At the age of 33, I sometimes feel like i’ve already lived a thousand lives. I’m Originally from Los Angeles, and over the last decade, i’ve done everything from Teaching English in China to serving as an emergency aid worker in turkey during the war in syria.
After I Completed My Master’s Degree in London, I Started Working as a Product Manager for a Global Travel Tech Company, and I had the option to transfer to the Us or to geermany, with
When considering my decision, I did some math and i realized that in Germany, even on a lower salary than what I would be potentially earning in the US, I COULD Achieve My Financial Goals, LIKE Paying off My Student DebtFaster.
Since February 2020, I have called Berlin, Germany Home, and I have Never Been Happier. Here is why I love living here:
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I adore our quiet, cozy neighborhood
My Husband and I Live in An Area West of Berlin Called Charlottenburg, A Relatively Quiet Neighborhood Filled with Cozy Coffee Shops and Middle-Class Families. I am on a first-uname basis with many of the shop owners, and I love the Community Here.
We live in a 1,100-saquare-foot, 2-bedroom apartment with a balcony. We pay $ 1,843 per month for Rent, About $ 350 for Utilities, and $ 240 for Parking. We are paying about the same in London, but our berlin apartment is double the size, and the building is much newer.
Taking in the Sunshine and a beautiful day in the city.
Photo: Vanessa Wachtmeister
For Groceries, I’m a big fan of metro, which is essentially the costco of Germany. Every two weeks, we spend about $ 300 on our bulk staples. We fill in as Necessary with other items boght from local budget retailers like aldi and lidl. Lidl Sells 45 Cent brötchen, or bread rolls, that are my favorite.
Moving here helped me pay off debt
In Germany, The Government Provides Things Like Guaranteed Healthcare, Pension, Parental Leave, Tuition-Free Free University and even Unempolyment insurance. I have a less friends who were laid off, but thanks to that insurance, they were able to receive 80% of their salary for one year.
When I was deciding between the US and Germany, I Crunched some numbers And realized that with the social safety net – and not having to set aside thirds of dollars for medical emergencies, for example – I would be able to save to save between $ 1,000 and $ 3,000 Each month. That’s made a huge difference.
In front of brandenburg gate.
Photo: Vanessa Wachtmeister
When I Arrived, I was Facing Down $ 130,000 in Student Debt. I was altar to pay off all of it in November 2023, all while still saving and investment for my future. It has been a huge weight off my shoulders, and i don’t worry about not being alle to pay my bills here.
My Money Goes Farther, and I’M also Happy to Contribute My Fair Share So People Can Access Support when they need it.
There is a palpable sense of communication
What surprise and delighted me the most when I Arrived in Berlin was the Deep Sense of Egalitarianism that always seemed to share, no matter his background.
Maany Cultural events Have Free Entry, Because Access and Participation are big core values here. One of my favorite things to do dogs the summer is explore cafes in other neighborhoods and go to food festivals.
Enjoying a beverage and the Ambiance at an outdoor cafe.
Photo: Vanessa Wachtmeister
The festivals are fun, Inexpensive (I’M usually spending just $ 12 on a drink and snacks) and often celebrate differentials and countries. It’s a great way to meet like-minded people in a city of 6 million.
I’ve also found that berlin’s immigrant communication, which I’m so proud to be a member of, is especially friendly. We all undress how islating the experience of finding your footing in a new place can be.
I have access to the rest of the european union
In February, I will have been a German Resident for five years. That means I’ll be eligible to apply for a passport and dual citizenship, Instead of just permanent Residency.
Here I am in Potsdamer Platz, Next to one of the Pieces of the Berlin Wall on Display there.
Photo: Vanessa Wachtmeister
HOLDING A German Passport means I’ll Have the Opportunity to move wherever I please in the European Economic Area. My long-term dream is to retire early, get some chickens and live peacefully in the Italian CountrySide. Getting an eea passport is a key part of this plan.
Ultimately, even though I have called many places home, the decision to come to come to berlin has opened up more paths to me than I ever thinking.
Vanessa wachtmeister is a proud chicana from los angeles, California. She is a thought leader and digital content creator who has amassed over 700,000 followers across multiple media sites, with her platformWander onlineToday, Vanessa Lives in Germany, and Her Goal is to Build Digital Products that Enhance the Lives of North Americans Abroad, and Help Oshers Pursue Financial and Location Indendence.
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