Move to Canada, you get an extra 50% on your profits because of the exchange rate. Many things are the same price here in Canadian dollars as they are in the US in American dollars. I'm looking at a new 1800 sq foot house in a nice neigborhood for under $200k cdn, that's $130k usd. A new vehicle is probably 25% less here becuase cars, like many things, are priced to the local market, not based on how much it costs to make them. I could live a decent middle class lifestyle on less than the poverty line in NYC. If you really want to stretch your dollars, try eastern europe.
lescor, Are you a Canadian citizen? I really like Canada and even looked into immigrating, but I don't think I would score very high on their priority ranking. What is it like to live in Canada if you are a US citizen. Do you pay double taxes? gs
great forum... This is something I have ben putting a major amount of conisderation into recently. I now live in Chicago. My first choice would be Vancouver; but I have not reconciled the issues of health insurance, car insurance and other related important matters, not he least of which is a visa for longer than 6 months; believe a visitor visa is only good for 6 months and then technically you are in violation of immigration laws. Another factor with other exotic places in the world would be a need for high speed internet.. i.e. cable/dsl. I am spoiled and would have trouble getting used to an ISP again; and I am a mainly a position/swing trader. I have also thought about Hawaii, but once had a freind who moved there from here, and said he got Island phobia. He commented that living on an Island is much difference than visting for a few weeks. Have also looked into New Mexico, North Carolina, and Paris. I love the outdoors, nature, water, mountains... and all related activities. SO that would be a factor. Ice
I lived in Alasaka for several years and loved it. The trading hours would be wierd, but that wouldn't bother me. No state tax. No sales tax. And you still get a nice annual dividend check. gs
Don't get me wrong as I love the U.S. of A but a place that meets all those qualifications is Mexico. My goal now is to escape 3 months of winter in San Miguel.