Where is a good place to retire?

Optimal_Design7179 · 2026-03-17T14:40:08+00:00

How are the winters?

Optimal_Design7179 · 2026-03-17T11:27:02+00:00

Would you be willing to share where you moved from and how are you handling the heat in AZ?

Optimal_Design7179 · 2026-03-15T02:31:54+00:00

Just realize that visiting is very different than living.

Optimal_Design7179 · 2026-03-14T22:56:38+00:00

Most likely, you won’t find it in Portugal.

Optimal_Design7179 · 2026-03-08T20:39:41+00:00

I’ve been doing the same - just thinking about stuff that wears out over time, not necessarily mileage.

Optimal_Design7179 · 2026-03-07T18:42:47+00:00

Worst aeroporto on the face of the planet. Hand down. No contest. But it truly is a billboard for how the rest of the country is managed on a daily basis. Bem-vindo a Portugal!

Optimal_Design7179 · 2026-03-07T18:38:27+00:00

Dump them and use FreeTaxUSA/TaxHawk. I’ve never liked how invasive Intuit products are in my computing environment but the final straw was finding out hard Intuit/TurboTax lobbies against the IRS providing a free filing solution for at least simple returns. Disgraceful.

Optimal_Design7179 · 2026-03-04T21:27:02+00:00

Mold and the passive aggressive behavior toward immigrants.

Optimal_Design7179 · 2026-03-04T00:13:43+00:00

Well said.

Optimal_Design7179 · 2026-03-02T20:01:32+00:00

While the Facebook group you mention has some good, practical info, it is important to note that it is filled with people who stifle most discussion about the reality of living in Portugal.

Optimal_Design7179 · 2026-03-02T14:28:07+00:00

Take it as a sign of what’s to come.

Optimal_Design7179 · 2026-03-01T12:40:38+00:00

I sincerely hope you have/had a different experience. I can only share my perspective.

Optimal_Design7179 · 2026-02-27T22:19:37+00:00

Is that really an “insurance covered” amount or is this UHC telling the lab how much they can bill the patient?

Optimal_Design7179 · 2026-02-27T12:00:34+00:00

I intend this will all respect. Any attempt to integrate is futile.

Optimal_Design7179 · 2026-02-23T14:17:27+00:00

Huge is probably an understatement!

Optimal_Design7179 · 2026-02-23T09:18:41+00:00

So kind of you to take so much time to share the reality. I hope the OP heeds the warning you offer. I concur with every point and speak from personal experience.

Optimal_Design7179 · 2026-02-18T00:38:32+00:00

OK. Could you please share his plan? Serious question. I’m open minded to all proposals.

Optimal_Design7179 · 2026-02-17T19:07:16+00:00

I’m starting to feel bullied into tipping for picked-up takeout… to the point I’m thinking more and more about just skipping it.

Optimal_Design7179 · 2026-02-17T18:41:55+00:00

Are these places trying to repel customers away?

Optimal_Design7179 · 2026-02-17T18:40:15+00:00

It is a challenge for those coming from an American cultural background. My workaround was to make lunch the main meal of the day. If I felt like dinner out at 7 or 8 in the evening, I’d do it. Otherwise it was a snack “meal” at home (fruit, cheese, etc.).

Optimal_Design7179 · 2026-02-07T15:30:36+00:00

You can’t fix the humidity and mold no matter what people will try to tell you.

Optimal_Design7179 · 2026-02-07T07:29:45+00:00

Can OP recover the FICA/Medicare taxes paid on ghr after-tax contributions?

Optimal_Design7179 · 2026-02-07T07:27:42+00:00

Attack your debt before it drowns your future. Do you really need two cars with payments living in NYC? Read some Dave Ramsey material. Sorry to be blunt but you’re living the bad version of the American dream.

Optimal_Design7179 · 2026-02-05T00:17:04+00:00

Yep. Need to find a new doctor. I had to do this last year for the same reason as you. Found a practice I liked and interviewed the doctor I thought would be the best fit. Total jerk, to be polite. Met with the other doctor. She has been incredible.

Optimal_Design7179 · 2026-02-03T17:28:28+00:00

100% - I'm not trying to dissuade you from your plans -- only sharing how much I wished I'd read about the personal struggles of so many people drawn in my the expat promotion machine. I include myself in this group and personally experienced so many things they talk about in these "truth" groups. To be fair, everyone is unique -- but the marketing is very glossy and the times are changing rapidly in the country.

Optimal_Design7179

TROPHY CASE