wwest5829
-
Posts
4,342 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Downloads
Posts posted by wwest5829
-
-
6 hours ago, KhunLA said:
NOT A TRUMP VS BIDEN CONVERSATION (PLENTY OF THOSE) just an observation of administrations and debt increases. All things, including interest & inflation affects our buying power, where ever we live.
And for those Yanks keeping score, inflation vs COLA, aren't even close. Inflation easily 100-150% since 2000. So spend it now, as worth less tomorrow 😎
-0- inflation, that's just insulting
Why I love Biden and hope for a win in 2024 🤣
(COLA = 17.8 % + 25% (exchange rate)
2024 - 3.2%
Along w/better exchange rate, for whatever reason
Th President does not determine the Cola adjustment. Presidents can influence and support the Social Security or not. Good example was beginning to tax Social Security payments under President Reagan.
-
6 hours ago, Captain Monday said:
Of course, automatically deducted every month along with other deductions, and a huge chunk of income tax wasted on who knows what. Problem It is not portable internationally after I retire I plan NEVER to go there again !
I pay also but this Medicare, Part b coverage is voluntary, we can chose not to have this hospitalization coverage.
-
7 hours ago, In Full Agreement said:
Are you paying into the Medicare system?
I am paying monthly, as do US military retirees. They get global medical coverage, I get zip (I will continue to support the military retirees rights, I just want equal coverage). The monthly premium I view as insurance in case of need to return to the U.S. for major medical … I have strong doubts if, in fact, that is a smart decision as there would co-pays and deductibles.
-
12 hours ago, Jingthing said:
I recall Japan pays out massively but not sure about the age required.
Norway pays medical bills for expats.
I don't have the link now but I recently saw an article which ranked national retirement systems and the U.S. ranked in the middle as average.
Though I can see your angle is expat friendly retirement systems.
That would be interesting to see a detailed report on that.
About the U.S. age 62 thing. At that age you get reduced by 25 percent pay and that's in effect for life, so not as great as you might think. Full payout varies by birthday but is roughly 66. Wait until 70 and you get more.
Agree with your observations. I retired here in 2011 at age 64 1/2 as I was on the academic year calendar and having had 5 by-passes in 2005, I did not want to wait another year before retiring. I do count myself fortunate in my U.S. Social Security continuing and receiving the annual cost of living adjustments. Not as fortunate in getting Medicare coverage as supplied to fully retired military retirees. US Social Security is based on lifetime earnings … a large reason why I cannot retire in my own country.
-
- Popular Post
- Popular Post
21 hours ago, KhunLA said:If wanting to sample, many restaurants offer it now, location dependent, as saw it on a menu the other day.
I have seen it on the Sizzler menu here in CM. When I asked, I was told only available in Sizzler Bangkok.
-
1
-
2
-
- Popular Post
- Popular Post
Two occasions. 1st, went down on the motorcycle. Ambulance magically appeared took me to Sansai Hospital. Patched up, tetanus shot, Emergency Dr. exam, medication and ambulance took me home (total bill $10.00 USD). 2nd called 1669, not sure how long but not too bad as I was having a TIA. Took me to CM RAM where I had a stent placement earlier in the week. Don't recall if there was a charge as I was "out of it" for two hours until the condition passed.
-
2
-
1
-
2
-
45 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:
Sending heavily armed soldiers backed up by artillery and airpower into Gaza will not eliminate Hamas which has gained hundreds of thousands of new supporters in many countries ( and the leaders of Hamas do not apparently live in Gaza ), but it will result in the deaths of many innocents.
While many innocents will die, after the slaughter ends many israelis will have to live with the memory of killing children and women. As the soldiers that committed My Lai can attest, it's not a happy memory.
One wonders if netanyahu has taken the brutalisation of young israelis into account in his ( IMO ) quest to annihilate Palestinians.
IMO all that will result from this is that israel will face millions more opponents than it started with.
History reflects that, in the short run, you can suppress by the use of force but, in the longer run, unless the underlying cause is addressed there will be continued resistance. I agree with you as regards the psychological costs and doubt Bibi is taking that into consideration ... or if he is ... regarding it as collateral damage. A homeland for the remnants of the annexation of the Jews by the Nazis led to the formation of current day Israel. Perhaps the action results by Israel will bring forth a sustained demand for a Palestinian homeland. I cannot see any other alternative hoping to bring about a sustainable peace but a two state solution. Israel will oppose its removal totally from the West Bank but, as you point out, it is currently endangering burning through global good will.
-
1
-
1
-
-
2 hours ago, thaibeachlovers said:
Who is the "aggressor" in Gaza right now?
IMO it's the ones bombing over a thousand children to bits.
The fighting continues on both sides. We would, no doubt, agree on wanting the death and destruction to stop. Israel had a right to respond but I am not one who would agree to taking all measures. I doubt a ground invasion of Gaza will turn out toward that end.
-
- Popular Post
- Popular Post
1 hour ago, hotchilli said:I was eluding to your tax dollars being handed out overseas.... instead of being spent on infrastructure at home where it's obviously needed...
They could also spend those billions on medical aid for those in need of hospital treatments, making it more affordable for most.
or even a tax cut
Just a couple of observations. We do probably have areas in which we could agree on cutting the military support subsidizing some regimes. I fully supported the USA sending Covid vaccines to others around the globe ... that is the kind of foreign aid I see as positive and in line with the best of American ideals. There certainly is an argument for defending American interests ... I do favor paying for the US Navy to continue sailing in all international waters consistent with international law. I supported going into Afghanistan to punish that people for allowing the 9-11 attacks (but opposed staying), I opposed going into Iraq ... so it depends in my mind. I certainly support joining all other developed nations in providing a national healthcare program (how many of us are already on state and federal programs, either as employees or retirees, etc. Seems grossly inefficient and in the interests of profits to me. Anyway ... have a good day.
-
2
-
1
-
- Popular Post
- Popular Post
1 minute ago, placeholder said:Still, Hamas hardly poes an existential threat to Israel whereas Russia clearly does to Ukraine.
Agree but support both in resistance to aggression.
-
1
-
2
-
- Popular Post
- Popular Post
2 hours ago, hotchilli said:American tax payers must be real happy with Joe.
American registered Democrat here. While I would prefer a different political contest for November 2024, there is not a viable alternative currently. The Republican Party seems determined to destroy itself. Oh, that tax bit? Sad try ... the issue is not government taxation of the working middle class ... the issue is the working middle class paying a higher percentage of their take home pay than are far too many of the wealthy and not seeing the direct benefits of that taxation. So, the unfair taxation system favoring the wealthy, the shrinking income/wealth piece of the economic pie (a result of the policies/actions or inaction by both major parties for decades) resulting in an unsustainably income/wealth gap. And that is, in large measure, why Americans are chewing on each other while Congress if afraid to act to address issues.
-
2
-
1
-
2
-
2
-
- Popular Post
- Popular Post
5 hours ago, thaibeachlovers said:
America has been supporting dictators for decades ( eg Saddam when he was an American ally ).
Seems it's only dictators that are not backed by America that need to "pay a price".
Isn't America broke? How come they can just keep paying out to other countries when there are so many problems at home?
It's shennanigans like this from the W H that get people like Trump elected.
IMO the greatest farce is claiming that israel needs billions more to defeat a few Hamas fighters armed with rifles and RPGs. Is the israeli army so weak it needs billions of US $ to win?
While I am very aware of the U.S. support for the likes of Saddam, Noriega, Batista, Perón, etc., and join you in condemnation, that does negate that there are fights necessary at times. Unilateral invasion of a sovereign nation comes to mind, whether that be North Korea or Russia. Rifles and RPGs? Good thing there were not missiles and drones launched during the initial Hamas attack!
-
3
-
2
-
On 10/19/2023 at 9:41 AM, sqwakvfr said:
My doctor said their diet is the best in the world?
Has doctor been to Thailand? Some Thai food is healthy. Some Thai food is not. Some Thai food has a lot of added sugar. I would disagree with your doctor.
Delicious … yes. Healthy? Go with the Mediterranean Diet.
-
As you asked for thoughts ... I am in a similar situation as regards to my death ending any further income to my Thai Wife and Stepdaughter (age 17). However, our finances are handled a bit differently (to each their own). I bring in 65K every month (for 12+ years now) and am continuing to do so as that is our monthly budget (actually it is $2200.00 USD), excess goes into the savings account which I want to build up over time. However, we do dip into the savings for domestic travel (just returned from eye appointment in Bangkok). And we are entering a contract to buy a house so the downpayment drew down the savings considerably (house will now represent some security rather than only cash). Works for us ("knock on wood"). Your scenario would not be feasible for me. At 76, while not wanting to burn through money, this is my earned retirement made possible by retiring in Thailand since I could not afford retirement on the same level in my own country.
-
555 A real danger here … Vlad visits Phuket, observing the number of Russians there. They need protection of Mother Russia, same as those folks in the Donbas …
-
1
-
-
Just back from a medical appointment in Bangkok. My Thai Wife signed into hotel so no need for me being registered with my Passport. Returned home to address on record with immigration.
-
1 hour ago, ravip said:
Yes, of course you can go on and on, I've no objections at all!
I agree 100% of what you say - but that's only the tip of the iceberg!
Unfortunately, you seem to have missed some important facts.
Just asking...
- There are so many homeless people around, but some Governments keep spending Trillions of $$$$$ on military expenditure.
- Why are so many Westerners relocating to other underdeveloped countries?
- Remember the WMD saga?
- Some countries were completely destroyed - who was responsible?
The above is only a couple of incidents, and I am sure you know better than me.
So for the question... "Does it mean that the entire world should agree 100% with the West and reject ALL that the West has rejected?" answering Yes is humorous IMHO.
Agreed. As to why westerners are relocating? Well, this westerner, after a working middle class lifetime of work cannot afford retirement costs in my own country. As you point out much to be corrected in many western “democracies”. Then again, on balance with the current choices? Russia nor the PRC offer a society model I would want to live in … I am sure we agree on this.
-
1
-
35 minutes ago, BenStark said:
Not sure what you're about mate, because there is no email address, or even mention an email address, in any of my posts, pictures or links
Sorry, Ben. Could have been someone posting as a reply that showed a non-wise email address to which I responded. Not worth our time or effort to readdress. I have used Wise for over 12 years for my monthly transfers from the USA.
-
14 hours ago, BenStark said:
You think it's a scam when t happens in the official Wise app and website as soon as they want to make a transfer?
I replied after looking at the photo posted which showed a non-wise email address.
-
6 hours ago, proton said:
I thought Putin was a wanted war crimes offender with an international arrest warrant out on him? Does Thailand not respect international law.
Interesting scenarios Putin visiting and an all out fiasco for Thailand. My guess, Putin says thank you for the invite (but it will not take place).
-
1
-
-
- Popular Post
- Popular Post
My speculation … enough of Russian inroads have been in Phuket that their influence can be utilized. 90 day Visa Exempt for Russians only? This should be interesting. Russian Mafia versus the Thai system. Interesting? Yes but I fear the fallout for Thailand.
-
1
-
1
-
1
-
1 hour ago, BenStark said:
Maybe have a look at what is going on with Wise for US citizens. I know a few that are affected. How would a US citizen be expected to provide an ID from a non-US country is beyond me
"Please choose the non-US country that issued the ID you have on hand"
and a drop down with a list of countries (the US is not an option).?.??? Who would fall for this?
-
On 10/16/2023 at 1:44 PM, ukrules said:
Ok, but did he not feel any other symptoms of heart attack?
Like chest pain, arm pain, etc, etc.
Impending heart attack in 2005. 1st day -indigestion (did not go away the next day ... hmm, maybe acid reflux?), 2nd day - shortness of breath climbing stairs, 3rd day - cold sweat while just walking on level floor. OK, da ... call the Doctor saying I need an appt. He asks what's up? I explained, his reply ... hospital NOW. I was feeling fine so I drove myself to the hospital where he met me in the Emergency Room ... Next Day 5 by-passes. no pain at all, so it can vary with individual, I'm thinking. oh, heart attack 2015 (by-pass scar tissue narrowed blood vessels). Again, no pain, I just sensed impending serious body issue so off the the hospital (stent & 2 angioplasties).
-
2
-
-
On 10/16/2023 at 9:21 PM, Liverpool Lou said:
The husband needs to make a complaint of theft to the police first and he hasn't done that.
And, I would think, report to his Embassy as the Passport belongs to the country which issued it.
Old age pensions of the World
in ASEAN NOW Community Pub
Posted · Edited by wwest5829
I have only kept it in case of cancer, Parkinson’s, etc. tThe chances of any major disaster are diminishing. Living full time in Thailand, keeping the premium would be of substantial income benefit. Complication would cancel my employment Advantage program.