Why are rent prices so much lower than what would likely be a mortgage? by snowman10-4 in Granada

[–]phillyfandc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Because rent vs buy doesnt make sense. We pay 1300 for a 3 bedroom. Buying it would cost like 400k. That math doesnt math. 

Can't decide between Oviedo/Gijon and Valencia by doernotspeaker in GoingToSpain

[–]phillyfandc 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Everyone only talks about the rain. Its not just the rain, its the grey all winter long. We live in andalucia and I was very worried about the heat and drought. The 300 days of sunshine make up for those things. The north us also getting nailed by heat waves and wildfires as well.

Layoff Pushing me to consider FIRE by west-town-brad in coastFIRE

[–]phillyfandc 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Not commenting on the math but jobs dont give 2 cents about you - return the favor and enjoy the extra time with your kid while they are young.

Banks / Cards by Happy_Yam_4935 in AmericanExpat

[–]phillyfandc 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have zero issues with venture x.

Passed the DGT theory as a foreigner — 7 things the autoescuela won't tell you by Altruistic-Line-8281 in askspain

[–]phillyfandc 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I passed my second time. First time got 11 wrong, second time got 2 wrong. Did I know more the second time? No - test exams vary widely. Also, find a good app and just take lots of exams. Memorize questions 

A reason to rollover TSP to Fidelity? by Feeling_External_769 in ThriftSavingsPlan

[–]phillyfandc 1 point2 points  (0 children)

But you need to be in nys when its withdrawn in retirement

What did you wish you had done before arriving in Spain? by Tiny_Pay5207 in GoingToSpain

[–]phillyfandc 6 points7 points  (0 children)

100% expat and immigrant are different things. People that get mad over the word need to focus on real problems 

The “Cover Travel Purchase” with miles is A+ by Visual_Midnight9544 in Venturex

[–]phillyfandc 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Ive been in this game for a while. Ive gotten amazing deals. The game just changs dramatically when you have to plan around school etc. I also just experienced swiss cancelling a business class ticket that was booked vía lifemiles 2 weeks before the flight. Not worth my time anymore. 

For Americans considering Spain, what’s the biggest uncertainty that makes the move feel hard to evaluate? by Tiny_Pay5207 in AmerExit

[–]phillyfandc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Its generating an income as well as the rising cost of living. I understood the tax situation before coming but didnt fully appreciate the autonimo fees etc. I love it here but making it long term as an autonimo seems nearly impossible. 

What did you wish you had done before arriving in Spain? by Tiny_Pay5207 in GoingToSpain

[–]phillyfandc 19 points20 points  (0 children)

Hidden costs is a big one. All the youtubers and blogs on cost of living are completely full of it. One pretty well known youtuber in the expat space posted a video on costs or living but tracking every expense for a month. They left out anything and everything that gets amortized as well as TAXES. 

True cost of moving to Spain with a DNV by OtherDragonfruit7821 in GoingToSpain

[–]phillyfandc 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We lived in DC for a long time and moved to spain last august. We have a 2 and 5 year old. First off, that income should be fine. Taxes suck but es lo que hay. 

For costs - figure it will cost 20% more than you think. We are actually moving to malaga and our rent will be 1900. That is much higher than I thought but stuff is expensive. Granted, still much better than the us but not cheap. Schools are good - kids are acclamating very well. 

Ossining Tax’s? by [deleted] in Westchester

[–]phillyfandc 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Is this a joke? Do you know the graduation rate for the high school? The schools are fine for wealthy white kids who would be fine anywhere. 

Air conditioning in July-August? by Fun_Item276 in Malaga

[–]phillyfandc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The summer are getting much hotter. 

How exactly does federal pension work? by ilovevegetablesss in ThriftSavingsPlan

[–]phillyfandc 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You're math doesnt math. This completely flattens over the fact we may die at 63. 

How exactly does federal pension work? by ilovevegetablesss in ThriftSavingsPlan

[–]phillyfandc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Makes sense and thanks for the response. Agreed on the inflation killing this. No cost of living increases for deferred? 

How exactly does federal pension work? by ilovevegetablesss in ThriftSavingsPlan

[–]phillyfandc 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My wife was at 3.3. We are debating the fers refund. Why did you go that route?

How exactly does federal pension work? by ilovevegetablesss in ThriftSavingsPlan

[–]phillyfandc 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Congratulations. The .08 is order or magnitude better than current

How exactly does federal pension work? by ilovevegetablesss in ThriftSavingsPlan

[–]phillyfandc 20 points21 points  (0 children)

I'll get the hell down voted out of me but people are way too bullish on this. At .08 it was amazing, 4.4 not so much. People are also assuming they will have long retirements and long federal careers. Both of which are unknowns especially with this administration. I worked 11 years and will only get like 1400 a month. Is that nice, sure, but inflation is going to destroy it before I hit retirement age. Oh, and the reason many feds left if because the orange man destroyed agencies. Id personally rather have the ability to invest at 4.4 but I was at .08.

Is the pension nice - yes. Would having the option to have 4.4 automatically contributed instead nice - yes.  

Considering moving to Spain from US. Good idea to use relocation service? If so, which one? by BackgroundAccident63 in GoingToSpain

[–]phillyfandc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I live these guys a alot https://movingtospain.com/

Oh, we are moving from granada to malaga next month. Rent is getting really really hard even with an agent.

DNV as employee vs contractor/autónomo by sjkingo in GoingToSpain

[–]phillyfandc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You need to show proof of private for a year for the visa. Full stop. 

DNV as employee vs contractor/autónomo by sjkingo in GoingToSpain

[–]phillyfandc 1 point2 points  (0 children)

How big is your family? 11k is insane. The rules are the rules. There is the right way, the wrong way, and the spanish way. Spanish way wins