I have experienced so many changes in the last 7 months. 2013 has been an interesting year. My X husband, Johnny Seidel, passed away. We had continued to see each other off and on over the last 10 years, but were on an off period. It was a terrible shock when I got the phone call that he had passed away. If anything it made my determination to move to Costa Rica even stronger. I do not want to dream... I want to do!
I did change my plans as far as renting my house out. Instead I decided to sell my house and moved back to my old home town, Greenville. The pace of life is slower here and the cost of living is less. Just another step in the right direction.
It's interesting when I start connecting the dots of my path. After my divorce I moved to Oak Cliff in Dallas. It is an area that is not as upscale and citified as my entire life has been up until then. I went from having Central Market and Neiman Marcus in my back yard, to having small not so great grocery stores and having to drive about 10 miles to reach anything upscale. This was the first step in getting used to slimming down my options. Now I've moved to Greenville where life is slower paced and there is practically no good shopping at all. If I want a good grocery store, ie Central Market, I have to drive back to Dallas. All these changes are getting me ready for Costa Rica! Puriscal is a very small town and my life style will change. It would have been quite the culture shock if I had not started changing my lifestyle seven years ago. Of course, at the time I did not realize where my life was going. Connecting the dots is so exciting! God has had a hand on my life for a very long time.
I am so excited. My plan is still to move there in 3 years once I am able to collect social security. But the life style change is going to be easy for me now.
Make your plan, trust God, and work that plan!
Pura Vida!
Showing posts with label george lundquist costa rica tours. Show all posts
Showing posts with label george lundquist costa rica tours. Show all posts
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Thursday, September 20, 2012
The Question- Bring or Not to Bring Furniture
I've been debating, bring my furniture or not to bring my furniture. I have antiques and paintings that I really love. I've spent my adult life slowly finding my personal tastes and purchasing the things I love along the way.
When I visited Costa Rica this summer, George Lundquist, took us to Sarchi as part of his tour where the local craftsmen and furniture makers have sold their products for the past 100 years. There are about 70 family owned workshops, or "talleres" with showrooms along the main road. Many were in little shack like buildings, but with the most amazing and beautiful handmade hardwood furniture I've ever seen. Most of the wood is plantation grown or sustainable tropical hardwoods like cenizaro, guanacaste, melina, and cedar.
These artisans make bedroom sets, dining room, sofas, chairs, dressers, entertainment units, desks, outdoor furniture, swings, baby furniture, and anything else you can imagine. They can recreate a family heirloom or anything you can describe or sketch out for them. You can usually get these custom made pieces for the same price as ready-made items.
Six seater dining tables ran anywhere from $300 to $700. Compare that to $1,500 at regular furniture store here that was most likely made in China.
I saw new beautiful carved queen sized beds from $400 to $600 with matching bedside tables for an additional $150. You could not touch it in the states for under $1,300. Entertainment unit with the space for a TV at $400.
Since I have personally seen the furniture I know what amazing quality is available. Plus remember, these are made with hardwoods.
I have options! I'm thinking I need to find someone else moving at the same time that I could share a moving container with. I still want to bring some of my things, but I do not need them all. To bring a full container costs anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000 depending on the size of the container. I have some thinking to do!
When I visited Costa Rica this summer, George Lundquist, took us to Sarchi as part of his tour where the local craftsmen and furniture makers have sold their products for the past 100 years. There are about 70 family owned workshops, or "talleres" with showrooms along the main road. Many were in little shack like buildings, but with the most amazing and beautiful handmade hardwood furniture I've ever seen. Most of the wood is plantation grown or sustainable tropical hardwoods like cenizaro, guanacaste, melina, and cedar.
These artisans make bedroom sets, dining room, sofas, chairs, dressers, entertainment units, desks, outdoor furniture, swings, baby furniture, and anything else you can imagine. They can recreate a family heirloom or anything you can describe or sketch out for them. You can usually get these custom made pieces for the same price as ready-made items.
Six seater dining tables ran anywhere from $300 to $700. Compare that to $1,500 at regular furniture store here that was most likely made in China.
I saw new beautiful carved queen sized beds from $400 to $600 with matching bedside tables for an additional $150. You could not touch it in the states for under $1,300. Entertainment unit with the space for a TV at $400.
Since I have personally seen the furniture I know what amazing quality is available. Plus remember, these are made with hardwoods.
I have options! I'm thinking I need to find someone else moving at the same time that I could share a moving container with. I still want to bring some of my things, but I do not need them all. To bring a full container costs anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000 depending on the size of the container. I have some thinking to do!
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Setting Goals to Get to Paradise
It is amazing what you can accomplish when your heart and soul are involved. Moving to Costa Rica is what I want most in my life. I want it because, on the practical side, I cannot afford to ever retire in the US, and I fell in love with the country. The climate, the views, the people, the vegetation, the color of Costa Rica, and the monkeys feel like they are already part of me.
Do you believe in predestination? There has always been a wanderer in me. My parents had to lock the house down and build a fence around the yard when I was only two years old because I wanted to explore all my surroundings. At three the police were involved because I took off on my tricycle to explore my neighborhood. I can remember being taken into a house by a family's maid when she saw me out in the weather just having a great 'ole time. That desire to see the world with no fear has never left me.
Costa Rica has everything. Waterfalls, mountains, volcanos, rain forests, beaches, amazing animals and birds, perfect temperatures year round, rivers, and views that go forever.
I live in a very crowded and busy city. I am in high gear everyday, but as social as I can be, I prefer solitude and harmony. I am looking so forward to living in a quite area without someone right up against me. I am looking forward to the smell of rain and sweet air rather than exhaust and pollution. I am looking forward to seeing miles and miles of beauty rather than the houses right across the street blocking the view of my world. I am looking forward to the quiet. When I was in CR outside of the city I could not believe the peace the quite brought. I did not even recognize the noise in my life until I realized the lack of it when I was there.
I've told some friends I will be moving into my 460 sq. foot garage apartment, and they cannot believe I am going to do this and live without all my beautiful things (they will be in storage). I am so happy and excited to do this because it is exactly this that will get me to CR sooner. Renting out my house will enable me to save almost every penny I make then at the end of the two years I'll sell my house and add the profit to those savings. Not only will this move take the financial stress that I live under now off me it achieves my goal. I will be one very happy little lady living there making my plans to move to paradise.
Pura Vida
Do you believe in predestination? There has always been a wanderer in me. My parents had to lock the house down and build a fence around the yard when I was only two years old because I wanted to explore all my surroundings. At three the police were involved because I took off on my tricycle to explore my neighborhood. I can remember being taken into a house by a family's maid when she saw me out in the weather just having a great 'ole time. That desire to see the world with no fear has never left me.
Costa Rica has everything. Waterfalls, mountains, volcanos, rain forests, beaches, amazing animals and birds, perfect temperatures year round, rivers, and views that go forever.
I live in a very crowded and busy city. I am in high gear everyday, but as social as I can be, I prefer solitude and harmony. I am looking so forward to living in a quite area without someone right up against me. I am looking forward to the smell of rain and sweet air rather than exhaust and pollution. I am looking forward to seeing miles and miles of beauty rather than the houses right across the street blocking the view of my world. I am looking forward to the quiet. When I was in CR outside of the city I could not believe the peace the quite brought. I did not even recognize the noise in my life until I realized the lack of it when I was there.
I've told some friends I will be moving into my 460 sq. foot garage apartment, and they cannot believe I am going to do this and live without all my beautiful things (they will be in storage). I am so happy and excited to do this because it is exactly this that will get me to CR sooner. Renting out my house will enable me to save almost every penny I make then at the end of the two years I'll sell my house and add the profit to those savings. Not only will this move take the financial stress that I live under now off me it achieves my goal. I will be one very happy little lady living there making my plans to move to paradise.
Pura Vida
Monday, June 25, 2012
Costa Rica No. 1 - The Happiest Place On The Planet
I did not need a report to tell me this, but Costa Rica was named "The Happiest Place on the Planet" for the 2nd time by the Happy Planet Index, the leading global measure of sustainable well-being. The United States ranked 105.
The HPI measures what matters: the extent to which countries deliver long, happy, sustainable lives for the people that live in them. The Index uses global data on life expectancy, experienced well-being and Ecological Footprint to calculate this. The index is an efficiency measure that ranks countries on how many long and happy lives they produce per unit of environmental input. The 2012 HPI report ranked 151 countries.
If you would like to read the entire report go to http://www.happyplanetindex.org/
Pura Vida...
The HPI measures what matters: the extent to which countries deliver long, happy, sustainable lives for the people that live in them. The Index uses global data on life expectancy, experienced well-being and Ecological Footprint to calculate this. The index is an efficiency measure that ranks countries on how many long and happy lives they produce per unit of environmental input. The 2012 HPI report ranked 151 countries.
If you would like to read the entire report go to http://www.happyplanetindex.org/
| Rank | Country | HPI | Experienced well-being | Life expectancy | Ecological footprint |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Costa Rica | 64.0 | 7.3 | 79.3 | 2.5 |
| 2 |  Vietnam | 60.4 | 5.8 | 75.2 | 1.4 |
| 3 |  Colombia | 59.8 | 6.4 | 73.7 | 1.8 |
| 4 |  Belize | 59.3 | 6.5 | 76.1 | 2.1 |
| 5 |  El Salvador | 58.9 | 6.7 | 72.2 | 2.0 |
| 6 |  Jamaica | 58.5 | 6.2 | 73.1 | 1.7 |
| 7 |  Panama | 57.8 | 7.3 | 76.1 | 3.0 |
| 8 |  Nicaragua | 57.1 | 5.7 | 74.0 | 1.6 |
| 9 |  Venezuela | 56.9 | 7.5 | 74.4 | 3.0 |
| 10 |  Guatemala | 56.9 | 6.3 | 71.2 | 1.8 |
Pura Vida...
Friday, June 15, 2012
Residency Types and Income Requirements
In 2010 the residency requirements changed in Costa Rica. The three types are Pensioner, Renter, and Resident Investor.
Pensioner Resident is required to show a verifiable minimum monthly pension of $1,000 US. The pension must be guaranteed for life. Only Social Security pensions, or similar, are permitted. No other kind of income will satisfy this requirement as it has to be a life time beneficiary to secure not less than $1,000, and petitioner should have to demonstrate that the issuance company has the ability to secure this monthly income for life. You can do this by certified copies of the financial status of the company. Expires every 2 years.
Renter Resident is required to have a verifiable monthly income for at least 5 years for no less than $2,500 US per family. You can qualify with this requisite if you have a deposit in the bank for no less than 5 years that generates no less than $2,500 a month, or you must make a deposit in a Costa Rican bank that generates this sum of money being $150,000.00 US. Expires every 2 years.
No matter if you apply for a Pensioner or Renter the money you bring into the country to meet the requirements of the status must be converted into colones. Once you converted these monies into colones the Costa Rican government does not require you show them what you do with it. Once the money is into colones, you can use this money to pay for your living expenses etc. If you do not want to use colones you can reconvert them back to dollars.
The third type of residency if called Resident Investor. To qualify for this you must make a one-time minimum investment of at least $200,000.00 US. You must demonstrate that your investments are duly listed for a minimum amount of $200,000 US with the correspondent office and that you pay taxes on it. If you sell or loose your investment you will no longer be able to renew your residency document.
Your fourth option, being a US Citizen, is to stay in the allowed 90 day period, exit the country, have your passport stamped and re-enter the country for another 90 days. A day trip to Panama is a great way to meet your requirement and spend a fun day.
These laws can change at any time. You would need to check the requirements coming from the country you are in at the time you choose to leave.
Pura Vida...
Pensioner Resident is required to show a verifiable minimum monthly pension of $1,000 US. The pension must be guaranteed for life. Only Social Security pensions, or similar, are permitted. No other kind of income will satisfy this requirement as it has to be a life time beneficiary to secure not less than $1,000, and petitioner should have to demonstrate that the issuance company has the ability to secure this monthly income for life. You can do this by certified copies of the financial status of the company. Expires every 2 years.
Renter Resident is required to have a verifiable monthly income for at least 5 years for no less than $2,500 US per family. You can qualify with this requisite if you have a deposit in the bank for no less than 5 years that generates no less than $2,500 a month, or you must make a deposit in a Costa Rican bank that generates this sum of money being $150,000.00 US. Expires every 2 years.
No matter if you apply for a Pensioner or Renter the money you bring into the country to meet the requirements of the status must be converted into colones. Once you converted these monies into colones the Costa Rican government does not require you show them what you do with it. Once the money is into colones, you can use this money to pay for your living expenses etc. If you do not want to use colones you can reconvert them back to dollars.
The third type of residency if called Resident Investor. To qualify for this you must make a one-time minimum investment of at least $200,000.00 US. You must demonstrate that your investments are duly listed for a minimum amount of $200,000 US with the correspondent office and that you pay taxes on it. If you sell or loose your investment you will no longer be able to renew your residency document.
Your fourth option, being a US Citizen, is to stay in the allowed 90 day period, exit the country, have your passport stamped and re-enter the country for another 90 days. A day trip to Panama is a great way to meet your requirement and spend a fun day.
These laws can change at any time. You would need to check the requirements coming from the country you are in at the time you choose to leave.
Pura Vida...
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Getting Excited
I found a company in San Jose that has every kind of tour you could want. We are going to take the one day tour called Sarapiquà River Adventure and Canopy Zip Lining. We are also looking at a tour to the Poals Volcano, and of course to the Mediterranean beach! I'm not much of a shopper, but you know we'll have to indulge some.
I have just ordered a new book on retiring in Costa Rica, Happier Than A Billionaire: Quitting My Job, Moving To Costa Rica, and Living The Zero Hour Work Week by Nadine Hayes Pisani. I cannot wait to read it.
Cheers
Friday, March 30, 2012
Here We Come
I finally made my reservations and will be on my way to Costa Rica with my youngest daughter in the late spring. I am looking so forward to my tour with George and learning everything I can about retiring there.
On the subject of retiring, I'm sure I will not be completely retiring. The money is just not there, but I have time to find something I can do from Costa Rica to supplement my social security.
I found the most wonderful Bed and Breakfast that we will be staying in. The views from their location are beautiful, and the rooms and patios are flooded with the flavor of Costa Rica. This is the link to Margarita's Airport B&B. http://airport-san-jose.bed-and-breakfast.cr/airport.html?bbcom
I am still in the process of looking at different things to do while we are there. Zip Lining is at the top of the list along with spending a beach day on the Caribbean side. They have miles of zip lining tours over the canopy of the rain forests and jungles. I am scared of heights, but I know I will be so mad at myself if I miss this great opportunity. My 85 year old mother did it last year, so I guess I can!
On the subject of retiring, I'm sure I will not be completely retiring. The money is just not there, but I have time to find something I can do from Costa Rica to supplement my social security.
I found the most wonderful Bed and Breakfast that we will be staying in. The views from their location are beautiful, and the rooms and patios are flooded with the flavor of Costa Rica. This is the link to Margarita's Airport B&B. http://airport-san-jose.bed-and-breakfast.cr/airport.html?bbcom
I am still in the process of looking at different things to do while we are there. Zip Lining is at the top of the list along with spending a beach day on the Caribbean side. They have miles of zip lining tours over the canopy of the rain forests and jungles. I am scared of heights, but I know I will be so mad at myself if I miss this great opportunity. My 85 year old mother did it last year, so I guess I can!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Continuing to Map It
Not so fast....Would you believe after 3 phone calls and 5 different departments my savings account just went on line today! Something that should have been so simple took two weeks.
I am continuing to move forward. Today I signed up for a 120 hour course to become certified to teach and tutor English. This course specializes in teaching non English speaking students. English is a required course in Costa Rica. Hopefully when I get there I will be able to find people to tutor. I'd particularly like to tutor adults who need to become more proficient for their business careers. The English language and perfect grammar have always been important to me. Ask my children. I nearly drove them crazy correcting their speech. Today they thank me!
My travel agent is still looking for a great deal on flight tickets for Meleese and me. We are looking so forward to getting to Costa Rica and taking George's retirement tour.
Cheers,
Claudia
I am continuing to move forward. Today I signed up for a 120 hour course to become certified to teach and tutor English. This course specializes in teaching non English speaking students. English is a required course in Costa Rica. Hopefully when I get there I will be able to find people to tutor. I'd particularly like to tutor adults who need to become more proficient for their business careers. The English language and perfect grammar have always been important to me. Ask my children. I nearly drove them crazy correcting their speech. Today they thank me!
My travel agent is still looking for a great deal on flight tickets for Meleese and me. We are looking so forward to getting to Costa Rica and taking George's retirement tour.
Cheers,
Claudia
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Moving Forward
I am continuing to move forward on my plans.
Have you ever opened your savings account on line? Not as easy as it sounds. I went into my checking account and did all the paperwork on the site for my savings account. Next they say they will withdraw two small amounts and email you when it is done to first make sure it is you who is pulling the money. They did the 2 small withdrawals but never emailed. Still have not emailed me about it. I did find it by checking back on my account.
Next I OK'd the amounts. Then it took another 3 days before they actually withdrew the full amount to open the savings account. This took a total of one week to "electronically" move my money from one location to the new one! I thought doing things on line were supposed to be faster. Not so.
I am watching for a good deal on air tickets to go down in May and take George's tour.
Everyday I watch the news about what is going on in Washington, and everyday it makes me even more sure I want to get out of here while I still can. An added motivation!
Cheers,
Claudia
Have you ever opened your savings account on line? Not as easy as it sounds. I went into my checking account and did all the paperwork on the site for my savings account. Next they say they will withdraw two small amounts and email you when it is done to first make sure it is you who is pulling the money. They did the 2 small withdrawals but never emailed. Still have not emailed me about it. I did find it by checking back on my account.
Next I OK'd the amounts. Then it took another 3 days before they actually withdrew the full amount to open the savings account. This took a total of one week to "electronically" move my money from one location to the new one! I thought doing things on line were supposed to be faster. Not so.
I am watching for a good deal on air tickets to go down in May and take George's tour.
Everyday I watch the news about what is going on in Washington, and everyday it makes me even more sure I want to get out of here while I still can. An added motivation!
Cheers,
Claudia
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
WORKING MY PLAN
Keeping my eye on the mark. Make a plan and work it.
I sat down several nights ago and started my Costa Rica or bust success list. I am on a 17-24 month plan to retire in Costa Rica. Well, semi-retire. I'll have to find something to do to supplement my pitiful social security.
First step...plan an information gathering trip to Costa Rica. Done. Will be there in late spring.
Second step...Take Spanish. Almost done. When I get back from my trip and know for sure Costa Rica is for me I will be bidding on Ebay for the full Rossetta Stone Spanish Course. Ole'
Open a specific savings account. Spend money on nothing except the life giving essentials (Going cold-turkey!). Will be at the bank tomorrow.
Build my Ignite (Stream Energy) business!
It's a start! Head down and engines revved!
Cheers,
Claudia
I sat down several nights ago and started my Costa Rica or bust success list. I am on a 17-24 month plan to retire in Costa Rica. Well, semi-retire. I'll have to find something to do to supplement my pitiful social security.
First step...plan an information gathering trip to Costa Rica. Done. Will be there in late spring.
Second step...Take Spanish. Almost done. When I get back from my trip and know for sure Costa Rica is for me I will be bidding on Ebay for the full Rossetta Stone Spanish Course. Ole'
Open a specific savings account. Spend money on nothing except the life giving essentials (Going cold-turkey!). Will be at the bank tomorrow.
Build my Ignite (Stream Energy) business!
It's a start! Head down and engines revved!
Cheers,
Claudia
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