‘I don’t fear about not having the ability to pay my payments’

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On the age of 33, I generally really feel like I’ve already lived a thousand lives. I am initially from Los Angeles, and during the last decade, I’ve achieved all the things from instructing English in China to serving as an emergency help employee in Turkey in the course of the struggle in Syria. 

After I accomplished my grasp’s diploma in London, I began working as a product supervisor for a world journey tech firm, and I had the choice to switch to the U.S. or to Germany, the place my husband is from.

When contemplating my resolution, I did some math and I noticed that in Germany, even on a decrease wage than what I might be probably incomes within the U.S., I may obtain my monetary objectives, like paying off my scholar debt, quicker. 

Since February 2020, I’ve known as Berlin, Germany house, and I’ve by no means been happier. Right here is why I like residing right here:

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I am keen on our quiet, cozy neighborhood

My husband and I stay in an space west of Berlin known as Charlottenburg, a comparatively quiet neighborhood full of cozy espresso outlets and middle-class households. I’m on a first-name foundation with lots of the store house owners, and I like the neighborhood right here. 

We stay in a 1,100-square-foot, 2-bedroom condominium with a balcony. We pay $1,843 per thirty days for hire, about $350 for utilities, and $240 for parking. We had been paying about the identical in London, however our Berlin condominium is double the dimensions, and the constructing is far newer. 

Taking within the sunshine and a fantastic day within the metropolis.

Picture: Vanessa Wachtmeister

For groceries, I am a giant fan of METRO, which is actually the Costco of Germany. Each two weeks, we spend about $300 on our bulk staples. We fill in as essential with different gadgets purchased from native funds retailers like Aldi and Lidl. Lidl sells 45 cent Brötchen, or bread rolls, which can be my favourite. 

Transferring right here helped me repay debt

In entrance of Brandenburg Gate.

Picture: Vanessa Wachtmeister

Once I arrived, I used to be going through down $130,000 in scholar debt. I used to be in a position to repay all of it in November 2023, all whereas nonetheless saving and investing for my future. It has been an enormous weight off my shoulders, and I do not fear about not having the ability to pay my payments right here. 

My cash goes farther, and I am additionally completely satisfied to contribute my fair proportion so individuals can entry assist after they want it.

There’s a palpable sense of neighborhood

What stunned and delighted me essentially the most once I arrived in Berlin was the deep sense of egalitarianism that everybody appeared to share, regardless of their background. 

Many cultural occasions have free entry, as a result of entry and participation are large core values right here. Certainly one of my favourite issues to do in the course of the summer season is discover cafes in different neighborhoods and go to meals festivals.

Having fun with a beverage and the ambiance at an out of doors cafe.

Picture: Vanessa Wachtmeister

The festivals are enjoyable, cheap (I am normally spending simply $12 on a drink and snacks) and sometimes have a good time totally different cultures and nations. It is an effective way to fulfill like-minded individuals in a metropolis of 6 million. 

I’ve additionally discovered that Berlin’s immigrant neighborhood, which I am so proud to be a member of, is very pleasant. All of us perceive how isolating the expertise of discovering your footing in a brand new place will be.

I’ve entry to the remainder of the European Union

In February, I’ll have been a German resident for 5 years. Meaning I will be eligible to use for a passport and twin citizenship, as an alternative of simply everlasting residency.

Right here I’m in Potsdamer Platz, subsequent to one of many items of the Berlin Wall on show there.

Picture: Vanessa Wachtmeister

Holding a German passport means I am going to have the chance to maneuver wherever I please within the European Financial Space. My long-term dream is to retire early, get some chickens and stay peacefully within the Italian countryside. Getting an EEA passport is a key a part of this plan. 

Finally, though I’ve known as many locations house, the choice to return to Berlin has opened up extra paths to me than I ever thought doable. 

Vanessa Wachtmeister is a proud Chicana from Los Angeles, California. She is a thought chief and digital content material creator who has amassed over 700,000 followers throughout a number of social media websites, together with her platform Wander Onwards. Right now, Vanessa lives in Germany, and her purpose is to proceed to construct digital merchandise that improve the lives of North People overseas, and assist others pursue monetary and site independence.

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