Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
At 33, sometimes I feel as if I have already lived thousands of lives. I am initially from Los Angeles and in the last decade I have done everything from teaching English in China to serve as an emergency worker in Turkey during the war in Syria.
After completing my master’s degree in London, I started working as a product manager at a global tourist company and had the opportunity to transfer to the US or Germany, where my husband is.
When I was considering my decision, I made a little mathematics and realized that in Germany, even with a lower salary than the one I would get in the US, I can achieve my financial goals, such as Payment of my student debtfaster.
Since February 2020 I call Berlin, Germany, my home and I have never been happier. That’s why I like to live here:
Don’t miss out: How to use AI to be more productive and successful at work
I love our quiet, cozy neighborhood
My husband and I live in an area west of Berlin, called Charlottenburg, a relatively quiet neighborhood full of cozy cafes and middle -class families. I am with many store owners in the first name and I love the community here.
We live in 1100 square meters apartment with 2 bedrooms and balcony. We pay $ 1843 per month for rent, about $ 350 for utility services and $ 240 for parking. We paid almost the same in London, but our apartment in Berlin is twice as large and the building is much newer.
To enjoy the sun’s rays and the beautiful day in the city.
Photo: Vanessa Wahtmister
As for the food, I am a big fan of Metro, which is essentially the Costco of Germany. Every two weeks we spend about $ 300 on our main products. We fill in other items purchased from local budget retailers, such as Aldi and Lidl. Lidl sells 45 cents Brötchen or breads that are my favorite.
Moving here helped me to pay off my debt
In Germany, the government provides things like guaranteed health care, pensions, parental leave, free university and even unemployment insurance. I have a few friends who were cut, but thanks to this insurance, they were able to receive 80% of their salary in a year.
When I decided between the US and Germany, I crush some numbers And I realized that with the social security network – and without having to spend thousands of dollars for emergency medical cases, for example – I will be able to save between $ 1000 and $ 3000 each month. That made a huge difference.
In front of the Brandenburg Gate.
Photo: Vanessa Wahtmister
When I arrived, I was facing a student debt of $ 130,000. I managed to pay everything in November 2023 while still saving and investing for my future. It was a huge burden on my shoulders and I don’t worry that I can’t pay my bills here.
My money goes further and I am also glad to give my fair share so that people have access to maintenance when they need it.
There is a tangible sense of community
What surprised me and delighted the most when I arrived in Berlin was a deep sense of egalitarianism, which seemed to be shared, regardless of their origin.
very much cultural events They have free entrance because access and participation are large basic values here. One of my favorite things to do in the summer is to explore cafes in other neighborhoods and go to food festivals.
Enjoying a drink and the atmosphere in an outdoor cafe.
Photo: Vanessa Wahtmister
Festivals are fun, cheap (usually only $ 12 on drink and snacks) and often celebrate different cultures and countries. This is a great way to meet people with similar thinking in a 6 million city.
I also found that the Berlin Immigrant Community, which I am so proud to be a member, is particularly friendly. We all understand how insulating the experience can be to find a support in a new place.
I have access to the rest of the European Union
In February I will be a five -year -old resident of Germany. This means that I will have the right to apply for a passport and dual citizenship instead of just a permanent residence.
Here I am at Potsdamer Plaz, to one of the parts of the Berlin Wall presented there.
Photo: Vanessa Wahtmister
Having a German passport means that I will have the opportunity to move where I want in the European Economic Area. My long -standing dream is to retire early, get chickens and live peacefully in the Italian province. Getting a passport from the EEA is a key part of this plan.
In the end, although I called many places a home, the decision to come to Berlin opened more roads to me than I ever thought was possible.
Vanessa Wahtmister is proud Chicana from Los Angeles, California. She is a leader of thought and creator of digital content who has accumulated over 700,000 followers on multiple social media sites with her platform Wander forwardS Today, Vanessa lives in Germany and her aim is to continue to create digital products that improve the lives of North Americans abroad and help others strive for financial independence and independence from location.
Do you want to improve your AI skills and be more productive? Get the new CNBC online course How to use AI to be more successful at workS Expert instructors will teach you how to get started, practical use, tips for effective quick writing and mistakes that you should avoid. Sign up now and use Earlybird coupon code for an entry discount of 30% of $ 67 (+ taxes and fees) By February 11, 2025
