All you need to know about studying, working, and living in Germany
“Are you really going?” I asked myself out loud.
The party started in 15 minutes.
I was still in my tiny Berlin student apartment, staring at the mirror like it might offer an escape route.
A few months ago, my daughter came home from her public school in California with a worksheet. At first glance, it looked like any other second-grade schoolwork—some drawings, some writing, maybe a little math. But then I looked closer.
If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I’m a huge fan of real estate investing—especially in Germany. Back when we lived there, we didn’t just buy our dream home… we also went on to buy two more investment properties.
If you want to know more about how I became a landlord in Germany, I’ve shared the full story before. Honestly, I loved everything about it.
Two years ago, after our big move from Germany to the U.S., I sat down with my new American tax adviser and asked a seemingly simple question:
“Can I deduct the money I send to support my parents back in Hong Kong on my U.S. tax return?”
He looked at me, paused for a moment, and then said:
“No. Actually… depending on how much you send, you might even trigger a gift tax.”
Wait. What?! Gift tax?
Last week, we had something really special: one of our German friends visited us here in California!
He was actually on a business trip to Texas, but he made an extra effort just to visit us for one night. That really touched us.
Planning a family relocation or moving with kids? It’s an exciting yet daunting process, and I’ve walked that road myself. Whether it’s helping your children settle into a new school or making sure they stay connected to old friends, there’s a lot to consider. But with some preparation and a little creativity, you can make the transition smoother for everyone. Let me share what I’ve learned along the way.
Struggling to find a job in Germany? You’re not alone. This article features top recruitment experts Nat and Tom, who share their insider tips on everything from job market research to nailing your interviews and evaluating job offers. Discover how to turn your job search into a success story, work in Germany, and seamlessly integrate into German society.
The different tax classes can sound complicated to expats in Germany. What are the different tax classes? What do they mean? Which tax class is the best for your individual situation? Can you really save tax by changing your tax class in Germany? In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about tax classes in Germany.
Are you a freelancer or business owner in Germany? Understanding VAT in Germany (Value Added Tax) is crucial for managing your finances. In this article, I’ll guide you through everything you need to know about VAT in Germany, from the basics to the specifics. So, you can navigate the system with confidence.
Ever wondered how Easter is celebrated in Germany? Curious about the delicious traditional foods the German people enjoy during this festive season? Want to know why Easter is such a big deal in Germany and when exactly it falls on the calendar? Well, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’re diving deep into the Easter traditions in Germany. Get ready to learn all about it!