USA -- low budget repatriation specific locations that aren't horrible

[ClutchClark]

21 minutes ago, lannarebirth said:

....and if young healthy people opt out the system...

 

For the benefit of those readers who have made assumptions about this group acting on selfish impulses, the cost of Obamacare for these younger (20-30 year old) hard-working employed Americans is a huge financial burden. they cannot afford at a minimum $600/month premiums with $10,000 deductibles while paying back student loans and trying to pay housing costs. 

 

There living expenses outstripped their income and something had to be cut from their budgets. Delinquency on student loans results in a destroyed credit score which in this day and age means you can wind up homeless. Not paying rent or mortgage results in homelessness. The only option left is to gamble on ones' health.

 

Certainly not a desirable choice.

 

Ironically, one of their best choices to keep insured is to cut down on their workhours and qualify for subsidies. The ACA has actually created a dis-incentive to work hard towards a good future.  

[Jingthing]

Note from the OP:

 

As I've mentioned before, this thread is NOT the thread to have U.S. political debates about health care policies or anything else.

 

There are plenty of threads like that on the WORLD NEWS FORUM.

 

Right now, there is an excellent thread specifically on the future of Obamacare under the new administration.

Here it is. I encourage people to actively post there on all their POLITICAL views on this upcoming major change in the USA health care system. It will likely be an active issue for years to come:

 

That said, PLEASE RESPECT that this thread is not about political debate.

Let's consider again what this thread IS about.

Quote

 

 

USA -- low budget repatriation specific locations that aren't horrible

 

 

 

 

 

I think that's clear enough.

 

It's not about moving to San Francisco or Aspen. It's about places in the USA that aren't horrible that might be affordable enough for the less wealthy among us.

 

Thank you for your cooperation.

 

Edited November 23, 2016 by Jingthing

[JHolmesJr]

Some nice amish county perhaps? Milk cows, plough the land. 

[Luckysilk]

20 minutes ago, JHolmesJr said:

Some nice amish county perhaps? Milk cows, plough the land. 

Somewhere close to the wall, property prices should be cheap and you can hear Mexican music from the other side. Depending how high the wall goes it may be partially shaded so beware.

[MajarTheLion]

10 hours ago, ClutchClark said:

 

I support a Universal Healthcare but Obamacare has exposed a few major problems towards that goal:

 

--A large segment of society wants the benefits without contributing.

--Healthcare Industry costs (Hospitals, Pharma, Physicians, etc) are incredibly expensive compared to all other countries.

--These Industries are very powerful and own too many legislators through lobby payouts.

 

Individuals could still purchase a supplemental insurance plan if they desire.

 

 

I would add to that people engage in voluntary behavior that drives up health care costs. Most Americans have a horrible diet, don't exercise and suffer a plethora of health care costs as a result of their behavior. I would have people pay for risks they choose to take. Ride a motorcycle with no helmet? That's gonna cost. Overweight? That's gonna cost. Can you show us your sign in history at the gym you go to? Maybe you get a discount.

[NeverSure]

I keep checking back. Seems we're still engaged in a conversation about USA health care rather than:

 

"Low budget repatriation specific locations that aren't horrible."

 

I already posted on this thread what I would do a long time ago. That doesn't suit JT because he wants a lifestyle that requires a larger population and a certain lifestyle and those areas don't come cheap.

 

I could draw a circle around the general area of E. Tennessee (and many other rural areas in the US) and find you a mobile home on small acreage for not more than $20,000. It would have real American amenities such as a full kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, closets etc. IF I WAS POOR.

 

Even if I bought it on a land sales contract from the seller my payments would be less than $200 per month. I could rent out two bedrooms for $500 each per month and have a net income above my housing costs including utilities. If I was poor.

 

I don't agree that it has to be expensive to live in the US. I find consumer goods to be cheaper. That includes quality Western food. The trick is to get housing costs to zero or near zero and stay out of debt.

 

Cheers.

 

 

[derator01]

Glad we're back on track.  Let's try not to get into the details of Obamacare.  As pointed out by JT, there are other threads on this forum where these discussions are taking place.

 

Good discussions here.

[Jingthing]

Thanks for that, Mr. Moderator Numero Uno.

 

ANYWAY, it just so happens this thread just might become much more relevant to many of us IF the new higher levels for O-A visa passed by the government (U.S. included) means that the retirement extension levels are also raised or grandfathering on old levels is not granted to current long stayers.

 

So, worse case, and I'm hoping it's not but we don't know yet, this could possibly mean thousands of over 50 Americans needing to urgently leave Thailand within a year or so, as retirement extension application dates come up.

 

I would be one of them.

 

Some would probably move to Cambodia or the Philippines. Others would be looking at Latin America.

 

But probably most would at least first repatriate to where we don't need a visa -- the USA. 

 

So possibly (I sure hope not!) choosing a USA destination would be a more urgent matter. Understanding that most people would likely go first to where they have previous connections there, but that might not be their final USA stop.

 

Another thing that I've realized while thinking about repatriation. Repatriation after a very long time overseas is often not trivial. What if you no longer have a valid U.S. driver's license? Your credit rating might look like you're a cipher making it really hard to rent housing. Also the culture shock of expecting things to be like they were when you left, but of course they most certainly won't be.

 

Lots of things like that. 

 

Edited November 24, 2016 by Jingthing

[lannarebirth]

17 hours ago, Jingthing said:

Thanks for that, Mr. Moderator Numero Uno.

 

ANYWAY, it just so happens this thread just might become much more relevant to many of us IF the new higher levels for O-A visa passed by the government (U.S. included) means that the retirement extension levels are also raised or grandfathering on old levels is not granted to current long stayers.

 

So, worse case, and I'm hoping it's not but we don't know yet, this could possibly mean thousands of over 50 Americans needing to urgently leave Thailand within a year or so, as retirement extension application dates come up.

 

I would be one of them.

 

Some would probably move to Cambodia or the Philippines. Others would be looking at Latin America.

 

But probably most would at least first repatriate to where we don't need a visa -- the USA. 

 

So possibly (I sure hope not!) choosing a USA destination would be a more urgent matter. Understanding that most people would likely go first to where they have previous connections there, but that might not be their final USA stop.

 

Another thing that I've realized while thinking about repatriation. Repatriation after a very long time overseas is often not trivial. What if you no longer have a valid U.S. driver's license? Your credit rating might look like you're a cipher making it really hard to rent housing. Also the culture shock of expecting things to be like they were when you left, but of course they most certainly won't be.

 

Lots of things like that. 

 

 

When I returned to the US I learned that I had a credit rating of "0". That sounded pretty bad but I didn't really care because I don't utilize credit. I did learn a couple of things though. A credit rating of "0" indicates you have no credit rating and it is better than having a "bad" credit rating. Through not much effort of my own it is now in the 800's after 4 years. The other thing I learned is that now in the US your credit rating applies to more things than just acquiring credit. Insurance premiums for one. My premiums for both home and car have been going down every year as my credit rating goes up. Seems stupid to me, but I'm sure they have their reasons.

[ClutchClark]

JT,

 

Its refreshing to find posts of yours focusing on respect and absent politics. 

 

Could you briefly describe what you consider "horrible"? 

 

I see cold weather regions are "out" so that eliminates everything north of the 37th Parallel.  CA has many social programs but the cost-of-living is high. 

 

Have the Carolinas already been discussed? Or GA? Gulf Coast of FL?

 

EDIT:  New Orleans? 

 

Edited November 25, 2016 by ClutchClark

[ClutchClark]

5 hours ago, lannarebirth said:

 

When I returned to the US I learned that I had a credit rating of "0". That sounded pretty bad but I didn't really care because I don't utilize credit. I did learn a couple of things though. A credit rating of "0" indicates you have no credit rating and it is better than having a "bad" credit rating. Through not much effort of my own it is now in the 800's after 4 years. The other thing I learned is that now in the US your credit rating applies to more things than just acquiring credit. Insurance premiums for one. My premiums for both home and car have been going down every year as my credit rating goes up. Seems stupid to me, but I'm sure they have their reasons.

 

"0" indicates no credit but 1-650 indicates bad credit when looking for a rental apartment. 

 

The way around that is to find a homeowner renting a mother-in-law unit or a living quarters above a garage, etc.. Any commercial rental properties today are almost all going to require a credit check. Sometimes offering a larger security deposit can offset bad/limited credit history.

 

 

[GinBoy2]

8 hours ago, lannarebirth said:

 

When I returned to the US I learned that I had a credit rating of "0". That sounded pretty bad but I didn't really care because I don't utilize credit. I did learn a couple of things though. A credit rating of "0" indicates you have no credit rating and it is better than having a "bad" credit rating. Through not much effort of my own it is now in the 800's after 4 years. The other thing I learned is that now in the US your credit rating applies to more things than just acquiring credit. Insurance premiums for one. My premiums for both home and car have been going down every year as my credit rating goes up. Seems stupid to me, but I'm sure they have their reasons.

I'm assuming that while you were out of the country you didn't maintain any US checking accounts, credit cards, can't see any other reason why your credit score would have gone to zero.

 

I hardly use my use my US credit cards, obviously don't have secured credit, ie car payment, and no mortgage. Yet my credit rating, which BoA graciously provides every month, barely changes, bounces a few points either side of 800. The fact that it even changes by a few points baffles me, since nothing changes

[LongTimeLurker]

As a non-USer and having only visited as a tourist, although extensively, I have a soft spot for Tuscon and would consider living there myself if not in NYC.

 

But first I'd look at other ASEAN countries given your expat history.

[Jingthing]

What did you like about Tucson? I'm guessing you didn't visit during the hottest season. 

 

For me, if I was to move to "NYC" it would be more like a cold water walk-up in some New Jersey slum shared with 10 other "immigrants"! (Or not that good.)

 

I've never even been there, but I've heard QUEENS is an incredible place for ethnic restaurants. 

Edited November 25, 2016 by Jingthing

[NeverSure]

12 hours ago, ClutchClark said:

JT,

 

Its refreshing to find posts of yours focusing on respect and absent politics. 

 

Could you briefly describe what you consider "horrible"? 

 

I see cold weather regions are "out" so that eliminates everything north of the 37th Parallel.  CA has many social programs but the cost-of-living is high. 

 

Have the Carolinas already been discussed? Or GA? Gulf Coast of FL?

 

EDIT:  New Orleans? 

 

 

Many places in the deep South are going to be warmer and cheaper than most of the country. Even Atlanta is far, far cheaper than California.

 

My impression of New Orleans is horrible. To me it looks like 100% lazy poverty once you get outside of The French Quarter or the business district. One night I needed gas so I crossed the bridge to Slidell. There were guys standing around with apparently nothing better to do than to stare at me the whole time I bought my gas and they were creepy. I've never felt that way anywhere else.

 

Cheers.

[Jingthing]

There are definitely some good things to be said for parts of Atlanta (surroundings actually) for budget level and cultural offerings. But as in most everywhere in the U.S., poor public transport for cheaper housing cost areas. They don't call it "poor man's LA" for nothing, or at least they used to call it that, and now there's a huge t.v. and film production industry there.

 

Interesting description I read about the Tampa - St. Pete area ... a mix of Atlanta and Miami. 

 

I've rejected New Orleans and all of Louisiana actually. 

Edited November 25, 2016 by Jingthing

[NeverSure]

If you were in the South you could absolutely get by with a scooter. I don't know the laws now but when I was 16 I bought a Honda 50 which was technically and actually 49cc. The law didn't consider that a motor vehicle (under 50cc) so license and insurance wasn't required. Don't know about other states or today.

[Strange]

29 minutes ago, NeverSure said:

If you were in the South you could absolutely get by with a scooter. I don't know the laws now but when I was 16 I bought a Honda 50 which was technically and actually 49cc. The law didn't consider that a motor vehicle (under 50cc) so license and insurance wasn't required. Don't know about other states or today.

 

Still true in Florida as of late last year. Saw more people scootin' around the Tampa area and college areas than I ever have before. I asked some of the riders the situation out of curiosity and they confirmed it. 

 

46 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Interesting description I read about the Tampa - St. Pete area ... a mix of Atlanta and Miami. 

 

I've rejected New Orleans and all of Louisiana actually. 

 

Am I still on Ignore? 

 

New Orleans is a cheap choice for the gay community and partying but the gangs are fierce. 

 

You'd like Ybor City in Tampa. Apparently has a pretty good gay nightlife scene if it hasn't been mentioned before.

[Strange]

58 minutes ago, NeverSure said:

My impression of New Orleans is horrible. To me it looks like 100% lazy poverty once you get outside of The French Quarter or the business district. One night I needed gas so I crossed the bridge to Slidell. There were guys standing around with apparently nothing better to do than to stare at me the whole time I bought my gas and they were creepy. I've never felt that way anywhere else.

 

Lmao it was worse before Katrina. Drop off the interstate at the wrong exit and end up in a rap video frantically locking the car doors and getting ur pistol handy. 

[Strange]

Imho I think Florida is the best choice in the US. No state tax, only federal level firearms law, choice between rural, city, or beachside lifestyle, warm climate comparatively speaking with mild winters (for the most part). Activities galore within one state - natural parks, springs, fishing, amusement parks etc... 

 

Halloween Horror Nights Orlando is Siiiiiiiiiick and so fun. 

 

Im from there so Im probably a little biased but I've been to most other states too and still prefer FL. Can live easily pretty cheap. 

 

A lot of people hate on it but there is a reason there is so many retirees and tourists. 

[GinBoy2]

2 hours ago, NeverSure said:

 

Many places in the deep South are going to be warmer and cheaper than most of the country. Even Atlanta is far, far cheaper than California.

 

My impression of New Orleans is horrible. To me it looks like 100% lazy poverty once you get outside of The French Quarter or the business district. One night I needed gas so I crossed the bridge to Slidell. There were guys standing around with apparently nothing better to do than to stare at me the whole time I bought my gas and they were creepy. I've never felt that way anywhere else.

 

Cheers.

I'm kinda with you on this one. Visited a couple of times as a tourist, but once you leave the French Quarter things head south rapidly.

Great place to visit, not so sure about a place to actually live

[mania]

Sure they probably are not all cheap but could not help notice

how pretty they were

40 small towns

http://www.countryliving.com/life/travel/g3557/small-american-town-destinations/?slide=1&src=arb_fb_d&mag=clv&dom=fb

[OMGImInPattaya]

On 11/26/2016 at 2:00 AM, Strange said:

Imho I think Florida is the best choice in the US. No state tax, only federal level firearms law, choice between rural, city, or beachside lifestyle, warm climate comparatively speaking with mild winters (for the most part). Activities galore within one state - natural parks, springs, fishing, amusement parks etc... 

 

Halloween Horror Nights Orlando is Siiiiiiiiiick and so fun. 

 

Im from there so Im probably a little biased but I've been to most other states too and still prefer FL. Can live easily pretty cheap. 

 

A lot of people hate on it but there is a reason there is so many retirees and tourists. 

And people returning from Thailand would already be acclimated to the climate, mossies, and poisonous snakes. If I was ever to return, it would likely be to FL or AZ due to climate and cost of living...but I think Florida would win out for diversity of people/cultures, outdoor activities, and the miles of coastline.

Edited November 27, 2016 by OMGImInPattaya

[amykat]

On 11/26/2016 at 1:07 AM, NeverSure said:

If you were in the South you could absolutely get by with a scooter. I don't know the laws now but when I was 16 I bought a Honda 50 which was technically and actually 49cc. The law didn't consider that a motor vehicle (under 50cc) so license and insurance wasn't required. Don't know about other states or today.

 

I did the same thing at 15 in CA to go to work and back ... I had a driver's permit though and insurance, helmet ...mine was Suzuki.  I had the permit for learning to drive a car and maybe it wasn't needed ...not sure.

[pattayalover]

I would go Omaha in Nebraska. It s the only place where many things happen. Even Nicholson live there. Lol

[JimmyJ]

On 11/21/2015 at 2:34 AM, BruceMangosteen said:

Las Vegas...

Someone replied a ways back, how to survive there gambling. It's simple really. It's all about money management and discipline.

You say for the sake of discussion want to "earn" $100.usd a day, cash, not taxed, not documented etc... aka "win" it.

You walk up to a craps table and bet $100.usd on the "Don't Pass". You must do this on what they call the "come out roll".

If you lose, you bet $200.usd on the next "roll".

If you lost this second bet, you bet $400.usd on the next "roll".

If you lose this third bet, you bet $800.usd on the next "roll".

All of these bets are on the "don't pass" and on the "come out roll".

Your chances of losing four in a row are slim and none, but if it happens you simply bet $1600.usd on the next and so on, until you win. Doubling the last amount. At that point you win, you have to be willing to walk away with your $100.usd win/earnings and come back the next day. You must also find a casino with fairly high limits, Caesars Palace will take up to

$50,000.usd on this wager so that's a good place to start.

----------------------------

 

 

 

This " It's simple really" method is called Martingaling.

There is plenty of info about it on the net.

It will provide many tiny wins while risking a lot of money, and also a small number of catastrophic losses.

It is absolutely not a way to show a long term profit.

It is a sure way to go broke long term.

 

 

" If you lose this third bet, you bet $800.usd on the next "roll".

 

Your chances of losing four in a row are slim and none..."

 

1) This also has a name - "Gamblers fallacy".

Dice are made of plastic.

Plastic does not have a memory that it has lost 3 previously - the chance of a loss when making the 4th bet is the same as when making the first bet.

 

"Really simple" systems such as the above and the fact that people take them seriously is the reason why casinos are so profitable (other than for  the greatest and most brilliantest businessman of all time in the known universe, DJT).

 

2) " Your chances of losing four in a row are slim and none..."

 

Let's say the odds of winning your bet is 50% (it's actually worse of course).

The odds BEFORE STARTING of losing 4 bets in a row are 12.5%

 

Anotherwords, if 100 people on 100 craps tables embark on this project,

on average 12.5 people will lose 4 bets in a row.

 

That is 12.5 more than "slim and none".

Quote

 

 

Edited December 6, 2016 by JimmyJ

[craigt3365]

Being from Vegas, I can guarantee this won't work. LOL  They don't build big flashy casinos because they lose money.  The odds are all in the casino's favor.

 

Funny story.  My buddy was a croupier. Went with him one night thinking we'd do OK.  I mean, he is a dealer and has been working the craps table for years.  We lost close to $1000 in just a few hours.  His comment?  It's not called gambling for nothing. 55555  Sometimes you win, sometimes you don't!

[pattayalover]

First time I went to a casino. I was 18 and I played the martingale with 1 euro to start. I won I think 140 euro in 2 hours then lost all very fast. I got same color coming 8 times in a row and I had to put on table all my money. I left not disgusted but it was the last time for me.

Good lesson.

[craigt3365]

8 minutes ago, pattayalover said:

First time I went to a casino. I was 18 and I played the martingale with 1 euro to start. I won I think 140 euro in 2 hours then lost all very fast. I got same color coming 8 times in a row and I had to put on table all my money. I left not disgusted but it was the last time for me.

Good lesson.

My ex-business partner was ranked in the top 100 poker players in the world.  He lived in a small trailer park. LOL

[optad]

The math always kicks in because of the gaming psychology. It trumps every system every time.