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Just moved to the US

2 hour readExpats, immigrants, and anyone relocating to the United States

The six things I wish someone had explained to me when I relocated from Singapore. In the order you actually need them.

1

The Big Picture: What to Expect

I moved from Singapore. The cultural adjustment, the paperwork, the surprises — here's what I wish I'd known before arriving.

2

Your First Priority: Building Credit

You arrive with no credit history. No credit means no apartment, no car loan, no phone plan. Start here — it unlocks everything else.

3

Making Credit Work for You

Once you have a credit score, the US rewards system is incredibly generous. Points, miles, cashback — here's how to maximize it without overcomplicating things.

4

Where to Put Your Savings

T-Bills or HYSA? If you're in a high-tax state like California, the answer isn't obvious. Here's my updated breakdown with current rates and tax math.

5

Understanding US Healthcare

HSA, FSA, HDHP, PPO — the alphabet soup of American healthcare. This is the part that confused me most. Here's what I learned.

6

Enjoy the Country: National Parks

After the paperwork and the finances, go see the country. America's national parks are extraordinary. Here's our family's guide.