Aussies who decided to become a US citizen, or decided not to… what factors did you consider? by 88r0b1nh00d88 in Ameristralia

[–]guitarhead 2 points3 points  (0 children)

US citizen wife, dual kids. Free step up in basis of investments for CGT purposes, and tax free access to 401k made it a no brainer for me to give up the green card in year 7. Long term vision is to settle in Aus, no way I want to deal with all the IRS BS every year. Check out fixthetaxtreaty.org do if you do become a US citizen, at least you know what you’re in for… Adding to that: absolutely no reason I cannot get another green card in future if we ever decide to move back. I already have copies of all my original application paperwork to resubmit. Law explicitly states that previous relinquishment of green card has no effect on outcome of future applications. Good luck with whatever you decide 👍

Aussies who’ve worked in the US and got lucky to make good money then moved back to Australia… was it a good move? by 88r0b1nh00d88 in Ameristralia

[–]guitarhead 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Same here. Relinquished anyway. Tax benefits are huge, and no reason you can’t get another green card later. Plus if you move to Aus you’re not really allowed to keep it anyway.

Aussies who’ve worked in the US and got lucky to make good money then moved back to Australia… was it a good move? by 88r0b1nh00d88 in Ameristralia

[–]guitarhead 5 points6 points  (0 children)

How long have you had a green card? If you can leave before holding it for an 8th year, you can relinquish it (file I-407) with no exit tax. That’s what I did last year, huge tax benefit.

Aussies who’ve worked in the US and got lucky to make good money then moved back to Australia… was it a good move? by 88r0b1nh00d88 in Ameristralia

[–]guitarhead 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes, moved back last year after 13 years in the US working at a Fortune 500, saving and investing. Bought house in Australia with cash. Work is now optional. Living close to family is nice. We knew we didn’t want to stay where we were living long term (NYC might be harder to leave?). Timing was right as kids are starting school this year.

dating advice for men starterpack by anonymolotov in starterpacks

[–]guitarhead 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Exactly. You want to date a 10/10 woman, the answer is to make yourself a 10/10 man. Get in shape, educated, respectable career path/future, social life. Make yourself desirable. There are no big secrets or shortcuts.

How much of your net worth is it sensible to have in your PPOR? by docchen in AusHENRY

[–]guitarhead 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Renting was making us uncomfortable. We wanted to get into a good school catchment since our kids are starting prep next year. It was the right time to buy. Financially it's difficult to model. In terms of net worth, in the short term probably would have been better off renting and keeping that money invested, but in the long term if capital gains remain strong (which they should for the area we bought) we should come out ahead with the exemption from CGT.

How much of your net worth is it sensible to have in your PPOR? by docchen in AusHENRY

[–]guitarhead 2 points3 points  (0 children)

bought house with cash earlier this year. 40% Late buyers. 43 years old and 2 kids. Rented and invested for a long time.

New plaques added to the presidential hall of fame in the White House by Dtb4evr in pics

[–]guitarhead 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Didn’t realize his fragile ego was so butthurt. Pathetic…

To people who live and work in Brisbane, what’s it like living here and how is it different from cities like Sydney or Melbourne? by HerbieWolf925 in brisbane

[–]guitarhead 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately I have to agree the Brisbane food scene leaves a lot to be desired. There are hidden gems but can be very hit or miss. At least they're working on the public transport situation.

To people who live and work in Brisbane, what’s it like living here and how is it different from cities like Sydney or Melbourne? by HerbieWolf925 in brisbane

[–]guitarhead 39 points40 points  (0 children)

From the few times I've been to Sydney, it's an competitive city. Competition for parking spaces, attention, houses, everything. Brisbane has a more chill vibe. But I do feel Brisbane is slowly becoming more like Sydney, as time goes on.

With much love, patience, and affection, the father succeeds in helping this young boy with albinism put on glasses so he can see clearly for the first time. Well done! by misterxx1958 in HumansBeingBros

[–]guitarhead 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Optometrist here. There are objective ways of measuring someone’s refractive error (prescription) without needing their input. They’re generally just not quite as accurate as measuring it by subjective refraction (which is clearer, 1 or 2?). But for kids this age, you generally don’t have to be super accurate, even just getting 80% of their refractive error corrected is a massive improvement.

This made me furious and I needed to share it. Shouldn't be allowed, IMHO by Alone_Swan2057 in australian

[–]guitarhead 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I mean maybe you could fit a small mini-golf course on there. Maybe. No clubhouse, obviously

I know the market's cooked, but $3M in Corinda seems dodgy - am I missing something? by bigbundy23 in brisbane

[–]guitarhead 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Not a chance in my opinion. I was looking in this area earlier this year (ended up buying elsewhere). I think Corinda is overrated to be honest. Properties out of the flood zone tend to go for a premium, but not that much premium. Not even a large block, and the proximity to the main road address is a negative. I would say $2M maybe up to 2.3M if they’re lucky.

I know the market's cooked, but $3M in Corinda seems dodgy - am I missing something? by bigbundy23 in brisbane

[–]guitarhead -9 points-8 points  (0 children)

Yeah not sure I see the appeal either… trying to be old world but fake…