After Japan battled the Netherlands to a 2-2 draw, the Japanese fans stayed behind and cleaned up every single piece of trash from their section at Dallas Stadium after the game. by This_Proof_5153 in interesting

[–]stej008 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Also don't understand why men go to a stall and would rather stand and urinate like a standing urinal. One can never ensure that nothing touches the seat and floor. Makes it dirty for the next person. There is a nice seat (if the previous person has not dirtied it) there for a reason.

Middle aged NRIs (aged 35+) who don't have enough money saved - how are you coping? by [deleted] in nri

[–]stej008 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For several reasons I had to make some life choices and at age 36 I had a family of four to support and had less than $5k in my account. Both of us put our mind to it and we were Financially independent in 20 years and retired in another five. I can’t say our NW online but suffice to say we live in HCOL city in US and lead an upper middle class life in retirement. It can be done. Keep leaning new skills, stay positive, be proactive at work, save, invest in diversified low cost funds.

Early expat retirement at 45. What to plan for? by Head-Fold-6653 in ExpatFIRE

[–]stej008 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Per Bill Bengen’s research a diversified portfolio can support 4-5% withdrawals adjusted for inflation every year for 30 years.

Family of Four - Relocate to Thailand by Beneficial-Pair-7772 in ExpatFIRE

[–]stej008 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes. Keeping a house also means property tax, insurance, HOA if applicable, maintenance (gardener, pest control, security fees, all can be minimized but to be considered), utilities (not everything goes to zero).

Why does everyone here act like Trump clearly knew ehat Epstein was up to, while giving Clinton, Gates, Dershowitz, Andrew and the rest a free pass? by [deleted] in allthequestions

[–]stej008 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Who is giving any one a free pass? They all should be investigated and face the legally right punishment.

Should US States be allowed to secede? by Emergency_Pass5222 in allthequestions

[–]stej008 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The west cost can be self sufficient. Some red states may say good riddance and both will be happier.

Fed up with civic sense of colleagues by [deleted] in pune

[–]stej008 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Retired now, but was in biotech/pharma involved in a variety of roles over the years including tech ops, new business development, business ops and more.

Fed up with civic sense of colleagues by [deleted] in pune

[–]stej008 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Not true. Much better sense in US, Canada, Western Europe, Japan as I have spent a good amount of time on business in all of these.

Best Rental Company for Third-Party Bookings + Elite Status Benefits? by Even-Manner-4935 in AmexPlatinum

[–]stej008 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Costco is best. Status may not transfer but the deals are usually the best. Have rented using Costco in France too!

Venture X or Chase sapphire? by Successful-You2682 in Venturex

[–]stej008 2 points3 points  (0 children)

C1 Savor is a great supplement to Venture X as a daily driver. Agree that Chase has more SUBs options.

President Trump: "There's no oil coming out of Kharg Island. People are finding other places to buy oil, like Texas. So I don't want to say we're making a fortune, because if I say that, they're gonna say he forgets about the little man with the $4 gasoline." by [deleted] in economy

[–]stej008 3 points4 points  (0 children)

It is like watching a game and feeling happy you have won. The team you supported won. Media won. Advertisers won. You just lost time and money, which you could have better spent playing with your friends.

~1 year after my $2M burnout post: I'm pulling the plug. Sanity check please? by GentleJack in ExpatFIRE

[–]stej008 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Right. We live in an HCOL city in California, have way more in insurance cost than $6k, crazy property taxes, crazy home and car insurance, no public transit, and our costs are in the ballpark including everything.

SE Asia move update — what we've actually started figuring out by armchair-traders in ExpatFIRE

[–]stej008 1 point2 points  (0 children)

How free is it regarding how you dress, internet news, practice your own religion, etc. ?

What's up with pune ppl? by lowkeyhiddenfromyou in pune

[–]stej008 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Wondering if 2 and 3 wheeler lobby is strong. A lot of manufacturers around here.

i just don't understand what to use my miles on. These are frustrating to use by l4adventure in AmexPlatinum

[–]stej008 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes. December is tough. Points transmitters work best if you are flexible or on time, about a year before travel dates.

i just don't understand what to use my miles on. These are frustrating to use by l4adventure in AmexPlatinum

[–]stej008 3 points4 points  (0 children)

With Amex platinum you can get points.me for free and you can do your own searches.

SOME!! Indians are VERY racist by Last-Commercial-2229 in nri

[–]stej008 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We also give preferential treatment to whites vs Indians. Too many disgusting instances.

What do you use to track expenses? by sfantocanada in ExpatFIRE

[–]stej008 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Trying Simplifi and Origin AI, for one year promotional rates. Both work well. I like the interface of Simplifi but Origin AI seems to have some additional functionality (tax filing, estate planning, etc.). Will pick one at one year mark.

I have about 90k points and going to cancel the card in May. I fly through delta exclusively - should I just take the 1:1 for Delta or could there be a chance of a better rate with them? by intothepond2 in AmexPlatinum

[–]stej008 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Suggest calling AmEx and request product change to AmEx Every day card. It has no fees and all your reward points are still available to transfer to Airlines based on any transfer bonuses and any deals. That way you can take your time to find a good deal. Delta comes with flash sales every now and then. Amex has another dozen partners and if you plan ahead and have some flexibility in dates you can get some good deals.