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If you really think about it, housing, AC, heat, property taxes, home maint. etc. is your biggest cost. I continue to research low cost alternatives. If you really sit down and think about it, the average retired couple often has far more space than they really need. EG: Does a retired couple need 3 bedrooms? Need a yard for the kids?
I admire anyone who can make it work. It's going to take more than reading several articles, though. There is a whole host of issues to consider, and certainly, it's not a solution for everyone.
As pointed out on the threads about people retiring to low COL areas, there are always going to be trade-offs, some more acceptable than others.
The worst, I think, is retiring to an "American Colony" anywhere. If you don't speak the language and "fit in" somehow, there exists a serious potential for trouble. On the other hand, if you are part (native of that country) and speak the language fluently, then there is a greater chance of keeping a higher quality of life in times of trouble where being American might not be the best idea.
for those who think they can do better in another country check really closely: check what you get in housing; very few countries have housing the way we do: for us a small apartment is a gigantic one in many countries: check the taxes; check the honest availability of good health care; think about being separated from your family and the cost of travel: then tell us, based on a couple of articles about retiring in other countries. It might work for some, there are many who seem to like Costa Rica for starters, but for most of us: it is cheaper and better to continue to live in America. We have friends who tried Belize, they lasted about 6 months. Other friends that spent 1/2 the year in AZ and 1/2 in Mazatlan. There place in Mazatlan was a dream come true, but it also was super expensive. They eventually sold it. We had another friend who decided they would rather live in New Zealand: they were not retired yet. She was from the UK and he America. I think they were gone 2 years at the most. They couldn't wait to get back to America and her entire family was still in the UK.
Can't wait for the moment my brother who lives in Brazil realizes that he can't find anyone to do his knee replacement much less rehab and PT to bring him back to optimal health.
He "retired" there - actually, he ran away from from an ex-wife to a life where his $1000 a month pension would go a long way. His new wife is a rancher - he is a well kept man.
But they live in rural Brazil. Far from optimal medical facilities much less specialized surgical/medical care and rehab.
I agree with whomever said you'd have a much better time living in low cost America - flyover, or whatever you want to call it.
for those who think they can do better in another country check really closely: check what you get in housing; very few countries have housing the way we do: for us a small apartment is a gigantic one in many countries: check the taxes; check the honest availability of good health care; think about being separated from your family and the cost of travel: then tell us, based on a couple of articles about retiring in other countries. It might work for some, there are many who seem to like Costa Rica for starters, but for most of us: it is cheaper and better to continue to live in America. We have friends who tried Belize, they lasted about 6 months. Other friends that spent 1/2 the year in AZ and 1/2 in Mazatlan. There place in Mazatlan was a dream come true, but it also was super expensive. They eventually sold it. We had another friend who decided they would rather live in New Zealand: they were not retired yet. She was from the UK and he America. I think they were gone 2 years at the most. They couldn't wait to get back to America and her entire family was still in the UK.
American standards for housing far surpass what most other countries have.
Over in the retirement forum a true "cottage" was being described as living in a coffin.
I found it interesting that Belize is on the list and has been touted for the last few years as a safe haven for retirement, E-business operations and living with your assets transferred there because of low taxation etc etc etc.
I found it interesting that Belize is on the list and has been touted for the last few years as a safe haven for retirement, E-business operations and living with your assets transferred there because of low taxation etc etc etc.
We're all going broke. That said I have decided to stay in the US in the lower cost Mid South and take my chances with the devil I know rather than go overseas.
We're all going broke. That said I have decided to stay in the US in the lower cost Mid South and take my chances with the devil I know rather than go overseas.
Yeah probably a slower march to insolvency. Then again New Jersey where you are now is on a much faster pace and helping to lead the way.
Yeah probably a slower march to insolvency. Then again New Jersey where you are now is on a much faster pace and helping to lead the way.
Bought a house in North Carolina getting away from this corrupt place.
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