Retire Young – Get Outstanding Health Care And Save Megabucks

I adore traveling. My entire family travels, with many of us previously living in other countries. France, Senegal, Morocco, Martinique, China, Brazil, Ghana, Italy, and South Africa are just some of the places we lived that we loved. We are also a healthy family; thanks to healthy living we haven’t had any major health issues. We have been very blessed. With the exception of having my children, I’ve never even been hospitalized overnight.

I meet people who feel that they have to rule out retiring overseas due to health care concerns. Even with our healthy family history, none of us knows what the future will hold; so I absolutely recommend that your future expatriate life should include quality, accessible health care.

A study recently put out by the United Nations, showed that out of sixteen industrialized nations: Japan, Switzerland, Italy, Norway, Sweden, France, Finland, Germany, Australia, Canada, Netherlands, Austria, Ireland, United Kingdom, Denmark and the United States of America, the United States was last in population health.

I live in the southwestern United States; US health care delivery system works well for some people, but no one can say that it is inexpensive. In fact, we pay more for our health needs than any other country. Many of my neighbors go to Mexico for their medical and dental care, as well as to get their prescriptions filled.

When I first learned about other people’s experiences with low cost, high caliber health care I was absolutely flabbergasted. Nor was a lack of Spanish an issue, since the majority of practitioners have an American education and excellent command of the English language. Small business owners make up a large proportion of these people, and so I ask you, what does all of this tell you?

Overseas hospitals can be state-of-the-art. Many facilities and physicians are exceptional by any standard. Here’s an example of what I’m talking about.

According to the Tufts University School of Medicine magazine, BlueCross and BlueShield of South Carolina investigated the issues involved and now offer:

to pay the travel expenses while also paying cash incentives as high as $10,000 for people who decide to use an offshore option. Of course, they can save so much money by doing this that in many cases, especially for the most complex operations, ’savings far exceed these payments’.”

I guess they do save money. Average fees in India (at certain reputable hospitals) are 60 to 90 percent less costly than the average expenditure in the United States for the same procedures.

Now, you realize that when retire, you still must eat properly and get exercise. The last thing you want to do is to get stressed out about health care that you may or may not require.

For your comfort and peace of mind, you can always return to the states annually to your regular doctor for an annual physical. But you should not surrender your dream to retire overseas.

We have compiled a list of the best places to retire; and if you consult that listing and do your research, you’ll have the information you need to choose an amazing retirement location. By selecting expatriate living, you can make the retirement years your most fulfilling because you’ll have all the wonderful adventures you’ve ever dreamed of.

Download your copy of a free special report on the year’s best retirement havens. You can live your fondest desires to retire abroad with outstanding health care and live like royalty in paradise. You are welcome to reprint this article – but get your own unique content version here.

Retire Young – Save Time And Money

Many folks think about retiring overseas. But, there are a few topics you might not remember to consider when thinking about it. Relocating in another country is a lot more serious than merely undertaking a voyage there. There is quite a bit more to consider than you may think. It’s a big leap; therefore, you must do several things prior to being ready to take this on! I will list seven of these items you have to talk about before you can retire abroad.

1. Do Your Homework. You can find a lot of what you need to know online. There are plenty of documents online from the IRS that can tell you about how they tax US residents who live in foreign countries on their retirement money, as well as other issues you may face. Make sure you know enough about: a) the best places overseas to retire, b) Each country’s estimated cost of living, c) The culture of the place, d) What to do and eat when you’re there, e) the climate and temperature fluctuations in your area of your new country, and f) Political history and relations.

2. You’ll need to learn about your new nation’s tax residency laws and to properly declare your income when you’ve retired overseas. You can avoid many difficulties this way. It takes a while to learn what you need to know about taxes, so hire a tax consultant to do this research if possible.

3. Health Care. See if whatever country you want to go to has socialized health care, and if not, how else you would take care of yourself. You could not even qualify for it, despite the fact that you’re going to be living in their country, so read up on it. Medicare won’t cover you if you’re living abroad. Investigate local health care laws and regulations for your target country.

4. You may want to buy a house. Taxes won’t be a serious problem because US property ownership ideas are the same as in most other nations. You’ll be taxed by the host country on your home and property, as is the case in America. Tax and residency laws will vary among nations, as will the windows when you can buy and sell property. Buying a house abroad can be difficult, and may not be possible unless you’re a citizen of your host nation. You’ll need to discover how taxes will be assessed at the time of purchase and each year thereafter, both at home and in your new home country, and to learn more about the other nation’s real estate industry in general.

5. With respect to Social Security Funds, Americans living abroad should know that living in the United States is not a prerequisite for collecting funds. Eligible individuals need only withdraw their funds from the American bank where the deposits are held or contact Social Security to have the funds mailed directly to the person’s overseas residence.

6. Retiring Overseas – How Much Does It Actually Cost? In some cases retiring overseas can cost more than you are planning to spend. When you consider all of those things that are free to you in the United States that you now must pay for, you may find that you are actually spending more money than you would in the U.S.. It is important to identify these additional costs and put them in your budget before you plan to retire and move.

7.Spend Some Time In That Country Beforehand. You might want to take some time to live there on a short term basis to see how you like it. Find out what kind of amenities you can get. Is anything free? What’s cheap to get? What’s not? What native foods can you eat? How would you live life day to day? Make sure you know what the lifestyle of your neighbors will be.

It’s possible to retire overseas. Lots of people flourish as expatriates. Know what you’re getting into, however, before you get started. Make sure you know what you’re paying in taxes, and how you would get real estate.

Get your copy of a free e-book on the year’s best retirement havens. You can live your fondest desires to live abroad with outstanding health care and live like royalty in paradise.

Expat Life – Is It Safe For Americans?

When thinking about the option to retire overseas, many Americans are apprehensive about the prospect. They worry that traveling in general with the current political situation as it stands might make their plans difficult or challenging. It is infrequent, however, that an American living or retiring abroad has a dangerous encounter with local people or the government. Being aware of your surroundings is an important step toward safety. Other practical advice can help ease your mind and make your retirement comfortable. Here are some tips and tricks to help:

Other expatriates should be able to tell you where high-crime areas are so that you can avoid them. Locals can also tell you about places where you shouldn’t go. We generally develop an instinct that tells us when we are in neighborhoods that are dangerous. Don’t wear flashy clothes or costly jewelry when you’re on public transportation. A cheap plastic watch will work well enough to help you know the time.

When out in public areas, conceal your money. You should travel light, and use a slim travel wallet that can be concealed underneath clothing. Don’t wear fanny packs, or carry large purses. Those items virtually scream out to pickpockets and thieves, “Steal me, please!” All over the world, there are pickpockets skilled in their trade. In one incident, an entire public busload of foreign passengers were targeted. Be vigilant when it comes to your possessions.

The CDC and the State Department will be able to tell you if there are health or safety problems in places where you’re thinking about retiring overseas. However, as usual, there are some things you can do to protect yourself. You should not participate in high-risk activities. When you’re alone, don’t be out in public too long. Travel with other people whenever possible, and don’t get drunk on your social forays because that can cause all kinds of problems. Don’t travel on public transportation unless you know that it’s trustworthy or if you know the driver.

You need to be prepared if an emergency comes. So you should know who to call if something goes wrong and where the nearest hospital is. You should buy a health insurance policy that will cover you wherever you live; additionally, make sure you have 24-hour emergency assistance that will take you back to the USA in the case of a severe problem. Before you leave America, get a complete physical and dental exam so that you’re less likely to need medical assistance right after you’ve retired.

You should get a cell phone that works in your new home city, and know how to get around the city on your own. Always carry your cell phone because you may need it at any time. Also, you should try to fit in, as it’s easy to spot tourists. You’ll become especially adept at tourist-spotting once you have lived outside the country for some time. Know how to dress so that you match the locals because you need to be able to blend in with the people in your new home. That’s all part of acclimating to the culture.

I imagine all of these decisions and options seem overwhelming and perhaps could deter you from making the decision to retire abroad. Before becoming frustrated and changing your mind, consider your advantages – beginning with lower crime rates when retiring abroad to how much more misery you could potentially endure if you choose to stay in the states. It is your choice whether you choose to work longer to restore what you have lost in the last 18 months or retire to somewhere such as Mexico, for example, which statistics consistently prove has substantially lower crime rates than those of the U.S. Your other option would be to work in the US and commute at the age of 65 for an exasperating two hours a day. Weigh your decision comparing the options and retiring abroad will be incredibly appealing.

Did you think you had your retirement all paid for, with a good sum of money stashed away only to have it cut in half by an economic downturn? Okay, here is a solution. Think about how to retire early outside the United States, perhaps in Mexico, Ecuador, or Panama, where you can find many, many citizens from the United States and Canada living out their retirement years in comfort.

You could move to Mexico for example. It is close by, and you won’t be the only one who speaks English because a lot of Americans and Canadians are already enjoying expatriate living there. You don’t even have to change citizenship.

What would be a good reason to retire in another country? The main reason would be that you could live much better off on one or two thousand dollars a month there than you can in the states. You could hire staff to do the cooking and cleaning. You may want to retire overseas if you want to turn misfortune into prosperity!

Download your copy of a free e-book on the year’s best retirement havens. You can live your fondest desires to retire abroad with outstanding health care and live like royalty in paradise.

Retire Abroad – What, Me Become an Expat?

Retire overseas. That’s a viable option for many of us nowadays. With the cost of travel going down and the standard of living in other countries going up, it’s a likely possibility that we can live a good life somewhere else. Is this for you? There are a few things to reflect upon. Let’s consider Costa Rica as an example of what it’s like to retire abroad since it’s a prime choice for American retirees.

For Americans, living in Costa Rica is easier than you may think. Flights between the two countries are short and relatively inexpensive, and your standard of living in Costa Rica can be higher than it might be if you stayed in the United States. Flying from Costa Rica, for example, is just as quick and easy as flying in from Florida to New York. Living in Costa Rica allows you to live cheaply, but in style, while keeping you close to home.

Boomers want to retire overseas, and many young people want to cash in and retire early. What better place to retire abroad and enjoy an vibrant, energetic, and active lifestyle than Costa Rica. You can engage in a dynamic exciting expatriate community, living more cheaply and enjoying a higher standard of living at the same time. In Costa Rica the value of property is cheaper by up to 70% than that of the southern United States. In Costa Rica a person who is draws a pension of $2500 per month can have a better and more comfortable lifestyle than he can experience in the U. S.

Retirement living in actual fact should mean living a peaceful life on your own terms, exactly the way you wished it to be. In place of packed cities, crime, graffiti, polluted air, and traffic bottlenecks, an abode in Costa Rica provides a heavenly experience comprised of unspoiled and lovely beaches, majestic mountains, dense and lush green rainforests, volcanoes, an abundance of varied wild life, and a relatively hassle-free life that is devoid of most of the crime we experience now in the U.S. You can live at a comfortable pace. At the same time the experience is very homey. There are a large number of expatriates – expats who are quite similar to you – who have chosen to retire abroad, thus you will never feel out of place.

If you are looking for a sportsman’s paradise, Costa Rica is the place. There are many options available for the outdoorsman such as golf, world class fishing, or if you prefer, hiking through the surrounding countryside. If shopping is more your style, you will find all the latest and greatest brands available. Costa Rica also boasts of having first rate entertainment, exciting nightlife, along with modern communications which are available for the business person who needs to stay in touch.

With its booming economy, Costa Rica is becoming a popular destination for people coming from the US, Canada and Europe. The government makes it easy for foreigners to settle in this safe, modern country. Many people have not saved enough money to keep up their lifestyle at home. These baby boomers and folks who want to retire early or retire young now have a new plan: to retire overseas. Retiring in the US is complicated by the declining value of the dollar via inflation and less government support than expected. However, some are wary of retiring overseas due to fears over culture shock.

Many people in the United States, Canada and Europe do not save up enough money to retire comfortably. When little money is added to decreased benefits and inflation, people are unable to keep themselves in the lifestyle to which they are accustomed when they are retired.

Many people retire overseas because they can’t maintain their current lifestyle at home or because they couldn’t save enough to make up for inflation and reduced government transfer payments. They want to preserve their lifestyles by moving abroad, but they’re worried about the culture shock that will result when they move.

Download your copy of a free e-book on the year’s top retirement havens. You can live your fondest desires to retire young with outstanding health care and live like royalty in paradise.

Discover The Best Places To Retire Overseas

Because it’s less expensive to live in other countries, more and more Americans are choosing to retire overseas. These people don’t go to live in Paris, Vienna, or Monaco, but in locations closer to home such as Mexico, Ecuador, and Panama. These locations have low costs of living for retired people. But are these American retirees actually wanted in these countries?

Every chance we get, my family and I travel to interesting and exotic locations. We have seen lot of fabulous and exciting places during our lifetimes, especially China, Brazil, France, Switzerland, Germany, the U. K., Canada, the Caribbean Islands, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Saint Maarten, Italy, Martinique and more. All of the destinations we’ve been fortunate enough to visit or live in were spiritually uplifting as well. Every place will be have excellent guide and we learned so much from him.

My two youngest children and I have all taken part in fantastic study abroad programs. My children have gone back to their host countries a few times and visited their overseas “homes.” They have always been welcomed as family members. This is something you, too, can expect when you learn to speak a new language and embrace the life and culture of the locals – as opposed to simply remaining a tourist.

Unfortunately, you can still spot a few “ugly Americans” when you travel. They’re the ones that decline to familiarize themselves with the habits and every day life style of the locals. They don’t say a single word in the native language of their host country; they only speak English. Plus, they are discourteous. They are also the ones who make the most noise on trains and buses, and they think they should be served or helped instantaneously. These people wish for the whole trip to be the same as it is in the U.S. I certainly don’t want to fault all Americans overseas, but I believe you know what I am trying to say.

Expatriate Living can be great.

Living as an expatriate can be a wonderful way to live abroad or retire overseas, but it isn’t the same as living here in the U.S., and if you expect it to be the same, the experience may not be a happy one for you, and you might be better not to leave home at all. But if you are the kind of person who loves to explore new ways of doing things, have different experiences, meet new people and learn about other cultures, expatriate living may well be for you. It’s like anything else in life, if you live by the golden rule and treat others as you would like to be treated, and use common sense, you’ll find all the places mentioned above, both welcoming and somewhere where you’ll find “a home” wherever you reside.

If you’re considering retiring in another country, remember that every country has its own history and culture. If you believe that the United States is superior to your new home, it’s likely to show in your attitude. Locals are not fools, and if you act as if you are superior to them, they will notice and they will not appreciate it. There’s no need to grovel or beg, but simply deal with the locals as equals; they will appreciate it.

If the only appeal of a retirement location is that you won’t need to spend more than 2,000 dollars a month to live there, then you should do yourself a favor and stay in the U.S. If you want to move to Mexico, or any other country, simply because of the low cost of living, then you will not be happy. If you want to move to Mexico to enjoy the culture and the cheap price of living, then it may be the right place for you.|

I am a scholar and a lover of life. I adore finding out new things. I adore everyone I meet. The earth is like my very own information source. Learning all about foreign ways of life and the citizens that live them is fascinating! If I could retire overseas and thrive in an expatriate life, then many of my dreams would be reality! So, embark on this new adventurous chapter of your life with ordinary politeness and admiration for all mankind. Most importantly, because nothing happens unless this item is taken care of, start putting aside some cash. Then, you will be able to have interesting friendships and animated talks with all of the earth’s peoples. Have fun, and I wish you good luck and diligent preparation!

The world provides us with a wealth of knowledge, and I am constantly doing what I love – learning and being with people. I want to learn all there is to know about other countries and their people. I find this very exciting and enjoyable. We all can live the good life and have intriguing relationships; we can participate in great conversations with people from all over the world.

Retire Abroad and live like royalty. Discover the top overseas tropical locations

Retire Abroad – How Big a Budget Should You Have?

Looking for a place to start a new life after you retire young? Check out the opportunities to retire overseas. Living abroad can be one of the most exciting ways for you boomers (and other folks who want to retire early, retire young, including those who just want to live abroad) to spend your life after retirement. You can enjoy expatriate living, by starting over in a new place. You can look at the world from a different perspective.

A foreseeable and secure amount of funds is crucial to any plans for retirements. This is even truer if you plan to retire overseas. Outliving your expat nest egg is most certainly not in many people’s plans. To have a business that can be controlled from your home, or anywhere you happen to retire, is the dream of many people. So always watch your savings and other investments closely during retirement. Always keep a general idea of what kind of funds you will need to retire abroad comfortably.

If you are planning to settle across the border, your company pensions and social security benefits alone might not be sufficient. You will have to build a more solid financial ground before starting your retirement plan. When it comes to a settlement in a foreign country, the amount of your savings plays an important role. Also crucial is the location that you decide on, which will dictate how much you’ll need to retire abroad. Keep in mind that there are no preset rates when it comes to deciding exactly how much you’ll need to retire abroad.

Retiring overseas can be costly, depending on the location you choose. Some places will cost you more than living in the U.S., especially if you will be traveling a lot. International traveling can get expensive quickly, especially if you are always coming back to the U.S. to visit, or if you are constantly on the move. Entertaining friends and relatives, or bringing them out to see you can also quickly take its toll on your wallet. If you choose to retire overseas, it is vital that you go over the actual numbers, and adjust your plan to fit your income.

Simply, your minimal budget will be defined by the standard of living at the country that you ultimately choose. There are ways to reduce your costs and that includes moving to a location that has a lower cost of living, but there is a risk that such a country will not have the amenities and infrastructure that you’re used to. You can also choose to live in less urbanized areas if you love that countryside atmosphere. This option will prove to be inexpensive and noise-proof. There are many countries that appeal to the retiree (boomers, and other folks who want to retire early or retire young, including those who just want to live abroad) seeking a settlement abroad for the rest of their days.

If you’re thinking about retiring abroad, you need to understand the rules regarding savings accounts and investment strategies in the country you’re heading for. This place will probably be where you live out your years, so you’ll want to familiarize yourself with its policies. Americans who live abroad sometimes have to follow a different set of laws from folks who were born there. Find out ahead of time what kind of benefits you’ll be entitled to as a retiree. You don’t want to find out that there’s no good medical care available, for instance. If you don’t factor in the amount you’ll need for doctors and medications, you could be downplaying the amount of money you’ll need to live.

If you plan to purchase real estate in your adopted expat country, you will have to carefully investigate the housing market. For instance, real estate prices, here and in the new place are always a consideration; however, there might be additional laws and factors to consider in a country abroad. Traveling expenses, both in country and outside of your retirement destination, can take a heavy toll on your budget. The cost of transportation from your possible new country to your original country will be a factor in determining how often you can realistically visit home.

Once you determine how much money you will need to retire abroad, you may begin planning your new life. You will be on the path of making your expatriate retirement a good one!

Grab your copy of a free special report on the year’s top retirement havens. You can live your dreams to retire young with excellent health care and live like royalty in paradise.

Retire Overseas – What is the Perfect Spot to Retire Abroad?

Trying to decide where to retire? Remember it’s difficult to retire overseas. I recommend vacationing there for at least six months before you make the move so you get a chance to make sure you will be happy there and get a feel for living there. If it works out then you can move with confidence that you will be happy.

Typically, when searching for locations to retire overseas, the retiree has certain basic expectations and needs that must be met. While making plans for your new expatriate living reflect upon these factors: the cost of living must be reasonable; the climate, culture and infrastructure must be livable; the standard of living and the amenities must be acceptable; and most importantly, the area must be secure. Added benefits, including special benefits and discounts specifically for the retired community, are huge selling points. Listed below are three locations that meet or beat these expectations.

Retirees – boomers, those folks who want to retire early or retire young, and those who simply want to live abroad – looking for a great place to live should give serious thought to Panama City. You get the advantages of living in a big city yet none of the disadvantages. Compared to similar housing in the U.S., property prices are a bargain. You can also shop in a variety of stores while enjoying pleasant winters, beautiful beaches, and low costs. Best of all, retirees with a monthly income of $500 of greater ($600 for couples) need only receive this money from a private pension program or a government program such as Social Security to qualify for a wide array of benefits.

You are allowed the following benefits: 1) Freedom from paying import taxes on a new vehicle each two year period and 2) It gives worthwhile reductions on the price of things like movie tickets, concert or theater performances, sports games, travel tickets, hotel stays and restaurant bills. Should you want to purchase real estate in this location, discounts are given of one percentage point lower on mortgage charges up to 25 percent of what would be due when you close the deal.

Panama is known for extremely hot weather, and this may be a good time to plan to visit your children in the states to avoid the summer months. Although many residents speak English, language may be another obstacle for you unless you speak the native Spanish language of your new adopted country. I strongly encourage all expatriates to learn to speak Spanish even though it may not be entirely mandatory. This will be a strong deterrent in avoiding culture shock in your new environment. When you learn the language and culture of your new home, you will feel more like a local and less like a tourist. You will be better able to integrate with the inhabitants and make your expatriate life more pleasurable.

If you’re looking for a gorgeous place to retire, New Zealand is unparalleled. Housing prices can be as low as around $190,000, and there’s no capital gains tax. In New Zealand’s capital of Auckland, you can experience the amenities and artistic atmosphere of urban life without spend huge amounts of money. But you have to apply for full residency, which isn’t always granted to older retirees because there’s a bias toward younger immigrants. Perhaps you’d be satisfied to live there for half the year and find another home base back in the United States or another country for the other half of the year. Some people think this is wonderful because it’s warm in America when it’s cold in New Zealand, so you could have warm weather all year long. Early retirees might not have to worry about this.

Proximity and accessibility to US makes Mexico a retirement haven. Mexico has experienced a burst of violence recently, but I think it twill settle down, and once a gain become an ideal expat destination. Being a low cost destination makes your dollar go further and hence even small budgets may seem quite large. Mexico has a rich heritage and a great culture. Mexican food is prepared with number of spices and herbs providing an intense and varied flavor to the food and generally is very colorful. Mexicans cook really well and have the knack to provide extra “flavor” to make a dish really tasty.

Grab your copy of a free e-book on the year’s best retirement havens. You can live your dreams to retire young with excellent health care and live like royalty in paradise.

Retire to Ecuador…for Cheap Living in Style

Ecuador… a country off the radar, offers very cheap retirement living.

Ecuador is not only a cheap place to retire…it is a great place to retire. Many Americans have discovered much to rave about besides the low prices.

The US dollar is the official currency of Ecuador, a source of comfort to some retirees. Expats report that the Ecuadoran people are very friendly and glad to share their country with American retirees.

One can easily live very well on $10,000 to 15,000 a year per couple, that is cheap folks.

Cheap living means very reasonable real estate both for purchase and rentals. Rent before you buy is always good advice.

Owning two homes in Ecuador is quite possible due to th elow prices for real estate. One might be in the mountains. Quito the capital, has spring like weather due to its 9,000 foot elevation. The culture of an colonial city is available there. Your second home might be on the beach, Ecuador has some beauties.

Your beach retirement spot might be Manta, a popular town with a good deal of development underway. Wear a Panama hat…they are made in Ecuador, not Panama.

When we say cheap living, what do we mean exactly real estate wise? $100,000 will buy you an apartment in Quito and a beachfront condo in Manta…that’s right both properties. If you do move to Ecuador it is always more prudent to rent before you buy. You can get a very nice apartment, well located in Quito for $500 a month.

If you get sick in Ecuador you will find a doctors visit will cost around $15. They also make house calls for the same money or slightly higher. Domestic help is $30 a week.

To retire in Ecuador the Ecuadoran Government requires you prove a monthly income of $900 a month from a pension. Social Security is of course accepted. That speaks volumes by itself as to the low cost of living in Ecuador..

The 12 million that call Ecuador home come from many climates. You have the humid jungles in the east, or the soaring Andes with their year round cool temperatures. If you want the beach Ecuador has them in spades. If you desire a change in view and climate you do not have to go far in Ecuador.

If cheap living is your only motivator for living in Ecuador, you probably will be disappointed. You would be unhappy moving anywhere just because it is less costly. Instead if you have a sense of adventure, are self confident, and interested in living well…all in friendly environs, consider Ecuador as a place to retire.

Retire to Ecuador is under the retirement radar now, it won’t be for long. Do you need information on other frugal retirement living lifestyles that are fun? Do not give up on retirement until you visit this website