wwest5829

Fortunate to spent my working life as an educator. Middle school (a manic age where you can see children transforming into young adults … ha! Yes with all the angst. High school … there I saw the real issues coming to the fore … And then 27 years teaching undergraduate survey courses in American and European History. The latter, in addition to the teaching included directing our city’s “Sister City” program. In these years I was quite busy but, the advantage was, I had so many different facets to attend to that I was never bored. Only downside was inadequate compensation and so retired to a lower cost country where I find I feel rather compensated for my 41 years efforts (no thanks to some administrators who pressured to silence my questioning of their ideas).

Certainly not in any rush as I am enjoying my laidback current retirement existence. But when it comes, no fear … just keep me out of pain and slip me the morphine drip if I end up drooling! 

18 hours ago, KhunLA said:

Went back in 2003, for a couple months, caring for mother as she made the transition to then next dimension.  Then in 2006 for a long weekend, for legal business, and couldn't wait to leave.  Really felt like a visitor and not home at all.  Would have been 1 day, if I didn't have to stay over a Friday for the excursion fare discount 🤣 as only 'needed' to be there on Monday.   Flew in Thurs. left Tues.

While the USA is my home country, my only global residence is Thailand. Took my Thai Wife and Stepdaughter for a monthlong trip to the US SE Coast last April. We all agreed, we prefer Thailand … especially due to the costs (still paying down the $19,000.00 USD trip cost). A large reason for my retiring here was I could not afford a working middle class retirement in my own country … I do realize I am not alone in this.

19 hours ago, Crossy said:

I only pay anything on officially printed PEA bills.

 

https://www.pea.co.th/ข่าวสารประกาศ/ข่าวประชาสัมพันธ์/ArtMID/542/ArticleID/153553/PEA-เตือนประชาชน-อย่าหลงเชื่อมิจฉาชีพ-ปลอมบัญชี-LINE-Official-Account-ของการไฟฟ้าส่วนภูมิภาค-PEA

 

Use Google Translate.

 

 

 

 

 

Agreed and directly through the bank which shows me the PEA account number and amount due. Have done this way for a number of years.

Had my mini-motorhome on a Ford chassis with an engine fire. Problem was mice had build a nest in the air filter container as I did not use the vehicle very often.

Might take a look at Xiaomi offerings (Mi brand same company). I used their wristband for some time in the past.

Only one experience. Credit card was used in NJ. I sent the bank a photo of my Passport entry date in Thailand. They handled it from there. It has been yesars, they may have sent the new card. Upon renewal dates, I have had the new cards sent to my Thai address, although my "billing address" remains in the USA. The companies have both US and Thai contact information.

12 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

It's actually "for long term stay" 

The last option for "reason for transfer" 

It does not guarantee will be shown as FTT.

I use Kasikorn which is also partner bank with WISE. 

In over a decade, I have never encountered anything other than the FTT entries using this route with this reason checked. I authorize Wise, once a month, to do an EFT withdrawal of $2200.00 from my US bank, following the steps outlined, the deposit goes into my Bangkok Bank Account in Thai baht. For Visa Extensions, I go to Bangkok Bank and get a print out of the monthly deposits for Immigration … no issues to date in CM.

22 hours ago, Danderman123 said:

To be clear, spending bills must originate in the House.

“All bills raising revenue …”, the proposed bill does not address raising revenue (raising taxes) but rather addresses spending.

8 minutes ago, charleskerins said:

The numbers indicate that under FDR the unemployment rate was reduced by 7% before WW2. Source US Bureau of Labor Statistics.   New Deal ,Social Security WPA ,TVA ,etc.

Agreed that FDR legislation alone did not end the depression and that it was WW II that brought on the economic recovery. Reality personally was my Uncle hired through the CCC and family benefited. However, looking at another of your posts, I would think we have more agreement than disagreement. The social legislation in the long run, I think was a direction needed to progress today for the benefit of the working middle class in the USA. 

8 minutes ago, Yellowtail said:

I missed where you supported your idiotic albeit widely made claim. Just because a lot of people say it, does not make it so. 

Thank you for making yourself clear by using a personal "idiotic" attack ... the are billions of folks in the world no need to waste your time on me ... you are blocked.

2 minutes ago, Yellowtail said:

Sure

I have not said that, so it's unclear who you'd be agreeing with. In any event, I was talking about the US depression, not the world depression. 

Sorry, wires crossed. I was agreeing with your post, I think But taking issue with charleskerins post.

3 minutes ago, charleskerins said:

Is interesting a synonym for false ? i earned my degree from Villanova   

Annual
1 : As of Feb. 7, 2003, series codes for CPS data will change; data shown abo
1929	3.2
1930	8.7
1931	15.9
1932	23.6
1933	24.9
1934	21.7
1935	20.1
1936	16.9
1937	14.3
1938	19.0
1939	17.2

Care to state what your numbers indicate and the citation of your information source? The Depression continued but to place the "cause" on FDR's and Congress legislation is not valid. The idea is to be both civil in academic discussion and cite pertinent valid information.

4 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

There have been a few complaints about using the word stupid.

Everyone is stupid in some ways.

The word clearly helped stimulate the discussion here.

Herein lies the problem. Everyone is "ignorant" (lack of knowledge) in some ways. Looking at the definition of "Stupid" implies quite a different meaning. PC? No, just English usage from someone who spent a lifetime in education.

4 minutes ago, Celsius said:

It's not fair or accurate to label financially struggling Western retirees as "stupid" for not retiring abroad. There are numerous factors that can influence a retiree's decision to stay in their home country rather than moving abroad. Here are some of the considerations:

1. Financial Constraints: Not everyone has the financial means to retire abroad. Moving to another country often involves substantial costs, and some retirees may not have the resources necessary to make such a move.

2. Family and Social Ties: Retirees may have strong ties to their home country, including family, friends, and community connections. Leaving behind these relationships can be emotionally challenging.

3. Health and Healthcare: Access to quality healthcare is a crucial consideration for retirees. Some may have specific healthcare needs or preferences that are best met in their home country.

4. Language and Cultural Barriers: Moving to a foreign country can be intimidating, particularly if you don't speak the language or aren't familiar with the culture. Some retirees may not feel comfortable navigating these challenges.

5. Legal and Immigration Issues: Depending on the destination country, there may be legal and immigration issues to navigate, which can be complicated and time-consuming.

6. Personal Preferences: Retirement is a highly personal decision. Some retirees simply prefer to stay in their familiar surroundings and are content with their lifestyle, even if it means financial constraints.

7. Risk Aversion: Moving abroad comes with uncertainties and risks, and not everyone is willing to take on these challenges, especially in their later years.

Instead of labeling retirees as "stupid," it's more constructive to consider their individual circumstances, choices, and priorities. What might work well for one person may not be suitable for another. Each person's financial situation and personal preferences are unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution for retirement.

Thank for taking your time to offer valid "food for thought".

2 minutes ago, Yellowtail said:

FDR did nothing but extend the depression. The recovery was well on it's way before his interference. 

3 minutes ago, Yellowtail said:

FDR did nothing but extend the depression. The recovery was well on it's way before his interference. 

Interesting interpretation of history. Could I ask where you earned your degrees in history or economics? I would agree that it was WW II that brought the world clear of the economic depression.

7 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

I am wondering when the penny will drop with Americans that unbridled capitalism is doing them no favours, and mild socialism is not the evil most are conditioned to believe.

It happened before when there was a real perceived threat. The result was, when their back seemed to be against the wall, FDR was able to get social legislation through Congress. But then, they were facing the Depression. Those with power/wealth will not bend until there seems to be no other way. Sad ... any confrontation, such as what we are facing increasingly today, could be avoided by taking a "middle road" paying increased attention to moderating the economic stress among the working middle class upon whom any hope of a participatory democracy depends in the USA.

1 hour ago, jaywalker2 said:

At 60. you'd have to take an early retirement and wait five years for social security to kick in. And it's still going to be difficult. If you've lived your whole life in your home country, trying to adapt to a foreign culture at that age is very stressful, particularly if you don't have much money. Loneliness is a killer too.

Just a note, education certainly counts in there for adaptation as does having a liberal outlook.

23 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

It seems every American I have met in Thailand is quite scathing about their home country.

Given the state of the political landscape, unsurprising.

USA reality, documented, is that the working middle class cannot afford life in much of the U.S. This continues for the economics of retirement.

As stated, reasoning varies and I make it a principal not to call others, “stupid”.  Each must make their personal decision. I do note that there are millions of Americans, like myself who cannot afford a working middle class retirement in the USA and that points to further proof of the unsustainable economic system. I chose to retire in Thailand where I can afford food, clothing, lodging, a car, motorbike and some travel with my now, Thai Wife and Thai Stepdaughter. But there certainly was a cost. I met my two Grandsons for the first and probably only time this past April. 

17 minutes ago, charleskerins said:

Good ole Ronnie Raygun stealing from Social Security.

I do not focus on who is President but rather the Congress members who, in the majority pass such legislation. Today the attack on Social Security and Medice is coming from?

23 minutes ago, Captain Monday said:

I'm still working. Prt B coverage is a decision for the future which I will base on a plan never setting foot in the Gun/God/Freedumb entity ever again after retirement.

I have only kept it in case of cancer, Parkinson’s, etc. tThe chances of any major disaster are diminishing. Living full time in Thailand, keeping the premium would be of substantial income benefit. Complication would cancel my employment Advantage program.