KhunLA

Lucky had nothing to do with it. After getting laid off from my 3rd airlines, 1985 (30 yrs old), I simply realize self employment was the way to go, after 15 ish years of playing the employee. The rest was easy after that realization. Instead of a measly $9 an hour, I paid myself $50-$100 an hour. Work smarter, not harder. Investing in RE, then teaching myself how to trade successfully in the stock market. Living within my means, actually way below my means, with minimal waste, and 'look at me toy purchases'. Living in crap neighborhoods, driving old 2nd hand cars, MCs, trucks. If I couldn't buy something I wanted with cash, then I simply couldn't afford it. I knew how to balance a check book. Unlike most & govt. All extra money going toward retire plan. Actually very structured, with a play money budget, and sticking to it. Paid off mortgages ASAP, and never borrowed money for depreciating toys. Economics 101 RE allowed living rent free. Working for airlines again, later, 2 days a week, supplemented self employment, and allowed near free travel and health ins (never needed), along with allowing 5 days off for myself; working or playing. Avoiding most of the mistakes that I saw others making, that made it impossible for them to get ahead. Mainly living way beyond their means and in debt for their 'look at me toys & house'. It's not rocket, it's simply common sense.

I just put 'Apple' sticker on my Xiaomi, and people think I'm Hi So

I've seen the end, and it's lovely, calming. After a lovely day and evening with family and maybe the dog, I doze off to sleep ... ... THE END

I use local Thai beef for burgers. It's a burger. Either have brisket ground, and I choice the pieces of, or have lean beef ground, again, I chose the beef. I cook beef in Beef Tallow only, for added flavor, and no fillers, just some seasonings. Quite tasty, and better than anything served from any vendors ... IMHO

I feel your pain. Still here, and slowing, weening myself off. Put so many on my ignore list, it's a lot easier now. Not tempted to post, since not triggered by their drivel Still a couple topics that interest me. Try to stick to them, try that is

So I'm irritating because ... ... I chose better income streams ... didn't rely on govt or employers ... planned my retirement ... get to use and or save what I paid into Not my fault, they are left to struggle and fix the system they allowed the corrupt politicians to destroy. You are either part of the solution or you are the problem. I suggested, if people want the tariffs to work, as Pres Trump suggest, 'it isn't going to be easy'. And it definitely is not going to be. These same people that need to make the sacrifice, are the same people that allowed the system to screw them royally, and now this is where they are at. Their fault, their problem ... not mine. I chose a different path. We live by our choices. At their own doing, for not being intelligent enough to pay attention a long time ago, to make govt accountable, while their taxes and deficit continued to go up, with NO positive result from the increases. ... They allowed the Gulf war to take place. ... They allowed the market bail out ... They allowed healthcare to be unaffordable ... They allowed lock down and shut downs during pandemic. ... Most importantly, they continued to allow corrupt politicians drain the SS fund, because they, politicians can't seem to balance a checkbook, while enriching themselves. ... After realizing the failure of the politicians, they, USA citizens kept reelecting them Som nam naa And it's too late now. Unless of course, they make the sacrifice, and trust the man they elected. But we all know that's not going to happen, or that the deep state will allow it to. Look at it on paper, and you realize it's a theory, business strategy that will work. 'BUY USA' ... it really is too simple a solution. Invest in yourself. Won't be solved this year, not this administration, but in 10 years, if manufacturing came back to the USA, and the deficit is reduced, and balance budgets passed instead of the ever rising deficit ceiling, then the USA 'citizens' can dig themselves out of the hole, THEY put themselves in. Two very smart businessmen, have a plan that will work, IF YOU WORK IT. Good luck with that ...

Fear selling ... perfect scenario for 'market makers', and good time to invest when they bottom out, as will recover almost as fast. I wouldn't be surprised if 'they' caused the fear selling. And Trump gets the blame. Yes, that is the scam of the markets ... IMHO, and from years of experience and watching them do, just that.

Avoided that white elephant in the room ... People die, get over it. Vaccines ... having chemicals injected into your body should be voluntary. Do your own risk assessment. I chose not to have vaccines injected in me, and very glad I did, considering some of the life debilitating side effects, even death that has resulted from the latest batch of crap people had injected into them. "My Body My Choice" ... for everyone, for everything

You mean nobody reportedly died from measles. There's a difference. There's a National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program for a reason, and has paid out about $5.3 billions in compensation. And that should skyrocket when covid vaccines suits get adjudicated. https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/advisory-committees/vaccines/vicp-stats-02-01-25.pdf

I give the majority, if not all, of SS to the wife, and she invests it for her and my daughter's future. Reality, neither needs it, as both sitting fine already. Posted elsewhere how SS gets saved & invested. Haven't touched it this year, or my pension, as still working from leftovers from last year's budget. This will give you an idea where the my SS goes, well most of it ... https://aseannow.com/topic/1334362-budget-again-keto-ish-diet/#findComment-19263439

A very good thing 👍

Been there about 10X during late Sept, early Oct (school break) and surf was fine. Just pay attention to red flags and or know how to get out of a rip, which can happen anytime. I preferred swimming at ebb or incoming tide times. If I lived there, I wouldn't want any more tourist coming either ... And some folks don't even bother with swimming in the surf, and simply enjoy looking at it. I know when crowded, I don't bother, as fecal count is too high for my liking. Another reason I don't care for over developed beach town. If they even have sewage treatment plants, they're stressed to their limits. Kamala Beach hasn't been a secret for years, as people tire of Patong, Karon & Kata beach crowds.

Most Welcome Anything else, don't be shy, though haven't been there in almost 2 years, as stated getting very crowded again. Although that was Kata Beach area that we popped down for the day at. Last few times we were there, we stayed at Secret Ciff Resort @ Karon, and sits atop the hill between Patong & Karon Beaches. Not sure if mislabeled on Gmaps, or they also own the property on the other side of road. We stayed on surfside side of the road. Nice place to chill, and good brekkie with view from restaurant. Once again, vis is early Covid (4 yrs ago), though stayed there <2yrs ago, May 2023 (?).

Guess I shouldn't be laughing, as traumatic to those caught up in the covid silliness. Just too funny the stuff people had to endure back then, let alone it still continuing on today. So glad I was and still in Thailand. A sad time for 'individual's rights & freedoms' across the world. Seems only a few countries didn't treat their citizens like livestock

I stated that earlier, as a plus from the USA ...

Whoa ... 48% That would take your incentive away to produce any more money, expand your business, that provides jobs, and more taxable income. I would have stopped producing income there a long time ago. That's only $160k USD. I stopped and left the USA because of 37% tax hit So reality is, USA lost more tax money from me, in 25 yrs, a lot more, than I've collected from them, in 25 yrs. By my quick calculation, I would be paying 2.5X plus, what I'm collecting today, If still paid the same amount, as my last tax year. I get <$2400 a month (<$28.8k yr), and my last tax bill was $74k ... Holy Sh!t ... And I'm only 1 person. How many others with enough, simply said enough is enough already, and stopped producing ? Worse, left and don't even put it back into the economy. Sooner or later, you run out of other people's money

Don't know where I stated 50 countries, and a bit of a lie, stating I did. I stated 'high tax' countries, ~50% or more. I didn't see 50 countries with that tax bracket. Matter of fact, there's only about 35 countries listed below the map. Even all of those aren't in the 50% range. BYE BYE

I don't know, start with the higher income tax countries that rape the earners to give to and support the lazy folks that don't produce. When you start taking near half, half or more than hold of people's income, then the USA's tax rates are looking good https://taxfoundation.org/data/all/eu/top-personal-income-tax-rates-europe/ Countries that control every aspect of your life.

@grain To add to that, my vid was taken during early covid, and Lillo was one of, if not, the only restaurant open. We had the whole beach to ourselves ... Kamala Beach ... now-ish opening and fast forward to end, this just south of where restaurants start. Probably came on the beach at the police station. At very low tide also.

Compare ? what ... apples & orange ? No other country is like the USA. It's a democratic republic, with electoral college, that elects/appoints the administrative branch (pres & vp), no matter what the popular vote is. In the USA ... ... You have freedom of speech / press ... You are innocent till 'proven' guilty ... You can own & use a firearm to protect you & yours I'm far from a representative of that country, as don't consider myself an ignorant idiot. Apparent ~90% of the people are still dependent on 'the system'. Have no clue how to be independent of it. I left 25 yrs ago, and could give 2 sh!ts what happens over there, as it simply has NO EFFECT on me or mine. You were the first 'pleasant dude' to call my opinion (actually all facts) ... ... rubbish. Why I rarely bother to have discussions with ignorant people such as yourself. BYE BYE

Why would I look or care about other socialist sh!thole countries that don't even have 'freedom of speech or expression'. Talk about rubbish ... BYE BYE

Self driving ... perfect. Oct is good, as cusp of high season, surf may be safe, and far less tourist than Nov-Apr. They actually have (had) basic rooms behind the Lillo Is. Rest/bar, with small parking area. Once parked, you really don't need to leave. We stayed there ourselves, as pet friendly. Emphasis on 'basic'. At worse for parking, you can park on last soi, northward, or over by the Po Po station, then when notice an opening, hurry and park next to room.

Since inexperienced, and little funds, along with poor practice experience, and guessing she tried her luck at 'options', I'd suggest staying away from the market. May be bear year or 4 in the future anyway. Practical suggestion ... Can she cook ? What's her favorite, and best meal that 'she' likes ? Make and sell that locally. No investment, from house, and provide local delivery, from local FB website or other. When selling enough, them maybe make a little stand / stall at front of your house. Like so many do, with soup, roti, somtam stand or cart. Or do the stand thing now, if in high traffic area. Keep overhead as low as possible till profit is realized. Maybe even add a side cart 'kitchen' to the MB, and park in a high traffic area. Near a 7-11 is a good location 👍 Wife's sis has a stand at night market at Udon Thani, and bought 3 houses, cars, MBs, and put 2 kids through Uni from the income.

On the subject of comes from animals, here's a twist to that ... ... either from the cow manure or bird droppings, this gem shows up. More 'free food', as wife tells me she didn't plant this, they just come up by themselves in the garden. This one, shy of 5 kgs