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Regardless of all our ills, our unfair , generational practices, and age discriminations, the short term botton line is the economy.... Even us retired folks depend on a strong economy , for our investments, a younger working spouse, selling our long occupied abode on the high,...the list goes on.
Many of us need a retirement job also, having to compete with the younger set, that should be still in Corporate business instead of a sales clerk at Ace Hardware.... Yes , a better economy is what will change a lot of things , for all of us right now. I see better times coming, Industry is buying machinery and equipment big time , its always been the first step in the past , lets hope jobs will follow in 6 months, as in the past.
I have a good number of years before I retire, but I'm ruling out the US as a place to retire due to the insanely high cost of living. By the time I retire a starter home will likely go for $1,000,000 and cars for $80,000, a gallon of gas $20, gallon of milk $20, etc, etc. In addition to the cost of living, the weather is horrible in the US (either too cold or too hot) unless you live in maybe San Diego.
I hear that some retirees are going to Mexico, Costa Rica, and Turkey near the Mediterranean sea. I don't think Mexico would be a good option due to all the drug wars there, but Costa Rica and Turkey don't sound bad. What other places do you all know of that are affordable places to retire with a decent climate?
Literally millions of people all over this world apply in their country of origin to immigate to the USA. Hundreds of thousands of others don't apply, they sneak across our southern border. My point is that if you think the US is a bad place to live in than you better take a hard look at the rest of the world and ask why they are all coming to the USA.
Think the cost of living is high here? I just came back from a trip to the United Kingdom, France, and the Netherlands. If there is a Walmart in those countries, I didn't see it. You want to buy a soft drink? Plan on spending the equivalent of $3 to buy a coke in an aluminum can. Don't plan on owning a car in most of those places. Gasoline is $7 a gallon. If you are in London, plan on paying a special tax for the privilege of driving your car in inner city areas.
I've got some news for you, friend. There is a reason why the US, Europe, and the other non-third world countries are expensive to live in. The reason is that there is no free lunch in life. First world countries (such as the US, Canada, and European countries) have reliable public health measures that guarantee us clean drinking water and protection from epidemic disease. They have criminal justice systems in place which though, far from perfect, keep the level of violent crime and property crime at a level where the vast majority of us can lead unimpeded lives. They have educational systems in place to train young people to hold responsible positions of employment. All of this costs money and you have to pay your share just like everyone else does.
Now, part of your problem may be you are focusing on California. The cost of living there and in some other coastal states is just out of sight. Maybe you should think about living in an inland state with a lower cost of living? That would be advice. Also, while you are still young get the right jobs skills so that you can earn enough to properly retire. You may want to consider retiring a few years later in life too. It can increase your nest egg considerably.
As one who has traveled around this world to both poor and rich countries, I am going to tell you this nation of ours gets kicked around plenty. No country on this planet is perfect. However, most of us have things far better in this land than they know. Oh, how some like to whine though.
Literally millions of people all over this world apply in their country of origin to immigate to the USA. Hundreds of thousands of others don't apply, they sneak across our southern border. My point is that if you think the US is a bad place to live in than you better take a hard look at the rest of the world and ask why they are all coming to the USA.
Think the cost of living is high here? I just came back from a trip to the United Kingdom, France, and the Netherlands. If there is a Walmart in those countries, I didn't see it. You want to buy a soft drink? Plan on spending the equivalent of $3 to buy a coke in an aluminum can. Don't plan on owning a car in most of those places. Gasoline is $7 a gallon. If you are in London, plan on paying a special tax for the privilege of driving your car in inner city areas.
I've got some news for you, friend. There is a reason why the US, Europe, and the other non-third world countries are expensive to live in. The reason is that there is no free lunch in life. First world countries (such as the US, Canada, and European countries) have reliable public health measures that guarantee us clean drinking water and protection from epidemic disease. They have criminal justice systems in place which though, far from perfect, keep the level of violent crime and property crime at a level where the vast majority of us can lead unimpeded lives. They have educational systems in place to train young people to hold responsible positions of employment. All of this costs money and you have to pay your share just like everyone else does.
Now, part of your problem may be you are focusing on California. The cost of living there and in some other coastal states is just out of sight. Maybe you should think about living in an inland state with a lower cost of living? That would be advice. Also, while you are still young get the right jobs skills so that you can earn enough to properly retire. You may want to consider retiring a few years later in life too. It can increase your nest egg considerably.
As one who has traveled around this world to both poor and rich countries, I am going to tell you this nation of ours gets kicked around plenty. No country on this planet is perfect. However, most of us have things far better in this land than they know. Oh, how some like to whine though.
You make some excellent points here, a lot of food for thought. I am wondering about the "middle class" in the European areas outside the US you have visited. Do they have well paying, steady jobs that allow them to pay so much for housing and food? What is their healthcare system like? Do they pay what we do for health insurance?
markg91359, that was a great post. You made excellent points. My husband, who was born in US, but grew up in Belgium due to his father's job, told me stories of how INSANELY HIGH everything was even back then. I also have friends from Europe who constantly discuss this and some terrible issues facing their countries today.
Hubby has friends from Belgium/France who LOVE it here, so much they spent a fortune for a condo to retire in even though they own a place in the south of France. They actually like the medical care here better, as well. Plus, the area where I live is seeing constant in-migrations from all countries in Europe, plus many of the south American countries. These new immigrants must be seeing something here to like.
I agree, people like to whine. This is a HUGE wonderful country we have here, and there are places where one can live dirt cheap if that is the goal. Sure, it may not be in coastal California, but as others have mentioned, there are plenty of nice cities and towns in the heartland. My hubby's family lives in Indiana, whre they are originally from, and I can't believe how cheap things are there. People just need to explore a little.
By the way, our friends from France who bought the condo - when they come here they are as giddy as children at Christmas, because they just cannot get over how CHEAP things are here compared to France!!!
Location: We_tside PNW (Columbia Gorge) / CO / SA TX / Thailand
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Quote:
Originally Posted by markg91359
Literally millions of people all over this world... to immigate to the USA. ... you better take a hard look at the rest of the world and ask why they are all coming to the USA.
... No country on this planet is perfect. However, most of us have things far better in this land than they know. Oh, how some like to whine though.
OK, good points, BUT... don't forget how this country became so great (gained lots from the knowledge and contribution from immigrants who KNEW this and wanted to BUILD a better country /future for family). I wonder maybe the immigrants should STILL be running this country, rather than silver spoon fed ivy league'rs
I would first like to see a return to volunteer and term limited politicians who are elected by their record of past success in running a business, rather than the media moguls with mega advertising budget to 'convince' the naive voting populace there will be a change .
OP topic, find a credible local gov and an ethical community. That will help keep your costs fair. I find agrarian centric societies to often have a benefit of these qualities.
zoomzoom3: The Black Swan principle illuminates the fact that it's not what you know but what you don't and can't know that will determine the future. (An example of this is that on the eve of the First World War nobody had the faintest idea that such a thing could even happen.) I grew up during the 1960's and the future we thought was inevitable never happened. Instead we got this! And the pace of change seems to be exponential. The Black Swans keep coming faster. The only thing you can count on is that by the time you're of "retirement age" it will be a completely different world. None of the plans you make today will apply. The entire concept of "retirement" will probably be an anachronism. So, good luck.
As a concession to being "on subject": If you were over 45 and had a guarenteed lifetime monthly income of $600 you could get residency in Nicaragua (the second poorest country in the Americas after Haiti). Expect that to change.
zoomzoom3: The Black Swan principle illuminates the fact that it's not what you know but what you don't and can't know that will determine the future. (An example of this is that on the eve of the First World War nobody had the faintest idea that such a thing could even happen.) I grew up during the 1960's and the future we thought was inevitable never happened. Instead we got this! And the pace of change seems to be exponential. The Black Swans keep coming faster. The only thing you can count on is that by the time you're of "retirement age" it will be a completely different world. None of the plans you make today will apply. The entire concept of "retirement" will probably be an anachronism. So, good luck.
As a concession to being "on subject": If you were over 45 and had a guarenteed lifetime monthly income of $600 you could get residency in Nicaragua (the second poorest country in the Americas after Haiti). Expect that to change.
In retirement , the last thing I would want to be around are poor people. The haves and the have nots , can be scary , especially for older less defensive folks.... Look for a stable , well funded medical and educational place , like a resort town and or a College based enviorement.... Use your time and fixed income to search the hidden gems , the " just outside of town places", where you can profit from all the amenities, while living secure and comfortable....Let the rich pave the way for you. Trust me , I know what I am talking about. And I don't mean a large place like Las Vegas ether.
You know what I mean , ...it was the bubble thing, and I speak in generallities, for most ideals. What has worked for you , did not , for a lot of folks that got sucked into it.
Smaller comunities are most likely slower growing, need less infrastructure, and have a often stable economy , not to large not too small or poor....just right. The Goldilocks theroy.
Yeah, I know; I was just joking around. The LV economy is horrible right now; ironically however, that works out well for retirees with a pension who aren't looking for a part-time (or any) job. The retail stores, restaurants, and shows on the Strip all are having unprecedented sales - especially for locals with a Nevada ID - which makes living here right now an incredible bargain.
I just received an e-mail offer from the Mirage to stay there Sun-Thurs for only $33/night, and that offer comes with $25 slot credit, effectively reducing the room rate to $8 + tax if you only do one night.
There are a lot of 241 specials going, and I've even received offers in the mail for completely free items with no other obligation. For example, I just received a $50 gift card to Fleming's Steakhouse. Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar I could go by myself and have dinner for no cost whatsoever if I chose to do so (although I'm sure the restaurant would prefer if I brought my wife with me and spent some money). I also received a flyer recently for a completely free large pizza at a local pizza parlor. My wife and I were in the area last night, called in our order, picked up our pizza, and walked out without spending a penny.
We've even been getting free money for gambling from some of the casinos. For example, Wynn has given us between $20 - $35 every week since the beginning of summer for slot machine play. My wife has fun with that money playing the penny slot machines and getting free drinks (smoothies, cappucinos, and the occasional margarita) while I play poker. We also get to eat free in the restaurants there based on the number of hours I play in the poker room.
So, to bring this back on topic, Las Vegas can be a very inexpensive place to retire - especially in this economy - not to mention being a very vibrant, exciting place to live.
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maybe the immigrants should STILL be running this country, rather than silver spoon fed ivy league'rs
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Black Swans
