior Living, Portugal, pictured.)
The first thing to do is register your business name and if you are in a village or town check to see if you will need a trade licenses and owe city taxes. Also register with income tax and social security if you will have employees. You will also need a work permit and as soon as you can apply for residency.
You don't have to do anything if your business is located in the US or on the Internet.
If you want...
The first thing to do is register your business name and if you are in a village or town check to see if you will need a trade licenses and owe city taxes. Also register with income tax and social security if you will have employees. You will also need a work permit and as soon as you can apply for residency.
You don't have to do anything if your business is located in the US or on the Internet.
If you want help with your business idea there is a government company called BELTRAIDE (Belize Trade and Investment Development Services) that will advise you on your business idea.
You will also want to open a checking account and you will need your business registration to do that
If you are coming to Belize under the QRP (Qualified Retirement Program) you will not be allowed to have a business or donate your time because you are not allowed to work.
Do I still have to file my US income taxes if I retire, work or just live abroad?
Stewart Patton - U.S. Tax Services
Yes, Americans who live abroad are still required to file a U.S. tax return, even if there's no tax due. In fact, filing an annual U.S. tax return is actually MORE important once you live abroad. Here's why:
You may be familiar with the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (the "FEIE")--that's the rule that allows Americans living abroad to make up to about $100,000 from working without paying any U.S. income tax. Some people think that...
Yes, Americans who live abroad are still required to file a U.S. tax return, even if there's no tax due. In fact, filing an annual U.S. tax return is actually MORE important once you live abroad. Here's why:
You may be familiar with the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (the "FEIE")--that's the rule that allows Americans living abroad to make up to about $100,000 from working without paying any U.S. income tax. Some people think that it's not important to file a return if their income is below the FEIE cap.
However, the FEIE can ONLY be claimed on a filed tax return. So, if you were to fail to file a U.S. tax return and the IRS were to audit you, you would lose the ability to claim the FEIE. You couldn't tell the IRS at that point that your income was below the FEIE cap each year. You'd have to pay U.S. tax on amounts that you would have been able to earn tax-free if you'd only filed a return. So, failing to file a return could cause you to lose the golden opportunity provided by the FEIE.
For Americans who are behind on U.S. tax returns, the IRS has several amnesty programs that will allow you to catch up easily without having to pay any penalties. Talk to an experienced tax attorney to determine which amnesty program is right for you.
Would you want to live in a city that is arguably one of the hottest in Central America? (And we are not talking about "hot" in the sense of "explosive growth," but in temperature!) A city that is over 90 degrees practically year-round? A city that can at times give new meaning to the words "hot and humid"? Yes, there are places with even more heat, most of which are located near the equator. Many people have...
Whether you live across town or across the country, this is the same as being in a distant land. Our world is huge but still small and new technology makes it smaller still, easier than ever to stay up front and personal with family and friends.
This morning I laughed and talked with my grandson, age seven and granddaughter, age four. Their mother and father continued with the morning regime, making breakfast. I love SKYPE, as it keeps them alive and us in love with their...
Presented with permission of Bob Adams, of Retirement Wave.
"Strategic planning is worthless - unless there is first a strategic vision."
John Naisbitt (1929 -?) - American author of multiple books on the future and a leading analyst of global trends. Still going strong at 85.
Depending on when you think the “global financial crisis" began, at least five to seven years have passed possibly more. This is an on-going crisis that does not...