I've always liked this site for the incredible amount of good information you can find if you put the time in and search. For those that keep up like i do, there has been a lot of recent talk in the budget thread above. I for one, have read the thread in it's entirety and find i always look back to see what has changed and what basic expenses remain the same. So it got me thinking.........
How much would it cost for an expat, who did a little pre-arrival homework and preparation, to live a casual life in the northern part of the country today? Not a bare-bones one meal a day life, but your everyday, hot shower, take the kids to the movies once a week, chat online with finds back home, real "Tony the Tiger" corn flakes for breakfast life.
Well, we are all about to find out. It just so happens that after 15 years of working for the same company, I was told my position would be eliminated. Just goes to show you nothing in life last for ever. But with the bad comes the good. I will be collecting unemployment for 26 weeks, and will be receiving a severance package for my years of dedicated service......that's the least they could do.
For those that don't know, I have a 7 year old son, who lives in Nagua with his grandmother, who I would visit at least 4-5 times a year. Well, I decided I would take the opportunity to rent an apartment for a month or two so I could spend some much needed time with my son.
Although I am Dominican by blood, I was born and raised in New York which would make me a Dominican-york. I guess I would fall somewhere in the middle of a pure expat and a Dominican. Once I open my mouth, a local can tell I'm not from the island and have many times been confused for being puertorican.
I plan on documenting all my expenses and adventures on a blog and on DR1 so that others can learn from my misadventures. My mother lives in Puerto Plata so she's asking around for a furnished apartment I could rent since I will only be needing it for 2 months. I'm not planning a budget so whatever expenses come about I will document and explain any options I may have had before spending the cash. My fiance will be spending 2 weeks with me so this will give everyone an idea of what a family of 3 would spend in a 2 week period.
As far as expenses like health insurance, car, school etc... I will be getting quotes and posting the info. I'll still be covered under my employers health because of Cobra, but my mother and step dad can fill me in on what they spend for car and health insurance. School will be out in June, but I will ask my son's grandmother what she currently pays for school in Nagua.
The rest I plan on winging it. I plan on approaching this as if this will be a permanent move so all the daily in's and outs will be recorded.
If there is anything some of you would like me to investigate, just shot me an email or post on the thread. I'll be signing in on a regular so I'll be able to get back to you within a day or so. I'll be posting pics and short video's of my adventure.
Target date..............June 1st.....
How much would it cost for an expat, who did a little pre-arrival homework and preparation, to live a casual life in the northern part of the country today? Not a bare-bones one meal a day life, but your everyday, hot shower, take the kids to the movies once a week, chat online with finds back home, real "Tony the Tiger" corn flakes for breakfast life.
Well, we are all about to find out. It just so happens that after 15 years of working for the same company, I was told my position would be eliminated. Just goes to show you nothing in life last for ever. But with the bad comes the good. I will be collecting unemployment for 26 weeks, and will be receiving a severance package for my years of dedicated service......that's the least they could do.
For those that don't know, I have a 7 year old son, who lives in Nagua with his grandmother, who I would visit at least 4-5 times a year. Well, I decided I would take the opportunity to rent an apartment for a month or two so I could spend some much needed time with my son.
Although I am Dominican by blood, I was born and raised in New York which would make me a Dominican-york. I guess I would fall somewhere in the middle of a pure expat and a Dominican. Once I open my mouth, a local can tell I'm not from the island and have many times been confused for being puertorican.
I plan on documenting all my expenses and adventures on a blog and on DR1 so that others can learn from my misadventures. My mother lives in Puerto Plata so she's asking around for a furnished apartment I could rent since I will only be needing it for 2 months. I'm not planning a budget so whatever expenses come about I will document and explain any options I may have had before spending the cash. My fiance will be spending 2 weeks with me so this will give everyone an idea of what a family of 3 would spend in a 2 week period.
As far as expenses like health insurance, car, school etc... I will be getting quotes and posting the info. I'll still be covered under my employers health because of Cobra, but my mother and step dad can fill me in on what they spend for car and health insurance. School will be out in June, but I will ask my son's grandmother what she currently pays for school in Nagua.
The rest I plan on winging it. I plan on approaching this as if this will be a permanent move so all the daily in's and outs will be recorded.
If there is anything some of you would like me to investigate, just shot me an email or post on the thread. I'll be signing in on a regular so I'll be able to get back to you within a day or so. I'll be posting pics and short video's of my adventure.
Target date..............June 1st.....