Money Matters – Could you retire to another country? Here’s the information that may help you in making that decision.

 My wife and I were first made aware of the “expat life” when we had a family member move to the Lake Chapala region in Mexico – what is one of the most popular destinations for American and Canadian retirees that have decided that financially they can live a better life somewhere other than the United States.  Our family member(s) have now lived there for over 10+ years and have absolutely no reservations concerning their move there.  They have made many American and Canadian friends, get their morning coffee at a Starbucks, have daily US newspapers to read, enjoy riding their Harley through the Mexico highlands, and live a much higher standard of living than they could afford in the US.
The top places for American expats to relocate to per International Living are:
1. Mexico
2. Panama
3. Ecuador
4. Costa Rica
5. Colombia
6. Malaysia
7. Spain
8. Nicaragua
9. Portugal
10. Malta
There is a very good website that can help you in determining whether retiring abroad is the right financial choice for you, and where you can retire on a fixed income but the determination should be – if you’re struggling to save for retirement, and may not be able to live the style you think you deserve here in the US, and are already living on a tight budget, moving abroad might be an answer to your problems.
Name of website is: www.theearthawaits.com
As an example, I set a monthly budget of $5,000-$5,500; family size of two; two bedrooms (Outside City Center); modest lifestyle; low crime rate; low pollution; freedom; low discrimination; high health care quality; and a moderate climate.
I was pleased to find that I could live in Geneva or Zug Switzerland for just over a fixed income of $5,000.
This unique website allows you to explore the world and based upon your retirement income + many other factors such as accommodations, lifestyle, pollution, crime rate, etc.
Once you have decided based upon finances then the following bullet points need your attention as well and should be researched thoroughly before making that move to the country of your choice.
1. Check Visa and residency requirements.
2. Research safety and political stability.
3. Determine rules of foreign ownership.
4. Visit before moving, rent before you buy.
5. Consider an all-cash purchase on a home.
6. Organize your assets (and tax implications).
7. Settle your healthcare.
8. Get a driver’s license.
9. Think about working in the country you move to.
10. Plan to stay connected to family!
Bottom Line – do your homework and make at least two extended visits to the country of choice before you move there permanently.
For more information, please call Douglas J. Sedam at 1-866-549-3900, 661-295-2400 #1 or email: Doug.Sedam@ThePaseoGroup.com.  You may also learn more at www.ThePaseoGroup.com.
Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through Financial West Group which is a member FINRA/SIPC. OSJ Office: 4510 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Westlake Village, CA 91362, Phone: 1-866-502-8929 The Paseo Financial Group, Inc. and Financial West Group are unaffiliated companies. The Paseo Financial Group, Inc. encompasses the following companies: The Home Loan Pros – Residential, Investment, & Commercial Real Estate Mortgages; Oak Tree Realty – Residential, Investment, & Commercial Real Estate Sales; and The Financial Services Pros – Investments, Insurance, & Retirement Planning.