Get Help Starting an Encore Career

Now that they are reaching retirement age, Baby Boomers are often discovering that they are not quite ready for the rocking chair.  They look at this period of their lives as an opportunity to do the things they always wanted to do when they were younger.  For some, that means travel or pursuing a hobby; for others it may mean doing something meaningful with their lives in the form of a second career.

If you are one of those who is ready to move into a second career, I want to introduce my readers to Encore.org.  It is a website designed specifically for Baby Boomers and others who are searching for a new career in the second half of their lives.

While I only occasionally refer my readers to other websites, Encore.org is so comprehensive and well-done, it would be impossible for me to provide you with all the information they have already put together on this site.

Why You May Want to Have an Encore Career

There are typically two reasons why Baby Boomers choose to start a second career later in life:

Financial Security

With at least 10,000 Baby Boomers turning 65 every single day in the United States, many of them are not financially prepared for retirement.  Having a second career to supplement their Social Security benefits can make a difference in whether they are struggling to survive or really enjoying their senior years.  In addition, people who continue working while collecting Social Security benefits find that their benefits can increase a bit faster than the typical annual cost-of-living increase.

Emotional Satisfaction

Another reason for second careers is that some adults have spent decades postponing their "dream job" because they needed to stick with better paying jobs while raising their families.  As a result, I know Realtors who want to be artists, engineers who long to work as a chefs, office workers who dream of becoming caterers, and teachers who have been writing a novel for years while waiting to retire.  Other people long to do something meaningful with their lives, but they don't know what opportunities are available and how to get started.

How You Can Find an Encore Career

What should you do if you know you want to work after retirement, either because you need the money or you need the mental stimulation, but you feel as though you are groping in the dark for something that would really excite you?  That is where http://www.encore.org/ can help you get started.

Many of the careers they promote are referred to on their website as careers with purpose.  They even sponsor "Purpose Awards" designed to recognize people who have "moved into second acts for the greater good."  These are people who have committed the second half of their lives to solving significant social problems.  Some of these people have been given cash awards of as much as $100,000 for their extraordinary contributions to society.

When you log onto encore.org, be sure to check out the tab labeled Work.  Under it, you will find information about pursuing the top five encore careers:  health care, green jobs (environment), government jobs (including the Peace Corps), working for non-profit organizations, and educational jobs (such as Troops to Teachers).

From there, the website will give you the information you need to get started on your encore career ... whether that means going back to school, applying to a government agency, or using your current education and experience to fill a job opening at a non-profit organization.

How an Encore Career Can Enrich Your Life

I have a friend who joined the Peace Corps in her early 60's after retiring from her job as head of Information Technology for a newspaper.  Her job with the Peace Corps involved teaching parents and teens in small villages in the former Soviet Union about the dangers of human trafficking.  Unscrupulous people had been going to these villages and offering young women jobs as nannies in Europe and the United States.  Once they were out of the villages, however, these young women were frequently forced into prostitution, instead.  My friend remained in her Peace Corps assignment for two and a half years before she returned to the United States and began her official retirement.  However, even though she is now in her early seventies, she continues to frequently meet with other former Peace Corps members and gives speeches about her experience.  Her encore career continues to define and enrich her life.

By the way, when she joined the Peace Corps, my friend told me that there were a number of other people in their 60's and early 70's who were joining at the same time.  So, if this was something you wanted to do in your early 20's, and didn't have the opportunity, it is not too late!

If you are wondering what you might like to do after you retire from your current career, check out Encore.org.  You may be on the verge of an exciting new adventure!

For those of you looking for additional retirement information, click on the tabs at the top of this page for links to articles about where to retire in the United States or overseas, financial information, dealing with medical issues, and a variety of other topics such as family relations and travel.

You are reading from the blog:  www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo credit of a teacher in a foreign country is courtesy of www.morguefile.com

New Benefit for Readers of Baby-Boomer-Retirement.com

I am delighted to let my readers here at Baby-Boomer-Retirement.com know that I have just been selected to be the official Retirement Contributor for the online magazine known as Squidoo, one of the top 250 websites in the United States.  In that capacity, I will be writing articles and reviewing books about retirement, aging, financial planning and related topics for the readers of Squidoo.  This added opportunity will in no way affect the articles that I will continue to write exclusively for my readers here.  In fact, it will give me even more opportunities to provide you with useful information.

As an extra benefit for my blog readers, I've decided that I will add an additional post each week, providing direct links to those Squidoo articles that I think will interest my readers here, whether I have written those articles or not. It may be a link to an article or retirement book review that I have written for Squidoo, or it might be a link to an article written by either the Squidoo Health & Aging Contributor or the Squidoo Alzheimers and Dementia Contributor.  You will have even more access to experts in a variety of fields, simply by following this blog.


The short posts containing a Squidoo article link will be in addition to the normal weekly posts that I will continue to write exclusively for the readers of Baby-Boomer-Retirement.com.  My only hope is that you will find that the Squidoo articles are an additional source of useful information.

Today's link is my introduction as the official Retirement Contributor to the readers of Squidoo.  This week's Squidoo article also contains links to a variety of helpful Amazon books and other Squidoo articles that may interest you.  Here's the link:   "I'm The 'Retired and Loving It' Contributor on Squidoo."

The Squidoo articles are completely free, so enjoy this extra weekly bonus link to the articles that I think will interest you.  My normal weekly posts will continue to show up regularly, a few days after each bonus post.

Have fun with this new resource!

You are reading from the blog:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

(Photo credit:  Photo is property of author, Deborah-Diane; all rights reserved.)

Problems in Retiring Abroad

Have you narrowed down your retirement options, yet?  Many Baby Boomers are unsure whether they would be better off remaining in the United States or moving to another country.  Moving to another country is an easier choice if you have relatives who live in that country.  However, if you do not have any connections, making a move to a foreign location can be more challenging.

Finances continue to drive the desire to live in a less expensive nation.  Unfortunately, the majority of Baby Boomers today can look forward to very low Social Security benefits that will be supplemented with only a small amount of income from their retirement savings.  When low income is combined with the high cost of living in many parts of the United States, an ever-growing number of Americans are choosing to move overseas to places like San Miguel de Allende, pictured here.  Many foreign countries can seem like paradise to cash-strapped Americans.

Improvements in medical tourism and access to modern conveniences are also fueling the increasing number of ex-patriots who are retiring overseas.  This blog has included a number of articles about the appeal of a variety of locations.  However, in order to paint a balanced picture, there are some specific problems that Americans need to consider before they make their final decision.

Possible Problems When Retiring Abroad

*  Something as simple as having goods shipped to you may be much more difficult when living in a foreign country.  One of our daughter's friends moved to Costa Rica to teach school about five years ago.  Since then, she has married a Costa Rican man and has decided to make that country her permanent residence.  Her first child is due in a few weeks and I asked her how to mail her some baby gifts.  Here is what she told me:  Do not have an American business, like Amazon, ship anything to her directly.  Do not send anything by UPS or Fed Ex; only use the U.S. Postal Service.  Do not put anything in a box; use a padded envelope, instead. In the customs paperwork, refer to the items as "used" rather than "new."   She said that her family has been trying to ship her things for years and, despite the fact she is married to a Costa Rican citizen, it has been very difficult for her to receive some of the items.  Even when she does, the cost of shipping is high if the item is very large.  In addition, when there is a problem, the Costa Rican mail service will not notify her about it.

In other words, you will be far better off if you are willing to make nearly all your purchases locally.  This seems to be what most foreign countries prefer.

*  Another issue that arises when living abroad is the fact that the cost-of-living in some other countries can be as high, or higher, as living in the United States.  If you are moving outside the U.S. as a way to save money, then scratch most major cities in Europe off your list, as well as Australia and New Zealand.

*  No matter where you decide to live abroad, you are likely to have some expenses that you would not incur if you remained in the U.S.  For example, anytime you decide to visit the United States, the cost of travel can be quite expensive.  In addition, while you can get your Social Security in other countries, you are not eligible to receive Medicare.  You have to buy medical insurance in your new country.

*  Another issue to consider is that the cheaper the country, the poorer the country.  This may mean increased crime and fewer conveniences.  For example, the young teacher and her husband, whom I mentioned earlier, live a very modest lifestyle in Costa Rica.  None-the-less, their apartment has been robbed and they have lost items such as television sets and computers. The State Department often warns Americans living overseas to exercise caution and avoid certain areas.  This is good advice, no matter how comfortable you feel in the area around your new residence.

*  If your goal is live inexpensively in another country, you must adapt to that country.  That means eating the types of foods that the locals eat, living in similar housing, doing without cable TV, etc.  Of course, most countries do have subdivisions that are geared towards Americans with larger than average homes, two-car garages, air conditioning, cable television, etc.  However, if you want those types of amenities, expect to pay American prices ... and sometimes more.

*  Depending on where you choose to live, there are other inconveniences you may experience, as well.  You may need to learn a new language and new monetary system.  The legal system and tax codes may be confusing to you.  You may also have fewer rights than people who are citizens of that country ... for example, you may not be able to own property or it may be more difficult for you to work or start a business.

While many American believe that moving to a foreign country will be a dream, other Americans have discovered that it can be a nightmare if they have not prepared properly.  Make sure you visit in advance and speak to Americans who have gone before you.  Meet with an immigration attorney and a CPA to discuss any laws and rules that could have an affect on you.  Have a real estate agent show you some properties for sale or rent, so you know what to expect, both in price and quality.  You are less likely to be surprised if you are well-prepared.

If you are still interested in learning more about retiring in a foreign country, check out the "Retire Overseas" tab at the top of this blog.  That is the section where you will find links to more information about popular retirement destinations.

Use the other tabs to find links to additional articles about the best places to retire in the United States, family relationships after retirement, healthcare issues, and financial planning.

You are reading from the blog:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo credit:  www.wikipedia.org/commons

Retire in Lovely La Antigua, Guatemala

Would you like to retire overseas to a small city with an established, English-speaking ex-patriot community?  If so, be sure to investigate La Antigua, Guatemala.  This lovely community has spring-like temperatures the year around and excellent medical care.  In addition, the cost of living is very affordable ... about one-third of what it costs to live in the United States.

Average daytime temperatures in January, one of the coldest months of the year, range from about 53 to 71 degrees Fahrenheit (similar to what we experience here in Southern California).  In May, the warmest month, the temperatures range from about 63 to 78 degrees during the day (somewhat cooler than Southern California in the summer).  As you can see, there is very little difference in La Antigua weather from one season to the next.

This charming colonial Central American city has appealed to visitors for centuries. The Antigua Plaza was first laid out in 1541 and is the heart of the city.  Many of the buildings surrounding the Plaza were also originally erected at about the same time.  There is a large fountain in the center of the Plaza, surrounded by trees, benches and gardens.  You can also take a carriage ride around this elegant Colonial city.


In addition, if you live near the city center, you can walk almost everywhere, eliminating the need to have a car.  Travel back to the United States is also convenient, since it is just a four-hour flight back to Texas.  That's less time than it takes to fly from Boston to San Diego!


The city has a lot to offer new residents, including wonderful restaurants.  It is a popular destination for people from all over the world, including Europe, Asia and North America, especially those who want to study Spanish through an immersion program.  Consequently, there are a number of Spanish language schools in Antigua. The University of San Carlos in Antigua was originally founded in 1687.

In addition to the large community of retirees from the United States who reside in the city, Antigua is also a popular tourist destination.  Cruise ships dock in Guatemala on both the Pacific and Atlantic sides of the country.  This beautiful city is known for its well-preserved Spanish Baroque architecture and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Your friends and family members will look forward to visiting you in this lovely location.

Frequent religious celebrations and festivals are among the appealing features of the city, including weekly processions through the streets of Antigua during Lent.


Things to Consider When Moving Abroad

I am often asked where to begin if you want to retire abroad.  Before deciding to live in another country, I highly recommend that you take an extended vacation there and tour as many different areas as possible.  It is the single most important action you can take before you make a final decision.  While you are there, meet with Realtors and leasing agents.  Ask them to introduce you to Americans living in the area so that you can get all your questions answered.

You should also consult with a local, English speaking attorney and/or CPA to discuss any legal and financial issues you might encounter in pursuing your goals ... purchasing property, getting a job, starting a business, acquiring medical insurance, etc.

Check out the State Department website for any warnings about visiting or living in the country of your choice.  Visit your local Social Security office and find out what arrangements you will need to make before you move.

It is best to accumulate as much information as possible before you move, rather than experience a nasty surprise after you have given up your home in the United States and resettled in a foreign country!


Other Articles You May Want to Read:

How to Access International Travel Warnings and Alerts

How to Collect Social Security and Retire Overseas

The Risks of Living Abroad

You are reading from the blog:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Resources:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/why-antigua-irresistible-retirement-spot-191814352.html;_ylt=AwrTWf3B3aNSBTEARGqTmYlQ

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antigua_Guatemala

Photo credit:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Antigua,_Guatemala.jpg (verified from Wikipedia Commons)