This video tells alot about San Fran – Enjoy from You Tube Holiday Makers.
If you’re going to San Francisco…always those warm fuzzy memories from a different era. The band played and I sang along. As the young ladies handed out flowers so that you could put them in your partner’s hair.
Quite a lifestyle to have if you live here.
What a difference a year and a half make. Property prices had simply gone through the roof. Speculators and flippers were out in droves everywhere. Home owners trying to sell were totally annoyed with those “vultures” as a couple of friends related to me their horror stories of having their homes descended upon by bargain hunters, who outnumbered real buyers 3 to1.
It’s Fall and the kids have gone to school. The Bay area is getting a noticeable cooler swathe of air and cooler breezes. The hot summer shorts are giving way to long sleeved hoodies. The Fisherman’s Wharf is no longer filled with holiday makers.
The very fetching waitress had time to chat with us as we watched the ferries go by the Alcatraz Island, the former but still infamous prison in the sea. She looking for another job as this one no longer pays. People do not tip enough anymore and there are far fewer customers. Many people are going broke. Her own brother is now bankrupt and house prices are so low, many people owe the banks just about everything they have.
Often times in my life I tend to run into great bargains when doing something completely different. The choice was mine to take advantage of it. It appears the areas around the city and not so much within the city itself that face the greatest failure rates mortgage defaults. Many homes are now only partly built as the builders are going bankrupt along with the defaulting buyers.
But a word of caution for would be out of country buyers – the tax system and the state are not very friendly towards you and become extremely punitive in their taxation policies.
Investing in the United States is a very involved affair, but all is not lost. In fact, done right, a foreign investor can easily treat the USA as a tax haven. And California is certainly one of the more desirable parts of the country, especially near the coast. Sun, surf, gals and dudes all over the beaches with that spectacular Pacific vista. Many have moved here and never left. I can see why anyone can fall in love with this place. The weather is balmy to boot.
Ah yes, about San Fran. This is an amazingly undulating city. The entire city is built on hills and valleys. The roads can be so steep it’s a wonder the trams ever go up and down the other side.
Despite much ado about the great real estate mortgage meltdown, this is still a bustling metropolis. Their China Town is still as busy as ever. There is a plethora of older buildings and history to take in but I avoid them. The coastal park and the sights surrounding the San Francisco Bridge is far more inviting.
A prelude to WW3? What if NATO and the US stay out of it? The Sovereignty of Georgia is at stake.
This is a sure way of crashing their real estate values. Hmmm…perhaps when peace and stablity resumes, some smart spark can swwop right in and buy up prime real estate. There’s also great and valuable water front properties on the Black Sea…
They certainly are creating a lot of rubble – can’t be good for their respective economies. I mean, what will the billionaires in Moscow think? There are over 70 of them – that makes Moscow the 2nd most popular home to billionaires!
Then there’s Georgia. The break away former USSR state had claimed their own independant state. This conflict seems to have some racial/state overtones. But this scares NATO countries because Georgia was soon to be included into their fold. And besides, they do control a good amount of the oil pipeline. But if you’ve seen their black sea coast, you’ll understand why it’s a resort and recently, an extremely wealthy one.
War games and “Operation Brimstone” an often named end of the world war games was conducted in many parts of the world. Reports worldwide of sea manoeveurs with the US seventh fleet and NATO forces we’re in full swing as the Russian juggernaut attack fleet sailed right through the Mediterranian in support of their ground forces in Ossetia.
This is a common call to action “in preparation of war preparedness” according to the powers that be. Afterall, emergencies such as these simply entrenches the power brokers or within the conspiracy theorists speak, the “true ruling elites” are simply demontrating to the pipsqueak citizenry who’s boss.
Watch this Reuters video about the recession fears easing.
In New York – what recession? In Florida – we’re devastated. In Europe, they are actually calling it a correction or a slowdown. In South America, it’s cautious optimism. Most of Africa is still struggling to get back on their feet. But anywhere around China, the mood is still of optimism with the Olympics in full swing. Of course, Japan’s economy is still slow only because it still hasn’t fully recovered from the very long drawn out economic slump.
So, it is not like the world will get into a full scale, long drawn out recession but rather, it will be a correction – a settling of the dust as the commodity prices bubble deflates rather than explodes in everyone’s faces.
If the “low tech” economy is slumping, what will take it’s place? Reality? Well, have you ever heard of a different kind of real estate? The high tech or the web real estate is expected to make big gains. Let’s just hope the .COM bust of the recent past doesn’t come back to haunt us.
This again the time of the entrepreneur and currently with the resurgence of the internet businesses, it’s the young entrepreneur that may come out on top.
When you do alot of travelling for business you’ll realize money really is king – for getting what you want – but not necessarily what you need. Originally, in writing this article I had intended to include a long list of tax havens. The truth is, it all depends on where you live, your lifestyle and where and how you use your money and assets.
You see, depending on some conditions like citizenship or and offshore entity (company – read as investor), any country can be a tax haven. Even in higher tax juridictions in the US, a foreign held corporation doing business there and hiring any number of US citizens can have tax haven status. But always use a good gang of lawyers, bankers, accountants and other asset protection experts to protect you. Another piece of advice from the lawyers – always pay your taxes – do everything legally and you’ll be much happier.
But then stuffing your money somewhere with no other significant returns on that money is also a really foolish thing to do. Far better then to actually move to a lower tax but super high investment and profit climate jurisdiction. You get to save on taxes and make a heck of a lot more money at the same time. There are a few of these countries or special jurisdictions in the world today. The best one I have experienced is Hong Kong with a tax rate of only 17.5 % maxed. I’m not a tax expert there so simply find out for yourself from the proper experts. Be prepared to shell out alot of money to get set up but the payoff is far better than many places in the world.
Talking about costs of living – many undeveloped islands and countries in the Tropical World have tax free status for expatriates as long as you bring in tons of money to help out their poor economies. The lifestyle can be slow, easy, safe (as long as hurricanes don’t come) but it gets expensive and restrictive. You stand to lose on inflation too. And really, you won’t be allowed to become a beach bum there.
It’s your choice. Live in realtive safety and comfort of a place you had been calling home or rebuild your life in a new place and make the best of it or perhaps, you’ll exceed your wildest dreams and become a new citizen of the new place.
Another fact that I should mention is that the world is no longer closed and uncivilized as many developed countries’ governments would have you believe. They’ll even go as far as to make it very difficult and “dangerous” sounding on you should you pull up stakes and fly off. The truth is, there are tens of thousands of multimillionaires in many corners of the globe living the life they wish, in even more freedom than they have ever done so before. Talk about financial freedom. No, these are generally not laundered money specialists, mafiaso types, tax exiles or anything of the sort. They are people who may actually have several citizenships.
If you get interested, check it out for yourself. BUT DO YOUR DUE DILIGENCE. Is this what you’re really after to save a few tax pennies? Can your new lifestyle bring you more money and happiness? Or maybe you should simply stay where you are and rebuild your life with much reduced taxes (properly and legally done) and increased income, no matter your economic circumstances today.
Michael Jackson video – Earth Song - Michael Jackson is helping Mother Earth and the Amazon too. Maybe we can put aside our so called all out money grabbing and really focus on building true wealth – what is really important to us all.
Dubbed “The Playground of the Wildly Wealthy” was our tour guides call to action as he boastfully declares the vastness and unlimited resources of the Mighty Amazonian jungles. The boat load of wealthy investors from all over the world were here to make a fully paid luxury adventure of parts of the Amazon’s seemingly undepletable resources. The air conditioning kept us comfortable as we meandered up the wide and lazy Amazon displayed to us the advantages of investing in the virgin explorations of mining and oil reserves.
Animal life was still plentiful then within several kilometers from Sao Paulo in early 1981. In fact, the tributaries themselves teemed with wildlife. But the great plunder of the super jungle has been reducing the stands of old trees at an alarming rate. Depleted and bared ground is now common. Animals, plants and the indegous tribes have no where to go. The mining companies simply plunder the lands at will and stop for nothing. Their goal – the ever growing greed for more “profits” and control have taken their toll. This jungle’s destruction is unprecedented.
By the 1990’s a return visit witnessed an incredible change to the landscape. Many parts I had once seen wildlife is now simply bare or just grassland. And today, I’ve been told a bout one third of the once mighty jungle has been “exploited” with no end in sight.
That most poignant of events in a world where most of us forget about gets me to think about what our ancestors tell us about wealth. About their warnings of what wealth really is. When everything is gone, wealth is also gone. Eveything we cherish is also gone…
Let’s turn our attention away from the Olympics for a while and travel to another location in South East Asia for another occassion worthy of mention. This is Singapore. It’s first F1 Race will be held this year in September of 2008. Get your tickets now if you’re going. This race is a first in more ways than just the ordinary. As already mentioned:
- this is Singapore’s first F1 Race,
- it is held in a newly built area of Singapore’s downtown,
- and most uniquely, it’s F1’s first night time race.
Check out the video. You’ll see google earth’s rendition of the track in a very high tech and swanky part of town. Would you believe this is all reclaimed land right on the sea? Now Singapore boasts some of the most of many things:
- probably the world’s most high tech city,
- one of the world’s highest per capita income,
- most expensive place to buy a car,
- the most fines for anything,
- the most lightning strikes,
- one of the strictest places against illicit drug use/sale,
- incredibly strict firearm use and enforcement,
- the most soldiers per capita in the world,
- there are many more, but you get the picture and be on your best behaviour. It is a relatively mild city for travel safety. Just don’t get stupid.
Anyway, this is a mighty tourism spot including the new casino complex within the shot in the video. Once called the Pearl of the Orient, Singapore is known with the moniker of the Lion City – Singa = lion and Pura = city.
This is the capital of investment and tourism in South East Asia.
The Olympics in China have already opened today to a really huge reception. As promised by the Chinese government, the world media is allowed to broadcast their reports and events live. Security is still tight and the policing presence is strong and obvious. This is understandable as there have been many protestors not just of China but of the Olympics itself. But perhaps of far greater concern are the terrorist threats and the violence that have plagued many previous Olympics. As for the atheletes and their officials, I do think they welcome the extra measures the Beijing and Olympic authorities have taken for their protection for a safe and fair games.
Then what about the rest of the world? The tourists are already there anxiously awaiting the games in droves. Hong has been sometimes swamped with the equestrian events already. China and the Olympic committee has assured the bona fide tourists a safe and happy games. And knowing Beijing’s resolve, it has already happened.
What they have done is almost mind boggling. They made the largest infrastructure build up just for these games ever in the history of the Olympics the world’s largest airport terminal, a high speed rail system, the largest Olympic village, stadiums, swimming facility, equestrian facility, roads, hotels, tourist attractions, etc. They’ve even ensured the severe reduction of air pollutants over Beijing – yes, the air quality is much better for the games. So why not the security.
The epitome of the wealthy and vibrant entrepreneural society is without doubt, Hong Kong. Making money is the way of life and financial freedom is the national aspiration. Just go there and try not to get run over by the pace of life. Regardless, you’ll be bowled over by the intensity of just about everyone’s money making lifestyle – from the very young to the very old and infirm. There are probably more entrepreneurs here per square kilometer than anywhere else in the world.
Ever wondered why China much prefers Hong Kong to go their merry financial way? Just take a look at this video – it’s rather long but very well made. It really comes to the point.
If China’s symbolism is the Dragon then Hong Kong really is the Dragon’s Pearl.
This is a must visit place in the world – a tax and business haven – but be aware, mainly because of it’s very low tax and income friendly environment, there is no place to really rest up. It’s always go – go – go until you almost drop. Life is as fast paced as you have never imagined it to be. But even more so, the velocity of money and real estate is unparalelled. This is one of the world’s premier financial centres and lifestyle destinations.
Investment in Shaanxi Province in China has taken a big upturn with the Chinese government attracting foreign investment and providing unprecedented infrastructure investment. Once an ancient financial powerhouse and the political seat of power, is coming into its own in the twenty first century.
Best Investment In China: Shaanxi Province. Video Gem. Watch.
Internationally not very well known but Shaanxi has been at the forefront of it’s cultural resurgence of its ancient power. The capital Xi’an or it’s ancient name, Chang’an, is the start of the original silk route.
Now as in the ancient past, wealth building for the people living in the region is on the upswing. Open entrepreneurship is encouraged. Indeed, loans and foreign joint ventures are officially encouraged and recognized. Think you’ve got something to offer and make a good profit too? Simply take a business paid holiday and find out for yourself. Your first stop from the rest of the world will of course be the incredible new Beijing Capital International Airport before taking an interior flight or train to Xi’an. But do your travel research before embarking on your ambitions.
Paying a visit to this province, one of the cradles of ancient civilisations, one can see the ancient history embedded in its culture – that of a proud and distant past, still evident today. This is China proper. But there are a number of ethnic groups all mixed within the matrix, of this special area of China.
High technology is encouraged here as is modernisation. There is no fear of losing the cultural heritage or indeed the historical monuments and newly found historical places – they are all carefully preserved and protected by law and society. Remember the Terra Cotta Warriors? Remember their sovereign journey.
The Monaco of the Far East is no accident. Macao became the money oyster in which many pearls were developed. Today, this is the destination of choice for casino goers. Despite recessionary fears, Macao remains the casino resort of choice for the world. The entire infrastructure is built to cater to tourists. It shows in the relative wealth of its residents.
This is Macao, China – music by Charlie Santos.
The video says it all about the buildings and the culture of the Portugese settlers, mixed with the indeginous Chinese.
Mentioning Macao is incomplete if I did not tell folks about their Grand Prix Race for the world formula 3 championships. Check it out below taken off a Portugese TV coverage.
Macao is a playground for the rich and famous as well as the casual visitor. It is a world casino destination and their real estate prices have been climbing steadily for many years. The standard of living is quite enviable with many of the modern amenities anyone would need.
Of course, China has wisely chosen to give Macao a special status within their rule, similar to Hong Kong.
The very fetching waitress had time to chat with us as we watched the ferries go by the Alcatraz Island, the former but still infamous prison in the sea. She looking for another job as this one no longer pays. People do not tip enough anymore and there are far fewer customers. Many people are going broke. Her own brother is now bankrupt and house prices are so low, many people owe the banks just about everything they have.
In New York – what recession? In Florida – we’re devastated. In Europe, they are actually calling it a correction or a slowdown. In South America, it’s cautious optimism. Most of Africa is still struggling to get back on their feet. But anywhere around China, the mood is still of optimism with the Olympics in full swing. Of course, Japan’s economy is still slow only because it still hasn’t fully recovered from the very long drawn out economic slump.
Dubbed “The Playground of the Wildly Wealthy” was our tour guides call to action as he boastfully declares the vastness and unlimited resources of the Mighty Amazonian jungles. The boat load of wealthy investors from all over the world were here to make a fully paid luxury adventure of parts of the Amazon’s seemingly undepletable resources. The air conditioning kept us comfortable as we meandered up the wide and lazy Amazon displayed to us the advantages of investing in the virgin explorations of mining and oil reserves.
