Job Discussion Forums

[musashi44]

I have student loans that probably won't be paid in full before I go to Japan. I was planning on giving a relative(s) of mine power of attorney in which I would send then back x amount of money monthly and they would pas it along to the loan place. Yet, I've seen spots on these boards where it is stated that it is best to have all debts taken care of before leaving. Is there something wrong with my plan? Is it very difficult to get money wired from Japan to America? Thanks for any and all comments.

[Tiger Beer]

Most likely, they are talking about taking care of all debts before you go to Thailand, Brazil, Ukraine, or somewhere else where you won't earn enough to pay the minimums, etc.

Here in Japan, you'll make enough to pay off at least your minimums. You can wire money at any bank or send money through the post office.

[Inflames]

I have a joint bank account with my dad back home. The bank I use has a very good billpay service, as do most companies. My dad doesn't use the account, but if there's a problem or something his name is on it so he can access it (a lot less of a pain than him having power of attorney). When I send money home, I just pay my bills out of the account using either my bank's or the company's website.

[dove]

I always keep a checking account open in the States and I take my checkbook with me. That way, I can deposit money into it (in Japan I used the Lloyds service) from Japan and then write and send checks back to the States. This is also good if you have nieces, nephews, siblings, etc and you want to send a birthday/Christmas check to them.

[markle]

One thing also to consider is that you might have a lean couple of months when you first get here, so it's wise to get ahead of your debt schedule before coming.