5 Great Reasons to Retire to Palm Beach County

If you are beginning your search for the perfect place to spend your golden years, there are questions that need to be considered. Where will give you the most for your money? Where can you find all the resources you want for daily life? Where will give you the most enjoyment for the rest of your lives? For thousands of retirement age people, the answer to these questions and more are in Palm Beach County, Florida.

One reason to consider Palm Beach and Jupiter is the simple fact that it is right at the beach. People spend their vacations every year at the beach. Fishing, amazing food, lots of recreation – so why would you go anywhere else? You can take a vacation that will last the rest of your life? Sunny skies, warm ocean waters, and great scenery are what we left home year-after-year to find, so relocating your home to where you have those every day is definitely a consideration.

A huge consideration is that your dollars will last much longer there. Once the initial investment is completed, the standard of living in Palm Beach can be as much or as little as you want to pay. Entertainment abounds in all kinds of forms, but the best, most enjoyable entertainment is free. The sun, sand, and surf are all absolutely free of charge.

In today’s economy, another factor to look at is the housing market. Housing prices have dropped dramatically, and nowhere is that as evident as it is in Palm Beach County. You will find houses and condos more affordable than they have been in decades. Wondering if you can afford to move is no longer the question. The question should be, can you afford not to go? Many people find that relocating now actually saves them money, and that they can actually afford to live the lifestyle they only dreamed they could even just a few short years ago.

You will also find some of the best medical care in the country right in Palm Beach County. What does this mean to you? Whatever medical needs there are can be met with the amazing facilities available. Your money as well as your life can go farther.

Lastly, moving somewhere that you can be your happiest for the rest of your life is the main point to a retirement plan. Enjoying the sand and surf, the great food, good company and knowing that all of your needs are capable of being easily met is the reward you’re expecting after a lifetime of hard work. Palm Beach County is exactly where you want to be. Start your life now, not ten years from now!

Places To Retire

As retirement is quickly approaching for many Baby Boomers, millions of these soon-to-retire Americans are searching for the best place to spend their retirement years.  There are many things to consider when look for a place to retire.  Things such as:

1. Climate
2. Housing
3. Taxes
4. Crime

Research has shown that at present the best places to retire are: North Carolina, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Texas, Michigan, Virginia, and Arizona.  These places have that combination of elements that most appeal to the concerns for those retired or entering retirement.

One of the most important features of the above list is the cost of living and the affordability of housing.  With that housing comes tax concerns and so you will find in these places the best balance between taxes and housing costs.  This combination is ideal for a retired person as conventional sources of income are no longer an option.  The majority of the above states will have communities with housing in the low to mid 200s.  Since most retirees are searching for a comfortable lifestyle, these home price ranges tend to fall into that category of affordability and comfortability.

If climate is your concern then this will shrink the list of places for you to retire as the southern states become the only available option.  Florida and Texas are the best in this category for climate.  Florida’s weather is fairly consistent all year.  If you are active in sporting activities, Florida will allow you to participate in these activities year round.

If crime is your concern there are many destinations that boast low crime rates and provide safe havens for retirees to enjoy and participate in life apart from fear of harm.  These destinations tend to be rural to semi-rural communities that promote small to average town sizes.  The downside can be the available amenities, but with the usually reasonable travel times to metropolitan areas seniors can enjoy time in the city without having to deal with the daily downsides of traffic, noise, and pace of life.

How to pick the best place for you when you retire

Now that you’ve decided to hang up the plaque on the wall & start to show off that gold watch you so deservingly earned, you might start to ask yourself… ‘how do I pick where I want to retire?’

As you review these points, consider where these categories fit into your lifestyle in order of YOUR importance.

FAMILY:
Are you willing to leave family, (immediate or extended), aging parents, children, grandchildren? If you are in that position, will you have room for them to stay a period of time? How about children still in school?

Contact the department of education (for public schools) to see how the area you are contemplating measures up to your expectations. Of course there is always the private sector for schools.

HOUSING:
Check out Retirement USA ® . The National Association of Home Builders publishes a spreadsheet that shows the affordability of houses around the country.

LOCAL TAXES:
Look at Retirement USA ® for taxes by state. Just Because you found that perfect house in your perfect price range, it may not be what you bargained for.

COMMUNITY:
What kind of demographics are you looking for? Neighbors? Convenience? Do you want zero lot lines between your house and next door or do you want five acres? The Census Bureau’s Quick Facts web site will show you population, income, business information for all counties in the United States.

Get a sense & feel for where you want to move. Call the local Chamber of Commerce or view the local newspaper online. See if there are local chat message boards or local web sites. Check with local law enforcement for safety & crime in the area. The F.B.I has a crime reporting system that they release annually.

TRANSPORTATION:
How do you get where you want to go? Are you willing to drive everywhere? Check out those gas prices. Does the area you are looking at have public transportation that is convenient to do grocery shopping, travel to the mall, take you to the cruise ship? What about airports? International or domestic? The FAA has maps showing major U.S. airports with links to smaller or regional airports. Don’t forget the train or bus lines.

FAITH, RELIGION & SPIRITUALITY:
Going to your house of worship can be a great way of breaking into the community. Usually, you will be welcomed and start new friendships with those who have the start of something in common.

HEALTH CARE:
As we become wiser (certainly not older), we become wiser to our health needs. hospitals, doctors, health practitioners. The AMA web site can help you locate what you’re looking for particularly if you might be facing a medical challenge or specialty.

WEATHER:
Neither rain, nor snow or sleet……..Oh, yeah. That’s the postman’s creed. Do you want to live & play in snow or at the beach? You can certainly check the weather patterns in the coldest months (Jan-Feb) & the warmest months (July-August) to the area you are considering. The local Chamber of Commerce & weather channels can assist you in your decision.

CELL PHONE COVERAGE:
Check it out with your current service. What’s involved of keeping your popular cell phone number or going through the anxiety of letting everyone know your new cell phone number. The cancellation of a contract, a new contract, area coverage. Do you plan to be a world traveler with needed coverage or just local? Dial up the coverage maps for AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile or your current carrier.

FOOD:
General grocery shopping is fine. However, what about; seafood, vegetarian, kosher, deli, farmers market, green market, organic market, specialty markets? Dining out…….how far do you travel to your favorite restaurant or Starbucks?

RECREATION-LEISURE-FIESTA:
What are you going to do with all this FREE TIME you now have on your hands? Golf, walking, beach, skating, cruises, gardening, traveling, cleaning your house, become a dog walker for the neighborhood, become a volunteer (so many needed)?

Did you know that there are garlic festivals all around the country? What about wine tasting? You can check online by using the key words to your desired activity. One thing for sure……look to see if there are certain gatherings in your prospective new address that might be a little overwhelming for you. Some events happen in certain areas of the country during certain times of the year.

It’s easy to find a movie theater or a video rental store. What about the likes of local community live theater (dinner or not), symphony orchestras, dance companies, museums, free local tours, mall shopping.

JOBS:
WHOA! Hold on a minute. I want to go into retirement. I’ve done my time you say. You know what is said about idle hands……. You just may want to keep those hands busy now that you realize you’re not a couch potato. So, maybe a part time position is in the cards…..mmm, a dealer at Vegas?

EDUCATION:
Ready to explore new interests or a degree? Want to study rocks……… archaeology or diamonds, they are a girls best friend. Continuing education just might be for you. A new language, become a tour guide.

LIBRARIES:
Sure there are bookstores in every mall across the country. Have you considered used book stores, libraries and their resources? Many libraries offer free classes, book readings & senior activity. Glow little book worm, glitter, glitter.

Retire in Bend Oregon

Bend Oregon is one of the best places to retire in the United States. It has everything a retired person could want. The recreational opportunities are abundant; everything from mountain biking, hiking, rafting, golfing, fishing, rock climbing, camping, downhill and cross country skiing, snowmobiling, general sightseeing and much more.

The weather is perfect. Moderate days and cool nights characterize Bend’s year-round climate. Because of the high altitude and clear air, nighttime temperatures average 30 to 40 degrees below the daytime highs. Evenings are generally cool, even in the summer, requiring sweaters or jackets. Annual temperature extremes show that only one year out of five has a temperature colder than 17 below or warmer than 100 degrees. Frost can occur during any summer month.

The average annual precipitation in Bend is less than 12 inches, over half falls between November and February, often as snow. Brief thunderstorms usually provide most of the light summer rain. The average annual snowfall is 33.8 inches. Snow rarely accumulates to more than a few inches in depth nor lies on the ground for an extended period. Snow depth in Bend exceeds 24 inches in only one winter out of twenty. At Mt. Bachelor, the ski resort 22 miles southwest of Bend, snow normally reaches depths of 160 to 180 inches.

Bend was originally called Farewell Bend and received its name because it was at this place that travelers over the pioneer roads had their last view of the river. Today it is only a few hours drive to the Oregon Coast. Portland is 3.5 hours away if you are looking for a big city. Redmond International Airport (Roberts Field) is only 16 miles North.

Bend is nearly the geographic center of the state and is also the most populated city in Central Oregon with a population of more then 75,000. To the east you will find high desert vegetation and to the west, Bend is surrounded by U.S. Forest Service land. At an elevation of 3,628 feet, Bend enjoys the predominately dry climate of the Great Basin. Sunny days, low humidity and cool nights provide the most common weather pattern.

Bend has the highest average number of sunny days in the state. Clear days average 158 days per year with an additional 105 days that are mostly sunny. Many of the remaining days provide substantial sunshine. Days that are totally cloudy do not often occur. Bend is the outdoor recreation capitol of Oregon, with snow-capped peaks dominating the skyline. Bend is one of few places that visitors can literally ski in the morning and golf in the afternoon. Known as “the sunny side of Oregon,” the Cascade Mountains act as a protective buffer, giving Bend only 12 inches of precipitation per year. That compares to 42″ for Portland, 36″ for Seattle and 20″ for San Francisco.

St. Charles Medical Center is located in Bend and is the regional referral center for more than 230,000 people in a 32,000-square-mile area of central and eastern Oregon. With more than 240 physicians on its medical staff, representing 40 specialties and sub-specialties, and more than 1,950 caregivers, it provides many services usually found only in larger urban areas. These include open heart and neurosurgery, comprehensive cancer care, inpatient rehabilitation for stroke and major injury, sophisticated imaging technologies and more.

St. Charles is Oregons’ only level 2 trauma center east of the Cascade Mountains and has the region’s only Level 3 neonatal intensive care unit. The hospital increased its inpatient bed capacity to 216 in late 2004 to keep pace with Central Oregon’s population growth and is in the midst of expansions in facilities, technology and equipment.

St. Charles and the many other medical facilities in Bend provide state of the art health care for the retired person. Many of the nations top Physicians and Surgeons live in Bend because of the life style found in Central Oregon.

Bend also has golf courses for everyone. Central Oregon’s spectacular high-desert landscape and ideal climate, four-star resorts, public, semi-private and private courses have been rated 23rd in the world as a golf destination by Golf Digest. Choose from more than 25 unique courses, some easygoing to championship layouts like Sunriver’s Crosswater course, designed to challenge even the lowest handicappers.

Bend also has many volunteer opportunities. Habitat for Humanity, The Oregon High Desert Museum, Hospice, and Saint Charles Medical Center are only a few of the many opportunities to give back to the community.

Bend Oregon real estate prices are still moderate compared to some parts of the nation. The median home price is around $350,000. Real estate prices have been rising steadily over the past decade because Bend is such a wonderful place to live and retire.

If you are thinking of moving when you retire give Bend Oregon strong consideration. It is a great place to live.

Retire To The Golf Course

Retiring to the golf course doesn’t need to be just a dream. It also doesn’t have to mean retiring to Florida or Arizona either. For that matter, it doesn’t mean that you need to wait until you’re ready to retire to start looking into golf club homes like those at the Anderson Creek Club in North Carolina.

With a year round temperate climate, easy access to both beaches along the Atlantic Ocean and to mountain ranges on the Western side of the state, the Anderson Creek Club is in an ideal location. For those of you who are thinking toward the future but are still working, the Anderson Creek Club is just a short trip from Fayetteville, Pinehurst and Raleigh. Overall, what that means is this: you’ll find that you’re able to be in the middle of everything – cultural centers, shopping, great restaurants and even colleges and universities.

Being able to get to wherever you want to be is nice, but it doesn’t address the two primary concerns of those who want to retire to the golf course. One of those concerns is the golf itself. The other is the home.

The Anderson Creek Club golf course, in order to address the first of those concerns, will prove to be challenging regardless of your experience on the course. An eighteen hole course designed by Davis Love III – the 1997 PGA champion – features tree-line fairways and rolling greens that wind through 7, 180 yards for a 72 par. The course was determined to be the best new course in North Carolina in 2001, and lives up to the championship reputation of its designer.

What could be better than being able to play the Anderson Creek Club course whenever time allowed? What about living in a patio home, condominium, townhouse or single family home that abuts the course?

All of the homes that are available at the Anderson Creek Club will give you easy access to 14 ponds that are stocked for fishing and suitable for canoing and kayaking. You’ll be able to go swimming, play tennis or volleyball, and have family picnics without having to leave the neighborhood. Walk along nature trails. You’ll be able to have the active lifestyle that you have always enjoyed, but you’ll be able to relax and unwind – even if, for you, that means indulging in spa services like a massage before heading back to your home.

Whether you’re looking for a smaller home, a condo where you won’t have to worry about maintaining the property or a larger home – an estate home at the Anderson Creek Club – that will allow you to have all the space you need, you’ll find that it’s easy to find a great property that suits all of your needs. Of course, if you’ve always wanted to design a home of your own, don’t think that retiring to the Anderson Creek Club is out of the question. Wooded home sites are also available and you’ll be able to have your dream home built for you.

The Anderson Creek Club makes retiring to the golf course even more appealing.

Hawaii or Florida: Where Should You Retire?

If you’re getting ready for retirement, one of the most important decisions you need to make is where you’re going to live. Will you continue to stay in your current home, or is it your dream to retire somewhere warm?

Retirees have historically been drawn to tropical environments because milder temperatures tend to be easier on the body and the spirit. If you relocate to a warmer climate, there’ll be no more shoveling snow or nervously walking along icy sidewalks. There’ll be no more winter blues, and no more isolation due to winter weather conditions. You’ll be able to walk around outside any day of the year, and be more independent because of it.

In addition to seeking gentler weather, people also yearn to fulfill a lifelong dream. We associate the word ‘paradise’ with warm breezes, white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and a laidback lifestyle. This utopian vision of life is what many of us have been working for all these years. In fact, many people find that retirement is the first opportunity to truly go after one’s dreams, so now’s the time to go after your idea of paradise.

Two of the most popular retirement destinations in the United States include Southwest Florida and Hawaii. Both offer mild climates, amazing views, and gorgeous beachfront. Their waters are warm and brightly colored, their sands are white and powdery, and they offer summer-like temperatures nearly all year long.

SW Florida and Hawaii are similar upon first glance, but how does a retiree choose which one to go with? It all truly depends on what you’re looking for in terms of living costs and real estate values, geography and climate, business and medical services, amenities, and lifestyle.

Real Estate Values & Cost of Living

The cost of living in Southwest Florida is definitely cheaper than in Hawaii. Staples such as food and gas are priced higher on the islands because most things need to be shipped there. By its very nature as an island state, Hawaii is cut off from the rest of the country, so many items cost more.

Hawaii is renowned for having some of the most expensive real estate in the country, though there are more affordable properties like condominiums and older homes available as well. If you’re planning to buy a home right on the beach, be prepared to pay a mint for it.

Florida has its share of multi-million dollar houses as well, and like Hawaii, waterfront property in Florida is quite expensive. There are however, properties available at more price points in the Sunshine State. Groceries, gas, and other basic costs of living are more on par with the rest of the nation as well.

In terms of real estate values, the Florida housing market is one of the worst affected in terms of foreclosures. There are deals to be had if you’re a buyer, but sellers are having a tough time offloading their homes. Hawaiian property values haven’t been affected nearly as much by foreclosures, and properties there continue to sell.

Geography & Climate

Southwest Florida is a sunbather’s dream. Temperatures stay quite mild throughout the winter, but can be unbearably hot and humid in the summer.

In Hawaii however, temperatures remain fairly consistent all year long—usually in the mid-70s. There’s also a wonderful breeze that keeps residents feeling comfortable even in the warmest months.

In terms of geography, Florida is quite flat and somewhat uninteresting as soon as you move away from the water. Hawaii, on the other hand, features wonderful mountains and gorgeous scenery throughout. Florida is also more vulnerable to strong hurricanes that develop along the Gulf. Hawaii is not immune to storms, but their impact is usually less dramatic than along the Florida coast.

Services & Amenities

Hawaii has less stores and services than on the mainland, but all your needs can be taken care of on the island of Oahu. SW Florida will be more convenient simply in terms of the sheer variety of shopping, entertainment, and transportation options. Honolulu will also have pretty much everything you’d need, like you’d find in any large city.

Lifestyle

Florida’s cities are quite fast paced. The traffic is heavier, and people are bustling about. The lifestyle in Hawaii though, is pretty laidback. Business suits can be put away, and you can leave many of your stresses behind. The pace on Oahu is slower, and communities are more close-knit. One caveat however, is that some people get “island fever,” and need to visit the mainland once in a while. The area can become a bit claustrophobic for some, so it’s important to leave once or twice a year to gain clarity and renew your love for island life.

Conclusion

Florida is a wonderful retirement destination for many retirees. It’s convenient and easy for family members to get to, with beautiful Gulf views, and a lower cost of living when compared to the islands. Hawaii is for those who can afford to pay a little bit more for their version of paradise. The people are friendly, the scenery incomparable, and the weather is among the most enviable in the world. It all depends on what’s important to you. If you like city life, then Florida is perhaps the better bet. If you’re looking to get away from it all, while still being within arm’s reach of the services you need, the Hawaii is your golden ticket for retirement.

Why Choose To Retire In Thailand?

Whether you wish to escape the weather, the prices, the stress or the society of the West, or perhaps feel the urge for a little adventure later on in your life, Thailand is a prime location for retirement. It offers the charms of a tropical country, with sunny climes, stunning scenery, friendly people, and lower costs of living, and is a popular destination for those wishing to enjoy life after retirement. And with a Retirement Visa, it is relatively easy to settle in Thailand. This visa requires you to have a certain amount of pension or income or combination of the two, and recognises that there are many who wish to enjoy the delights of Thailand in retirement.

The low cost of living is attractive to many, especially once you move away from the tourist centres and busy spots. Housing is cheap, as is medical expenses, food, and socialising, whether that is to play darts with your expat neighbours in the local bar or to play a round of golf on one of the many stunning golf courses dotted around the country. Thailand is also one of the safest countries in the world, which must be considered for anyone wishing to move to another country. Crime figures are low, and as Thailand has a familial society a sense of community and respect is strong.

Of course, the weather is also a prime reason for retirement in Thailand. The balmy, tropical nights make a welcome relief to electric blankets, and the hot, sunny days help stop the joints from creaking! Northern Thailand is a favourite with those living in retirement, due to its slightly cooler air during the hot season. Even during the rainy season it is a pleasant climate.

Thailand has an incredible variety of property for retirees to choose from, with a range of budgets to choose from. Whatever your budget there is no doubt the perfect property offering peace of mind, relaxation and all the amenities you could imagine to enjoy life. Perhaps the most popular location is Phuket, known for world class hospitals, schools, restaurants and properties to match. Phuket is also home to several famed golf courses to test your skills amongst the beautiful countryside and coastline.

Wherever you choose to settle down, retirement in Thailand to many is the perfect place to spend time to relax, enjoy the Thai culture and way of life.

Retire in Total Relaxation

If you are looking to retire and you want to live in a place that is the best getaway then you should consider purchasing a North Cyprus property. Many of the reasons you should consider living here includes one the lowest crime rates in the world, the untouched paradise nature, warm and friendly people and the total relaxation of the environment.

Retirement is supposed to be relaxing. You need a place where you can get away from the chaos of the big city you have spent your life slaving to. You may have dreamed of paradise locations on the beach with plenty of sunshine but never imagined you could make it a reality to live in for the rest of your life. Now you can. Buying property in Northern Cyprus is the best thing you can do if you are looking for paradise. North Cyprus gets more than 300 days of sunshine a year. You can enjoy the beautiful sea and even a tropical atmosphere of plenty of green.

North Cyprus is North half of the island of Cyprus, which is located in the east of the Mediterranean Due to variety of reasons not so many people are aware of affordable properties here in North Cyprus. These properties are ideal vacation and retirement homes. Indeed there are thousands of British people who spend their entire retire man time in Northern Cyprus.

One of the great things about North Cyprus real estates is that the communities are fantastic and safe. There is a low crime rate which is almost next to nothing. You don’t have to worry about being mugged or crimes occurring and they are very rare here. Unlike most large metropolitan cities, you can finally live in peace without looking over your shoulder. In fact you can confidently leave your car keys in the car while you go to a super market to buy a drink.

The relaxation of the retirement when you purchase a North Cyprus property is exactly how you have always dreamed your retirement would be. There are small towns and villages throughout the vicinity. This is not a huge city and you would be living in a population of approximately 200,000 other people. Your entire retirement will seem as if you are living a dream on vacation. The beauty of it is that you can afford to get away from the city and live along the shorelines in one of the most amazing places to live in the world.

Buying property in North Cyprus is the best thing you can do for your retirement. There really are paradise getaways left in the world that are affordable and really paradise. North Cyprus real estates enjoy the majority of the year in the sun on the Mediterranean with beautiful views of the sea and the mountains. There is amazing shopping, restaurants, and an affordable cost of living. A North Cyprus property is the best decision you can make for retirement and if you do decide to sell later, the profit will be outstanding.

How To Retire Without Going Broke

Do I have enough money to retire? That is a question that 77 million baby boomers are asking themselves. Many do not retire simply because they don’t know the answer. And they are right to be fearful. Studies have shown that, based on their current savings, 60% of Americans will not be able to sustain their present lifestyle in retirement!

The most common advice you will hear from the financial community is that you will need 80% of your pre-retirement annual salary. Frankly, that is poor advice, and I think you will agree once you have read this article.

No one can answer this question for you, not even your financial advisor, because the answer involves more than just money. The process for finding the answer is simple, but doing the work to get the answer is more difficult. Knowing HOW to do it is the first step.

Basically, you need to answer four questions: (1) What kind of Life Do I Want, (2) What Will It Cost, (3) Where Will the Money Come From, and (3) How Much Will I need?

What Kind of Life Do I Want in Retirement?

The first question you need to ask yourself is “what do I want my life to be like in retirement?” But before you answer your financial advisor’s questions about where you will be living, who will you be with, will you be traveling, etc., answer this question first: “What kind of life will make me happy, satisfied and fulfilled?”

To find the answer, look to your past. Think about what you were doing when you were in what is called a state of “flow,” when you were functioning at a very high level, using all your talents, and so involved that you lost all sense of time. Where were you? What were you doing? Who were you with? What was the environment? What were the circumstances?

By deconstructing these memories, you will be able to learn a lot about yourself and what psychologists call your “motivational needs.” By thinking of your “flow” experiences, you are analyzing your personality in the context of doing something which has a purpose, and we all need purpose in our lives, particularly in retirement.

Many people think they were happiest when they were on vacation, say those recent two weeks in Florida or that trip to Hawaii. I call this the “Carnival Cruise” retirement myth, because vacations are great only because they are a counterbalance to a set routine. Treating your life like a perpetual vacation is not going to keep you happy in the long term. Doing what you love will. So you first need to think about your retirement life in this context and then think about how to pay for it. Not the other way around.

What Will My Retirement Cost?

Now you are ready to do some projections of the costs of your retirement. Begin by analyzing where you are currently spending your money, pre-retirement, on a monthly and annual basis. Look at your checkbooks, your credit card statements, and how much cash you withdraw from the ATM each month. Put these in the appropriate categories (housing/property maintenance expenses, food, health care, personal living expenses, unreimbursed professional expenses, travel and entertainment, etc.).

Now, given the life you want to lead in retirement, look at these numbers again and anticipate how they are going to change. Your commuting costs and professional expenses may go down, but your travel and entertainment expenses will probably increase, and don’t forget that health care expenses tend to increase as you get older, so take this into account based on the type of coverage and deductibles you have. Also travel is more expensive these days, particularly foreign travel due to the weak dollar.

Don’t forget to estimate your tax liabilities, including taxes owed on any withdrawals from tax-sheltered accounts. As a result of this analysis, you will be able to determine the projected annual income you will need to support your “new life” in retirement.

Where Will the Money Come From?

Your next step is to determine where your retirement paycheck will come from. Traditional sources are a pension from your work (if any), social security, any part-time work you plan to do, and your savings (both tax-sheltered, including your 401k, IRAs, SEPs, etc. and after-tax savings and investments). Don’t include home equity unless you plan on selling your home and downsizing, thereby releasing money for your personal use.

From your previous analysis, you have projected how much annual income you will need. Now add up the recurring payments from pensions, social security, and any others (i.e. investment property you plan to keep in retirement which has a positive cash flow). To this figure add a 4% withdrawal from your total combined tax-sheltered and after tax savings. It has been proven that a 4% annual withdrawal rate, adjusted annually for inflation, will insure that your money will last for the rest of your life.

How Much (More) Will I Need?

So what if it all isn’t adding up? Now you can see if there is a “gap” between what you have and what you project you will need. How can you fill that gap?

Let’s take a simple example. Let’s say you find you need an additional $1500/month, or $18,000 a year. Divide $18,000 by .04 which equals $450,000. That is how much you will need to add to your savings to generate the additional income you require.

But what if that is not realistic? Then you need to go back to your “new life” expenditure calculations and make some adjustments. Remember what you learned about yourself from your “flow” memories and use this information to prioritize what is really important to you. Reduce or eliminate other less important things.

Perhaps you still want to travel, but you might consider reducing the number of trips. Continuing to work for a few more years, or working part-time in early retirement can make an enormous difference in sustaining a higher lifestyle. Research has shown that working 30% in the first five years of retirement will result in a portfolio 40% larger than it would otherwise have been at the end of that period, and this larger portfolio will sustain a higher lifestyle afterwards since there will be more money covering fewer years.

The financial advice I have given you is very conservative, and will ensure that you never go broke in your retirement, providing you continue to spend within the annual budget you have established for yourself to support the life you want to lead. There are circumstances where you could exceed 4% (if you have a shorter life expectancy due to some illness, if you anticipate a significant inheritance in the future, etc.) but 4% is a very safe number.

Better safe than sorry. And better happy, satisfied, fulfilled and enjoying every day of a purpose-driven retirement than sad, depressed, wandering aimlessly through an eternal “vacation” and worried that you will run out of money before you run out of life.

Retire to Asia – and Why

In reading this article you may realize that the best part of your life could be in Asia, and the best time is now.

The theme of most retirement articles is the best place to retire in the USA. However, according to the AARP about 80 percent of Americans do not plan to move when they retire. Work a lifetime, and with the door open to have a fresh start in retirement, one just stays in the same town, the same house, the same routine. There must be a better quality of life in retirement, and there is! Nowadays, more retirees are not only moving from their house to another city or state, but are moving out of the United States.

Over recent years I have had an increasing number of friends write to me about my life in Asia. The motives behind the questions have varied from political discontentment to financial. Many of the concerns are related to the high cost of living, including heating and A/C bills, taxes, grocery bills, the cost of gasoline, medical bills, dental bills, home repair bills, and list goes on. There is no doubt about it, the cost of living in the USA goes higher each day. Many of those who write to me are not really enjoying their Golden Years but are just getting by. If you are in the stage of retirement planning or are now retired that should concern you, as each day is precious and we should be enjoying life to its fullest. The best is yet to come.

Travel with me down a different road of thought. I have lived in retirement for the past 7 years in Asia, in the beach resort city of Pattaya, Thailand. Being a tourist destination, you immediately picture an area with a beautiful bay view, fine restaurants, and entertainment galore. It is more than just that. It is so easy to get around the city using public transportation that my car sits in the driveway. We have modern shopping centers, movie complexes, health spa’s, fitness centers, golf courses, and even an IT center with 5 floors of computers, mobile phones, and electronics. Pattaya has not one, but two International Standard hospitals. Health care is affordable. Being a tourist city, the Thai staff in most stores and restaurants speak English, German, Russian, and other languages. Language is not a problem, but learning a little basic Thai is both fun and useful. A Hollywood movie with English sound track, shown in a high tech theater costs around $2.50. The air-conditioned city bus is 50 cents, private buses around 25 cents. A Thai food-bar meal runs around 75 cents. We have clubs that meet weekly where the foreign community can get together. They have Open Forums where newcomers to the community can ask questions. The glimpse just given is representative of life for foreigners in most Asian countries. A stress free, quality lifestyle on your retirement pension.

Why Asia? Because Asia is the most exciting, the most user friendly continent on earth. Luxury living for pennies – not just “getting by” on your retirement pension. The United States and Europe are becoming almost impossibly expensive to live and retire in. Learn more about the Asian countries, which ones to consider for retirement, and why. If funds permit, plan a holiday visit to some of the countries of interest. Alternatively, the Internet is a great source of information. Also, one can join an Internet blog or group and gain information and tips from persons already living overseas. As I said in my opening, the best part of your life could be in Asia, and the best time is now.

To learn more, country by country, a “must read” is the Retire to Asia! E-Book. It is an instant-download that you can print. 67 pages of text and stunning photographs. Visit me at http://www.retiretoasia.net

« Previous Page — Next Page »