Damned, living aboard a 52-foot sailboat is looking better every day. No property taxes, insurance rates are still very reasonable, slip rent is less than property tax, and it usually includes electricity. And, if you don't like the weather, put up the sails and head for another part of the wold.

Up here in the People's Republic of Maryland we too were slammed with higher tax bills after last year's hurricane season. Keep in mind, however, that we didn't have one that hit our shores--the insurance companies just screwed us, and the Maryland State Insurance Comission, which is run by ex-insurance industry CEOs, gave the companies their blessings. Now, the public service commission, which is a similar agency, is allowing the electric company to raise its rates by 72 percent.

I have been fighting my property tax increases for more than 35 years, and when I walk into the tax office I'm armed to the teeth with solid information that refutes their increase justifications. Until this past assessment, I have beat the bastards into the ground, but this time I lost. Ironically, one of the individuals that was sitting on the tax appeal board was an old friend that I had not seen in about 10 years. He voted against me! Paybacks are hell, and one day he's gonna' need a favor from me!

As for the insurance, you have to shop wisely for home-owners insurance, and do so on an annual basis. I have been able to lower my insurance burden on a half-dozen occasions during the past three decades, and the irony of this is I currently am back to the first carrier I had. I went with higher deductables, and a more realistic replacement cost. Some companies claimed they could not replace my home for what I said, but those who wanted my business eventually caved in and agreed with me.

Now, all I have to do is convice my wife that sailboat life ain't so bad!

Cheers,

Gary

------------------
Travlin' Easy