Back in the 70's? I don't see any difference technology wise between France and the US. I would even say they are ahead of the US in terms of wireless telephony and their landlines are among the best, if not the best. Were you stuck in an Elvis convention the whole trip or what?
hey that's another good topic, anyone know if those bermuda tax shelters are more headache than help, and legal? taxes are my biggest expense by far, and if I can legally reduce them, hey I'm all ears.. I know there's been other threads on the topic, I see taxes are of note too.. hey another question, if I go move to japan for a couple of years, will i have to pay them taxes, or the irs? I may go do that, I'm due for a change of scenery, a break, though I'll return here to hawaii later.. I think there was a 60k expat exemption ? for working overseas or something... anyone know about that? that's just a tiny bit, first 60k, but the tax saving could help a bit.. ken
Ken, I don't think you will benefit from moving to Japan. You might stilll have to pay tax in Japan. Japan has a tax system as complex as US tax system. http://www.worldwide-tax.com/japan/japecono.htm
OK, curiosity is killing me. Make a good argument for Seattle. I'm being serious too. I've never been there. Do people live in the city or the suburbs? What kind of neighborhoods are there and what is the school system like? Also things like crime, cultural activities, and traffic. Thanks.
Save money on taxes... become a citizen of the world and choose two places to live in. Stay under six months in each one and generally you wont have to pay any taxes. As far as two places are concerned, I live just outside of Vancouver and in the summer I don't think there is a better place in the world. Everything that you ever wanted is here. It has the healthiest people in all of Canada, mountains, ocean, forest, and believe it or not it is getting a night life (clubs are now open until am on weekends). It is great for singles who want to live in a tight metropolitan area, or families who want lots of activities to do with their kids. If you are looking for semi retirement try Victoria, as it is more temperate then Vancouver. Compared to other metropolitan areas it appears to be about average for prices. Nothing is cheap, but you can get a really nice apartment for $1,500 us a month, with a view and amenities. One of the problems in Vancouver is the lack of professional traders. I think that we are a small group with no cohesiveness in the community. Cheers, Darren
i want to live in a place where bars, etc. are open til after 2 am. where i live they kick people out around 1:30am. ROCK
People live in both suburbs and city. City living is generally older homes, however with the prosperity here, many older homes are demolished and new homes built in their place. City land is at a premium. The city is compact, right on Puget Sound with rolling hills and alot of greenery. No mosquitos (due to salt water) and summer days 75-85, cool nights 60-65, most do not require air conditioning. Schools I can't comment on, daughter goes to university in another city, However Univ of Wash is right in Seattle proper, easy access. Hospitals First Rate. I heard that Seattle had the fastest 911 response time in the nation. Crime is low. Cultural activities abound from symphony to opera to theater. Seattle is also a hot bed of (younger style) music, many famous artists from here. Many neighborhood festivals all summer long. Great restaurants for all budgets, some feature Pacific Northwest cuisine (Asian american french style), A fair size "Chinatown" with excellent chinese style seafood dishes, and the best Sushi bars anywhere. (Including Japan-been there several times) Traffic...I work (trade) from home..so no problem, drive in "off" hours generally. The city is pretty compact so you can get around without the "expressways" (oxy moron in rush hour). And of course no state or city income taxes, only Federal Income tax. Do a search on the net, you are sure to see views of Seattle. Good luck.......