John

Wow Steve, must have been crazy to see the ocean so high. Yikes.. that would be terrifying.. but good to hear no intrusion into the house and all systems up and running. The damage and lives lost here (from the first one) near Cebu is really  ... Read More

I used to have complicated taxes (multiple properties, a 1031 Exchg, etc) so had a CPA to sort it all out. Cost me a grand a year and hours just to gather up all my receipts and records. Now life is much simpler so a few hours with Turbo Tax and ... Read More

I agree that Toyotas are virtually indestructible but most will do well if properly maintained, something often lacking here. That said we have had exceptional luck with 3 used (but low mile) vehicles over the past 12 years. Our most recent, a ... Read More

Great news for me, Lotus. Really appreciate and will look into it. The van shuttle from Tucson to PHX is only 2 hours so it could work and I have never flown Starlux. I have recently been flying United to SFO then their partner ANA to Narita and on ... Read More

I received an email from Social Security saying the 2026 increase will be 2.8 percent. - @Enzyte Bob This increase will be an average of $56 per month for beneficiaries, raising the average monthly benefit to $2,071. The adjustment is based on ... Read More

Ha ha ha funny video, but now I understand... if you can do that you are a step ahead of me (pun intended) . There are a couple of large hardware stores in Cebu City that might have one of those. Read More

The problem in America. (I've lived at the epicenter of this in LA for over 30 years.) Is that they stopped enforcing the southern border. And allowed many millions of illegal immigrants into the country. In order to bolster democratic voters. In CA ... Read More

Totally concur with what those fine gentleman said. I keep all investments in US brokerage and bank accounts and make transfers monthly from Wells Fargo into my partner's account at BPI, using WFB Express Send service (direct bank to bank). It has a ... Read More

I agree and unfortunately, I suspect it didn't end well for those fellows. Read More

Speaking of Chinese military capability in the SCS, did anyone catch the recent video of the two Chinese military vessels (a CCG cutter and a PLA navy destroyer) running into each other while pursuing a Philippines Coast Guard cutter? Holy ... Read More

@pnwcyclist So shooting your own legally owned guns on your own property (obviously not in a populated area - like say you owned a few hectares) is not a normal thing for Filipinos? Like it is in rural areas of the US?Interesting about being able to ... Read More

@Moab762Welcome to the forum, my understanding is that one can go to a public range and shoot their guns. I have not done so, although my woman has expressed an interest and there are a few ranges in our area, so maybe we will at some point. Yes, I ... Read More

So sorry to hear that Steve, glad you made it through and yes, you earned that through all the hard work and supervision during your work/upgrades on the house. So glad no loss of life there.Hope the clean up goes well, best wishes to you and Ben.PNW Read More

@tim00 Yes. This sucks. I keep my vehicles in tip top condition. Guess I need to start all over. Did you end up purchasing a vehicle in the PH? What strategies did you use? - @Moab762 I have purchased 3 used vehicles in the Philippines over 11 ... Read More