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11 Great Countries to Move To

“Caleb, I want to move out of the collapsing Western world! I want to move out of the United States, Canada, or Europe. But where do I go??? EVERY COUNTRY IS TERRIBLE!!!”

This is the article many of you have been asking for. Today, I’m going to cover 11 countries that are good for you to move to as an Alpha Male 2.0. They’re not listed in any particular order. We’ll talk about a broad range of countries based on your different ages, personality types, and income levels, and I’ll give you the pros and cons of each.

A Word of Warning

Here’s the problem, and I mentioned this in a video a few weeks ago: A lot of you guys who are saying you don’t know where to move because all other countries suck are lying. You’re full of shit. What you’re really saying is that you’re too scared to move (or you don’t really want to move), so you’re just going to make the excuse that every other country is worse than the collapsing country you’re currently in.

As I go through this list and name a country, you’re going to immediately think of one or two negatives related to that location and decide you’d never move there because of that.

So with every country I mention, I’m going to stop you from doing this and get you to recognize that you’re making pussy beta male excuses based on limited information. And I’m going to dispel myths with every country we talk about.

Around the World

These aren’t the only 11 countries in the world that are good to move to; I’m sure I’ll be hearing from some of you asking why I left out one country or another. Yeah. Dude. I can’t cover every decent location in the world. We’d be here all day.

Also, some of the countries on this list would be terrible for you, in particular, to move to. Others would suit you much better. Some countries have a much higher cost of living than others, and if you’re a lower-income guy, for instance, you wouldn’t want to move there.

Every country in the world has its negatives. If you’re a little flexible, you’ll be able to find some you like. We’re not looking for a perfect paradise country; there’s no such thing.

Now with that in mind, here we go…

Colombia

Although I said these countries aren’t listed in any particular order, this is the one I would rank first. This is probably the best overall country for the Alpha Male 2.0 because it is good in terms of both women and business/economic growth. Most countries only have one or the other.

Economically speaking, Colombia is one of the fastest-growing countries in the world; it’s even growing faster than most Asian countries(!). It is not perfect, but it is a very good place to move to. It’s a growth country.

I’ve said this before, but South America is kind of like the world’s crazy uncle. When you go to South American countries like Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, and so on, you get a feeling that the place is full of happy maniacs and that’s how they like it. Colombia has its problems, but what you quickly realize is that they’re trying.

Instead of saying, “We’re crazy, and this is the way we are. Tough shit!” like they would in some other South American countries, they identify their problems and work to fix them.

Yes, you’re thinking Oh my god, there’s crime and drugs and…

You’re making excuses based on limited information — like I said you would.

There are many places in the U.S. with far worse crime rates. I know several people who live in Colombia, and they’ve never had a crime problem because they’re smart about it.

Colombia’s negatives? It can be a little rough around the edges at time, depending on the region. The air quality in Bogotá is really bad, for instance. English is not widely spoken there so you will probably have to learn to speak Spanish eventually, but it isn’t that hard. (Plus I do fine with both business and women while there without speaking any English; Google Translate on your phone is your friend.)

On the plus side, Colombia’s women are the most beautiful on the planet. They’re nice, ultra-hot, fun, and have super low ASD. They’re fantastic.

If you have location independent income and you’re non-monogamous (because that’s what an Alpha Male 2.0 is), Colombia is a fucking win-win for you.

Overall, I highly recommend Colombia as a place to live if you’re leaving the collapsing Western world. It’s just all kinds of awesome.

Vietnam

Vietnam is amazing in terms of economic growth, and for some guys, women — depending on your taste. Multiple sources predict Vietnam will experience a 10% economic growth rate beginning in 2025 and into the foreseeable future. It’s predicted to surpass every country in Scandinavia as well as — are you ready? — Singapore.

Let me say that again. It’s predicted to surpass Singapore. Is that a good place to start a business or invest? Uh, yeah. I’ve said this many times: Southeast Asia is the only place in the world that will experience massive economic growth over the next 25 years or so.

“But we went to war in Vietnam! And they hate us! And… “

What are you doing? You’re making excuses based on limited information. Stop it. Vietnam is awesome.

There are some aspects of Vietnam that are very First World and some that are rough around the edges; it’s kind of a grey area in some respects. But it is amazing in terms of economic growth. I’m going to be doing a lot of business in Vietnam later next year, and I am really looking forward to it.

Vietnamese women are not really my type, but a lot of you guys like them. You’ll love Vietnam even more.

United Arab Emirates

This one is really for you older guys, those of you who are self-employed with higher incomes or guys with mature businesses. The main cities there are Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

“Holy shit! No! I read an article that someone was arrested for no reason there and… !!!”

Stop being a pussy. Stop making emotional decisions with limited information. I’ve been to Dubai several times with no problems.

Yes, you can drink there. It’s allowed. Yes, there are hookers in Dubai. Don’t worry about it. Dubai is clean, purely First World, high-tech, the people there are friendly, and if you speak English exclusively, you won’t have to learn any foreign languages there, because they speak English there too. It’s in a very central location with easy access to Asian and European locations as well.

Best of all: it’s an income tax-free society. That’s right. Zero percent income taxes. So for example, people with jobs there get their entire paychecks. There’s no pay stub that shows taxes deducted because there aren’t any. This is even better if you’re a business owner.

One downside: It’s very, very hot, but it’s not humid like Singapore. It’s a dry heat like Phoenix, so if you don’t mind that, it won’t matter to you.

Thailand

This is a country that is very friendly to foreigners and to businesses as well. It’s also a very easy place to date — guys kill it with Thai women. They’re very sex-positive.

It’s inexpensive, although not like it used to be. But if you’re looking for someplace with a lower cost of living, you can live on the beach in Thailand for very little money. So economically, Thailand is great because it’s so cheap, and it’s great for women because frankly, it’s Thailand.

Disadvantages: Bangkok is pretty shitty and the cost of living there is rising. A lot of people don’t like Bangkok, and it’s really not my type of place.

It can also get humid there; something to consider if that bothers you. It’s definitely a hooker culture, so if you hate that, Bangkok isn’t the place for you. But you could live outside the city and do just fine. Thailand is a very, very good place to live for an Alpha Male 2.0.

Economically speaking, it will not grow as quickly as other countries in Southeast Asia because Thailand has already experienced a lot of its growth already. It’s still a growth country, it’s just not skyrocketing economically like Vietnam.

Argentina

I’ve mentioned Argentina many times on my blogs. It’s a crazy-but-super-fun place. But if you’re an Alpha Male 2.0, you have a location independent outcome and you’re making money from outside Argentina. I certainly would — I wouldn’t rely on income from inside Argentina with their shitty currency. But with income from outside the country, you could take advantage of their much lower cost of living.

Buenos Aires is an amazing city. It’s a huge New York-size city, and the women are cute (thought not amazing).

Argentina is a great place. Again, it’s a little insane, so if you’re younger (under 35 or so), it’s awesome. It’s almost got an old European vibe to it.

Also, if you live there for a while, you can possibly get an Argentinian passport, too. Win.

Georgia

For you Americans, I’m not talking about the state of Georgia — I’m talking about the country Georgia, the former Soviet republic. It’s in this strange little part of the world where it’s not quite Europe; it’s so far east of Europe that I don’t consider it a European country, but that’s a grey area. I wouldn’t move to anywhere in Europe. Eastern Europe won’t go down as hard as Western Europe; that’s a big topic for another time, but yes, Europe is on its way down.

Georgia is one of the few former Soviet republics that is doing most things correctly. They’re embracing capitalism and opening themselves up to trade, free markets, and low taxes, and it’s a pro-business environment. It’s a really good place to base your international business. The crime rates are also the among the lowest in the entire world; Tbilisi is sometimes rated as the world’s safest city.

Disadvantages: The capital city, Tbilisi, is a very small town. If you’re looking for a giant, bustling city, Tbilisi may not do it for you.

Also, one criterion I have for possibly moving to a particular country is that it shouldn’t border a place that’s prone to war and armed conflict. It’s sad, but Georgia borders a country called Russia, which is run by a dictator who likes to invade other countries. I don’t necessarily think Russia will invade Georgia, I’m just giving you the facts I have.

Georgia is awesome for an Alpha Male 2.0, especially if you want to stay near Europe or have a quasi-European lifestyle.

Panama

Panama is my favorite Central American country by far. It’s like a little Hong Kong in the middle of Central America. Panama City is fun, and the women are very hot and nice. Panama borders Colombia; you can basically drive between the two at your leisure, so a lot of Colombian women spend time in Panama.

If Colombia is a little too rough for you, or if you have a higher income and like a nicer environment, Panama City is the best of all worlds. It’s a very pro-American place; one of the reasons there’s so much prosperity is that there’s a lot of American money down there. They have a very strong economy, and they’re friendly to foreigners.

On the downside, it gets a little hot and humid, but not too bad. The women aren’t quite as hot as they are in many South American countries — but they’re still hot.

Panama is a great place for women, dating, and business. It’s almost a miniature version of Colombia. It’s not going to see crazy growth like Colombia, because like Hong Kong, it’s already arrived. But it will do just fine.

I love Panama. Highly recommended.

Cambodia

Cambodia is one of the rougher, more Third World countries in Southeast Asia, but like Vietnam, its economic growth is going to skyrocket, and it’s actually already begun.

Similar to Vietnam, Cambodia is doing all the right things to facilitate this growth, but it’s starting at a lower point than Vietnam did, so the growth it sees could even exceed Vietnam’s. These are just predictions, but I think Cambodia is going to do extremely well.

We talk about finding the next Singapore or Hong Kong, and Vietnam is probably it, but Cambodia could be right behind it.

It’s a little rougher so you’re going to be roughing it a little bit, like living in Paraguay. So if you like everything nice and perfect and clean, Cambodia might not be the place for you. But if you want to get in on the ground floor of a rapidly economically exploding country, this is it. There are only a few countries I can think of whose growth will rival that of Cambodia. I’m going to be doing a lot of business there in the next few years.

In terms of women, I can’t really speak to that where Cambodia is concerned. I’ve dated one Cambodian woman, but she lived in the U.S. and it was many years ago. I don’t know a lot about the dating situation there, but I think if it were bad, I would have heard about it.

Overall, Cambodia is awesome, especially if your priority is business and money.

Chile

Chile is one of the more capitalist, even-keeled countries in South America. I don’t expect it to grow amazingly like Colombia, but it’s still a great place. I think Chile’s growth was a little better 10 to 15 years ago, so that probably would have been the time to move there. But it’s still a very, very good place for an Alpha Male 2.0. I’ve heard very good things about the women down there. I’ve never been to Chile myself; it’s one of the few places in South America I’ve never visited. But I know enough about it to strongly recommend people look into it, spend some time there, and see if they like it.

In terms of big-picture issues for the Alpha Male 2.0 — the location independent entrepreneur who is non-monogamous — Chile is a damn good place.

The Philippines

This one is good for you guys who want to do this on the cheap and want to get laid a lot even though you have no game. It’s the best country in the world for Western beta males to get laid. These women are the horniest women on the planet Earth — and I say that as a compliment.

Downsides to the Philippines include lots of humidity, if that bothers you. It’s a little rough around the edges down there. Filipina women are really fun, they’re great to be around, they’re very horny and sex-positive, but they can be quite emotional. You might experience a little more drama with Filipina women. It’s a very Hispanic-type culture where everyone pair bonds, but then cheats like mad dogs.

There’s a very large gay community down there, and a lot of women complain they can’t find guys to hook up with, which is good for us. And it’s a super cheap place to live. You can seriously build your own house on the beach outside of Manila for around $12,000 USD.

The Philippines is a great place for guys who are much younger OR guys who are much older. I know some old bastards guys who are over 65 who are widowed or divorced, and they go to the Philippines and find a woman to marry who’s around age 35 (or younger!) and and still young-looking. I’ve seen it work.

So you guys who don’t have a lot of money but want to have sex with women who like Western men? Go to the Philippines! Great place for certain types of Alpha Males 2.0.

Malaysia

Specifically, Kuala Lumpur, which is almost a baby Singapore. It’s a fancy, cool town.

Malaysia is a Muslim country, but it is the mildest Muslim country in the whole world, I believe, even more so than Indonesia. It’s not a place where you really feel it. I know a lot of high- and mid-income guys who live in Kuala Lumpur and really like it.

In terms of women, I don’t have a lot of information on that. But again, if there was a big problem with Malaysian women, I would’ve heard about it by now, because guys love to complain to me when things aren’t right.

So I would say if your priority was business, Malaysia would be a good place for you. If your priority was women, perhaps skip Malaysia and go someplace like Thailand, the Philippines, or Colombia.

Downsides to Malaysia include the heat and humidity. Kuala Lumpur is a few hours away from Singapore by train, so it’s a very hot, humid part of the world.

I almost moved to Malaysia. I was that close. That’s how good Malaysia is, especially for you guys who are location independent business owners or want a higher-quality lifestyle somewhere that’s more First World than Third World but is still very cheap (cheaper than Bangkok!). I have never heard of anyone spending significant time there and disliking it — never.

Conclusion

I just gave you 11 countries that are really good for the Alpha Male 2.0 to move to. They’re not all perfect for everyone. Your choice will depend on your age, your income, your taste in women, and where you are in life.

If your reaction to this is, “I don’t like ANY of those countries! They’re all bad!!!” then congratulations, you just proved my point. You’re full of shit and making excuses. You don’t want to take action, you just want to complain and stay put in your collapsing country. Stupid.

Once COVID is over (we’ve got a few more months, I’m sure), find a country you’re interested in and take at least a week to visit the place — two or three weeks is better if you can pull it off. Get to know the people. Learn the area. Learn the economics. Date some women there if you can. If you hate it, go visit another country. You might be surprised. It’s a lot easier than you might think for an English-speaker. I don’t speak any other languages, and I do just fine.

No more excuses. I just gave you 11 countries — the next step is up to you.

63 Comments

  1. Sean Brennan

    U.S. still has some of the best gun rights… if self-defense is a consideration, most countries don’t hold up

  2. Caleb Jones

    U.S. still has some of the best gun rights… if self-defense is a consideration, most countries don’t hold up

    One positive out of scores of negatives. Plus the odds of someone invading my home in the middle of the night, in any country I would live in, falls well inside the 2% Rule.

  3. Investor

    U.S. still has some of the best gun rights… if self-defense is a consideration, most countries don’t hold up

    That might go away in the future and it doesnt outweight all the negatives. Anyway you want to be able to have a gun but also to not have to actually use it. My view of the USA is that you might actually need to use it.

    There are countries where you can get away with having a gun even if its not completely legal or you can legally have certain types of guns, which is fine also. Its not like you need to have machinguns and bazookas and if you do need that you probably shouldnt live in that location anyway.

  4. Caleb Jones

    My view of the USA is that you might actually need to use it.

    Agree. I’ve said in the past that if you live in the USA you should own a gun because of the violent, unstable culture in which we live. But fuck, if you live in Japan (for example), you don’t need gun. That would be stupid and useless.

  5. Steve Sokolowski

    While there are definitely some ways life could improve if one moves to a different country, I also think that you miss some of the most important issues that are going to be facing the world over the next 20 years.

    A lot of the violence and culture wars that are occurring today in America are caused by, or at least exacerbated by, Trump.  Biden is not the radical socialist that you predicted several years ago could succeed Trump, and I think that many of your reasons for departing become less urgent if Trump is gone in a few months.  By the time this virus is gone, it’s possible that Trump is also out and things will settle down for 8 years, if the current pattern of alternating parties holds.

    I’ve noticed that you don’t mention much the threats to the world that technology is likely to cause over the next 20 years.  It’s far more likely than 2%, for example, that one or more human-created pandemics occur soon.  It costs less than $100,000 to create the smallpox virus now, and it’s only a matter of time before it’s trivial for anyone to create viruses on their phones or AR glasses or Neuralinks.  You can see how it requires millions to work on a vaccine to cures a disease started by one human.  This time it was an accident, but next time it probably won’t be.

    The core problem is that defense is always harder than offense – this goes for nuclear weapons, pandemics, nanotechnology, superintelligent AI, and so on.  Some organizations place the odds of an extinction level event from these things at almost 17%, and those odds don’t count regional disasters.  As time goes on, there are more and more weapons available that become cheaper and cheaper.

    These are the issues that will affect everyone, and for which the United States and other developed countries are best equipped to deal with, if someone competent is in charge.  If humans do survive the next 20 years, it will be because powerful governments or corporations strongly monitor and restrict the use of technology from those few people who want to kill everyone.  Whatever people think of the United States, it at least has the institutions able to deal with the problem if the country is run correctly.  Moving to places where governments are weak and cannot prevent technological catastrophes like the next pandemic seems to be a long-term risk to one’s survival.

    Assuming that this pandemic was a one-off event and that everyone should just invest in restaurants again next year would be foolish.

  6. Caleb Jones

    A lot of the violence and culture wars that are occurring today in America are caused by, or at least exacerbated by, Trump.

    Correct.

    Biden is not the radical socialist that you predicted several years ago could succeed Trump

    Biden has not succeeded Trump. If Biden wins in November then my prediction will have been wrong, but that has not happened and the odds are Trump will be re-elected. Americans have been re-electing terrible presidents for 30 years and I don’t see that trend stopping any time soon. (Indeed, I see it increasing; to my point: Trump should be down in the polls by ~20% right now instead of within the margin for error with Biden.)

    and I think that many of your reasons for departing become less urgent if Trump is gone in a few months.

    Incorrect. They will be become more urgent if Biden wins. My number one reason for leaving isn’t violence, it’s taxes. Biden will (likely) raise my taxes. Trump (likely) will not. (And yes, America will still be terrible and collapsing under Trump too. I’m still leaving if Trump wins.)

    By the time this virus is gone, it’s possible that Trump is also out and things will settle down for 8 years, if the current pattern of alternating parties holds.

    In 8 years this country will be even more of a cluster fuck than it was in 2019, regardless of who wins in November. If you don’t believe me, just watch.

    I’ve noticed that you don’t mention much the threats to the world that technology is likely to cause over the next 20 years.

    I discussed that in detail here.

    It’s far more likely than 2%, for example, that one or more human-created pandemics occur soon.

    Correct and irrelevant. I’d rather be far away from the Collapsing USA during the next pandemic than in it. The country I’m moving to next year handled the pandemic orders of magnitude better than the stupid USA did.

    These are the issues that will affect everyone, and for which the United States and other developed countries are best equipped to deal with, if someone competent is in charge.

    HAHAHAHA! Holy shit buddy. What are you smoking? “If someone competent is in charge???” You mean like Comrade Bernie? Tantrum Trump? Criminal Hillary? Shithead Obama (Oh-bomb-ya)? Idiot Bush? Sociopathic Bill Clinton? H.W. Bush? Give me ONE competent leader you’ve seen in mainstream American presidental politics who had a good chance of winning since 1990. I seriously laughed out loud when I read you saying that.

    You’re following the bullshit left-wing Societal Programming of “hey guys, everything will be just fine as long as we elect someone really good.” That isn’t going to happen in the USA. Ever. Left or right or libertarian or center. As I’ve examined many times, Americans have lost the ability to select quality leaders and did so at least 30 years ago if not longer.

    If humans do survive the next 20 years, it will be because powerful governments or corporations strongly monitor and restrict the use of technology from those few people who want to kill everyone.

    And to repeat, even if you’re right, I’d rather be far away from those governments than at their mercy living in the USA.

    It looks like you won’t mind. Great. Stay here. Good luck with that.

  7. Steve Sokolowski

    It’s likely that I have more money than you, but I don’t care that much about taxes.  I paid 55% in taxes in 2018.  My worries about taxes were only great during the period when I had a standard job that was middle-class.  Poor people don’t pay any taxes, and for fortunate people like us, taxes don’t make a difference in our lifestyles.  You yourself said that happiness doesn’t increase much after $75,000.  This year, with no entertainment or automotive expenses I’m living at a rate of $20,000 and don’t feel I’m in poverty.  I can’t foresee myself ever spending all of my money.

    The reason why I can survive spending $20,000 is because it doesn’t really cost all that much to live a life of abundance anymore.  If I wanted, I could buy a cheap apartment, purchase 50 bags of Huel or Soylent, and spend $100/month to buy a device that provides me the sort of entertainment that people just 20 years ago couldn’t fathom.  There is a reason why the current depression doesn’t see the collapse of society like the Great Depression did – everything is cheap.  Imagine 20 years from now, when people are living in VR and don’t care much about the real world at all.

    My reasons for not moving, at least not yet, are that what the government does doesn’t really affect me.  I pay my taxes and don’t do things that cause attention.  Corporations have a bigger impact on our lives – it’s far more impactful when I get one of those letters stating that another bank has closed my account or a company refused to do business with me.  Most people would be worse off if Amazon blacklisted them than if a noise ordinance was passed.

    I agree with a lot of your points, but I just think that a different way to approach the situation is to live in a house in a semi-rural area a few hundred miles away from a big city, like I do.  While I sympathize with the movements that are occurring right now, I don’t have to worry that there will be a New York like outbreak in the Fall, or that protestors will damage my home.  I can go to the cities when I want and stay away when there is unrest.  Why spend a lot of money moving across the world?

  8. Caleb Jones

    It’s likely that I have more money than you, but I don’t care that much about taxes. I paid 55% in taxes in 2018.

    Yeah, you’re a left-winger. They don’t mind paying high taxes. I would kill myself if I had to pay 55% in taxes. I paid 14% in 2018 and that’s with a multi-six figure income, and I think 14% is too much. But yes, I understand people with your world view have no problem sending most of their income to a corrupt government so they can bomb innocent civilians in 8 different countries, bail out millionaire bankers, and give years and years of welfare to people who clearly don’t want to work (I’m talking about pre-covid). Cool. Keep paying them. I’d rather not be a part of that system.

    Poor people don’t pay any taxes, and for fortunate people like us, taxes don’t make a difference in our lifestyles.

    Incorrect. They do in mine, both my current lifestyle and in my future lifestyle as an old man. If I made millions and millions of dollars a year I probably wouldn’t mind these taxes, but I don’t.

    You yourself said that happiness doesn’t increase much after $75,000.

    …for most people. I also said that for me it increases a lot. I’d be miserable if I only made $75,000 a year.

    Make sure you quote me correctly if you’re going to try to debate me.

    This year, with no entertainment or automotive expenses I’m living at a rate of $20,000 and don’t feel I’m in poverty.

    That’s great. Guys like Arron Clarey are the same. I’m not like that at all. I like to live in a nice house, internationally travel literally whenever I want (ideally first class) without having to worry about costs, use private drivers, have enough money for the occasional sugar baby, be able to put away five figures a month into my investments that I’ll need in the future, etc.

    And again, most people are not going to be happy living on just $20K per year. If you are that’s great, but you are the exception to the rule (as I am needing much more than $75K/year).

    My reasons for not moving, at least not yet, are that what the government does doesn’t really affect me.

    That’s wonderful but that completely contradicts your earlier comment. You’re all over the place.

    I agree with a lot of your points, but I just think that a different way to approach the situation is to live in a house in a semi-rural area a few hundred miles away from a big city, like I do.

    As long as you have location-independent international income and an Alpha Male 2.0 lifestyle, that is fine, as I’ve said many times. We don’t disagree on that.

    While I sympathize with the movements that are occurring right now

    I don’t. They are irrational socialists fighting irrational fake nationalists. A pox on both their houses. I want to be as far away from both groups as I can possibly get.

    I don’t have to worry that there will be a New York like outbreak in the Fall, or that protestors will damage my home. I can go to the cities when I want and stay away when there is unrest.

    Agree 100%. Well done.

    Why spend a lot of money moving across the world?

    Because I will experience a massive net increase in after-tax income despite those costs.

  9. STEPHEN MILES JR

    Caleb, awesome list.  All on my bucket list to at least visit.  Panama is by far my favorite to possibly live in so far (have visited – there are lots of Colombians and Venezuelans in addition to Panamanian hotties there), Philippines to visit regularly (their women are ADDICTING!).  Manila – for a guy who has money there is some absolutely architecturally spectacular homes and condominiums for around $600k. https://thevelarisresidences.com .  For a guy with no money, there are architecturally spectacular hotels part of global hotel chains to stay in when visiting (e.g. the 5 star oceanfront Conrad Manila, part of Hilton, was $125 per night when I visited in 2017, versus $700 for Conrad New York around that same time.

    FYI – 4 updates to your list –

    1) Russia DID invade Georgia in 2008 https://worldview.stratfor.com/article/georgia-timeline-events-aug-7-8 , so as you mention that is a REAL possible issue with that place.  Also, word online has it that Batumi, the seaside resort, has a problem with Mafia connected women scamming guys, including in massage parlors.  If you go, try Georgian wine – sold in beautifully decorated ceramic bottles (I found mine at Specs Liquor Warehouse flagship store here in Houston, probably can be found somewhere in Portland too.).

    2) There is no paved highway connecting Panama and Colombia;  in fact, there is a greater than 2% death rate among people who attempt to cross the border between those 2 countries.  So, no, a sane Alpha 2.0 male is NOT going to try to attempt to drive between Colombia and Panama.  Plenty of inexpensive scheduled airline flights between those 2 countries on world class global alliance airlines (Avianca, Copa), and when the price runs high, Avianca flights can be redeemed for as little as 2,500 airline miles (transfer from American Express Membership Rewards).  Sometimes, a ferry service runs from Turbo, Colombia to Colón, Panama.

    3) If a guy marries a Filipina, he absolutely should NOT bring her to USA, as there are countless horror stories online of American guys losing everything in divorces from Filipina wives they brought to USA.  Of course, an Alpha 2.0 Male won’t have this problem because he won’t marry her….  In a public bathroom in Manila, I saw stick figure drawings (captions in English) of 20 year old Filipina, her American expat husband raising her kids that he thinks are his, and her 22 year old Filipino boyfriend, who is the actual father of the kids being raised by the American expat husband, who is unaware that his wife has a boyfriend.  No one in the world has better game than Filipinas (they seduce guys by giving great sex, whereas American women (other than those who are REALLY good at sex such that every guy falls in love with them) seduce by denying or delaying sex). Betas can enjoy Filipinas short term but they will severely test Alpha 2.0s looking for FB or MLTR with all their drama .

    4) Caleb, you have talked about starting an Alpha 2.0 business in China.  So it surprises me you left China off of your list.  Also, the best sex I ever had was an 18 year old Taiwanese girl when I was 19 years old in college – and – deja vu – an 18 year old in Beijing when I was 50, felt exactly the same as the girl from college (and she had a similar build as well).

  10. Steve Sokolowski

    While I could be wrong, I suspect the 14% you paid in taxes was due to spending a great deal of time trying to optimize your tax payments.  There’s nothing wrong with doing that.  I would have done it too, but at the time I paid the 55% in taxes, we had so many customers that we had to disable registrations and I could not hire enough employees.  There was more money to be made parallelizing code to get registrations open again than there was trying to find a decent lawyer (I still have never found a good lawyer who will write an opinion paper that actually states something meaningful.)   Even now, in down times, I doubt that I could earn more money spending hours researching tax law to find loopholes instead of making our system better.

    As to living expenses, I don’t spend $20,000 because it’s the ideal amount to spend, only because there’s nothing worth doing with the money right now.  I was going to buy a Model S at one point, but now I didn’t even renew my car’s inspection.

    My lack of time spent on taxes did have one benefit though – it means that I have a net capital loss.  Have you considered the exit penalties you’ll have to pay when you renounce citizenship?  My understanding is that you would have to pay 20% in capital gains taxes even if you don’t sell anything.

    I also take back my earlier comment about Trump, after watching his speech last night.  Trump isn’t exacerbating the situation – he is fully responsible for the situation the country is in right now.  The people who follow Trump don’t read even basic newspaper articles that would point out everything that he says is false.  While there was racism before Trump, the people who followed him are conformist and did whatever was acceptable.  His behavior caused those people to think what he does is not acceptable, and if Romney had been running for reelection and were denouncing racism, they would have thought that racists were evil.

     

  11. Papa Dragon

    Turkey is my default refuge country as I can easily obtain a citizenship there being a 2nd gen American immigrant. Unfortunately the toxic aspects of Western culture are spreading there too, but they’re still at least a few decades behind the current state of the West.

    As a young man, I am hesitant to leave America due to my passion for automobiles. This country still has the best mix of diverse cars, strong enthusiast communities, back-roads, and inexpensive operating costs compared to the rest of the world. It is the one hobby that makes life worth living for me.

    For the time being I will finish university and build my wealth in the corporate world until I have amassed a reasonable amount for foreign investment.

     

  12. Caleb Jones

    Russia DID invade Georgia in 2008

    Your article is behind a paywall so I couldn’t see that, but you could be right.

    There is no paved highway connecting Panama and Colombia;

    I know.

    in fact, there is a greater than 2% death rate among people who attempt to cross the border between those 2 countries

    Ehhh I would need to see a lot of data on that before I believe it. Even if it’s true, which I doubt, flying to Colombia from Panama is super cheap and easy, as you stated.

    If a guy marries a Filipina, he absolutely should NOT bring her to USA, as there are countless horror stories online of American guys losing everything in divorces from Filipina wives they brought to USA.

    Correct; I already said that here: Marrying A Non-Western Woman Won’t Work

    I’m just saying I’ve seen old men with zero game successfully get successful with women, girlfriends, and wives in PH. But yes, as usual, monogamy and TMM don’t work.

    So it surprises me you left China off of your list.

    China is a great place for the Alpha Male 2.0 to move to. I almost did.

  13. Caleb Jones

    While I could be wrong, I suspect the 14% you paid in taxes was due to spending a great deal of time trying to optimize your tax payments.

    Incorrect. It only took me a few hours out of that entire year. I outsource to accountants and attorneys who do most of the work, just as I advise others to do.

    I know you’re trying really hard to find something to disagree with me about, but it’s not working out well for you. Feel free to keep trying though.

    Have you considered the exit penalties you’ll have to pay when you renounce citizenship?

    Yes. I have exact figures on that. And I never said I was going to renounce. I said I want the option to do so if I need to later.

    My understanding is that you would have to pay 20% in capital gains taxes even if you don’t sell anything.

    Incorrect, and the tax only kicks in after a certain size of net worth. (But I’m not going to cover specifics here publicly.)

    I also take back my earlier comment about Trump, after watching his speech last night. Trump isn’t exacerbating the situation – he is fully responsible for the situation the country is in right now. The people who follow Trump don’t read even basic newspaper articles that would point out everything that he says is false. While there was racism before Trump, the people who followed him are conformist and did whatever was acceptable. His behavior caused those people to think what he does is not acceptable, and if Romney had been running for reelection and were denouncing racism, they would have thought that racists were evil.

    Trump is dreadful, yes, but that’s irrelevant since you left-wingers go insane by saying or implying that electing an evil, corrupt, warmongering, senile corporatist like Biden is good for America, which it clearly is not. Voting for the lesser of two evils isn’t going to help this country and it’s literally insane to think otherwise.

  14. STEPHEN MILES JR

    Caleb, sorry about the Stratfor paywall;  I forget because years ago I bought a lifetime membership in order to get an ongoing unbiased data-driven analysis of world geopolitical events, to be aware of what’s going on independently of the mainstream media.  But, here is a free reference on the 2008 Russo-Georgian War https://www.cnn.com/2014/03/13/world/europe/2008-georgia-russia-conflict/index.html . Note that while Dimitri Medvedev was Russian President at the time, the current Russian President, Vladimir Putin, was Prime Minister in 2008, and was widely considered the real power in Russia at that time.

    The danger of land crossings from Colombia to Panama was big news a couple years ago when the migrant wave was approaching the USA border.  Here is a (free) reference https://time.com/5340697/migration-america-panama/ .  I did a quick perusal of travel forums (TripAdvisor) about crossing the Colombia / Panama land border and while I can not quantify if the risk is greater than 2% or not, info was scant enough to keep such an idea off my bucket list.

    And, to clarify, when I said I was considering a move to Panama, I also meant, like you, while retaining USA citizenship (and continuing to pay USA taxes).

    Caleb, I have to mention, regarding your conversation with @Steve Sokolowski, while like you I am gravely concerned about the possibility of collapse of Western Civilization, at least in part due to runaway deficit spending, the Trump presidency has helped me develop my Alpha 2.0 business in 3 specific ways that I sorely need right now to achieve my long term goal of freedom to roam at will all the places on your list.

    1)  2017 tax reform – reduced my self-employed tax rate by several percentage points.

    2) Last year, my tax advisor at Block Advisors (part of H&R Block, large reputable firm, not some random who knows who) said I should amortize the start-up costs of my Alpha 2.0 business over the next 5 years.  This dropped my tax bill a few more percentage points, at least until the amortization runs out.

    3) This year, I qualified for automatic CARES Act covid-19 relief funding, because my AGI was under the qualifying threshold.  No way could I have qualified for that without 1) and 2).  Yes, I am saving, and am tempted to frame, the “heartfelt” auto-signed letter from President Trump announcing that I was receiving that funding.

    So I am thankful for any and all help that I may receive, including from Uncle Sam.  And I am sure that many other aspiring Alpha 2.0s on your list have a similar experience to mine.  And, I admit it, that may influence how I vote in November.

  15. Steve Sokolowski

    I think I actually agree with you on many of the facts you present about the world, like the specific advantages of moving to other countries and how dating works and so on.

    It seems to me that what we disagree on is how the people involved in these issues should be viewed.  In an earlier comment, I think you criticized some unemployed people for “not wanting to work,” implying that they are lesser people.  My view is that those people are simply people.  They have the same hopes, dreams, and fears that other people do, and therefore deserve respect as people.  They shouldn’t earn as much as someone who works really hard, but as people they deserve a basic level of decency and don’t deserve to suffer.   You also seem to imply that people who do nothing about their troubles with women are lesser people, whereas I just see such people as either having a mental health issue, or that they simply don’t value having a partner as highly as you do.

    Either way, this is how political discourse was supposed to work – where this fundamental disagreement on the worth of people defined how we should deal with our problems – before Trump came about.  There was a time when Republicans were more like you; people who would actually explain their beliefs, rather than just tweet insults.

  16. Caleb Jones

    Caleb, I have to mention, regarding your conversation with @Steve Sokolowski, while like you I am gravely concerned about the possibility of collapse of Western Civilization, at least in part due to runaway deficit spending, the Trump presidency has helped me develop my Alpha 2.0 business in 3 specific ways

    As I’ve said before, Trump terrible for the nation but he is FANTASTIC for Alpha Male 2.0s like me who are getting ready to leave the USA forever who don’t mind if the country collapses later. The amount of money I made in 2018 from the Trump tax cuts was so massive I was actually stunned and I had to triple-check the numbers. Oh yes.

    Above I was talking about Trump’s long-term health for the country (toxic) not Trump’s help for us escape artists (great).

    This year, I qualified for automatic CARES Act covid-19 relief funding, because my AGI was under the qualifying threshold. No way could I have qualified for that without 1) and 2). Yes, I am saving, and am tempted to frame, the “heartfelt” auto-signed letter from President Trump announcing that I was receiving that funding.

    So I am thankful for any and all help that I may receive, including from Uncle Sam.

    https://youtu.be/Wycf-csIVbM

    And, I admit it, that may influence how I vote in November.

    Yeah, giving out free money to people buys votes. It works well ever since FDR started doing it. Reason #47 America is collapsing.

    I choose not to participate.

  17. Caleb Jones

    It seems to me that what we disagree on is how the people involved in these issues should be viewed. In an earlier comment, I think you criticized some unemployed people for “not wanting to work,” implying that they are lesser people.

    They are not lesser people. They are lazy people. On top of being lazy, they’re gleefully taking money that was taken from hard-working people like me by force, making them complicit in theft.

    They have the same hopes, dreams, and fears that other people do, and therefore deserve respect as people.

    If you’re healthy mentally and physically and you sit on your ass for 2+ years and don’t even try to get a job, then no, you don’t deserve any of my respect. (If you’re deeply mentally ill or have a IQ of 65 obviously that’s different, but I’m not referring to those kinds of people.)

    They shouldn’t earn as much as someone who works really hard, but as people they deserve a basic level of decency and don’t deserve to suffer.

    Incorrect. They deserve to suffer if they make no attempt to get a job and become a normal productive citizen (especially while they hold their hand out for free money for years on end and grow to expect it).

    Either way, this is how political discourse was supposed to work – where this fundamental disagreement on the worth of people defined how we should deal with our problems – before Trump came about. There was a time when Republicans were more like you; people who would actually explain their beliefs, rather than just tweet insults.

    The left is just as bad. I have been insulted and even threatened many times by left-wingers before Trump was ever elected. I received two death threats when I criticized Obama when he was president.

    Again you imply the left is somehow better than the (former) right. It’s isn’t. They are both insane, irrational, and directly contributing to the downfall of America and the West. Not that I care anymore. 🙂

  18. Stephen

    Interesting discussion.  I’m not trying to debate anyone, just offering my perspective.

    I don’t believe “the west” or the US is collapsing.  I believe many (or even most) of the cities are collapsing.  The US is like 100 countries next to each other.  If your perspective is Portland Oregon — possibly the most loony place on earth — definitely collapsing.  But you can drive less than an hour and be in a conservative area.  The taxes will still suck though.

    “Collapsing” is being exaggerated mainly by scare mongers for profit.  The political nuts and the gold sellers.  Both should just be ignored if you want to live a happy, productive life.  I don’t care which party gets elected.  They are both in the business of selling our representation to the highest bidder.  But I can turn off my TV and not be stressed by that.  If a time comes that I can’t, then I can pack a suitcase in 1 hour and be off to Viet Nam or where ever.  My income and assets are just digits in bank accounts that don’t care where I am physically.

  19. Pseudonymous User

    The country I’m moving to next year handled the pandemic orders of magnitude better than the stupid USA did.

    I guess many of us are curious which country you’ve chosen, but that hint narrows it down so little 🙂

  20. STEPHEN MILES JR

    @Stephen – “I don’t believe “the west” or the US is collapsing.”

    As long as USA keeps its military capability head and shoulders ahead of the rest of the world, the USA will weather all of its crisis, including the current ones, and probably come out stronger, both economically and politically, no matter how crazy its population behaves.  USA has a long history of civil strife, with the current period very similar to 1917-1919 in USA (pandemic, race riots, cultural and demographic dislocation).  But USA and China are locked in a deep long term geopolitical competition, with China returning to the position it held as the worlds dominant superpower for about 1,000 years, until about 300-500 years ago, China’s collapse roughly coinciding with the Opium Wars.  Should China successfully catch up to USA’s military and technological prowess, then the future of USA collapse becomes very real, possibly within my lifetime – and I’m on the wrong side of 50.  So that issue is even greater for the younger folks on this forum.

  21. Ken

    I’m still trying to figure out how you save money on taxes by moving abroad without renouncing your US citizenship. You’re still liable for the same federal taxes being a US citizen abroad, minus any credit for the taxes you pay in your new country.  So where are the tax savings?  I’m confused.

    Since you’re in WA you already have no state income tax, so that’s not a factor either.

  22. Ken

    If your perspective is Portland Oregon — possibly the most loony place on earth — definitely collapsing.

    I live in downtown Portland just a few blocks from the usual protest site and I’m doing just fine.  Just returned from a lovely sidewalk brunch also downtown.  I’d say that the reports of our “collapse” are greatly exaggerated.  Haha.

  23. Ken

    Caleb, sorry about the Stratfor paywall;  I forget because years ago I bought a lifetime membership in order to get an ongoing unbiased data-driven analysis of world geopolitical events, to be aware of what’s going on independently of the mainstream media.

    I’ve seen too much looney tunes analysis out of Stratfor over the years that I can’t take them seriously and there’s no way I’d give them money.  Their founder wrote a book in the 1990s predicting that we were heading for another shooting war with Japan.  Lol.

    But you’re correct about the incident in Georgia … I remember it quite well.

  24. Ken

    Manila – for a guy who has money there is some absolutely architecturally spectacular homes and condominiums for around $600k.

    Wow, I’d think $600k would go an awfully long way in the PI.  I looked at that link … is that the price for one of the top end suites in that building?  There are no prices listed that I could find.

  25. STEPHEN MILES JR

    @ken – yeah, Stratfor says about 30% of their predictions are wrong, and as you noticed, sometimes wildly so.  Nobody can predict the future so I follow Stratfor more for the data and background they present on current events that mainstream media often misses.  And since my membership is lifetime level, am no longer paying any fees.

    @Ken – that pricing was the lowest I could find for that building in Manila.  I have seen new very lavish new HOUSES and townhomes listed for sale for the same money in Manila.  And new condos for about half that in Manila.  Probably much less expensive available in middle class areas and/or outside Manila. It was just a quick look because I was checking out the web site for that building because the web site was built by an agency that I am thinking of using for help with my Alpha 2.0 business’ web site and SEO – services which are better quality more original and less expensive in Philippines than what is available in USA, and more “culturally compatible” than Indian agencies because the latter use the Queen’s English, while Filipinos are educated in American English.

  26. Caleb Jones

    I don’t believe “the west” or the US is collapsing.

    As I always say to people who say this, please show me your economic data that the USA is on the rise or will do “fine” over the next 30-50 years, and I would be happy to take a look at it. (I have a feeling you don’t have any to show and are just speaking emotionally.)

    If your perspective is Portland Oregon — possibly the most loony place on earth — definitely collapsing.

    My perspective is economic and cultural data from the past 20-30 years, not Portland. I virtually never go to Portland, even before the riots. It’s too depressing. Plus I see other collapsing US cities all the time (New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, etc, etc). It’s not just Portland

    I guess many of us are curious which country you’ve chosen, but that hint narrows it down so little

    It’s honestly not very hard to guess. But regardless I’ll tell everyone in March once I’m over there.

    I’m still trying to figure out how you save money on taxes by moving abroad without renouncing your US citizenship.

    Join SMIC and then hire me for coaching and I’d be happy to explain the entire thing, but publicly I can’t tell you anything specific. Sorry. If you don’t like it blame my attorneys.

    You’re still liable for the same federal taxes being a US citizen abroad

    Some federal taxes, not all federal taxes, provided I’m very careful to do certain specific things every year (things that, honestly, most guys would not be wiling to do).

    I’d say that the reports of our “collapse” are greatly exaggerated.

    Yeah, Portland is collapsING, it has not collapsED. Portland will still be around for quite a while. It will just keep getting a little shittier every year…

  27. Caleb Jones

    As long as USA keeps its military capability head and shoulders ahead of the rest of the world, the USA will weather all of its crisis, including the current ones, and probably come out stronger, both economically and politically, no matter how crazy its population behaves.

    Ohhhhhhh I wonder how many Romans said… The. Exact. Same. Thing.

  28. STEPHEN MILES JR

    @Caleb “Ohhhhhhh I wonder how many Romans said… The. Exact. Same. Thing.”

    Yes, and you read the rest of my statement after that?  That is why, as I said earlier, my family and I are considering moving to Panama.  A lot depends on the long term outcome of the USA China geopolitical competition.  Locally, we are concerned if the Left should tip the political balance of the entire state in its favor;  currently it controls the cities, but has actually been quite competent here in Houston.

    For about 100 years or so, the Romans allowed peaceful immigration of barbarians to avoid population decline, and then the barbarians rose up and overthrew the Romans and took over (which I believe was your point).  Same thing happened here in Texas when Mexico allowed white people to immigrate peacefully for about 50 years, and then those white people rose up and took over Texas, first as an independent country for about 10 years, and then became a state in USA.  As a kid in the 1970s my hometown Houston was about as southern confederate lily-white (and anti-Gay) as you can get (black people were and are about 20% of the population here), and now 40 years later the US Census has at least twice listed Houston as the most ethnically diverse city in America (Hispanic majority, and had a 2-term lesbian mayor), all due to immigration.  Yet, with a black mayor, black police chief, and predominantly leftist city council, protests here have remained peaceful (so far, knock on wood), NO LOOTING WHATSOEVER.  Its kind of a known open secret in this part of the world that the looters that follow protesters won’t touch Houston as our police department will not tolerate them, and has a good rapport with ALL of our ethnic communities and political groups – unlike Chicago, St. Louis, New Orleans, Baltimore, Portland, Seattle, California and probably unfortunately other areas as well.  After Hurricane Katrina, the looters descended upon New Orleans.  After Hurricane Ike – looters couldn’t even get close to Houston.

    So yes, we are well aware of the lessons of what happened to the Romans with unfettered immigration.  We are also well aware of USA’s own history, which unlike Rome’s is entirely a history of immigration.  We are aware of the general decline over many years of USA living standard, the ballooning of the government debt, and the shift of the culture away from the “Anglo” portion of its roots.  The current period is less civil than most of my life, but other periods have been far less civil (1917-1919, the 1860s (Civil War), etc.  At the same time, Houston and generally Texas has bucked prevailing trends because of the technology and energy/chemical sectors, which run may be coming to an end.  My only point is the day “that Rome falls” for the USA may be further off than you think (and yes, could be sooner than I think).  USA also has a tremendous history of bouncing back from its crises.  No one can predict the future, only time will tell what actually happens.

  29. Ken

    Some federal taxes, not all federal taxes

    I’d think you’d be able to give us an idea of which fed taxes don’t apply to expats without divulging your specific circumstance.  After all this whole blog is about encouraging folks to move abroad, with taxes being one of the main reasons. On the surface at least that wouldn’t seem to offer any tax advantage to an American unless they’re willing to renounce.  It’s a very basic question and I’m sure other people reading here must have it.

  30. STEPHEN MILES JR

    @ Caleb “I choose not to participate.” (receiving government money).

    I just watched your video about why you do not take government money, because that would be incongruent with your belief in libertarianism.

    To me, the CARES Act payment is a rebate on taxes I am paying anyway.  Now if I were receiving more money from the government than I pay to the government in taxes, then I would have a philosophical objection along the lines of your video.  And I have greatly stepped up my charitable contributions in recent years to causes I care deeply about (sex workers rights organizations and organizations that help people with disabilities develop an independent life).

  31. Ken

    It will just keep getting a little shittier every year…

    Incorrect.  Portland, especially downtown, has taken some hits, mostly due to the virus. And yes, it is painful to see.  But we’ll bounce back and be better than ever.  This is a great city with a strong sense of community and wonderful neighborhoods.

  32. Ken

    that pricing was the lowest I could find for that building in Manila.

    Wow.  So you mean that’s what you’ll pay for a one bedroom?  In that case I guess Manila’s becoming more expensive than Portland or even San Francisco! I would not have imagined that.

  33. STEPHEN MILES JR

    @Ken “Wow.  So you mean that’s what you’ll pay for a one bedroom?  In that case I guess Manila’s becoming more expensive than Portland or even San Francisco! I would not have imagined that.”

    I did not say that was the lowest price for a one bedroom condo in Manila.  Just the lowest price for THAT PARTICULAR BUILDING (brand new, in what appears to be an expensive neighborhood) in Manila.

    Just now, I went back to third party sites that came up in Google search for The Velaris Residences, with listings in that building and just found a listing in ANOTHER brand new building (Alder Residences), in a completely different part of town – has a 2 bedroom 1 bath condo for $162,000.

    Alder Residences looks a tad bit plainer than Velaris, but still a brand new high rise.

    Quite frankly, if I were moving to Manila, I would probably choose the Pasay area – close to the coast, the airport, Mall of Asia, the EDSA strip club area, not in the ghetto, and every bit as new and trendy and cosmopolitan (and well reviewed by expats) as Bridgetowne/Pasig/Quezon City – but far less expensive.  Good enough for Nobu (Japanese celebrity chef) to build his restaurant and boutique hotel (in partnership with the Hyatt Regency Manila Hotel) there, then good enough for me.

  34. STEPHEN MILES JR

    @Ken “Wow.  So you mean that’s what you’ll pay for a one bedroom?  In that case I guess Manila’s becoming more expensive than Portland or even San Francisco! I would not have imagined that.”

    Just noticed, the same third party site has $250,000 as the starting price for pre-sales in The Velaris Residences.

  35. Caleb Jones

    To me, the CARES Act payment is a rebate on taxes I am paying anyway.

    I know. This is the same bullshit argument other libertarians like the Atlas Society used when they took government money too.

    My view is A) Money taken from me (or anyone else) by force is blood money. I don’t want that energy in my life or in my finances, B) The money they took from you is already gone and spent. The money they’re giving you now is not the money they took; it’s money they stole from someone else (either other taxpayers or future Americans via debt and money printing).

    If that stuff doesn’t bother you enough to not take the blood money then great, you are normal, go ahead and take it. I’m a man of principle so I won’t.

    Incorrect. Portland, especially downtown, has taken some hits, mostly due to the virus. And yes, it is painful to see. But we’ll bounce back and be better than ever.

    Incorrect. Portland was getting shittier every year pre-Covid, as you are well aware. If Portland is going to suddenly and magically reverse this trend into greatness soon (haha!!!), then okay, (once again) please show me your economic data that indicates this will happen and I’ll take a good look. (I won’t be holding my breath.)

  36. STEPHEN MILES JR

    @Caleb “I know. This is the same bullshit argument other libertarians like the Atlas Society used when they took government money too.”

    You are calling my argument bullshit . . . WRONG!!!  I paid more in estimated taxes THIS YEAR than the CARES Act payment I received.  And way more last year (and many other years besides) than that CARES Act payment.  Look at that timeline; that was MY “blood money” I worked for being returned.  My position is no morally worse than yours. You and I may disagree on this issue but both of our views are equally valid. No matter where you move, as you have acknowledged yourself in other blog posts, there will be a government with blood on its hands.

    The Portland comment was quoting Ken, not my viewpoint.

  37. Ken

    Portland was getting shittier every year pre-Covid, as you are well aware.

    I have no “economic data” and no great desire to dig it up in order to argue with you … haha.  I love the city and I can tell you great things about it, but probably nothing somebody like you would care about anyway.

  38. Ken

    The Portland comment was quoting Ken, not my viewpoint.

    Yeah, he was responding to me.  That’s the way Caleb does things …. he bundles a bunch of different people’s comments into the same response.  Thanks for the additional info on Manila …. makes more sense now.

  39. Caleb Jones

    I have no “economic data”

    Precisely.

  40. Pseudonymous User

    There is no paved highway connecting Panama and Colombia

    That’s… an understatement. I believe the 1987 record of an all-land crossing still stands? The record is 741 days.

  41. Ken

    I have no “economic data”

    Precisely.

    Ok fine …. the data I can find shows the Portland metro area beating the national growth rate at least through 2018 …. the series is incomplete and obviously doesn’t reflect the pandemic.  Not that I’m basing the defense of my city on these kinds of statistics … it’s just a good place to be and I’m happy here.

    https://fred.stlouisfed.org/graph/?g=uZbt

     

     

     

     

     

  42. Investor

    My view is A) Money taken from me (or anyone else) by force is blood money. I don’t want that energy in my life or in my finances, B) The money they took from you is already gone and spent. The money they’re giving you now is not the money they took; it’s money they stole from someone else (either other taxpayers or future Americans via debt and money printing).

    If that stuff doesn’t bother you enough to not take the blood money then great, you are normal, go ahead and take it. I’m a man of principle so I won’t.

    I follow most of your arguments about taxes and not wanting government support but this makes no sense at all. You are just trying to justify your own argument by shuffling around some words. Of course if they took say 20k from me in taxes and gave me 10k (net) in benefits then the result is that I paid 10k in taxes and its a valid form of tax minimization strategy. The rest are completely irrelevant details.

    There is also another factor you do not take into account when discussing unemployment benefits. In many countries it is considered to be insurance based: x% of your total taxes go to the unemployment insurance system and when you become unemployed you get paid out of that system. In this case it is no different than paying your car insurance and then claiming money from the insurance company in case of damage to the car. The difference from most types of insurances is that this is not optional but in many countries the above example with car insurance is also often not optional, so it is no different in any way.

    In fact if I paid for years a lot of money in taxes I am very keen to collect this unemployment money in the future because it is my money – I paid for it – in advance. In fact if you are against this you are then also against pensions and you should not do any type of tax reduction either (other than moving jurisdictions) because that is the same thing.

  43. Caleb Jones

    the data I can find shows the Portland metro area beating the national growth rate at least through 2018

    Thank you for being literally the first person out of perhaps 100 who has at least tried to present any economic data to back up their “I think everything will be fine” emotions.

    the series is incomplete and obviously doesn’t reflect the pandemic

    Yeah it’s pretty weak. It shows Portland slightly outstrips national GDP by a little bit for 4 years. When you add in the fact that that the national US is collapsing and that GDP includes government spending (which is not indicative of a healthy and growing economy), it doesn’t show much. Portland is collapsing, as is the rest of the USA.

    Not that I’m basing the defense of my city on these kinds of statistics … it’s just a good place to be and I’m happy here.

    That I understand and have no problem with. “I’m very happy living in Portland” is a perfectly valid to say. (A lot of people love it here.) “Portland is going to do better than ever soon” is not.

    I follow most of your arguments about taxes and not wanting government support but this makes no sense at all. You are just trying to justify your own argument by shuffling around some words. Of course if they took say 20k from me in taxes and gave me 10k (net) in benefits then the result is that I paid 10k in taxes and its a valid form of tax minimization strategy. The rest are completely irrelevant details.

    I agree I’m giving you philosophical reasons rather than the logical ones I usually give but that is honestly how I feel. I don’t want blood money. I don’t want to perpetuate the system. I don’t want to look in the mirror and know I’m contributing to the downfall of Western civilization. And so on.

    There is also another factor you do not take into account when discussing unemployment benefits. In many countries it is considered to be insurance based: x% of your total taxes go to the unemployment insurance system and when you become unemployed you get paid out of that system. In this case it is no different than paying your car insurance and then claiming money from the insurance company in case of damage to the car.

    Incorrect. The correct analogy is that I own a car but I don’t want car insurance, and the car insurance company sends armed troops to smash into my house once a month, pin me to the floor with a shotgun to my head, rip $300 out of my wallet, and promise to pay me back if I ever damage my car.

    The “take by force” part is the part you’re ignoring.

    In fact if I paid for years a lot of money in taxes I am very keen to collect this unemployment money in the future because it is my money – I paid for it – in advance.

    So you want to be an unemployed so you can get your unemployment scraps back from the government? That’s loser talk. (Or you live in or near Scandinavia, which is standard cultural Societal Programming over there.)

    I want to make a lot of money to the point where that unemployment doesn’t matter to me at all and I’m not reliant on a group of thieves.

    In fact if you are against this you are then also against pensions

    Incorrect. Pensions are 100% voluntary; you can choose to get them or not. Taxes not voluntary and are taken under the thread of force, which again, none of your arguments are acknowledging. (And again, if you honestly don’t care, that’s fine, have fun trying to get your government money back. I follow a different path.)

    and you should not do any type of tax reduction either (other than moving jurisdictions) because that is the same thing.

    That makes no sense. Taxes are not the same thing as pensions.

  44. Investor

    Incorrect. The correct analogy is that I own a car but I don’t want car insurance, and the car insurance company sends armed troops to smash into my house once a month, pin me to the floor with a shotgun to my head, rip $300 out of my wallet, and promise to pay me back if I ever damage my car.

    The “take by force” part is the part you’re ignoring.

    Perhaps car insurance is not obligatory in the US? In many countries it is when you own a car. Not getting one in that case is breaking the law. Hence my analogy – in this case its literally same as taxes.

    So you want to be an unemployed so you can get your unemployment scraps back from the government?

    i meant that IF i get unemployed. Also there are some times way to get that money in some countries when not employed but have income from business when you satisfy some special situation rules. So no not neccessarily. Anyway its just an example. Can also be some business subsidies or something else. The point is not unemployment benefit as such but the point is taking government money as method of tax reduction.

     

    Incorrect. Pensions are 100% voluntary; you can choose to get them or not.

    Again not universally true. Depending on your country and or employment situation it may be non optional to the point its deducted from your salary automatically meaning its exactly like taxes. Of course you dont have that issue if you only have income from your businesess but lets say the average Joe is like most people an employee so he cannot escape pensiom contributions. By your philosophy in that situation he shouldnt collect pension when retiring because its blood money? That is what I meant. And also with the explanation of compulsary car insurance if you have an incident getting insurance claim is also against your philosophy?

    I undersrand your philosophy perfectly now I think but it is completely emotional bases rather than objective rational. Thats fine at least you have some clear values you follow.

  45. Caleb Jones

    Perhaps car insurance is not obligatory in the US?

    Only liability insurance is, and I’m 100% opposed to that, yes. Collision insurance, comprehensive insurance, injury protection, and and other types of car insurance are not obligatory.

    i meant that IF i get unemployed.

    I’d rather you pay zero unemployment tax and set up a savings account for yourself to protect you in case you get unemployed.

    If you are forced to pay unemployment I would still rather you set up a saving account to take care of you IF you get unemployed rather than relying on mommy government to take care of you (and getting upset if they don’t pay you your unemployment in the way you wish, and so on).

    I understand your philosophy perfectly now I think but it is completely emotional bases rather than objective rational.

    Incorrect. It is not completely emotional; there are many rational aspects to it, like what I said in this comment above and my prior comment.

    Seriously – Do you live in Scandinavia or close to it? That’s what you sound like.

  46. Investor

    Only liability insurance is, and I’m 100% opposed to that, yes.

    Okay, so you are consistent with this. If it wasn’t and someone destroyed your car accidentally but had no money at all would you just be like okay mate that’s fine its better that this kind of insurance isn’t obligatory. Or are you going to quote a 2% rule and say therefore you don’t care on this basis?

    I’d rather you pay zero unemployment tax and set up a savings account for yourself to protect you in case you get unemployed.

    Yes I would personally prefer that too but that’s not an option (currently). So given my options I am happy to collect that money when it comes to it.

    If you are forced to pay unemployment I would still rather you set up a saving account to take care of you IF you get unemployed

    I have that anyway, of course.

    and getting upset if they don’t pay you your unemployment in the way you wish

    A very good argument, yes, but highly situational. I think this isn’t a good example because you can’t relate to it / don’t understand the difference in the rules. But lets make a different one than that is more relatable: say there is an option to get subsidies for your business. Maybe a general subsidy or maybe you qualify in certain situations. Maybe because of the covid situation. Would you be also consistent and say in all cases no to this because “it is blood money” or would you see it as a valid part of tax reduction strategy. And if you do not see it as a valid tax strategy, then how do you see it philosophically different from doing stuff like making tricks with sales tax and expense deductions and or self payroll stuff – I am pretty sure that your tax accountant tells you to do some or all of this and that is how you legally reduce your taxes.

    I personally know one business person who owns agricultural land and he makes a lot of money on agricultural subsidies. It consists of the government wanting to be just a meadow there as opposed to farmland in that region so they pay him to not grow crops on it. He therefore collects money from government without doing anything just for accepting this. He then rents out the land to another business person who has horses who eat the grass on the meadows and makes money from that also. If you are consistent you should be against this scheme also, or is that somehow different to you?

    Seriously – Do you live in Scandinavia or close to it? That’s what you sound like.

    No not Scandinavia, but what is close? That is quite vague. I live in a high tax country which has a system of benefits but just to give an example they are not as generous benefits as for example in Switzerland which has a lower taxes than here. I would actually feel less inclined to collect benefits in Switzerland (I have lived there also) because of lower taxes. When I am forced to pay high taxes I want to get something for it / get some of (or better yet most of) that money back in whatever way I can.

    Of course I agree it is better to not pay high taxes in the first place so I am working on relocation and five flags.

  47. Caleb Jones

    Okay, so you are consistent with this.

    I am consistent with all of my views. That’s what’s makes me unique on the internet.

    If it wasn’t and someone destroyed your car accidentally but had no money at all would you just be like okay mate that’s fine its better that this kind of insurance isn’t obligatory

    No. I would voluntarily choose to have uninsured driver insurance. But I would choose to have it. It would be my choice as a free citizen. No government should force me to have it. That’s horseshit.

    then how do you see it philosophically different from doing stuff like making tricks with sales tax and expense deductions and or self payroll stuff – I am pretty sure that your tax accountant tells you to do some or all of this and that is how you legally reduce your taxes.

    Correct. I do all of those things so the government steals less of my money in the first place. That’s a valid thing to do in my view provided it’s legal, but we’re talking about wanting the money “back” once they steal it from me by force; different topic.

    I personally know one business person who owns agricultural land and he makes a lot of money on agricultural subsidies. It consists of the government wanting to be just a meadow there as opposed to farmland in that region so they pay him to not grow crops on it. He therefore collects money from government without doing anything just for accepting this. He then rents out the land to another business person who has horses who eat the grass on the meadows and makes money from that also. If you are consistent you should be against this scheme also, or is that somehow different to you?

    Correct, I would be 100% opposed to that insanity. My taxes should go towards things like roads and police and courts, not giving some random moocher free money to not grow certain plants on his own private property. Jesus Christ.

    No not Scandinavia, but what is close? That is quite vague. I live in a high tax country which has a system of benefits

    Bingo. That’s what I thought. Then just accept that your cultural Societal Programming is not going to understand my viewpoint no matter how I explain it to you. We’re going to have to just agree to disagree.

    Of course I agree it is better to not pay high taxes in the first place so I am working on relocation and five flags.

    At least we agree on that.

  48. Investor

    At least we agree on that.

    Speaking of that it seems I will not be able to get Russian passport after all but it seems I could possibly get UK passport (and one or two other ones which I am investigating and getting the necessary documents for). But I wonder – does it make sense to go for UK passport considering the likely future of the country? Of course its always good to have another passport and it doesn’t matter so much what happens to it when I don’t live there but… I am concerned UK might establish something like worldwide taxation at some point. How likely do you think that is to happen?

    Bingo. That’s what I thought. Then just accept that your cultural Societal Programming is not going to understand my viewpoint no matter how I explain it to you.

    I would not say its cultural because as I said it depends on where I live and it seems to also change dynamically with people I am surrounded with. Not so long ago I remember it was considered shameful to accept benefits and now I am surrounded by people – including business owners who brag about taking benefits.

  49. Sean

    I have been following you a long time and value your strategy… however, i believe I have decided to hunker down in NH.  I plan to purchase a small farm in the next few years, it is probably one of the least bad states in the US, there is a great liberty community here (I think you underestimate the importance of community), and its far enough away from the civil unrest of the liberal cities.  Also, my income is location dependent (real estate appraising and multi-family properties) and I don’t have the energy to start something else at the moment.  I am buying gold and crypto to hedge against inflation (as well as guns and ammo and a freezer full of meat) and plan to become as self reliant and off grid as possible…

  50. Caleb Jones

    does it make sense to go for UK passport considering the likely future of the country?

    Yes, provided you don’t live there. (Country B) It’s not the perfect Country B passport but it’s far better than not having a 2nd passport at all.

    I am concerned UK might establish something like worldwide taxation at some point. How likely do you think that is to happen?

    I’d put the odds at around 30%. Still worth doing, and you can always renounce if they pull that shit.

    Not so long ago I remember it was considered shameful to accept benefits and now I am surrounded by people – including business owners who brag about taking benefits.

    Yes, I know. That’s why Suicidal Europe is collapsing even faster than the USA.

    however, i believe I have decided to hunker down in NH

    Then I hope you are not going to live in a major city and you have a thriving international Alpha 2.0 location-independent business. With those two things in place you’ll be okay.

    I think you underestimate the importance of community

    I think community is very important. I’ve just said its not important for me.

    its far enough away from the civil unrest of the liberal cities

    Good, you’re 1 for 2 so far.

    Also, my income is location dependent (real estate appraising and multi-family properties)

    Ehhh… no. That’s not what I would define as 100% location independent.

    and I don’t have the energy to start something else at the moment

    If you seriously plan on living in the Collapsing USA for the rest of your life, then you’d better, at least at some point.

    I am buying gold and crypto to hedge against inflation (as well as guns and ammo and a freezer full of meat) and plan to become as self reliant and off grid as possible…

    Cool.

  51. Sean

     

    “”Also, my income is location dependent (real estate appraising and multi-family properties)”

    Ehhh… no. That’s not what I would define as 100% location independent.”

     

    Re-read what I wrote 😉

  52. Caleb Jones

    Error on my part. Rephrase: If your income is location-dependent and you’re going to live in the USA for the rest of your life, you have a very, very serious problem. Not right now, but soon.

  53. Pseudonymous User

    It’s [UK] not the perfect Country B passport

    What are the criteria?

  54. STEPHEN MILES JR

    @Pseudonymous User

    It’s [UK] not the perfect Country B passport

    What are the criteria?”

    Answer:  UK is in the “collapsing Western World™️”, which Caleb Jones has written many times about the need for an Alpha Male 2.0™️ to eventually get out of.  Therefore, all 11 countries in the post are elsewhere. So best choices for second passports would also be elsewhere, because in the future might be more likely to have to renounce passports from Western countries versus passports from elsewhere.

  55. Ken

    collapsing Western World™️

    Lol … love it.

  56. STEPHEN MILES JR

    Yeah, Caleb does that notation for some of his strong points.

  57. Leon

    Goddamn, I will miss these comment debates, very very valuable and provide a lot of insights into crafting your own unique Alpha 2.0 lifestyle that suits you and your environment (and not a carbon copy of Caleb’s).

    I don’t think we would ever have this kind of quality back-and-forth conversation via Youtube or Social Medias’ comment. That’s the sad thing when he chooses to close down this section on his upcoming merged blog. Good for Caleb’s time management, but not really benefit readers.

  58. Caleb Jones

    Goddamn, I will miss these comment debates

    You don’t need to miss them. We’re just going to move them over to the Alpha 2.0 Forum. Each video blog post will be cross-posted there.

  59. Investor

    You don’t need to miss them. We’re just going to move them over to the Alpha 2.0 Forum. Each video blog post will be cross-posted there.

    I doubt its gonna be the same or that there will be as much activity plus its gonna be without you.

    I’d put the odds at around 30%. Still worth doing, and you can always renounce if they pull that shit.

    I think something similar. 30% is a lot for all the admin hassle and effort especially considering i can get other second passport more easily.

  60. Caleb Jones

    I doubt its gonna be the same or that there will be as much activity plus its gonna be without you.

    Then that will be the audience’s decision, not mine. And I’ll pop in every once in a while.

  61. Souto

    My 2 cents here. Having lived in Dubai for 5 years, it suffered more than most from the 2008 Financial crisis. They are very good at hiding the bad news. Now, with COVID and the collapse in Oil prices, the place is absolutely on its knees economically. Nearby Kuwait has announced it will run out of money in November to pay its government workers. Saudi Arabia is even worse than Dubai, and 3x the population. And Dubai actually has very little oil. You can live in Dubai as rents have dropped like a stone, but don’t get caught up to any mischief, the penalties are extremely severe, and you’ll find a place that is collapsing like never before.Its sad, but they learned nothing from 2008.

    I’ll assume the advice about living in Malaysia came from Andrew Henderson. Only an inexperienced Fool would choose Malaysia over Vietnam or Thailand. Malaysia is an extremely corrupt and racist country, they give preferential treatment (including cheaper petrol and house prices) to the Malays, as opposed to the other major ethnic groups that live in the country, the Chinese and Indians. This is apartheid that no one ever talks about. It is a country going backwards rapidly. Google ‘1MDB Scandal’ for a snapshot.

    Of these suggestions, for stability, I’d say Panama and Chile would be the best, with Thailand and Colombia being second choice. And I’ve been to all the countries I’m speaking about here.

  62. Caleb Jones

    Having lived in Dubai for 5 years, it suffered more than most from the 2008 Financial crisis. They are very good at hiding the bad news. Now, with COVID and the collapse in Oil prices, the place is absolutely on its knees economically.

    That is a dramatic overstatement, but even if you’re right, none of that is relevant if you have location-independent income that comes from outside of the UAE.

    I’ll assume the advice about living in Malaysia came from Andrew Henderson.

    It is not, though I know he lives there and likes it.

  63. Jon Daniels

    Dear Caleb, is Colombia really on the rise and the best country to move to , with draconian Covid measures , poverty and crime.  Yes, I get it, we have ghettoes here, but I have spent time in third world countries and you have the one disadvantage of being too close to dire poverty and being a target. Not to say you would have any problems, but spending half a year in Africa taught me that if you live in a very poor country with corrupt government, failed socialist measures and seriously hungry people who want to revolt you better watch yourself.

    BTW, I really would like to visit Colombia and its on my bucket list of places to possibly escape. I find Latina women (oh sorry LatinX, thanks SJW :p) women to be the most attractive and I love the culture, life and excitement. To be honest, I am bored of the USA and feel quite lonesome here and it appears all my hard work goes into the gutter of a dying, socialist country that pretends to be Capitalist, but is either Conservatively Socialist (Republicans) or borderline Anarchist/Communist (Democrats). However, it looks like mass starvation, poverty and draconian lockdowns, as well as socialist measures to provide universal income are on the table there. Not all that different from what Kamala Harris has planned if she and her puppet, Biden, become president.

    I’m not knocking what you wrote, I just want to hear your opinion about this article.  It does appear that many of what you are writing is assuming Covid is just going to go away in a few months. Considering EUrope is having an explosion and now looking at several month more lockdowns (after previous failed ones), despite having rapid economic deterioration, I really worry that hte dictators won’t mind letting the people starve as long as they appear to be handling Covid.  The rights of many Europeans and Latin American people have went into the toilet. The only comparable places in the USA right now would be California, New York and a few of the other more European like police gutter states in the Northeast.

     

    https://colombiareports.com/how-long-will-7-million-in-colombia-starve-before-hell-breaks-loose/