Places to Retire

I have written often about downsizing, including our own plans for condo living. Saving $1000 or more on monthly living expenses (mortgage, taxes, insurance, utilities, maintenance, etc.) is the equivalent of adding $300,000 or more of income-generating assets to your retirement nest egg. [Read more of this article]  Read More →

The New York Times recently published an article that attempts to explore the harsh realities of owning a vacation home. I agree with many of the author’s views. I wanted to comment further because we are now experienced owners of a pre-retirement vacation home. If you have considered purchasing property to use for vacation or weekend living,... [Read more of this article]

For the past year or so we have been openly discussing downsizing from our primary residence after our youngest son graduates from college next spring. We would take the proceeds from the sale and either buy something smaller in the area or, more likely, rent. Now we are rethinking that strategy. [Read more of this article]  Read More →

A common theme in discussions about retirement in a foreign country is that a life in a warm, sunny retirement paradise can be experienced at low cost. This belief applies in particular to retirement destinations such as Mexico, Belize, Panama, and Costa Rica. According to some folks who have tried it, this belief is only half-true. [Read more of this... [Read more of this article]

Many baby boomers have grown up yearning for beach front property. Owning a house or condo near the ocean for retirement is a dream that lots of us have shared. Sadly, the Gulf oil disaster has added another reason to the list of reasons why retiring on the beach may not be such a good idea. [Read more of this article]  Read More →