Month: July 2010

Great Places For Holidays And Investments, Investments, Real Estate, Real Estate Investments1 Comment

Culture Shock In Reverse

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A couple of months ago in Paris, I had lunch with another long-time American expat, whose children, like ours, have grown up outside the States. “We’re moving back,” he remarked that afternoon, “to Bethesda.” At first, I thought he was joking. After more than 13 years in France, he was opting now for Bethesda, Maryland? Then he explained. “Only for a couple of years, until our youngest son goes off to college. We feel like we need to do something to help his transition back to U.S. life. His older brothers have struggled with it so.” Then I understood. I’ve … Continue reading Culture Shock In Reverse

Real Estate, Real Estate Investments1 Comment

Building The Perfect Property Portfolio

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The perfectly diversified international real estate investment portfolio might look something like this… A rental property in Europe that is leveraged (that is, carries a mortgage…remember that it’s possible to borrow for the purchase of real estate as a foreign buyer in many European countries) and that generates positive cash flow. Right now France, Italy, and Portugal probably make the most sense for this kind of investment. This is a long-haul play, and, thinking very long term, I like Paris. It’s the closest thing to a recession-proof rental market as you’ll find. Next, a rental property in a resort location. … Continue reading Building The Perfect Property Portfolio

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Here’s How Not To Let This Happen To You

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Buying wholesale, path of progress, crisis investing, real productive assets…why bother with all these different real estate investment strategies? Why not just focus on one? Wouldn’t that be simpler? Yes, sure. It’s be more simple, but, over time, it’d also be far less effective. One of the fundamental advantages global real estate investing offers is diversification. You want to capitalize on that advantage every way you can. All those bubble investors in the United States who “controlled” millions of dollars worth of pre-construction condos found out the hard way what putting all your eggs in one basket can mean for … Continue reading Here’s How Not To Let This Happen To You

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Nobel Laureates, Sugar Cane, And Cruise Ships–The

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“St. Lucia is like a pretty girl with only her smiles to live off,” writes Correspondent Paul Lewis, continuing the reports from his early-winter cruise through the Caribbean. “The island’s main export is Nobel Prize winners–it has had two so far. With a population of only 160,000, this makes it the world champion Nobel Prize-winning country. “St. Lucia’s first laureate was Sir William Arthur Lewis, who received the Economics award in 1979. He launched the United Nations Development Program and championed the idea that education is more important than money in promoting development. “St. Lucia’s second win came in 1992, … Continue reading Nobel Laureates, Sugar Cane, And Cruise Ships–The

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See Asia In 2010

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“I grew up in the 1950s and 60s, and China was closed, full-stop closed, permanently closed,” writes Intrepid Correspondent Paul Terhorst. “Mao’s Revolution had taken hold,” Paul continues. “One thing we knew for sure was that we’d never, ever get to travel in China. “Today I can still hear my older brother saying, with that grave, pontificating voice that 14-year-olds assume, that China, not Russia, looked to be the biggest danger in our future. Remember that, during the Cold War, Russia–actually the Soviet Union, but everyone called it Russia–was Enemy Number One. My brother figured China would be even worse … Continue reading See Asia In 2010

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5 Secrets to Successful Crowdsourcing

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Crowdsourcing is the latest Web buzzword – it can also be as confusing as a tuk-tuk ride through Bangkok. Handle Crowdsourcing with care. An increasing number of businesses are turning to Crowdsourcing to drive more efficient ideation, innovation and marketing. Not to mention Crowdsourcing as a next generation outsourcing/partnersourcing model. But how do you make it work? Here are 5 secrets to successful Crowdsoursing: 1. Leadership – a crowd needs a strong leader and a clear, inspiring mission. Crowds form for a reason – not just for the hell of it! 2. A gaggle is not a crowd – until your crowd is at least 1,000 … Continue reading 5 Secrets to Successful Crowdsourcing

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Your Better Half Won’t Budge?

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Here’s the second most common reason I’ve heard over the past two-and-a-half decades from people who want to make a move overseas…but who just can’t bring themselves to take the leap: Reason #2 Not To Retire Overseas: Your significant other wants to stay put. As I explained yesterday, having kids at home is no reason not to “retire” overseas. Bring them with you. But a spouse who’s not in favor of the idea? That’s tougher. You can’t very well pack your better half’s suitcase for him (or her), then take him by the hand and lead him out the door … Continue reading Your Better Half Won’t Budge?

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Why You Don’t Have to Worry About Outliving Your Nest Egg…

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Your retirement nest egg has been marginalized, and you’re thinking there’s no way you could afford to retire overseas. This is probably the most often given reason for why someone who’s interested in the idea of launching a new life in a new country hesitates or even abandons the idea altogether. And it’s the least valid. Here’s the truth: You can’t afford not to retire overseas. I’m speaking both literally and figuratively. Let’s begin with my literal point. You could retire to Cuenca, Ecuador, for example, and enjoy a comfortable life in a safe, pleasant colonial city on a budget … Continue reading Why You Don’t Have to Worry About Outliving Your Nest Egg…

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Too Much Stuff—Some Of It Will Have To Go

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Not everyone is interested in a life in the tropics…or at the beach. Maybe you, for example, dream of a cosmopolitan life on the Continent. I’m going to let you in on a secret: Euro-city life can be more affordable and therefore more realizable than you might imagine, for reasons you might not predict. The key is adjusting your approach. In the United States, we Americans live big. We reside in three- and four-bedroom houses with walk-in closets, full basements, finished attics, and two-car garages. We have porches, backyards, and driveways, and we fill every square inch of every room, … Continue reading Too Much Stuff—Some Of It Will Have To Go

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Into The War Zone–On The Ground In Chiang Mai

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“Vicki and I arrived in Chiang Mai, Thailand, a few hours ago, Friday morning local time,” writes Intrepid Correspondent Paul Terhorst. “Protesters left their Bangkok camp on Wednesday, but some refused to go home. Instead, they tried to burn down much of Bangkok. The army prevailed overall, but not completely. Random violence quickly spread to other parts of Thailand, including Chiang Mai. “The U.S. Department of State talks of ‘unrest in Bangkok and Chiang Mai’ and says U.S. citizens should ‘defer all travel to Bangkok and defer all non-essential travel to the rest of Thailand.’ “The Thai government has set … Continue reading Into The War Zone–On The Ground In Chiang Mai

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The Big Benefits Of Being The Only Tourist In Town

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“As I’ve explained,Vicki and I considered canceling this trip to Chiang Mai,” continues Intrepid Correspondent Paul Terhorst, picking up where he left off yesterday. “On the Thursday before we planned to travel, Switzerland, Brazil, the UK, and Australia raised their travel advisories to: Do not travel to Thailand. These four countries joined 14 others already making this recommendation, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Spain, China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Taiwan, Germany, Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands, Israel, Belgium, and New Zealand. “We came anyway. We flew into Chiang Mai, 700 kilometers north of the main violence in Bangkok. “I wrote … Continue reading The Big Benefits Of Being The Only Tourist In Town

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No Regrets!

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“‘Do you have any regrets about moving to Belize?’ “That’s the question we’re probably most frequently asked, both by our neighbors here on Ambergris Caye and also by friends and family back home in the States,” writes Belize Correspondent Anne Kuffner. “Without hesitation, my husband Mike and I answer, ‘No. No regrets. Not a one.’ “The folks back home often find it baffling that we could be as happy–in fact, happier–living here in little San Pedro Town than we were living in the San Francisco Bay Area. “Initially, we invested in property on Ambergris Caye because of our love for … Continue reading No Regrets!