Hi:
Have you ever heard of the word? Many haven't, but more and more people are becoming aware of the expatriate lifestyle.
Those are people who travel a great deal or have worked internationally. They have linked up with other transplanted people in their current city or country.
These "expats" usually hang out together, socialize, compare housing prices and all sorts of information that is needed to navigate a new country or city. They often become good friends by virtue of the fact they can speak the same language.
Expats often take small jaunts together, going off on extended weekends to visit neighboring countries or recreation areas such as the beaches and lakes of the countries where they live.
Expat communities can be quite large. I understand there are 6,000 expats in San Miguel de Allende in Mexico.
Some larger expat groups have social events and organized activities. There are art and symphony groups, writing, sports and parties and special events.
If you are thinking of moving internationally, be sure to find out the size of the expat community in the place you are going.
More tomorrow, including some websites.
M.
retirement and expatriates
Friday, March 03, 2006
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Planning for Leisure Time in Retirement
In the past retirement was for the elderly, as life expectancy was lower. "Older" folks stepped aside for the "younger" ones, and gradually disappeared from the scene.
Well, the old days are over! Today baby boomers are totally involved, doing interesting new things, traveling, redecorating, socializing, going wild.
Really, when you think of it, retirement at a young age has all the hallmarks of a great life. You have enough money to live reasonably well. This is, of course, subjective, but let's not be too picky about how North Americans live. Reasonably well is probably an apt description.
You are relatively healthy, and if suffering a bit from lifestyle issues such as smoking or obesity, these can be changed.
You have opportunities to give back in amazing ways.
Travel has never been easier or more interesting.
So we can truly do as we wish, and without the major factor that has governed so much of our life up to now, that is, work and our time commitments to it.
What more can we ask for? The ability to step out of our comfort zone, take the challenge and go for what we want. Vision and action are all we need.
retirement, travel
Well, the old days are over! Today baby boomers are totally involved, doing interesting new things, traveling, redecorating, socializing, going wild.
Really, when you think of it, retirement at a young age has all the hallmarks of a great life. You have enough money to live reasonably well. This is, of course, subjective, but let's not be too picky about how North Americans live. Reasonably well is probably an apt description.
You are relatively healthy, and if suffering a bit from lifestyle issues such as smoking or obesity, these can be changed.
You have opportunities to give back in amazing ways.
Travel has never been easier or more interesting.
So we can truly do as we wish, and without the major factor that has governed so much of our life up to now, that is, work and our time commitments to it.
What more can we ask for? The ability to step out of our comfort zone, take the challenge and go for what we want. Vision and action are all we need.
retirement, travel
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Variety of Small Places to Live
Hi:
Although many people still want a large family home when they retire, there are other options to consider.
What do you want to do? If you want to travel a great deal, why not get a smaller place that you can lock up and go. Or, why not have two smaller homes, or a time-share you can trade. People with several time shares go all over the world. It's best to be with a large time share company if that is your aim.
What about a home in another country? The cost of living can be considerably cheaper elsewhere. Your can live here and there for several months of the year and choose your best weather options.
Dozens of permutations exist, limited only by our imagination. You can even be homeless for a while if you are travelling for extensive periods. Could you stand it psychologically?
The point is to expand our options and get out of ruts. If you are not doing what you want, be creative and make it happen.
M.
retirement and where to live
Although many people still want a large family home when they retire, there are other options to consider.
What do you want to do? If you want to travel a great deal, why not get a smaller place that you can lock up and go. Or, why not have two smaller homes, or a time-share you can trade. People with several time shares go all over the world. It's best to be with a large time share company if that is your aim.
What about a home in another country? The cost of living can be considerably cheaper elsewhere. Your can live here and there for several months of the year and choose your best weather options.
Dozens of permutations exist, limited only by our imagination. You can even be homeless for a while if you are travelling for extensive periods. Could you stand it psychologically?
The point is to expand our options and get out of ruts. If you are not doing what you want, be creative and make it happen.
M.
retirement and where to live
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