Do Expatriates Pay Less in Taxes?

There is a free report from International Living that provides details on the tax implications of living in various countries as an American citizen.

So, does living abroad mean a tax savings to the American expatriate? Not necessarily. There are some countries with low tax rates which may mean savings, such as Panama. There are other countries that have double-taxation treaties with the USA, including France and Mexico.

For a detailed answer to the question, there's a book you can order, The Expatriate's Tax Bible. Or, you can check with a tax professional who works with expatriates - either in the US, or in the foreign country you're investigating. Search Google for "expatriate accountant" and you'll find a list of pros to answer your questions.

Food as Medicine - 2

Aloe vera is amazing. You grow the spiky cacti at home, cut off a spike whenever there's a cut or some sunburn.

But did you know aloe vera can help with arthritis as well as with intestinal problems, including ulcers? Psoriasis is also benefited by aloe vera, as is shingles. Warts. Heartburn, too.

Just rub the gel from a spike onto your painful outer area (arthritic knuckle, scrapped knee) and drink the juice for the internal pain.

How much juice? That depends on what you're addressing. Dr. Weil suggests starting at 1 tablespoon after meals for some things, and the WholeHealth doctors think one-half cup in the morning, and again in the evening, is good for some others.

Also, check the juice for quality. None of the options are expensive, but some have higher aloe content than others. Always insure that "aloe vera" is the first ingredient on the list.

Sources: wholehealthmd.com, drweil.com.

Favorite Thrift Store Finds

When you start shopping thrift stores, there's the thrill of finding a great deal that just never happened at the mall. For example, yesterday I was introduced to Family Thrift Store on Blanco Road, a great thrift store, by Mr. X. (There are several Family Thrifts in San Antonio: Goliad is smaller and Bandera is bigger.)

The best buy was his, not mine: for $39, he took home to his wife a gently worn Dooney & Burke purse which would cost over $300, if bought brand-new. All-weather leather, large, nice. The black with tan trim - still had the dangling duck medal on it. An identical bag is up for resale today at WildPacificProducts for $275.00.

What's your best buy story?