3 Days That Could Improve Your Retirement
Retirement: It’s the radical notion that, after a lifetime of working, you could do more of what you want to do…in the way you want to do it. And really, that’s the end goal, isn’t it?
A Healthier Approach to Time in Low-Cost Europe
The greatest fear of the modern age might just be wasting time. We feel it keenly. It weighs us down. Clocks chime, smartphones beep, places to go, things to do. As the master juggler of work and family, hobbies, and professional life, it’s a fear that affects the average American more than other people.
All this clock-watching gets us nowhere in the end of course. The greater fear ought to be not “wasting our time” wisely.
Less traffic. Less corporate America. Less punching a time clock. That’s what Tim Little wanted. And it’s why he began a new life on a sailboat among the islands of the Aegean Sea. “I discovered how affordable it can be.” For instance, “staples could be purchased fresh for 30% to 40% less than what I paid for them in Florida grocery stores.”
You’ll have a healthier approach to time in Europe. In the off-the-radar French haven Tuula Rampont calls home, expats happily embrace the local concept of doing nothing with your day but enjoying yourself. Tuula explains how her leisurely morning walks through the market often turn into long and pleasant lunches. Last year this place was named “the sunniest city in France” and expat couples can live here on $1,800 a month.
Barcelona is another spot for idling over a meal with wine under the Mediterranean sun. Linda and her husband Kurt moved there nearly four years ago and spend plenty of time in the city’s many art museums. “We consider our living expenses to be minimal. Since we own our own apartment, our regularly occurring expenses (minus groceries and entertainment) average about $860 a month. Back in Texas, we were used to property taxes consuming a huge portion of our monthly paycheck; in Barcelona, property taxes average around $66 a month,” writes Linda.
Perhaps no one savors time quite like the Italians. For a true “dolce vita” lifestyle, the best spot is Puglia. Tucked into the heel of the Italian boot, it’s hidden, though growing in popularity with savvy expats. You won’t have much to worry about except where to eat or what adventure to go on next. Living costs are just $1,600 a month.
—Eoin Basset, International Executive Editor
Golfing Getaways Around the World
For any avid golfer, there’s nothing better than getting in 18 holes on a perfect blue-sky day. Luckily, if you’re a golfer who moves abroad, you don’t have to give up your favorite hobby.
Little Differences, Big Changes From Living in Ecuador
“Honey, we’re out of eggs. I’m going to the mercado; do you need anything?” “Yes, we need poop bags for the dog,” my wife, Rita, replied. She wanted me to pick up a pack of small plastic bags used to collect the little gifts our Corgi leaves around the neighborhood.
Download Your April 2017 PDF Here
Did you know you can download and read your entire April issue as a PDF? Simply click on the link below and discover the secrets to retiring and investing overseas.