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Nairaland Forum / Nairaland / General / Travel / I Finally Got To America-thanks Nairaland! (217521 Views)
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Re: I Finally Got To America-thanks Nairaland! by chiboy429(m): 6:14am On Apr 25, 2016 |
jwillng: alright sire. Keep it rolling |
Re: I Finally Got To America-thanks Nairaland! by SmartMugu: 6:19am On Apr 25, 2016 |
SnakeDoctor2020:Glad ure comfortable. I am too. I love to see everyone doing well. You asked about what kind of life I'm living here, all I can say is most likely way better than you can dream of. I'm probably someone you know, but I'm smartmugu here on NL. 4 Likes 1 Share |
Re: I Finally Got To America-thanks Nairaland! by lionlee216(m): 6:23am On Apr 25, 2016 |
SmartMugu: Your responses so far are matured. I guess You dont frequent politics section where they attack anyhow lol 27 Likes |
Re: I Finally Got To America-thanks Nairaland! by maternal: 6:50am On Apr 25, 2016 |
SmartMugu: I'll answer your questions in numbers again. It keeps the discussion organized. 1. It doesn't matter what your mortgage payments are, can you afford ? If 1200 per month is a bit too much, why not save a higher down payment so your monthly payments could be lower ? Again planning. These homes you claim some people can afford to build in Nigeria, lets be honest, we're talking about corrupted politicians or people from abroad. How many common man in Nigeria can afford their own home ? While you keep on bashing the mortgage scheme, at the end of the day someone abroad will eventually home their own home and build massive equity on it. In Nigeria unless you have a lot of money liquid cash, good-luck. Lastly, stop comparing someone who has a good paying job abroad and gets paid every 2 weeks consistently, to someone who earns 1 US dollar per day. Apples and Oranges. Of course someone abroad can afford to pay 14,440 on mortgage per year. Furthermore, don't compare the quality of the average house abroad to one in Nigeria. 2. I also own property in Nigeria and a side business. I'll be in Lagos 3 weeks from today. I also know what I'm talking about. 3. I live in Canada. I have a child and yes I've paid for daycare before. In Canada, taxes are slightly higher but we get a lot more back from the government up here. The Ontario provincial (equivalent to a state) government will also give free college tuition for students who come from a household of 50k or less. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/parenting/the-one-province-that-gets-daycare-right-in-canada-think-7-a-day/article14933862/?page=all http://news.nationalpost.com/news/canada/canadian-politics/is-tuition-really-going-to-be-free-for-some-ontario-students-despite-the-skepticism-heres-how-itll-work 4. I live in Canada. The 100k is obviously Canadian. 5. To sum it up, stop comparing both economies and the cost of living. It's just not comparable. At the end of the day, the quality of life and prosperity is better here than in Nigeria. Regardless of the 1st world problems we face over here. My friend stop it. 21 Likes 1 Share |
Re: I Finally Got To America-thanks Nairaland! by nicerichard05: 6:59am On Apr 25, 2016 |
jwillng: Done already bro |
Re: I Finally Got To America-thanks Nairaland! by maternal: 7:12am On Apr 25, 2016 |
SmartMugu: You have proven my point why people would prosper and live a better life here. The government cares !! 7 Likes 1 Share |
Re: I Finally Got To America-thanks Nairaland! by TeddyBlue(m): 8:15am On Apr 25, 2016 |
. 1 Like |
Re: I Finally Got To America-thanks Nairaland! by SmartMugu: 8:19am On Apr 25, 2016 |
maternal: From your point #5, only a fool would say Nigeria is better than Canada or the US. Also, only a fool will just jump on a plane without thinking of what to expect wherever they're heading to, which is the reason I made my initial comment. Im not related to anyone here and don't have a problem with being point-blank on saying what could save them some troubles - information is key. Many Nigerians have been brainwashed with the wrong information about life overseas and that has been on for decades. The only ones that have realized it are the ones that have seen things themselves. When I first got to the US, all I knew about the US were all I saw on TV and word of mouth. I went through a lot to get where I am today, but it would have been different if I had access to the right information in the beginning. Your point #1, $1200 per month for the kind of place I want for myself and my family isn't much, and I obviously took the deal because I could afford it. I mentioned that again for those that haven't factored the fact that putting a roof over their head wherever they're heading to think about that. No comment on your point #2, Im sure any smart Nigerian living overseas should own something back in Nigeria and should be ready to book the next available flight if they want. On your point #3, I don't know of anyone in the US making 6-figures in dollars and getting government help. I have never gotten a dime from the US government towards anything because of my income. I guess Canada is different, I don't know why the Canadian government should pay for your daycare if you make $100k. As I mentioned in my original post, visiting a place is a different experience from living there. I visited Canada several times but never lived there. What happens to those that only make like $10k per annum. Those are the types the US government help. Do those that make $1m per annum still get government help in Canada? I understand healthcare is free in Canada, it's not in the US. About $600 is deducted from my paychecks every month for my family's healthcare insurance. I haven't even been sick nor seen a doctor for about 2 years, yet about $300 is taken from me bi-weekly. Your point #4 is noted. Thanks for clarifying. 11 Likes 1 Share |
Re: I Finally Got To America-thanks Nairaland! by Nobody: 8:20am On Apr 25, 2016 |
SmartMugu:Well, it's good to know that you are doing good too yourself. It gladdens my heart to see my fellow Nigerians doing well here in US. I am not in a competition with anyone so I don't wish to live the life you are living, I am already living a life of a dream come true. And I hope you have taken care of this situation ==> https://www.nairaland.com/2494574/how-tell-wife-she-std 1 Like |
Re: I Finally Got To America-thanks Nairaland! by SmartMugu: 8:22am On Apr 25, 2016 |
SnakeDoctor2020:Sure, I took care of that. It happened about a couple of years ago. Fixed |
Re: I Finally Got To America-thanks Nairaland! by Nobody: 8:26am On Apr 25, 2016 |
SmartMugu:But that was just August 01 2015? Anyways, it's good to know that you have fixed it. |
Re: I Finally Got To America-thanks Nairaland! by SmartMugu: 8:30am On Apr 25, 2016 |
SnakeDoctor2020:That was when I posted it here on NL. That was actually the first topic I ever posted here and it was just shortly after I joined NL I think. The actual incident occurred much earlier than that. But it's fixed though. |
Re: I Finally Got To America-thanks Nairaland! by akanniade10(m): 8:42am On Apr 25, 2016 |
SmartMugu: Been to the UK a couple times so don't school me about traveling abroad, my Mom and Sister are UK citizens and are living there. I only go there to Visit. And yes I choose to live here cos it pays me. But I still stand on my words that your first write up isn't encouraging anyone who wants to go abroad to hustle. Why did u relocate? Why did you marry an American? All na Hustle!!! If u can survive it, why can't others? In this Age and Time, people know abroad is not where you go to pluck money on trees, but trust me no matter what you say It's better than living in Naija except if maybe you have a very very good job and a very viable business. 21 Likes |
Re: I Finally Got To America-thanks Nairaland! by SlowlybtSurely: 8:43am On Apr 25, 2016 |
SnakeDoctor2020: And what has that link got to do with the topic of discussion? What was your aim of posting it here? Personal attack? Cos he has a different opinion? How low. SmartMugu: Please you owe no one no explanation. That is your personal life and has got nothing to do with what is being discussed here. 41 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: I Finally Got To America-thanks Nairaland! by akanniade10(m): 8:45am On Apr 25, 2016 |
honey86: Please tell him.... Cos he seems to know it all |
Re: I Finally Got To America-thanks Nairaland! by Truth234(m): 8:52am On Apr 25, 2016 |
SnakeDoctor2020: How old are you? 17 Likes |
Re: I Finally Got To America-thanks Nairaland! by SmartMugu: 8:54am On Apr 25, 2016 |
akanniade10: Pls re-read my first post and highlight what translates to whatever you're saying about me now. I feel like we are saying the same thing in two different languages, yet we are both typing in English, which is weird. What have you said that goes against what I said in my original post? I'm open to corrections, please point out what I said in my original post that you would to correct me on. All I was trying to tell everyone can be summarized easily 1. Living somewhere is different from visiting the same place. 2. Choosing to live somewhere instead of just visiting comes with its own type of drama that isn't same as in Nigeria. 3. Be prepared with the right information before jumping on a plane because you just want to get out of Nigeria. I grew up and schooled in Lagos. All I knew how to do in Naija back then was school and hustle until I dipped out in 2004 right after college. Several folks here on NL were probably still in their diapers the night I dipped out. What type of hustle in Lagos can you narrate to me that I haven't done or I'm not aware of? Unless the idea came from Mars. So, I understand hustle and don't school me - in your words. I personally think it would help anyone that has hustled before in Nigeria to hustle less when they make it out of the country, and having access to the right information can get them prepared. Unfortunately, you and others took it like I'm discouraging anyone. Congrats on your two visits to the UK, I can't count how many times I've been there. Yes, I'm married to an American, but I've been an American myself from birth, so I didnt have to marry for papers. I was raised in Nigeria decided to bounce after college in Nigeria I didn't leave any stable girlfriend in Nigeria and decided to marry an American I dated for over 6 years here about 4 years ago and we have two lovely kids and are still happy together after 10 years together. I don't agree with going back home to find some random girl to bring over like several Nigerians do. Is that a crime? No one is trying to school you, school yourself with the information available to you. 23 Likes |
Re: I Finally Got To America-thanks Nairaland! by SmartMugu: 9:00am On Apr 25, 2016 |
SlowlybtSurely:I know exactly what he was trying to do. It doesn't bother me though. I tend to look forward, not backwards. I intended my initial comments to translate to insights, rather folks started jumping at me like I'm a show-stopper. I'm done with this thread. Thanks bro for noticing that. 15 Likes |
Re: I Finally Got To America-thanks Nairaland! by RedCapChief(m): 9:28am On Apr 25, 2016 |
SmartMugu: I'm really interested in the credit economy of the US. It is possible to get huge loans at great rates, bring the money to Nigeria and invest in high-yielding ventures( particularly if you can change at the parallel market). For instance, US Treasury Bill rates are very poor when compared to Nigeria Treasury Bill rates. The only problem is probably getting the credit-worthiness required to get such a loan. @CFCman, SmartMugu, Maternal et al, what do you think? |
Re: I Finally Got To America-thanks Nairaland! by Emmyk(m): 9:47am On Apr 25, 2016 |
SlowlybtSurely:I wonder. 4 Likes |
Re: I Finally Got To America-thanks Nairaland! by SmartMugu: 9:56am On Apr 25, 2016 |
RedCapChief:In my opinion, you would need some type of institutional loan for a venture like that, not a personal loan. I would think how banks determine credit worthiness for that type of loan would be different from if they were just dealing with an individual, where they can just run their credit and grant or deny them loans. Let's say things work well and you're granted the loan, getting it to Nigeria and receiving it at black market rates is something to think about - since western union, money gram, wire transfers from the US only work with the rates Nigerian banks offer you, which could translate to some loss for you. 3 Likes 1 Share |
Re: I Finally Got To America-thanks Nairaland! by mikkyangel(m): 10:31am On Apr 25, 2016 |
jwillng: Yes ohhh,I live in Los Angeles California. ...d sunshine state... From Inglewood to Hollywood -Santa Barbara to Santa Monica -sanbernadino to santaclarita...... The hustle never stops! God bless America!!! Op,I agree wit ur points....but dis yanky,hmmnnn one has to be careful ohh... Na vex I use vex go pay off my credit debt of $8k (2.5m) , last week after 3months of non stop hustling back to back doing day and night jobs. . D monthly intrest rate was getting too much (na him I vex go give dem dem money and card back).. OP,me wants to visit canada by summer (Toronto and Vancouver British Columbia ), and I will be going from BALTIMORE or new jersey...I just wanna know, na Greyhound bus u use travel? Cos I wanna go buy road.. 2 Likes |
Re: I Finally Got To America-thanks Nairaland! by Originalsly: 11:06am On Apr 25, 2016 |
akanniade10:Bro...you should reread Smartmugu's comment to get his point. He even mention visiting and living on a place are two different things. He has made it so basically why can't you or anyone else follow the same path? Think about this.... do you know how long ago he entered the US?.... do you know the job situation at the time?.... do you know the laws at the time?...do you know the cost and availability of housing at the time? Someone that entered the US 25 years ago without papers or any skill or qualifications would've found it much easier and quicker to find employment and shelter than someone entering the US today with papers. ..... do you know that at that time if for some reason you were arrested by the police it was illegal for them to find out about your status?.... and that today they do?... and the reason for so many deportations? Put things in perspective.... know and prepare for the challenges that may lay ahead....that's all he is saying ... look before you leap....so why call that discouragement? Op of this thread is saying the same thing between the lines... he looked very well before he leaped. 8 Likes |
Re: I Finally Got To America-thanks Nairaland! by ttmacoy: 5:39pm On Apr 25, 2016 |
Regarding your point on healthcare, while it is free at point of service, it is not necessarily free as it is paid through taxes. As someone who lived in the UK and now the US there are pros and cons to both systems. With the US insurance system I feel I can control my healthcare costs because I can choose an insurance policy with higher co pay and lower payments if I am young and healthy and increase it as I get older and less healthy or have children, but obviously the downside is the higher co pay should I et seriously sick. Same as you I was in the UK over 10 years and I went to the doctor maybe 4-5 times yet I paid for it in my taxes monthly. In the US you also have pre tax health accounts where you can keep some pretax dollars for medical payments which means if you can keep the money there to cover whenever you fall ill and need to pay the higher c pay, and it rolls over if you don't use it so you don't lose it as opposed to paying high taxes irrespective of if you need it or not. As i said there are pros and cons to both and in the US if you don't have a good insurance policy i.e. from employers then you can get in financial trouble very quickly. In summary the way I see it, if you have a good job and good insurance policy, the US system is better as you get better services because the pressure on the NHS is unsustainable, but if you are a lower level earner or do not have access to affordable insurance, then the UK or Canadian system works better as it covers everyone irrespective of earning. On your other points I see where you are coming from and I agree with some, but one thing is you cannot make comparisons simply by converting dollars to naira and saying I pay $1500 mortgage but in Nigeria that would get me xx because we need to consider the cost of living and earning potential in both countries first. It's not a straight dollar to naira conversion, SmartMugu: 4 Likes |
Re: I Finally Got To America-thanks Nairaland! by jwillng: 6:13pm On Apr 25, 2016 |
mikkyangel: MikkyAngel-The King of California himself! You are the one making all the money! We drove to Canada. I went with a family friend and his family. They are citizens/green card holders. Journey was long through Minnesota and North Dakota. We entered through North Portal (dont know if thats the name of the town or just the name of the border crossing). It was a 24 hour crossing-so we were allowed to enter late at night. We drove over a day-but it was interesting seeing all the oil fields of North Dakota and many interesting sights. I have heard of Greyhound -but have not had the opportunity to ride in it. But I may be taking the Mega Bus to Chicago in a few weeks. 2 Likes |
Re: I Finally Got To America-thanks Nairaland! by ttmacoy: 6:16pm On Apr 25, 2016 |
$10 a day Wow make I no mention how much we pay. That is so cheap. honey86: |
Re: I Finally Got To America-thanks Nairaland! by Emmanuelson(m): 6:21pm On Apr 25, 2016 |
Hello everyone, please I need advice on this...My mom lives and work in new jersey since 2012.I just graduated from university here in Nigeria and I plan to apply for visit visa and when I get to the states I will apply for masters which I plan to start soon...please is there a chance of coming on a visit visa and study for my masters at the same time...Note my mom will become a permanent resident/ citizen next year and can easily file for me then...thanks |
Re: I Finally Got To America-thanks Nairaland! by maternal: 6:40pm On Apr 25, 2016 |
SmartMugu: Whether you make $1 dollar or 1 million we all get the same benefits. Obviously the one making 1 million will get taxed more. Again nothing is free in Canada, our taxes cover it. THE POINT is with the system here, life is better abroad and one can make it here, especially in Canada as the government will help you when you're down. I'm just saying your experience isn't a fact. Your experience is your experience. 7 Likes 1 Share |
Re: I Finally Got To America-thanks Nairaland! by maternal: 6:53pm On Apr 25, 2016 |
SmartMugu: No vex, but you're a walking contradiction. It's actually become comical and insulting to those trying to leave naija. I won't even get into. But all I want to say is that despite you claiming to be a wise/business individual, why can't you see the business moves your parents did for you ? You think borning you in America was a coincidence ? You think you "deciding" to comeback to America after college was a coincidence too ? My friend even the naija you're hailing your parents knew was crap and planned your easy escape. If you didn't have that yankee passport you'd be back in naija struggling, looking for a way t come abroad. Lets please all respect ourselves abeg, and not discourage those praying to be in your situation. 29 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: I Finally Got To America-thanks Nairaland! by SmartMugu: 7:59pm On Apr 25, 2016 |
ttmacoy:I agree with all your points bro. Right on! |
Re: I Finally Got To America-thanks Nairaland! by SmartMugu: 8:29pm On Apr 25, 2016 |
maternal:I understand you better now. No hard feelings bro, I understand the struggle. It's still struggle anywhere else too, but I know Naija struggle is first-grade. If things could get better there, several folks would come back home and probably help the economy in their own little ways. I never discouraged anyone through the whole rants. You probably misinterpreted me. Anyway, I rest my case. 4 Likes |
Re: I Finally Got To America-thanks Nairaland! by SmartMugu: 8:38pm On Apr 25, 2016 |
ttmacoy:I thought I never heard of that before until he mentioned it. I need to move to Quebec then...lol |
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