Countries with lower taxes and a better quality of living?
I’m currently stuck in Denmark, and it feels like I’m in a never ending financial tug of war with the government, saying goodbye to 50% of my hard earned cash each month. Add a 25% VAT on everything and throw in some hefty taxes on utilities, electricity etc, and you’ve got a situation that has me questioning if this is the life I signed up for.
Living in a place where the cold weather feels like an extra tax on happiness, I’m craving a change.
I’m all about individualism, self-sufficiency, and independence. So here’s the big question: Where in the world are you guys finding that sweet spot between low taxes and a great quality of life?
As I contemplate my escape plan, Cyprus, Portugal, and Dubai are on my radar. I dream of living in a country where taxes don’t feel like daylight robbery. But, and it’s a big ‘but,’ my online income isn’t quite flexing its muscles enough for a move to the streets of Dubai just yet.
So, where are you residing? What’s the tax scene like in your corner of the world? Are you doing a happy dance every payday, or are you, like me, wistfully staring at your bank statement, wondering where all your money went?
And let’s not forget the living conditions. On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your overall quality of life?
I’m not just asking for my benefit, this is a collective quest for a better lifestyle.
Your input is greatly appreciated!
(Just to be crystal clear, I’m not fishing for a lecture on why I should be grateful for my current Danish situation or any unrelated personal opinions. If your input doesn’t contribute constructively, save it for another time.)
We can argue paying taxes is “required”. True, better to pay an official mafia (government) than other non official non international treaty abiding mafias (eg, narcos as in Mexico).
The problem is you usually dont pay what is needed for society to work. You pay a lot more. Why? Myriad of reasons. Starting with: government is designed to make people think it in itself is essential.
And they are so so good at it, that many smart people will, without hesitation, recite how important government and taxes are; and make fun of libertarianism or minarchy. Why? It is popular to be in consensus. And since governments have been incredibly successful as portraying themselves as guardians of “social” benefit, they feel “bad” for questioning its rationale.
In my case, I find a night-watchman state ideal. With a little component for social adjustment (as investment, not “because you have to”). I dont mind paying my share for my place and services, and why not, adjusting a bit to assist some people; ideally, voluntarily. I would (and I do, thru donations and such). But never imposed.
Having to work half year to pay the government, and then every other transaction you make, pay again, is washed down slavery.
States are like NGOs… most money go to pay for lobbying and management, instead of actual productive tasks. The sooner we see it, the sooner we can fix it.