Lisa C.'s activity

Thanks to everyone who has responded.  I really appreciate it and am making a list of suggestions and costs that you have shared.  The information is very helpful.  John, I'll have to send you an e-mail to catch up!Penny, your place looks lovely but we have decided to wait until closer to when we move to purchase a place to not have the costs of maintaining two houses.  Our dollar is also very weak at the moment.I was just given a list of questions from my retirement planner and was wondering if anyone had dealt with the following.  Also, do you have a recommendation of a professional who could give me definitive advice?Any advice would be most appreciated.How does Italy and the USA tax someone that is living full-time in Italy as a permanent resident (with dual citizenship) that receives:1. Dividends2. Cap gains3. Interest4. Income (if you work)5. How are IRA’s and profit sharing accounts    handled and taxed that were established and    funded in the states?6. Social security7. Inheritance8. Life insurance proceeds    

Brancusi,I just wanted to check in and make sure you had received the e-mail I sent you with the name of the mason in Monte Rinaldo I had mentioned. 

Good questions, Badger.  We have no idea as to what type of heating source we'll end up with.  Our preference is for a small independent house with garden (about 150 square meter house) or a townhouse with a garden.  We will try to find something that is habitable as restoration costs always seem to be much more than originally budgeted for.    I really appreciate the detailed financial information which greatly helps me get an idea of that we are in for.  As we only had two wood stoves when we lived in Pisa, I really have no idea of heating costs.  We are planning on living in the southern Marche as of now in the hills between the mountains and the coast and I know it can get quite cold at night.

Gala,What kind of heating do you think is preferable?  Do you think utilities are double or even triple those in the USA?  When we look again at houses, we hope to find something habitable, but may not be able to.  I also appreciate the link to the IRS website.  Thanks very much. 

Thanks Penny, it helps with having a monthly average to start with.  I agree that I need to check in with an accountant and will see if the Italian Consulate in Boston has any recommendations of people who deal with dual nationals.

Thanks again everyone.  Looks like Michael Thomas it is!

I started researching Michael Thomas and Rosetta Stone and saw reviews for another program that got top ratings "Tell Me More".  Does anyone have experience using it?

Thanks Getsett for the language school information.  I'll pass it on to my friend.I also appreciate everyone's feedback about the Michael Thomas cd's and am going to look into ordering them today. 

Hi Brancusi,I don't know of an architect but I do know an excellent Italian mason in Monte Rinaldo, who also may know of an architect.  If you send me an e-mail, I will give you our friend's contact information as he is their brother-in-law and lives down the street.  He prefers to work with traditional materials such as stone and brick and we have seen several houses that he has built.  If we were to build or restore a house, we would definitely use him.  His prices might be a little more than some, but you will only have to have the work done once!.Lisa  

Thanks Anne,I just tried the "My activity" button and it did help.  I had to scroll down to get to the newest posting, but it was easier than trolling through pages of posts.Lisa