What Groups Could You Start
Dont wait for people to come to you. They wont. Instead, if you cant find any groups that focus on your passions, start one or two or three!
For example, one of my personal passions is train travel. So, a couple years ago, I decided to start a group on Meetup for people who loved to travel by train. Weve traveled to Austria, France and all over Switzerland. I cant overemphasize how much a part of my life this group has been.
Why Do I Want To Retire Abroad
Theres an old saying, No matter where you go, there you are. Are you retiring abroad for the right reasons? Are you seeing retirement abroad as an escape from the world, or as a way to re-energize and re-engage with the world? What do you want to do in retirement?
What do you want your life to be about? Sitting on the beach is wonderful, but many people find that a life of nothing but leisure gets boring fast.
If you want to be successful in retirement, you need a plan to stay active and engaged with the world around you and keep making a contribution to something you care about . These questions of how to make a happy, meaningful life in retirement do not go away just because youve retired to an island paradise.
If anything, having too much leisure time might cause you to confront a lot of uncomfortable questions and realizations. Think it through before you sell your house and uproot your life and move thousands of miles away from family and friends.
Retiring abroad can be the adventure of a lifetime, but it pays to give this move some careful consideration prior to buying your plane tickets. With thoughtful planning and a good sense of why youre making the move, retirement abroad can be a dream come true.
What Are The Best Places To Retire For Single Women Over 60
If, like me, you are a single woman in your 60s and beyond, you may be thinking about the best places to retire.
Perhaps you are looking for a country with a lower cost of living so that you can make your retirement income stretch farther. Or maybe you want to find a place that provides opportunities to pursue the passions that you left on the back-burner during other stages of your life. Maybe you have always been fascinated by a particular language or culture.
Regardless of your specific requirements, finding the perfect place to retire is a long process.
Here is our top list of places for single women over 60 to retire:
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Slow And Steady Wins The Race
When you move to a new country, you are making a long-term commitment. While it may feel good to rush out and take an immersion class, according to my son, slow and steady wins the race.
He made me a simple promise when I started learning German.
Just do it for 30 minutes a day, he said. Spend 20 minutes learning new things and 10 minutes reviewing what you learned the previous day. Youll be amazed by how much progress you make over the next 12 months.
There are several problems with trying to cram a language into your brain all at once.
First, your brain needs repetition to remember things over the long term. Its not enough to study a language hard for two months. You need to see your new language as a long-term project.
Second, on a practical level, you are way more likely to quit if you bite off more than you can chew. 30 minutes a day, over several years, is more than enough time to become conversationally fluent in a language provided you also use what you are learning in the real world.
Santo Domingo Dominican Republic

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Cost of living for one person: $953
Retirees seeking a more modern lifestyle will love the hustle and bustle of the Dominican Republic’s capital city Santo Domingo. The city seamlessly merges old and new with modern architecture standing side by side with centuries-old colonial buildings. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the city’s exquisite parks, gardens and beaches.
Rent will cost one person approximately $370 per month, but getting around the city is costly. Transportation expenses are estimated at $169 each month for the average resident. Overall, the cost of living is still less than half of what it is, on average in the United States.
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Our Global Passport Index
Global Citizens pioneering Global Passport Index measures passports not only visa-free access to other countries but also takes into account investment opportunities and quality of life factors. For US citizens looking to retire abroad, it is worth seeing where each of these counties ranks on our index and other countries that could be excellent retirement options.
The 10 Cheapest Countries To Retire To
What are the cheapest countries to retire to?
While some people dream of retiring on a sunny beach drinking cocktails, others prefer the idea of remaining active and exploring exciting new wilderness.
But whatever your vision of retirement looks like, how much its going to cost to enjoy a good standard of living is an essential factor everyone has to consider.
This guide explores the ten cheapest countries to retire to based on the annual global retirement index, breaking down everything from the cost of living and infrastructure to the food and entertainment you can expect to enjoy.
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Punta Del Este Uruguay
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Cost of living for one person: $1,088
Another remarkable seaside getaway for Americans hoping to retire on a budget is Punta del Este located in southern Uruguay. The resort-like nature of the city makes it a highly sought-after location for recent retirees still hoping to live a glamorous lifestyle. From world-class dining to one-of-a-kind boutiques, there is a little something for everyone.
With beaches as far as the eye can see, few people will want to pass up this steal. The cost of living for one person is nearly half of what it would cost in the United States. For active retirees, the city offers countless opportunities for water and land activities.
Soak Up The Sun When You Retire To One Of These Affordable Destinations
Retiring to a quiet place by the beach is a dream for many Americans and others around the world. Perhaps the last two years of pandemic-related upheaval have intensified the dream of getting away from the daily grind to resettle in an ideal place. And for many, life by the beach is that ideal.
In most of the U.S., property by the seashore comes at a premium, and home prices are out of reach for many retirees. However, quite a few countries around the world offer pristine beaches, low cost of living, and attractive lifestyles, making them affordable destinations for those whose hearts are set on beachfront living.
These are some of the countries that make it possible to find that place by the sea and live comfortably for a fraction of what it would cost in the U.S. Most have expat communities, reasonably priced healthcare, affordable homes, and residency options.
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Quit Your Job And Live Abroad: 10 Places So Cheap You Might Be Able To Stop Working
Its 2020, which means you can clearly see whats ahead. This is the year to live the dream: Quit your day job and move to a foreign country where it costs so little you might never have to work another day in your life. In 2019, 2018 and 2017, I provided plenty of temptation by examining the cheapest places to live around the globe. For 2020, I again tapped into International Living, which releases an Annual Global Retirement Index of the top places to retire. But dont think these lists are limited to retirees: Theyre also for people who want to move to a place where the cost of living is much cheaper than in the U.S.so cheap, in fact, that you might not have to work.
With the Annual Global Retirement Index, International Livings editors systematically gather and sift through the wealth of opportunity the world offers, comparing, contrasting, ranking and rating their findings to help potential expats pinpoint the best-value destinations around the world. We strive to create an index that provides the most accurateand usefulinsights for readers,” says International Living’s executive editor Jennifer Stevens. Theres no one-size-fits-all destination, but by gathering insights and specific data from our correspondents around the world, were able to compare apples-to-apples and create a snapshot of what each of the 24 countries we rank has to offer across categories like Cost of Living, Healthcare, Visas and Residence and more.
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1. Portugal
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What Hobbies Did You Put On The Backburner As A Parent
I loved being a mom. I still do, although my kids are both in their 30s and have their own children.
At the same time, I have to admit that, for most of my life, my kids hobbies were my hobbies. I spent so much time going to soccer games, video arcades and skateboarding parks, that I basically forgot that I had any of my own passions.
For example, when I was a young woman, I spent several months traveling around India. Along the way, I got really into yoga. Recently, I decided to restart my yoga practice and, while it wasnt easy, I am so happy that I did! Not only do I feel better inside and out, but I have also made several new friends along the way.
If you take a few minutes to think about it, Im sure that you will find plenty of passions to fill your time. Once you have your list, look for groups that support your passion. Love tennis? Join a club! Like painting? Go talk with other local painters or start creating works of art in the park.
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Best Places To Retire In Florida On A Budget
Searching for the best places to retire in Florida on a budget? Then you are on the right page. Florida is a state in the U.S surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean.
Due to the beautiful scenery to be enjoyed and deep involvement in cultural and creative activities, it is seen as expensive.
There are however places in Florida where you can enjoy all these benefits on a budget as a retiree. Now, lets look at the list of best places to retire in Florida on a budget.
The Cheapest Countries Where You Can Retire Well

After working hard and saving diligently for retirement, you may find that your nest egg wont take you far in the U.S., but there are other options. In fact, you may be able to stretch your dollar a lot further outside the country and those options might be safer and more comfortable than you think. To assist you in figuring out where you could consider retiring, SmartAsset compiled this list of the best countries where you can retire cheaply and peacefully. For professional guidance, consider working with a financial advisor who can help prepare future retirees financially for the big event.
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Best Places To Retire Abroad
Though a beautiful place may be nice to visit, its not necessarily an ideal place for retirement. When considering overseas destinations, try to look beyond being a tourist to imagine what you would experience as a local. Our top picks come from International Livings Annual Global Retirement Index, which ranks countries based on 10 categories that look at the big picture:
- Retiree benefits and discounts
Here are the top six countries to retire abroad for 2021.
Tips On Retiring Cheaply And Comfortably
- Your financial situation is unique, and factors like tax status will affect you differently overseas as well. Thats why its crucial to seek a financial advisor to help you make these life-changing decisions. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesnt have to be hard. SmartAssets free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If youre ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
- This article focused on places outside the U.S., but dont disregard domestic retirement when exploring your options. We also published a report on the best places to retire in the U.S.
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Retiring Abroad Vs In The Us
Retiring abroad is an adventure, though just how big an adventure depends on the destination. Still, no matter where you go overseas, you will be a long way from home, and youll have to get comfortable with the linguistic, cultural, political, and economic differences.
And though youre likely to enjoy lower costs, cheaper healthcare, and a nice change of scenery, remember that living abroad is not at all like being a tourist. Be sure to test out a destination before making any long-term decisions. Rent for at least six months, immerse yourself in the culture, get to know the locals , and decide if youd really be happy living there.
According to the Social Security Administration, the average Social Security retirement benefit is $1,533 per month . That amount may be enough to retire comfortably abroad if you stick to a budget.
On the other hand, you may be happier retiring in the U.S. if you shy away from adventure and prefer a predictable and familiar routineor if you want to stay close to family, friends, and established networks. Of course, the cost of living in the U.S. is much higher than in many parts of the world, and youll also be subject to rising healthcare costs and high assisted living costs. If you decide to stay in the U.S., you may still want to consider relocating to an area that better suits your retirement goals.
Where Should I Retire In Italy
-Città SantAngelo
Nestled within the verdant hills of Abruzzo is Città SantAngelo, a hamlet of about 15,000 that is one of the most culturally rich the region has to offer. Walking the stone streets of Città feels like being in a world removed from time
This 9th century medieval town situated between two rivers is home to magnificent palazzi, piazzas, churches, and monasteriesQuaint storefronts are home to butchers, bakers, pasta makers, and pharmacists, locals popping in from one to the next to get their daily shopping done
The way of life here hearkens back hundreds of yearsnothing here has changed much in that time, and thats the way folks like it.
- It offers a high quality of life, including high-standard health care.
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Where Should I Retire In Ecuador
-Salinas
Salinas is one of Ecuadors top places to live. Known locally as Little Miami, Salinas has long been a favorite vacation spot for Ecuadorians. More recently tourists from other countries have started to appear
So have expats, who come to take advantage of Ecuadors fantastically low cost of living. There are more than 6,000 of them living here, making it one of the top expat locations in the country.
Unlike Miami, in Salinas, you can buy property for US$100,000. If youre interested in buying a condo as a place to live or as a rental investment, this is an excellent time to be shopping.
Where Should I Retire In Mexico
-Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is located on Mexicos Pacific Coast in the scenic Banderas Bay, surrounded by the Sierra Madre mountains. A long-time favorite destination of retirees and spring-breakers, Puerto Vallarta now attracts expats and digital nomads as well. Theres just something about this place that draws people in
With the ocean on one side and the mountains on the other, theres a wealth of activities at your fingertips here. Real estate, although more expensive than in years past, remains a good bargain.
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Why Is Retiring Abroad Becoming More Popular For Single Older Women
As a single older woman, I know firsthand how divorce can leave you feeling vulnerable. I also understand how difficult it is when your children leave the house. On the one hand, you are excited for your kids. This is their moment, after all. At the same time, its natural to feel a bit lost after they leave and many of us wonder whats next?
Moving to a new country wont solve all of your issues, but for many women, it offers the opportunity to start fresh. This is exactly how I felt when I moved to Switzerland. The very newness of everything around me gave me a new perspective on life and helped me to come to terms with my past.
During our conversation, Kathleen reminds us that there are many amazing places in the world that are perfect for single older women. Based on her 30+ years experience in this area, she offers some specific advice for women who are considering moving to Asia, Europe or Latin America.
Kathleen begins by talking about an issue that is of utmost importance to us older women safety. While some people might disagree with her, Kathleen argues that most countries in the developing world are not going to be a good fit for older single women. Other factors that she recommends you consider before making a big move include location, climate, healthcare and culture.
Most importantly, Kathleen recommends spending a significant amount of time in your chosen country before moving there permanently.