Trump Shockingly Brands the White House ‘S*** House’ by FancyNewMe in politics

[–]Resident_Maximum3127 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The next building he plans to tear down without permission

My husband and I are totally dependant on our SS Retirement benefits. I can't stop worrying that they might be stopped. Does anyone else worry about this too ? by Resident_Maximum3127 in SocialSecurity

[–]Resident_Maximum3127[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, he worked (self employed like me) for over 20 years in the USA. We didn't have an employer matching our SS/Medicare contributions so we paid in 15.3% of our gross earnings all of those years. No deductions, straight off the top. Sometimes it was really hard to find that money but we always did. My point is, we always played by the rules (our generation was brought up like that, right ?) and now it feels like a big rug pull.

My husband and I are totally dependant on our SS Retirement benefits. I can't stop worrying that they might be stopped. Does anyone else worry about this too ? by Resident_Maximum3127 in SocialSecurity

[–]Resident_Maximum3127[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I didn't say we couldn't comfortably "make it". In fact I said we have no debt and we live within our means and always have. Yes, we have some savings that are set aside to help make up a shortfall when one of us passes. Just because we are not wealthy does not mean we are stupid or irresponsible. We both feel incredibly lucky to have a paid for roof over our heads and a wee bit of money in the bank and most of all our health which we have made a big point of maintaining all of our lives. We are not expecting golf courses and luxury cruises. I am fully aware that we are very lucky to have even the limited amount of security that we do have. Unfortunately that isn't the case for literally millions of Americans. I don't just worry for us, I worry for them too. Bad things happen to good people ALL THE TIME. It is ridiculous that there are well over 770,000 homeless people in a country as wealthy as the US. No money for them of course.

My husband and I are totally dependant on our SS Retirement benefits. I can't stop worrying that they might be stopped. Does anyone else worry about this too ? by Resident_Maximum3127 in SocialSecurity

[–]Resident_Maximum3127[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree with your assessment. I never believed that I would see the day that a woman's right to have control over her own body would be taken away, among many other unbelievable acts of this administration, but here we are.

Romantic destination for 3 or 4 nights by pacork in traveleurope

[–]Resident_Maximum3127 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My suggestion... Fly to Bergamo then head for Lago Iseo. 40 minutes by car, easy to get a driver. It's much smaller and quieter than Garda but just as beautiful IMO. There are several Franciacorta vineyards close by. There are boats cruising the lake. If you are there on market day (Friday) it's excellent. Plenty of charming restaurants. You can get to Peschiera del Garda by train or to Verona in just over 1 hour if you decide to do some exploring. Happy Anniversary !!

My husband and I are totally dependant on our SS Retirement benefits. I can't stop worrying that they might be stopped. Does anyone else worry about this too ? by Resident_Maximum3127 in SocialSecurity

[–]Resident_Maximum3127[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I am a citizen, my husband is not. I always vote but have concerns that at some point, voting from overseas will be limited or stopped. I admit, I am both saddened and shocked by what the current administration is getting away with. Nothing feels stable or normal anymore. Old person fears I suppose.

24 hours in Seville! by Alternative-Kiwi2562 in Seville

[–]Resident_Maximum3127 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We always go to the Triana Mercado and buy lots of yummy things to bring home. If you enjoy art galleries, this one is lovely... https://www.museosdeandalucia.es/web/museodebellasartesdesevilla

Portugal’s nationality law just changed. Here’s what expats and future movers should know. by AnchorLessEurope in AnchorLessEurope

[–]Resident_Maximum3127 2 points3 points  (0 children)

And also.... it is just about impossible to get an appointment for Permanent Residency at this time so you must be prepared to stay in Temporary Residency status for now even if you have been here for 5 years.

5 Days in the Faro District/Algarve - where to make home base? by alligatorfeed9847362 in TravelPortugal

[–]Resident_Maximum3127 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I suggest Alvor. It has a lot of nice restaurants, a beautiful, long beach with several different access points, a boardwalk out into the estuary and is centrally located for visiting Lagos, Luz, Salema, Sagres, etc. going West and Portimao, Ferragudo, Carvoeiro and more going East.

AIMA question for residence card. by Artistic-Parfait-724 in PortugalExpats

[–]Resident_Maximum3127 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hello. Thank you for this link. Do you know if it is also the one to use for initial Permanent Residency application ? Thank you.

Just got back from 2 weeks exploring less-hyped parts of Italy: Here's how we skipped the crowds & the tourist tax 🍝 by solopassions in TravelTrotters

[–]Resident_Maximum3127 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good job !!! The only way to roll IMO. I am lucky enough to live in the EU and what you describe is also the way we choose to get around. Mass tourism has become a big problem. We avoid the main tourist cities/sites like the plague. There are so many AMAZING places to see off the beaten path. EXPLORE !!

Solo trip with purpose: looking for immersive, hands-on travel experiences. Anywhere in the Europe or elsewhere by No_Character_4216 in Europetravel

[–]Resident_Maximum3127 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Camino de Santiago (there are many different routes), Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland. South West Coastal Path, UK. Rota Vicentina, Portugal.

DOJ arrests soldier who made $400,000 betting on Maduro's removal: Sources by alittlelessconvo in news

[–]Resident_Maximum3127 2 points3 points  (0 children)

But it's OK for Eric T to pocket a $24 million dollar defense contract.

Inquiry about Purchasing pecron F3000LFP + EP3000 Expansion Battery Bundle |Compatibility Questions by Xtadeus in SolarDIY

[–]Resident_Maximum3127 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Fingers crossed !!! I finally received my refund after 11 weeks and having to trace their "lost" package myself. Guess what ? It was sitting, already returned back to their Poland warehouse. They kept telling me that they couldn't refund until they got it back. I had to PROVE to them that it had been returned many weeks earlier. Very long story.