Comments on: Are you “out of touch”?

By: Hopeyt

Hopeyt — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 20:28:33 +0000

Dear NR,have faith in yourself and your dreams.If your deepest desire is to go to Mexico then go.It will work for you,something will come,if you are willing and able bodied it will happen.Do not allow fear to hold you back.Ask the universe for provision and guidance.You said it,”you know in your heart”.Yes,you do,the rest of the answers are there too.

By: Gonetoitaly52

Gonetoitaly52 — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 19:55:37 +0000

These family experiences born from choice well illustrate the point made in the book “Who Moved My Cheese?”. An alert I will keep in mind as the changes occurring these days march on.

By: joblo

joblo — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 09:08:16 +0000

This is a very good story and help me understand. I"m a Canadian and here in Canada most people are not aware and understand what is happening. The news are VERY BIAIS, and we don't really know what's happening because they want to keep them ignorant.

All the news most and more in Quebec are left, socialist and they are telling that Obama is a good President.
We don 't have the chance as in the US to have a FOX news, Glenn Beck, Rush Limbah, Ron Paul and Peter Shift who are telling the real thing and the truth.
People like the tea party are amazing, I wish and pray the day that our people will wake up here, but I really think they won't. People who try to speak here and tell the truth are attak verbally and they are trying to destroy their reputation. Just like : IF YOU DON'T LIKE MESSAGE(THE SPEECH) KILL THE MESSENGER.

to: NR: I really understand how you fell because we feel the same way. My best advice: look at Panama and Belize as an expat Belize you can have a QRP program no taxes and the country is english and not expensive for living. As for Panama they have the pensionnado program, but the country is spanish.

Thanks again Simon for your news and web we feel less along

By: joblo

joblo — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 08:48:41 +0000

That is so right

By: Ridindawg

Ridindawg — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 03:55:43 +0000

Ahhhh Good ole Flexibility !…….it serves us well in so many ways. “Food for fodor”……It's a special meal served only to the mentally/spiritually secure……but damnnn ( when it is fully cooked) does it taste goooood!! Good life to ya Simon! Thank's for your real life…practical insights.
Ridindawg

By: NR

NR — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 03:38:48 +0000

Thanks for your reply Jane. It feels good just to have a way to communicate with people who have done what I hope to do.
To answer your question....I don't own anything...not a house, condo, car etc.. I rent an apartment and just signed a new lease because I didn't know what else to do at the moment.
I certainly don't have to live out the lease; legally I could sublet if it turns out that I find a way, (with the resources I have) to move to Mexico. But my landlord is notorious and I am awaiting the outcome of a class action suit that is pending now.
It may not bring much money since there are so many people involved in the suit, but I'll take whatever should come my way. Any little bit will help.
Another poster here suggested that I try to make some money on the internet. I am working on getting my website a redux as I do make money, (apart from my 'real' job) selling hand painted ceramic tiles, doing murals and greeting cards.
My hope is that I can do that in Mexico as well.
I think back on when I was just 19 years old and moved, alone to a big city with no fear at all. Life was all an adventure then.
I wish, and am trying to get "that old feeling" again and not be so afraid of entering my 'next life phase' alone.
Thanks again for your reply. It did me a world of good.
And may you continue to have the life you've dreamed of in a better place than here.
God bless.

By: Jane Tenbrink

Jane Tenbrink — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 23:52:53 +0000

I enjoyed reading your post! I am from German/Jewish background and grew up under the cloud of what my parents and their families had experienced in Germany of the 1930s. Not long after 9/11 things started happening little by little that began to connect with what had happened to my family. I have always had some kind of knack for sniffing things out in the early stages and so in 2006, after returning from a trip to Vienna in June, I started right away looking for an affordable apartment to purchase. I found something and by September was back in Vienna to give it a try. Next time I returned to the U.S., it seemed worse than when I left and so I stayed longer and then the same thing happened when I came back to U.S. — still worse. So now I am living here. I think that if it is possible, it does not hurt to start making some kind of preparations, even if it is only securing a very small place to live in another country.

By: Jane Tenbrink

Jane Tenbrink — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 23:43:34 +0000

I would love to meet up with any Expats who are in Kracow. I live in Vienna now. But, my mother (who unfortunately died in 2006) lived in Breslau which is now Wroclaw. Is there some way to connect with other Expats who might want to meet some time soon in Kracow?

By: Jane Tenbrink

Jane Tenbrink — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 23:27:32 +0000

Hello NR!
I completely understand your predicament. I am 62 and I left the U.S. in 2006 and moved to Vienna. It helped that I already had an EU passport because my parents were German citizens who had to flee Germany in the late 1930s because they were Jewish. Do you own a place of residence in the U.S.? If so, you could rent it out to generate some income that way. Also at age 62 you are eligible for Social Security, that it unless they change the law. Through the American Consulate in the country you are inhabiting, you can arrange to have your SS check deposited automatically each month in your account. I hope this helps and if you want more info about expatriating, I would be glad to offer whatever advice/help that I can.
I wish you all the best in your efforts!

By: Larry Austin

Larry Austin — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 21:00:58 +0000

Most people can't see such things coming, but your example is right on the money. Nothing lasts forever including the U.S. Anyone that denies this, hasn't really ever read history…. or at least, they did not comprehend it.

By: john

john — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:57:22 +0000

Hi Joe,
Great post! I would really like to hook up with folks who live in Argentina to discuss the real scoop about the country. I will be visiting Argentina in Nov of 2010 to get a hands on feel. What is the best way to exchange email addresses. I am in No California.
Best Regards,
John J

By: john

john — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:49:50 +0000

Change is never easy. As people age they become more resistant to change. Americans are spoiled & arrogant believing everything is going to remain the same with their blinders on remaining in their grand illusion of freedom & unlimited opportunity in the USA.
Jarek has it right & his 2 feet planted firmly on the dirt. This man is a realist who takes responsiblity for his families well being & does not expect “any govt” to take care of him or have his best interest at heart. Sadly the greatest nation is coming to an end & it's people are so deep in denial that they refuse to acknowledge this is happening.
Joe in Buenos Aires, I would like to communicate with you about Argentina. I will be traveling there in Nov for a visit to see the country. Simon it does my heart good to know that you are reinforcing it is okay that I am still crazy after all these years. You are truly a free man. I send my heartfelt thanks for this great site. Keep feeding us all this wonderful info from your tree of knowledge.

By: Nicole

Nicole — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:11:26 +0000

I think Jarek is so right to follow whatever path he sees as most beneficial to his family, and very perceptive about seeing the signs on the wall.
I definitely want to be gone from the US very soon. Money is the single obstacle right now. I'm as broke as a rat in a church, seems like all potential clients for my business have already “shrugged” and disappeared at least from my locality in the past couple of years. Trying to make it location independent with the help of the web.
I'm half Polish and my ancestors are from the hinterland southeast of Krakow. I've never been to Poland yet, but would love to go. Krakow always seemed like one of the most fascinating cities in Eastern Europe to me.

By: Allegarrett

Allegarrett — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 11:06:40 +0000

Learn to make your $$$ on the internet is the way to go!

By: Libero

Libero — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 02:55:58 +0000

This is a great example.
A certain amount of people in the U.S. for example, will jump on the ones who desire to leave, who had their past family, 1, 2 or 3 generations back, pursue America for the opportunities then. The attackers will say that your family back then worked so hard to get to America, build up a life so that you could have a nice chance, and now you are leaving, or going back to their homeland? That's unbelievable! While the ones leaving certainly appreciate their family's efforts in the past, times change, and times are for sure different these days. For example, war torn Europe back in the days was a case to seek better lands, but in areas (like the example of Poland), today things have quieted some and it's ok to return. This could also change as well. Life is not stagnant. It's not undoing past works of one's family. It's being wise. Also, in ways, I'm sure distant relatives would smile from the other world seeing their younger generations going back home.
Thanks for this story. It's a good tool to mention to the attackers.

By: Ellie

Ellie — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 23:21:55 +0000

The United States today simply isn't the same country I grew up in. I read your newsletter because I want to learn my options should things begin seriously falling apart. But I can't take family, they are too many and too scattered. Still, even their sense of patriotism is sometimes faltering. I guess I'll have to get serious on my diet when a trunk load of cash won't buy a gallon of milk.

BTW: years ago I had some computer teachers that were early in computing around and before WWII, they told me that the Poles knew, and shipped out their code breaking crew and their machine to England. The Touring and his people built off of it to decipher German messages (while the US used its first computer to build ballistics tables for the navy).

By: msc

msc — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:57:18 +0000

The German Jews during WWII. are great example of necessity of owning two passports. German Jews were German citizens, state of Israel did not exist back then. So they could not have Israeli passport. They were 'treated' under 'regulations' during a state of war. These are not civil regulations. My assumption is, that if they had possessed Israeli passport back then, it would have been illegal even in state of war to treat them the way they were treated. So it is very important to diversify.

By: NR

NR — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:54:57 +0000

I am a 59 year old woman with no family. After the bank bailouts my savings, (in various funds) was slashed to half of what I'd saved working my adult life.
I have this dream of moving to a place I found in Mexico and love but I wonder how long would I last there with less than thirty thousand dollars?
I could maybe get through two, maybe three years, if I live very carefully about spending.
But what if I can't find a legal way to make a living there?
What will happen to me? I am so afraid of the future here in the States and most people I know think I 'm crazy when I say I feel the worst is yet to come for America.
To be alone and almost 60 is scary, yet I KNOW in my heart that getting out is what I need to do.
Anyone with feedback would be greatly appreciated.

By: qvicens

qvicens — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 15:42:00 +0000

In a constantly changing and evolving world, adaptability seems to be an essential skill. When you get lemons, make lemonade. In a profound and dramatic way (if you don’t adapt you might die), this story serves as a perfect reminder of the necessity to keep eyes and heart open so that we can adjust accordingly.

By: Gery E. Craig

Gery E. Craig — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 10:56:11 +0000

This is a great story! Jarek's forefathers certainly had the insight and the guts to take action in the face of uncertainty. Contrarians! Inspiring for us all! Thanks for sharing the story Simon!

By: Drgdmmd

Drgdmmd — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 09:56:51 +0000

Stunningly simple narrative depicting the obvious, yet hidden not-to-be-talked-about truth of personal and familial preservation. A business plan. A survival plan. A plan for the future of our kids. Thanks.

By: Gryph

Gryph — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 09:18:00 +0000

Interesting piece, as a Brit I am always amazed at the complacency of my country men and women and the small minded views the majority have of the rest of the world, much the same as the US I guess. I travel a great deal and the world is full of financial and lifestyle opportunity you just have to go out there, stop being a tourist and have a proper look. I have a couple of flags planted and I think you’d be mad not to take the opportunity if you can and have a definite stratagey,after all you need to be ahead of the game not fighting for the last seat on the lifeboat.

By: msc

msc — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 07:25:49 +0000

People around me still do not realize the situation is bad. I am warning my friends from UK and US and it is hard, because the mainstream media are feeding them with crap that everything is great…. Till it will be bad. I suspect that when capital controls and other restrictions come in place, they will believe it is 'to protect them, to protect their capital from being taken by the rich'. I have to add that most of my friends are architects (educated middle class people)

By: Don

Don — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 06:52:03 +0000

"Are you 'out of touch'?"

In a word, no. The spousal unit, on the other hand, yes.

Oh well!

By: Rdesipio

Rdesipio — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 06:41:31 +0000

Great topic and timely. We in the US are under seige by our govt by continually degrading our civil rights and ignoring the will of the people. They “know what is best for us”- without asking us what we want. It sometimes takes awhile before you wake up- sometimes too late to get out or make appropiate plans. Through your efforts and others and my desire to learn more about outside the US, I am initiating an action plan for greater freedom. I may not be a total PT, but one has to start somewhere and take the first steps to get things going. Thanks, Rich

By: Mary

Mary — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 02:47:56 +0000

All:

We are definitely in dangerous territory. We have wars and
rumours of wars. We have growing fascism. We have less and
less respect for our governments and governments showing a
lack of concern for the rights of citizens.
Simon if you really want to open a can of worms do you have
the nerve to speak about HAARP, chemtrails and vaccines?

By: John

John — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 02:44:24 +0000

Simon,

It is an encouraging story and one that many South Africans of my age can relate to. I am a South African who moved to the UK due to the new South African government policy of affirmative action, as well as rampant violent crime, much of it against members of my own family. I lived initially in the UK for the last 10 years, before the financial crisis struck. With the threat of additional taxes looming and Britians “War on Terror” as well as an inability to secure work in London, I have moved my family again to Singapore, where the business opportunities and ability to secure work appears endless. Tax rates are very low at only 12-13% (roughly) on your earned income, so take home pay is much much higher. I am now in a good position at an Investment bank here and my family are enjoying the safe, secure, warm and opportunistic environment . Thanks for a great newletter.

By: ohit

ohit — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 02:28:44 +0000

A triangle – “Shift to the east” (relative to the US)

By: Psidoc

Psidoc — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 02:00:26 +0000

Simon, this is one of the best pieces you have done yet.Your man in Poland has the right idea:family and personal freedoms come first. Sadly Barry Soreto (aka Obama) and his minions are taking the US back to 1939 Europe. We will see more and more Americans voting with their feet in the very near future.

DrB

By: Coupedevil2005

Coupedevil2005 — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 01:21:00 +0000

Sounds like a smart man, though I am not sure about the “war on terror” part. Last time I checked, white folks of Polish ancestry are not on the NSA’s top-10 list. Speaking of his grandfather’s decision to leave Poland…I get the same reactions from friends and family when I tell them I am saving for my retirement move OUT of the U.S.! They respond increduously as if it’s everyone’s patriotic duty to toil until you’re 70-something and then pray the gov’t is going to take care of you. And when they don’t; pass your debt on to your family!? Not this kid :)

By: joe in buenos aires

joe in buenos aires — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 01:09:30 +0000

“Jarek” makes an excellent point when he says, “Nothing lasts forever, you have to expect that these things will change from time to time. People have to learn to change as well, to not get rooted in ideology.” A major problem is many people don't LIKE to change. In fact, they view change as negative and a threat to the status quo, which is with what they feel most comfortable. They expect the WORLD to change to THEIR way, when in reality the more intelligent understand it just doesn't work that way. Why, for instance, do people insist on living in the same flood plain or hurricane/tornado alley & getting wiped out time after time after time? “Jarek” went where the getting was good. He was intelligent enough and flexible enough to be willing to adapt to new surroundings & ways of doing things. I myself moved to Argentina just over four years ago. We have far too many people in the U.S. who expect to have everything THEIR way. If it's not THEIR way, it's the WRONG way. Their attitude is “My way or the highway.” The only thing that is constant is change. I like to compare change to a train: get on board or be left at the station. And if you do get left at the station, I don't want to hear any bitching & complaining.

By: Statharos

Statharos — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:56:06 +0000

Simon, I think I'm driving from Vilnius to Krakow right now to have breakfast with you and Jarek tomorrow morning!!! Is Jarek by chance hiring?

By: Bryce

Bryce — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:55:00 +0000

Jarek is spot on……..but Simon…could you deal specifically with permanent residency and second passports so more of your readers can learn the steps required to make the move. I am also interested in hearing more about your premium membership paper.
Thanks

By: Quizal

Quizal — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:53:48 +0000

I think this person and family philosophy are “right on”…that is why I now have a house in Panama and live there most of the time. I still have real estate in Calif. (for sale) and am itching to cut all ties to the US. At least in Poland, the threat was external. Who'd ever believed that the US would face such an INTERNAL threat.

By: Ken

Ken — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:42:38 +0000

There is only one true ideology: Liberty.

By: Bobsimmons

Bobsimmons — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:42:00 +0000

Why to you put quotes around “war on terror”. The free world has two enemies right now. The world socialists who are in control of the U.S. federal government and much of the western world and the Islamic conservatives who take the Koran seriously when it talks about killing the infidels who do not convert to Islam and adopt Sharia law.

By: Guille

Guille — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:29:37 +0000

Great story! I would add two points.
First: Arriving to ancestors land from another country instead of USA could be very different. My blood is 100% European (drops from Spain, Italy and Holland). Like most Argentineans my friends are sons, grandsons and grand-grandsons of Europeans arrived to Argentina from late 1800 to mid 1900. Among their surnames you can find mainly Italian, but also Spanish, German, Polish, French, etc. If they decide to leave Argentina and start a new life in Europe, be sure it will be VERY difficult for them. Sadly, once you born in South America you are a second class citizen in Europe, despite you are returning to your family land. In Jarek's story he was lucky to arrive to Poland from USA.
Second: The family is the most important “obstacle” in this kind of move. Separating children from grandparents, aunts and uncles could be a very traumatic experience. Again, Jarek was lucky to have the opportunity to move the entire family circle.

By: Tjo50511

Tjo50511 — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:28:49 +0000

I think it is the result of thinking rationally. The nation/state is a parasite. It is best to avoid the infection whenever possible.

By: Patti

Patti — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:19:58 +0000

Hi Simon,
Love the story and oh how true it is! I am in that very stage as I speak. I know things are changing at break neck speed here
in the U.S. and I honestly do not see any glimmer of hope any time soon. I am already studying/learning as much as I can about other countries to relocate my husband and myself so as not to get caught with my pants down, so to speak. I also agree with the notion of being able to change and move forward when presented with such conditions as are here now, and the worsening foreseeable future of our "now" free society. I am wondering if you could touch on some countries that are thriving in the construction/home building arena. My husband
and I are both contractors that are not ready to retire and
would need to live where there is opportunity for work.
I thank you for all your valuable letters and insight.
As a side note, I am jealous of your position to be able to
roam from country to country! Hopefully, soon I will be able
to do just that.
Patti

By: Beau-geste

Beau-geste — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:16:44 +0000

I've been seeing all of this but this is my problem…I'm almost 40 with no money, yes, a US passport, but no real skills (unemployed school teacher) and I'm ill with epilepsy. My wife is from the Philippines, but I can't get her to focus on studying or work, all she wants is a child right now. I read Simon's advice to the 18 year old about learning skills, medical skills, and language skills by joining the military. I would like a forum here so we can help each other. I don't have any money right now or assets other than a few rifles and an old car. It's great for people who have the money and assets to buy gold and hide their assets, but what can those of us like me do right now? Do I have time to take out loans and get some medical skills in the USA, then leave the USA and start over elsewhere? All of this will take time…

By: Boekbinder

Boekbinder — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

You cannot change others, but you can change yourself! We have lived in 7 countries and are looking forward to no.8!
Don´t be a “talker”, be a “doer”

By: Mike

Mike — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 23:44:00 +0000

I KNOW Jarek is right, but what about those of us who are barely getting by? I’m very knowledgeable about the microcosm & macrocosm of what’s been going on – financially, politically, educationally, religiously, & in different societies. But as much as I know & can apply, I suffered many setbacks that have affected me & my minor children greatly. Can you advise me on how to escape this illusion of reality imposed on humanity purposely? Thanks! Mike

By: Daver06

Daver06 — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 23:28:46 +0000

This is a great story! It makes me realize how woefully unprepared I am. All I have is a U.S. pass port. I am currently moving some of my assets into gold, and looking for a place to move if things start to get crazy. I would like to hear more about Vanuatu. What are the requirements for citizenship, land ownership, and or retirement. what are the tax and gun laws? I love your letter, wish I had found it years ago. Any idea how much time before things blow up in the U.S.
Thanks
Dave Rothwell (a reader for life)

By: Oldale

Oldale — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 23:26:59 +0000

Many folks have heard of Dr. Albert Schweitzer, MD, and are aware he was a medical missionary to Africa, specifically what is now the Republic of the Congo (on the north side of the Congo river from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, nee "Zaire"); his mission was in Francophone Lamborene.

Having won the Nobel Prize (my history is foggy--somewhere between 1936-1938?), he took passage to Europe and intended an international speaking tour. Before reaching Spain, he heard a Marconi wireless broadcast of the redoubtable Adolf Hitler, and realized at once that Europe was headed for conflagration.

He cancelled the tour, spend all of the prize money on medicines and supplies that would store for a number of years, and zoomed right back down to Lamborene, living to tell the tale.

One wonders whether Dr. Schweitzer's fabulous reputation as an interpreter and authority on Sebastian Bach, the man and his music, would have spared him liquidation as a "lover of Africans."

By: jimmie

jimmie — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 23:22:02 +0000

From personal experience I understand the importance of family. My family all came from Europe to Canada in the 1800s. They left in search of better times. We should all be prepared to do that if necessary but it is not for all and those that stay behind and continue the struggle to improve the old country are not to be forgotten either. The important thing is to have family about you. I left my family for better times and I live with many foreign workers who have done the same to try and earn money to send home. How sad it is today when everyone is struggling with the poor economic conditions forcing us to look at moving again. It would be so much easier if you had family with you to share the good and the bad times. If you need to consider moving try to bring your family with you – it is the greatest joy to share life with your loved ones at hand.

By: -MWA

-MWA — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 23:19:18 +0000

peoples mind are like concrete. all mixed up and permanently set… attorneys included.
a debt society has come to an end. the sooner we all realize this… the sooner the problem will be fixed as we become “ambassadors of goodwill” throughout the globe via the sovereign money. entrepreneurship 2.0.

By: Joe Scamolla

Joe Scamolla — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 23:10:05 +0000

My parents are survivors, moving to Canada in the 1950´s. They learned their lesson from my mothers parents, who refused to acknowledge the impending Nazi takeover, and were summarily shot. I moved from Canada to Panama and would leave in heartbeat if I feared for my personal situation. As it stands, I keep a modest bug-out bag just in case…

By: J.S.

J.S. — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 23:08:44 +0000

I've often wondered why so many people opted to stay in places where shit was about to hit the fan. I assume it's emotionality over rationality.

I do understand that it's hard to leave when your entire life (including your family and friends) is somewhere, but if the choice is between death here and life somewhere else, the answer should be obvious.

I don't want to feel like I'm tied to any place so much that I couldn't leave if I needed to. That's a big part of the reason I stumbled upon your blog in the first place.

Keep up the good work!

- J.S.

By: Paul

Paul — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 23:06:25 +0000

Flexibility is the key. Mobility is the asset…..
A great example of responsive awareness..
Now, if I could only practice this…lol

By: Steveloy

Steveloy — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 22:57:17 +0000

I agree 100%. A smart person gets prepared for a changing environment. I recently took the information on Passport Trusts to my Attorney for review. He looked at me like I was crazy. I heard some of those comments you mentioned. His recommendation, do not move your money overseas as it is unsafe. It is much more stable in the US. I flatly told him I was not going to take his advice and that I think it is much safer overseas. Of course i was discussing the Bank of Costa Rica. That may be a bad bank, I am still checking.
Thanks Steve