Big Blue Huddle

Quote from: Kugs53 on May 19, 2025, 05:57:44 AMNo apologies, he asked a very legitimate question.

Don't mind Len, he's always looking to cause trouble 

I was very curious because I have researched getting out of this country, as it's going downhill fast.  I knew Portugal was a popular destination because of its policies to encourage people to move there.   I was curious how you felt about your decision after the fact.  The only thing negative I heard about that option these days is that they are rolling back some of the incentives because they feel they have enough people to move there.  Plus, thanks to all the people moving in, housing prices and such are not as good as they once were.

Quote from: MightyGiants on May 19, 2025, 07:46:50 AMDon't mind Len, he's always looking to cause trouble 

I was very curious because I have researched getting out of this country, as it's going downhill fast.  I knew Portugal was a popular destination because of its policies to encourage people to move there.   I was curious how you felt about your decision after the fact.  The only thing negative I heard about that option these days is that they are rolling back some of the incentives because they feel they have enough people to move there.  Plus, thanks to all the people moving in, housing prices and such are not as good as they once were.

You should spin off an "Ex-pat" thread 

Portugal still has a Golden Visa program.
We became permanant residents on what they call an NHR scheme.
It basically says I have a ten year courtship.
This has been terminated.
I am grandfathered and there is a new NHR regime
Roughly 10% of my income gets paid to Portugal.
That 10% is a direct write off on my US taxes.
I don't pay any more tax, I just pay them in two places.
After the ten years are up I fall into a Portuuguese tax bracket.
For me that would be 45%.
So I have the next 8 years to divest of Qualified money to avoid massive taxation.
This is a very basic explanation.
If you need, more info Google NHR 2.0

Quote from: Kugs53 on May 19, 2025, 08:06:51 AMPortugal still has a Golden Visa program.
We became permanant residents on what they call an NHR scheme.
It basically says I have a ten year courtship.
This has been terminated.
I am grandfathered and there is a new NHR regime
Roughly 10% of my income gets paid to Portugal.
That 10% is a direct write off on my US taxes.
I don't pay any more tax, I just pay them in two places.
After the ten years are up I fall into a Portuuguese tax bracket.
For me that would be 45%.
So I have the next 8 years to divest of Qualified money to avoid massive taxation.
This is a very basic explanation.
If you need, more info Google NHR 2.0

I am curious, what is your favorite thing about your new home, and what is the biggest thing you miss since leaving the states.

We have a much healthier lifestyle.
You are always eating fresh food.
There is always something to explore here.
I read a lot of historical fiction,so I am a bit of a castle nut.
We go on road-trips and so all these old castles and we are fascinated by them.
The Portuguese are very nice especially if you are trying to learn their language.
We love the beach and they are beautiful here although the water can be a bit cold.
The flights within Europe are quite inexpensive, so visiting other countries is  very easy.
Actually right now I am in Bologna.
The fact that our dollars go much further doesn't hurt either.
Housing is still extremely affordable.
I hope that helps.

Quote from: Kugs53 on May 21, 2025, 04:21:55 AMWe have a much healthier lifestyle.
You are always eating fresh food.
There is always something to explore here.
I read a lot of historical fiction,so I am a bit of a castle nut.
We go on road-trips and so all these old castles and we are fascinated by them.
The Portuguese are very nice especially if you are trying to learn their language.
We love the beach and they are beautiful here although the water can be a bit cold.
The flights within Europe are quite inexpensive, so visiting other countries is  very easy.
Actually right now I am in Bologna.
The fact that our dollars go much further doesn't hurt either.
Housing is still extremely affordable.
I hope that helps.

Thanks!  Your comments are certainly helpful.

If you ever want we can always do a zoom call

Quote from: Kugs53 on May 21, 2025, 12:08:56 PMIf you ever want we can always do a zoom call

Thanks, I will keep that in mind