Need Advise

Catfish35 says on Jan 24, 2008, 09:09:

Honestly? I can sympathize with your wanting to flee the gray, cold, depressing winters. Beware of ever leaving politics behind for something better. I too am fed up with the way the USA has taken a turn. Colombia, London, Iraq, Parador or whatever has its own political problems. My sadness is others pleasure and soon when Obama and Clinton decide to become running mates (jaja) then it will be my turn again!, (cough) but anyway, also beware of the thinking you pay too much tax, at one level or another I was just in Medellin and at times I observed precisely 16% sales tax on certain items.
I do forecast our tax situation becoming even worse in the USA if the Democrats get in, but then again how else will we pay for the plundering we have taken in our arse the past 8 years.
Either way, it sounds like having a spouse from Colombia and having visited before you may certainly have a better handle on things than most. I wish you the very best. Just be aware the reasons that you are leaving and what for. Mucho Suerte!

" Say hello to my lil' friend"Tony Montana

NotoriousGIB1K says on Jan 24, 2008, 09:41:

I feel you Gringomogan. Ever since the Bush administration I am almost embarrassed to be an American. I'm sick of of the taxes AND social security we are forced to pay. I could live w/ a sales tax, at least then I'm only taxed when I buy something as it should be IMO.

Work to live. Don't live to work.

jorgegdiaz says on Jan 24, 2008, 10:00:

Morgan, sell piña para la niña y mora para la señora at the beach

Man with hole in pocket feel cocky all day.

slguy says on Jan 24, 2008, 10:07:

I can't imagine anyone questioning your sanity in wanting to flee Indiana for Cartagena. ;)

There's a lot of wisdom here. You'll hear lots of stuff. My only advice is - go live there for a while before investing heavily. Is one thing to vacation in another city - quite another to live there, especially different to do business there. a little preflight reality check never hurt anyone.

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

sloopskipper says on Jan 24, 2008, 10:09:

AMEN, SL!

dwr says on Jan 24, 2008, 10:18:

La Trensa seems to be a booming business!

donmia says on Jan 24, 2008, 10:26:

Uh, guys. the U.S. has one of the lowest tax burdens in the world. Definitely has the lowest tax burden of an industrialized nation. Just because politicians say "you're being taxed to death" doesn't make it true.

As for which party raises taxes more, Reagan did it four times. He talked about slashing taxes a lot, but he only actually did that once.

If someone says something is so, does not make it so. Look before you leap. Well, except I've lived in Northern U.S. winters. I'd give up half my income if I had to do it to never live in a snowy climate again. jejeje

ColombianoGringo says on Jan 24, 2008, 10:45:

The problem with switching to a national sales tax in the US is that it is extremely unfair to those who have been saving their entire lives. This is particularly true for retirees. They have either already paid taxes on their money or have had it in tax sheltered retirement investments. Forcing them to pay a sales tax on everything would either amount to double taxation or would negate the intended tax benefits of retirement savings plans.

slguy says on Jan 24, 2008, 11:18:

the death tax is gonna get 'em anyway- or at least their heirs.

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

Catfish35 says on Jan 24, 2008, 11:31:

Again, be careful what your trading what for. The specifics were that he is trading politics, bad weather and taxes. The fact is that taxes will have to be increase, their is no way around that!
It is the first time in US history that we have had a war and never raised taxes, but not only that, try to cut them. We took a surplus and turned into another mega deficeit. You cannot keep taking without putting back. Taxes must go up in the USA. As for the weather trade? Their is no question. The politics? What is he trading? One problem for another!
No one has questioned anyones sanity. He is asking for opinions and help and everyone has good ideas.

" Say hello to my lil' friend"Tony Montana

slguy says on Jan 24, 2008, 11:36:

my "sanity" comment wasn't directed at anyone. just a general observation.

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

jonas says on Jan 24, 2008, 11:44:

so, trading in bad politics for bad politics and running from tax-hell to tax-devil. Maybe you should reconsider your reasons for wanting to come here. And I am not talking just the 16% IVA but also a 30% income tax...

What I have, I do not want to lose, but Where I am I do not want to stay, but those I love, I do not want to leave, but those I know I no longer want to see, but Where I die, I do not want to go;I want to stay where I have never been

slguy says on Jan 24, 2008, 11:45:

yea- but at least they don't freeze their asses off for 6 months of the year!

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

jorgegdiaz says on Jan 24, 2008, 11:58:

well, donmia is right, Look at the French. They have the best rated health system and also one of the highest tax % in the Europe... I hope CASS77 doesn`t go ballistic here...

Man with hole in pocket feel cocky all day.

Robert Jorge says on Jan 24, 2008, 17:37:

Hey gringomorgan, where are you at in Indiana? I grew up in the armpit of Indiana, Connersville. Graduated from Ball State. Just curious and it is good to see a Hoosier on the board.

--"I believe in making the world safe for our children. But not for our children's children, because I don't think that children should be having sex." - Jack Handy

Catfish35 says on Jan 24, 2008, 18:31:

SLGUY, Touche'
The freezing of the arses has gotta outweigh the Taxes and the Politics!
I agree. I have seen so many people get "Fievre de Sol". Its not a constant vacation and coming to a place and living for a time is the best way for anyone. many people get the fever and spend their wad and end up losing big time and going home with their tails between their legs. Never a bigger example of this than in Costa Rica. i was their in November looking at more business of Americans that came on a whim, started and tucked tail and ran.

" Say hello to my lil' friend"Tony Montana