Tips for Boomers Who Live Alone

Sooner or later, the majority of people will spend some time living alone.  Even if you are currently married, it is likely that one of you will outlive the other.  "Gray" divorce, involving people over the age of 50, is also becoming more common.  Most of the time, single Baby Boomers are quite capable of handling this living arrangement and may even enjoy the freedom that they have.

However, it is likely that there will also be times when most single seniors will wish they had someone else around to lend them a helping hand, especially when they are sick, have surgery, or when they are dealing with other types of life emergencies. 

These are the times when you need to have a plan.  Below are some suggestions to make life easier for you when you go through these difficult times.

Preparing for Emergencies When You Live Alone

*  Everyone should know how to order their groceries online or by phone.  This will make life so much easier if you are sick or recovering from surgery.  Practice by ordering your groceries this way once in a while, for example when the weather is bad and you don't want to get out.  Then you will know exactly what to do when the time comes that you have to order your groceries.  You won't be trying to learn something new when you are already under stress.

*  Meals on Wheels - In addition to being able to order your groceries, you may also want to investigate the local Meals on Wheels service.  Many of these organizations will provide meals temporarily to people who are recovering from surgery or permanently for people who are experiencing other issues such as severe arthritis that could make it difficult for them to prepare their own meals.  In addition, it can be comforting to know that someone will check on you each day when they deliver the meals.  You will probably be asked to donate between $2 and $8 per day for the meals, but the service is well worth it.

*  Medical Alert Devices - Meals, of course, not the only problem you might have when you live alone.  As you age, one of the biggest risks you will face is from falling.  You could also suffer from other medical emergencies, such as experiencing the symptoms of a heart attack or a stroke.  As a result, people who spend a lot of time alone may want to invest in a medical alert pendant.  There are a variety of companies that offer this service, such as the GreatCall Medical Alert Device.  Depending on the company you choose, the service that is connected to your medical alert device (for a small monthly fee) will be able to connect you with 911, a nurse, a neighbor or the relative of your choosing, so you can quickly get help when you need it. Make sure you compare several brands and choose the device that suits your lifestyle.  Some only work when you are in or near your home.  Others work off a GPS system, which means you can use them wherever you are ... on a trip, while taking a walk, or at the local mall. 

*  Medical Alert Engraved Bracelets - If you have a condition such as epilepsy or diabetes that could cause you to pass out or have a seizure, it would be wise to wear a bracelet that identifies your medical condition and any other relevant information that would be useful to emergency personnel, in the event you cannot speak.  You can order medical alert bracelets online, although you may want to talk to your doctor first about specifically what information you will want to include on your bracelet.

*  Transportation can be another issue when you live alone.  What happens if you lose your drivers license or if there is simply a short period of time when you cannot drive ... because of foot surgery, for example?  Many communities offer transportation services in the form of buses that will come directly to your home or low cost taxi vouchers.  Some communities even have volunteers who will drive seniors to medical appointments.   Contact your local senior center or city hall to find out what transportation resources are available in your area.

*  Online Banking - Learn how to pay your bills by using online banking and have your Social Security, pensions and other sources of income automatically deposited.  This will dramatically simplify bill paying for you.  I even know of people who have all their bills charged to their credit card and then they simply pay that one credit card bill each month.  I advise this only for people who do not overspend and end up with a credit card bill that is more than they can afford. Either way, learning how to use online banking will save you money on stamps and reduce the time you need to spend paying bills.  In fact, many of your bills can be set up to be automatically paid every month, with no additional effort from you.  That means you will not forget to pay a bill, especially if you are sick or hospitalized for a period of time.

*  Try to build up a circle of friends who you see periodically.  Not only is the socialization important for people who live alone, but it is reassuring to know that there are people who would miss you and come looking for you if you unexpectedly did not show up for a routine get-together.  You may want to take a class, form a walking group, join a book club, or get involved in similar activities.  Have coffee with a neighbor once a week.  Volunteer at the library or your local senior center.  These types of activities will also help you fight one of the biggest issues for people as they age ... loneliness.

*  Phone calls, emails and text messages are other ways that you can stay connected.  As you age, you may want to contact an adult child, a sibling, or a close friend several times a week, just to reassure them that you are OK.  In some communities, you can sign up to have an automated phone call made to your home every day at a certain time, when you are virtually always at home ... such as 7:00 in the morning or 10:00 in the evening.  If you do not answer, they will send someone out to check on you.

*  Household help - If possible, hire a person or two who can help you around your house ... with cleaning, yard work, pool maintenance or similar services.  This will give you at least one more person who will be checking on you periodically.  In addition, it will make it less likely that you will get injured doing something risky or stressful ... such as shoveling snow, washing windows on a ladder, cleaning your gutters, etc. 

*  Finally, put together a list of emergency numbers and keep it in a prominent place.  You may also want to keep a copy in your car and carry one in your purse or wallet.  Make sure it contains contact numbers for your doctors, relatives, neighbors and anyone else you might need to reach in an emergency.  When you are upset or confused, it could be difficult to remember even familiar phone numbers.  In addition, if you are unconscious, this list could make it easier for others to get in touch with your family or physicians.

In addition, add ICE as a connection on your cellphone.  That stands for: In Case of Emergency.  Then, enter the phone number of someone who should be contacted in an emergency.  Emergency personnel have been trained to check your phone for this entry, if you should be found unconscious or incapacitated in some way.  

Taking the right precautions will make it much easier for you to live comfortably alone and could postpone the time when you will have to move into assisted living ... which most of us want to postpone as long as possible.

If you want other helpful retirement planning information, check out the tabs at the top of this article.  They contain links to hundreds of other useful articles.

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Photo credit:  www.morguefile.com

Where Retirees Pay Low Taxes

Once you leave the work force, many retirees are concerned about how to pay low taxes so they can really stretch their Social Security and pensions and make every penny count.  After all, if you are going to receive $1200 to $2400 a month in Social Security (a typical range), the money will go a lot further in low-tax, low cost-of-living states like Texas or Washington rather than states like California or New York.  Below is some of the information you will need to know in order to make the right retirement decision for you.

States With No State Income Tax

The first issue that you need to consider is whether or not you will have to pay state income tax on any of your retirement income.  The states listed below, do not have a state income tax on regular income, although there are some other issues, mentioned below, that you want to consider.

Alaska
Florida
Nevada
New Hampshire
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Washington
Wyoming

New Hampshire and Tennessee do tax your dividends and interest income.  In addition, some of those states, like Texas, have unusually high property taxes that can amount to more than residents would have paid in income taxes in other states.  It is important for retirees to consider ALL the taxes that they will pay in their new location, including sales, personal property, estate and inheritance taxes.

Cities with Moderate Taxes and a Desirable Quality of Life

Paying low taxes is not enough to guarantee a pleasant retirement.  Most retirees also want to enjoy a pleasant lifestyle, as well.  In other words, they are looking for places where they will be able to afford to live on their retirement income while, at the same time, being able to have fun in locations where they feel safe, with good transportation and access to quality healthcare.

Many retirees also want to be able to live in the same region of the country where their adult children and grandchildren live.  Often they want easy access to parks and beaches or lakes.  They may be looking for a mild climate.

With all those considerations in mind, here are "Eight Tax-Friendly Cities" that, according to Where to Retire magazine, may meet your overall needs:

Fort Lauderdale, Florida
St. Marys, Georgia
Spartanburg, South Carolina
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Manitou Springs, Colorado
Tempe, Arizona
Boulder City, Nevada
Payallup, Washington

Of course, this is just a sampling of the possible choices that are available.  As you can see, several of the listed cities are actually in the states that do have a state income tax.  This is because the magazine looked at the entire tax burden that people experience, including property and sales taxes.  Even if those particular cities will not work for you, you may consider other affordable and interesting towns within those same states.  In particular, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Arizona are popular and affordable retirement meccas.

As you can see, you may not wish to move to a state simply because it does not have income taxes, until you carefully study what other taxes you may be expected to pay, as well as the overall cost-of-living.

The best state for retirement may be different for each individual.  Some of the questions you may want to ask yourself:

Do you plan to buy or rent in my new location?
How do home prices and rents compare from state to state?
What will be the total impact of the taxes you will be paying?
What is the overall cost of living?
What will it cost to enjoy your favorite pastimes, hobbies and activities?
Will you have convenient access to healthcare and other services?
How much will it cost to travel to visit your loved ones?

Once you have researched the answers to these questions and considered the amount you will be paying in taxes and other expenses, then you will have gone a long way towards deciding the best place for you to live economically during retirement, while paying the lowest taxes possible.

Source:
 
"8 Tax-Friendly Cities," Where to Retire magazine, January/February 2015 issue, pg. 52.

For more ideas about good places to retire, use the tabs at the top of this article to find links to dozens of other articles, including where to retire both in the United States and in other countries.

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Long-Term Care for Low Income Retirees

In other posts on this blog, we have discussed the reasons why people may benefit from purchasing Long Term Care insurance, the various alternatives to this insurance, and the Veteran's Administration benefits that could help you pay for assisted living or nursing home care.

What if none of these options will work for you?  Perhaps you cannot afford long term care insurance or poor health prevents you from passing the physical.  You may not have served in the military, at least not when a war was going on, so you do not qualify for VA benefits.  

In addition, Medicare is not an option because it will only pay for short-term care, such as when you need to spend a few weeks in a rehabilitation facility after you have surgery.  

Do not give up on your ability to find affordable long-term care, however.  If none of the above programs are an option, there are other choices which can help the low-income elderly pay for permanent care, once they reach a point in their lives when they are declining physically and/or mentally.

First, a significant number of the elderly are eligible for long-term care through Medicaid.

Who is Eligible for Medicaid?

In order to be eligible to receive long-term care and have it paid for by Medicaid, you need to meet these criteria:

1. You have to be willing to apply all of your existing assets towards your care.  This is usually not an issue for people who have few remaining assets and are approaching the end of their lives.
2. You must have a low retirement income, which applies to nearly everyone living solely on the average amount of Social Security.  Even if your retirement income is greater than the median Social Security payment, you may still qualify if you have high medical expenses.
3. In the case of a married couple, they do NOT need to exhaust all their financial resources in order for one of them to have their long-term care covered by Medicaid. In most cases, the healthy spouse can keep their home and certain other assets, although they may still have to make significant sacrifices in order to contribute to their partner's care.

Medicaid for Ailing Elders

Medicaid is designed to be a safety net for Americans who need more care than they can afford to pay for privately. Medicaid can be used to pay for long term nursing home care in all states. In a number of states,  Medicaid will also pay for assisted living communities or other options such as in-home care. 

In some states, residents can even access Medicaid through a program called PACE (Program of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly).  PACE will cover all of the senior's care and medical needs through a single agency.  The goal of PACE is to help people who have traditionally been sent to nursing homes to stay at home, with support.  You can learn more about that program at www.medicare.gov. 


State Medicaid Guidelines


Every state has its own guidelines, requirements and paperwork, so you will need to contact your State Medical Assistance office for more details about how their programs work.  Here are two websites that can help you:

• Call 1-800-MEDICARE: www.medicare.gov
• Visit the Medicare and Medicaid Services website www.cms.hhs.gov

You may also want to speak with an elder law attorney who can help guide you through the complicated process of completing a successful Medicaid application.

 

Veteran's Aid Can Help Both Veterans and Their Spouses

Don't forget that there are also programs to help Veterans who have served in the military during a time when our country was at war.  Many widows and widowers of veterans are not aware that they may also be able to receive benefits to help cover long-term care.

 

How to Apply for VA Benefits

Like Medicaid, the application process for your VA benefits can be extremely complicated.  To get help, you may want to contact a Veteran Services Officer. They are volunteers who are located throughout the United States,  and you can find them through organizations like the American Legion, or Veteran of Foreign Wars (VFW) lodges.

To apply for VA health care or determine eligibility,

• Call (877) 222-VETS: Health Benefits Service Center
• Contact your local Veterans Benefits Office or Medical Facility
• Visit the Department of Veterans Affairs website www1.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp

 

How to Find the Right Assisted Living or Nursing Home Program

How can you find the right program or facility to take you or your loved one?  Where do you start?  How can you get help completing the complicated applications necessary in order to get Medicaid or MediCal to pay for your care?  There are companies that will help you find an available bed in the appropriate facility and they will often assist with the application process, as well.  Here are two well-known companies:

A Place for Mom

(866) 344-8005

http://www.aplaceformom.com/search

California Nursing Home Solutions

(They handle the Medi-Cal Applications, etc. for you)

(800) 773-6467

http://www.nhscare.com/Home/tabid/1066/Default.aspx

In addition, you may want to contact nursing homes, assisted living facilities or senior centers in your area and ask if they can help you with the MediCal or Medicaid application process.  Many of them can walk you through the process or they can refer you to a specialist who can help you.

For additional retirement information, use the tabs at the top of this page.  They contain links to hundreds of additional articles on retirement.

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Photo credit:  www.morguefile.com

Age In Place - Retire Where You Live Now

Although this blog often contains articles about exotic places to retire, according to AARP about three-quarters of retirees would like to stay in their current home or, at the very least, in their current neighborhood.  There are a few issues that can make this difficult, however,  First, your current home may be too expensive to support once you are living on a fixed income.  Second, it may not be properly designed to accommodate someone who is aging, especially if they develop any disabilities (which is the situation for about two-thirds of people by age 85).  For example, a multistory home, like the ones in this photo, may need to be adapted or replaced with a single story home, if you plan to age in place.

However, despite a few challenges, you do not have to give up your dream of retiring where you currently live.  You just need to plan properly.  Below are some things to consider, as well as some tips to make it easier for you to age in place.

Can You Afford to Stay Where You Are?

Are you going to be retiring with a mortgage or high taxes and maintenance costs on your current home?  Now may be the time to look for a smaller home in your current area.  Sometimes just moving a short distance to a smaller house will make it easier for you to continue to live in your present neighborhood.  This means you do not have to change the places you shop, the doctors you see, the church you attend, access to your family and friends, etc.

It's important that you make this change before you retire.  You don't want to go through your savings before you move and you want to make major lifestyle changes while you are as young as possible.  It will be much easier.  In addition, if you need to have a mortgage on your new home, it will be easier to qualify for the loan and you will get a lower interest rate if you make the move while you are still working.

Modifications You May Want to Make to Your Retirement Home

Whether you decide to stay in your current house or move to a smaller one nearby, you may need to make some modifications.  It is smart to do these things while you are still working and before you are living on a fixed income.  Making these modifications could help you stay out of a nursing home and in your own home much longer.

Here are some of the changes you may want to make:

A downstairs bedroom with full bathroom
OR Getting a stair lift for your staircase
Grab bars in the bathrooms
A shower chair
Automatic night lights in a variety of outlets (including battery powered night lights) 
Non-slip mats under area rugs
Raise your electrical outlets so that they are easier to reach
Replace door knobs with levers
Rearrange cabinets so you never need to climb on a chair to get commonly used items 

Some of these items, such as owning a shower chair or installing night-lights, can be done immediately and very inexpensively.  Other changes, such as designing a downstairs master bedroom with full bathroom or installing a stair lift, can be more complicated or expensive.  However, in some cases you could remodel your current home by expanding a downstairs half bath into a full bath and making minor alterations to a rarely used downstairs room that is currently being used as a formal dining room, den or home office.  If this will not work for you, then it might be best to move to another, nearby home.

You may also be eligible for financial assistance in remodeling your home to make it work for you, especially if you have some specific disabilities.  Check the resources at the bottom of this article for links to sites that can provide you additional information about obtaining financial assistance to make modifications to your home.

Depending on the health issues you or your spouse have, there are some specific modifications you could do that would make your home more handicapped accessible.  For example, if someone in your home uses a wheel chair, you may need wider doorways, a more accessible bathtub and lower kitchen cabinets.  You should take these alterations into consideration if you are doing any other remodeling in your home.

Be Sure You Can Call For Help When You Need It 

If you are living alone in your home, without nearby relatives or caregivers, you need to make sure it is easy for you to summon help when you need it.  For example, you might want to get a medical alert device that you wear as a pendant.  You might also want to install an alarm system on your home or obtain other high-tech devices so you know if someone enters your home.

Adding a few simple items of technology will increase your security and make you less likely to feel helpless after a fall or injury.

For example, medical alert devices that you wear as a pendant can be used to connect you with a live operator when you push a button.  The operator can call a relative or neighbor for you or, when necessary, contact emergency personnel.

A security system will discourage burglars.  It can also be setup with a loud chime that will alert you if anyone enters your home while you are there.  If the alarm goes off when you are not at home, the company will automatically notify the police that there has been an unauthorized entry.  In addition, if a fire starts in your home, you will be awakened by a piercing alarm and the fire department will automatically be summoned. 

Making use of these high-tech devices could save your life and make it much safer and easier for you to age in place and stay in your own home.

Join Your Local Senior Center

If you decide to remain in your own home when you retire, it would be a smart decision to become involved with your local senior center.  They provide a variety of services that include exercise programs, entertainment, activities, informative classes, low-cost meals and access to a variety of senior services such as free tax preparation, meals-on-wheels or transportation to doctor's offices. 

For the same reasons, you will want to stay involved in your current activities as long as possible, including your church or temple, book club, bridge group, or social organizations. 

Participating in as many community activities as possible is important for your physical and mental health.  They will also help you avoid one of the most serious problems experienced by many people who age in their own homes, away from other senior citizens ... loneliness.

You will also want to use the tabs at the top of this blog for more information about retirement planning.

Learn More by Checking out These Sources:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/how-to-cut-your-single-biggest-expense-in-retirement

http://www.eldercare.gov/Eldercare.NET/Public/Resources/Factsheets/Home_Modifications.aspx

http://rebuildingtogether.org/

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


Photo credit:  www.morguefile.com

Strokes Cause Death and Disability

While most people are more concerned about heart disease and cancer, strokes are also a risk that you should take seriously, especially if you have high blood pressure.  Because many people do not feel ill prior to their stroke, it is often called the silent killer.  It can strike you down anywhere ... while driving a car, taking a walk or puttering around your house.

A stroke happens when the blood supply to your brain is interrupted.  This damages the brain cells in the portion of the brain that is deprived of oxygen.  Nerve cells can begin to die within minutes.  Usually this happens because a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the neck or brain.

About 800,000 people experience strokes in the United States every year; sadly, about 80% of them are considered preventable.

Symptoms of a Stroke

How can you tell if someone is having a stroke?  Experts suggest that you think of the word FAST.  The letters stand for:

F - Face Drooping
A - Arm Weakness
S - Speech Difficulty
T - Time to Call 9-1-1

It is extremely important that you get to a hospital immediately if you suspect that you or someone you know is having a stroke.  There are treatments that can often keep you from having permanent damage as a result of a stroke, but they only work if administered within the first three hours.  Since it takes a little time to diagnose the stroke and set up the treatment, you should try to get the patient to the hospital within the first hour or two.

Stroke Risk Factors

Below are the risk factors that make you more likely to have a stroke.  Fortunately, some of these are the result of lifestyle choices you can change.  Other risk factors can be controlled with medication.  If you want to live a long, healthy life, then you need to take immediate steps to reduce your risk factors wherever possible.

*  High blood pressure is the most significant cause of strokes.  If you consistently have a blood pressure reading of above 140/90 then you are at an increased risk.

*  If you have had a prior stroke, you are at greater risk of another one.

*  Family history of a stroke also increases your risk.

*  Diabetes

*  Heart disease, including atrial fibrillation

*  Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle

*  High cholesterol

*  Smoking

*  Alcohol and/or drug abuse

*   Aging -- the one factor that affects all of us


Sources:

http://strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/WarningSigns/Stroke-Warning-Signs-and-Symptoms_UCM_308528_SubHomePage.jsp

"Strokes: Know Your Risks," Answers Magazine, 2015, pg. 54

For more information about medical issues that could affect you, use the tab at the top of this page to be connected to dozens of additional articles about health concerns.

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Photo credit: morguefile.com

Best Cold Climate Areas for Retirement

Are you willing to live in a cold climate when you select your ideal retirement community?  While many people think of Florida or Arizona as the sunny, warm spots where they want to live, other people are more interested in issues such as affordable housing, low taxes, generous long-term care benefits from Medicaid and the possibility of working for at least some of the years after they turn 60.  In addition, they may want to live in senior-friendly small towns with less traffic and low crime.

In November, 2014, Money Magazine offered their list of the "Best Places to Retire," based on criteria that did not factor in the weather.  As a result, they came up with choices that are different from the typical list of retirement locations which we frequently see listed.  All of these places get snow and icy weather.  However, as a trade-off, they have other qualities that may be more important to many retirees. 

Money Magazine divided their choices into the three categories shown below:

Most Affordable Place to Retire

Bella Vista, Arkansas - With a median home price of about $100,000 and a median rent of $900, as well as low property taxes, this is the most affordable place to retire on their list.  In addition, for a low monthly fee of under $25 a month, homeowners can use seven golf courses, as well at the town's swimming pools, tennis courts, and fitness facilities.  There are lakes, streams, forests and walking trails.  One aspect of this town that is particularly appealing is the fact that 52% of the residents are over age 50.  In addition, there is a strong job market for people who want to continue to work.

Runner ups:  Sioux Falls, S.D. and Morgantown, W. VA.

You can read more about the selection of the above locations in these articles:

http://nowitcounts.com/topping-money-mags-best-places-retire-list-bella-vista-ak/
http://kikn.com/sioux-falls-named-one-of-the-best-places-to-retire-by-money-magazine/
http://www.wvgazette.com/article/20141102/GZ05/141109992

Best Place for a Second Career

Iowa City, Iowa - For people over 60 who want to remain engaged in the workforce, this town has an unemployment rate of only 3.1%.  The largest employer is the University of Iowa, which attracts people who have retired from other universities, as well as those who have worked in the corporate world.  Approximately 23% of the population is over the age of 50.  Median home prices are about $191,000.

Runners up:  Bozeman, Montana and Casper, Wyoming

You can read more about the selection of Iowa City and Bozeman below:

http://thegazette.com/subject/news/business/iowa-city-makes-best-places-to-retire-list-20141028
http://www.nbcmontana.com/news/bozeman-makes-list-of-best-places-to-retire/29394446

Best Place for a Well-Rounded Retirement 

Northfield, Minnesota - If you are looking for moderate home prices, good health care, job opportunities and a small town feel, this community may be your best choice.  About 29% of the population is over the age of 50.  It is located only 55 miles from the world-acclaimed Mayo Clinic.  The median home price is $200,000.  The town has two colleges, which gives retirees the opportunity for continuing education classes.  It is also possible to enjoy live theater, orchestra performances, choral groups, and more. 

Runners Up:  Bellingham, Washington and Manchester, New Hampshire

You can learn more about Northfield below:

http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2014/10/27/northfield-named-best-place-to-retire-by-money-magazine/ 

As mentioned earlier, these communities will not be at the top of the list for people who are looking for a warm, sunny place to retire.  However, for those who are looking for other amenities during their retirement years, such as affordable housing, low crime, low traffic, and interesting activities, the above list above may give them some great places to start their search for the perfect retirement community that meets their needs.

For links to dozens of additional articles about where to retire in the United States and overseas, use the tabs at the top of this article.

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

Photo credit: www.morguefile.com

Leesburg Florida Affordable Retirement Communities

Florida has been a haven for retirees for the past 50 years or longer.  It has a warm climate, low cost-of-living, affordable homes, and no state income or inheritance tax.  However, many people from northern states are unsure where they should start their Florida home search.  In the November/December 2014 issue of "Where to Retire" magazine, they recommended the small city of Leesburg, Florida.

Advantages of Retiring in Florida

There are many reasons why people from the Northeast and Midwest have long considered Florida the perfect place to retire.  My own parents left their home state of Missouri and retired to Florida in the 1980s and continued to live there for the next 25 years.  In addition in a mild climate, here are some of the advantages:

Below average cost of living compared with other parts of the U.S.
No sales tax on groceries, prescriptions and over-the-counter medicine
No state income tax
No estate tax
No inheritance tax
Typical vehicle registration costs only about $28 to $46 a year


Advantages of Retiring in Leesburg

In addition to the reasons you might want to retire to Florida, why would you specifically choose Leesburg?  What are some the features that make this community so appealing?  Many people are attracted to the fact that it is a small, charming community with low traffic and a relaxed, laid-back lifestyle.  In addition, here are some the features that have drawn retirees to the area:

Excellent healthcare at Leesburg Regional Medical Center
Medical specialists an hour away at Orlando Regional Medical Center
Miles of hiking trails in the nearby gardens, parks and state forests
Over 130 miles of waterways for canoeing and kayaking
Over 150 miles of equestrian trails
Only about 45 miles from Disney World and other Orlando attractions
In Lake County, Florida with more than 1,000 freshwater lakes and rivers
Charming town founded in 1857 with very little traffic
Variety of restaurants, boutiques, outlets, antique shops and thrift stores
February Mardi Gras parade and year-around special events
A summer arts festival and a performing arts series
Only 15 miles from The Villages with its full schedule of public concerts, socials and special events


Active Adult Communities near Leesburg

As the administrator of this blog, I frequently am sent information about charming retirement towns, but the articles often contain no mention of any particular active adult communities that are designed for the over-55 crowd.  Fortunately, Leesburg has several to choose from with a wide variety of styles, sizes, amenities and prices.  Here is a list of the major communities with their price ranges at the end of 2014:

Arlington Ridge - $145,000 to $215,000
Legacy of Leesburg - $140,000 to $210,000
Heritage Hills - $164,000 to $343,000
Lakes of Mount Dora - $190,000 to $500,000+
Zellwood Station manufactured housing - $40,000 to $170,000
Pennbrooke Fairways - $105,000 to $239,000

Apartments are also available in the town for under $1,000 a month.  Homes can be rented for about $1,600 a month and up.

Learn more about the Leesburg area at:

LeesburgChamber.com
LakeCountyFl.gov

If you are looking for more retirement ideas, use the tabs at the top of this page to find links to hundreds of additional articles in this blog's archives.

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

Photo credit:  http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Motemorris02.jpg (Historic home in Leesburg, Florida)

Where To Retire in the U.S. on Social Security Alone

The media is full of scary stories about how the Baby Boomer generation will never be able to retire because they have not saved enough money to supplement their Social Security.  It is easy to panic and feel that you have fallen into an impossible situation.

However, in the Yahoo! article, "The 10 Best Places to Retire on Social Security Alone," the authors provide a list of places in the United States where you can retire comfortably on the average Social Security amount of $31,000 a year for a couple.  They made it clear that this would not be a luxurious retirement, only that it would be possible to get by.

In addition, the article was based on the assumption that the couple would either have a paid-off mortgage or they would be paying the typical rent for that community.  In other words, if you are still making large house payments, even these areas are likely to be too expensive for you, based on only receiving the average amount of Social Security.  Shown below is the list from the Yahoo article.

Yahoo's List of the Best Places to Retire on Social Security

Albuquerque, New Mexico
Austin, Texas
Buffalo, New York
Columbia, South Carolina
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Jacksonville, Florida
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Spokane, Washington
St. Louis, Missouri
Tucson, Arizona

You can find a link to the Yahoo article at the end of the article if you want more details about why they believe these cities were especially affordable.  Basically, all ten of them have relatively low housing costs and they have amenities that are appealing to senior citizens, including sports teams, senior centers, and high quality medical facilities.

I want to add that you do not have to move to the inner city of St. Louis or Pittsburgh, for example, in order to get the benefits of an affordable lifestyle in those states.  Most cities also have suburbs and small outlying towns in the surrounding areas that are also quite affordable.

In addition, I was pleased that this list included cities in temperate climates, such as Tucson, Jacksonville, Columbia, Albuquerque and Austin.  There is no reason for a couple to feel stuck in a frigid climate that requires them to deal with ice and snow on a regular basis in the winter.  There are many affordable places within the United States that also offer desirable lifestyles for senior citizens.

More Ideas for Affordable Places to Retire

When I read the Yahoo article and looked over the list for myself, there were a few things I observed.

*  All of the states on the list have MANY communities where people can find affordable places to retire.  Not everyone wants to live in a big city, especially not a crime ridden one like St. Louis.   However, most of the states of Missouri, Pennsylvania, Texas and Florida offer affordable housing ... and even the surrounding states.  Be sure to cast a wide net when you are looking for places to live.

*  Crime is particularly worrisome if you will be renting a cheap apartment in a big city.  It might be preferable to find a charming rental in a small town outside of the cities on this list.  I grew up in Missouri and lived in Texas for decades and I know there are hundreds of affordable small towns that are charming, friendly and within a reasonable drive of the larger cities on this list.

*  It is also important for people to realize that most couples can increase their Social Security to above the average amount simply by working an extra couple of years.  Therefore, they may be able to live on their Social Security alone and even afford a few little extras from time to time, as long as they are willing to defer their retirement a little bit.  There is no rule that says you have to settle for the average amount of benefits.  Many people have also found they can supplement their Social Security with fun part-time jobs.

*  For those people who have large house payments when they reach retirement, they have a couple of options.  If paying off their current mortgage is not attainable, they may be able to take the equity in their current home and use it to pay cash for a smaller home or condo.  Even if they cannot pay cash, they may be able to get a small, affordable, manageable mortgage that they will be able to handle after retirement.

*  Another option for people who are having trouble finding affordable housing is to check out the senior apartment complexes in their area.  Most cities and many mid-size towns have apartment complexes that are designed especially for older people.  If money is tight, you may even qualify for a subsidized apartment.  Contact your local housing authority or Department of Social Services to see what subsidies might be available.  I know of both single and married retirees who are living on Social Security alone in expensive areas like Orange County, California, but only because they receive housing subsidies.

The bottom line is that there are many options that are available to people who are just living on Social Security alone.  Do not feel that you have to limit yourself to only the cities on the Yahoo list.  There are many options available to you, as long as you are willing to search for them.  Millions of people retire every year in the United States with Social Security as their only or primary source of income.  You can find a way to do it, too.

Source:

The 10 Best Places to Retire on Social Security Alone

For more retirement information, use the tabs at the top of this page to find links to hundreds of additional articles.

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Housing Costs Put Retirement at Risk

Your housing costs may be the biggest threat to your retirement.  Even if you have paid off your home prior to retirement, the cost of maintaining your home can remain high.  According to the Employee Benefit Research Institute, housing amounts to 43% of the expenses of retirees who are over the age of 75.

Danger For Those Who Still Have a Mortgage During Retirement

Part of the problem is the fact that most people are not paying off their mortgages before they retire.  In fact, the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau reports that about 30% of Baby Boomers still have a mortgage when they retire.  This has resulted in a higher mortgage delinquency rate for people over the age of 75.   The average person over the age of 75 who still has a mortgage currently owes about $80,000.  This can be an overwhelming amount for someone who hasn't worked in 5 or 10 years and is dependent on Social Security and a meager amount of savings.

The problem with owning a home when you are on a fixed income with limited resources is that, in addition to the mortgage, you will also have other housing expenses ... and many of them increase annually.  Among those expenses are property taxes, homeowners insurance, repairs, cleaning and lawn work.  In addition, utilities on a large home are likely to be higher than those for a much smaller property.  Furthermore, people who may have been able to do their own cleaning, repairs and lawn work when they were in their 60's, may find that they must pay to have these things done as they age.  As a result, the cost of home ownership may rise much faster than inflation.

Other Financial Risks Faced by Retirees

When housing costs are added to the fact that many people retire while still owing student loan debt, credit card debt and, sometimes, bills for medical expenses, retirees are advised to make significant adjustments to their lifestyles before they stop working.  If they don't, they risk going through foreclosure and bankruptcy later in life, when it could be even more traumatic for them.

If you are doing your best to set up a realistic budget for your retirement, you will want to read this report by the Social Security Administration:   Expenditures of the Aged Chartbook - 2010.  It contains a detailed breakdown of how people spend their money after retirement.

While you will want to read the chartbook for yourself, I wanted to mention that it shows the three largest expenses for retirees are housing, transportation and healthcare ... and those are all expenses that have been rising rapidly over the past decade.

Solutions

The solution for high housing costs is obvious.  Many financial advisers recommend that people downsize their lifestyle prior to retirement.  This may mean moving to a smaller home, condominium or townhome.  For some people, they may wish to take in a boarder or sell their home and rent ... letting someone else deal with repairs and lawn care.

Whatever you decide is the right approach for you, make sure you are taking your housing costs into consideration when you plan your retirement.

Sources:

https://time.com/money/3418195/retirement-housing-costs-threat/
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/housing-health-care-costs-are-retirement-killers-2013-03-28
http://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/chartbooks/expenditures_aged/2010/exp-aged-2010.pdf

If you are looking for additional retirement information and ideas about downsizing, click on the tabs at the top of this page.  They will link you to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

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Hopeful News for the Future of Medicare

The November, 2014 "AARP Bulletin" listed some encouraging news for people who are on Medicare or who expect to enroll in Medicare sometime in the future.  Steps are being taken to help Medicare remain solvent somewhat longer than originally expected, even if Congress continues to drag its feet in making funding changes to the program.  Here is a summary of what AARP reported:

Medicare Will Spend Less Than Projected

One of the reasons that the Congressional Budget Office originally predicted that Medicare would run out of money within a decade is because they anticipated that by 2019 Medicare would be spending $14,913 per year for each beneficiary of the program.

However, Medicare costs are not rising as fast as anticipated.  Recently,  the CBO has revised its numbers and now they only expect Medicare to spend $12,478 per year for each beneficiary by 2019.

That is almost $2,500 less per person than they originally projected and is great news for the solvency of the program.

How Medicare is Saving Money

Medicine and medical care has been changing over the past few years.  Hospital stays are getting shorter and, as a result of the Affordable Care Act, there are new incentives for hospitals to take better care of people the first time ... thus reducing the number of re-admissions.

In addition, we Baby Boomers have been taking pretty good care of ourselves.  The influx of younger, healthier Baby Boomers into the program is helping to keep costs down.

More Health Insurers Are Participating in Obamacare

While a few insurers have dropped out of the program, in 2015 they were replaced by 77 new insurers who were offered additional plans in 44 states.  While not all of these insurers will be offering Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplemental plans, evidence indicates that the more insurers there are in the marketplace, the lower the premiums.  This is good news, both for people on Medicare as well as their younger family members.

More Insurers are Covering End of Life Conversations

The most expensive healthcare often occurs during the last few months of a patient's life.  Often they receive treatments that they do not want, can be painful, and will only minimally extend the length of their life, while decreasing their quality of life.

I saw this personally a few years ago when a 97 year old neighbor was put through open heart surgery.  She never returned home and was in pain during the remaining few months of her life, which she spent in a nursing home.

Now some insurance companies are paying doctors who want to have a conference with their patients about their end-of-life decisions, so that people can decide for themselves what they want to do ... before they are in a crisis situation.  The American Medical Association has also put in a request to Medicare, asking that they also consider paying doctors to discuss these issues with their patients.

There are several benefits to these discussions.  While encouraging end-of-life conferences could save money on unwanted medical treatments, the more important issue is that it will also enable people to have more of a say concerning the treatments they receive during the last few months of their lives ... and whether they want to spend that time at home or in a hospital or skilled nursing facility.

The Government is Cracking Down on Medicare Fraud

Another important issue for the future of Medicare is the effort to reduce Medicare fraud.  It costs the program billions of dollars and seems to be getting worse, rather than better.  In order to keep the program solvent, federal agents and prosecutors are putting more energy into prosecuting these cases.  The Justice Department is using Medicare billing data as one way of tracking cases of fraud.

Retirees who are concerned about keeping Medicare solvent should report any cases of of suspected Medicare fraud in their community.

If we want Medicare to be available as we get older, we all need to report any suspicious charges listed on our bills ... for example, for treatments we did not receive.   Medicare beneficiaries should also file a report any time they hear of someone who is getting kickbacks from doctors for agreeing to get treatments they do not need, or for agreeing to say they received treatments, when they did not.

If you are interested in learning more about retirement facts that could be helpful to you, use the tabs at the top of this page.  They contain links to hundreds of other informative articles.

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Popular Places to Retire

Towns With the Highest Percentage of Retirees

 Are you looking for a busy, active retirement in neighborhoods that offer a wide variety of activities and where many other people have already retired?  If so, you may enjoy living in one of the ten communities on this list that was compiled by U.S. News and World Report in late 2014.  These are towns that contain a high percentage of retirees.

Some of these communities are exclusively for people over age 55 ... such as Laguna Woods Village, California and Sun City, Arizona.  Other towns on this list have residents of all ages, but a much higher percentage of retirees than the other typical American communities.

While I am sharing this U.S. News list with my readers, I have to say that I do not agree that all of the towns on this list would appeal to the typical retiree.  Some of them are located in places with harsh climates where younger adults may have simply moved away ... leaving only the older residents behind.  On the other hand, some of these are places that are quite charming and you might love living there!

You'll want to do a lot more research before blindly choosing one of these communities, especially if you are basing your decision simply on the fact that a lot of the residents are over the age of 65!

Ten Popular Communities with the Most Retirees

Laguna Woods Village in Laguna Woods, California - This is the community where I have lived for the past ten years.  There are activities here for everyone ... from people who want to go line dancing or do synchronized swimming to those who want to take classes and learn to write their autobiographies.  One of the seven clubhouses is shown in the photo at the top of this article.  You can learn more about this community in the blog post I wrote about Laguna Woods Village.

Kings Point, Florida - Located on the Atlantic side of Florida, this community is surrounded by golf courses.  Almost 70% of the population is over the age of 65.  Florida is a very affordable place for retirees to live and it has been popular with senior citizens for decades.  There is no state income tax and housing prices in Florida also tend to be quite affordable.

Sun City, Arizona near Phoenix, Arizona - One of the earliest Sun City communities, this age-restricted community is affordable and perfect for those seeking an active lifestyle in the desert sun.  It has lots of amenities, including swimming, golf, clubhouses and a variety of activities.  However, if you have not spent a summer in Arizona, I suggest that you rent there before purchasing a home.

Pinehurst Village, North Carolina - With 43 golf courses in the surrounding area, Pinehurst is a golfer's paradise.  You can even drive your golf cart on the community streets in Pinehurst Village!  North Carolina is also becoming more popular with retirees who have decided that Florida is a little too far South for their taste. 

Bella Vista, Arkansas - Our daughters used to go to a summer camp in the Ozark Mountains.  It is a beautiful, pristine part of the country, ideally suited for retirees who like to hunt, fish and go boating in the gorgeous lakes.  There are also plenty of golf courses around, too.  Homes can be purchased for as little as $125,000, which is one more reason this mid-western community is popular with retirees.

South Yarmouth, Massachusetts - Although U.S. News and World Report listed this community because one-third of the residents are over the age of 65, there are things you should know about this Cape Cod community.  Our family used to spend the month of August in Cape Cod and loved it.  However, many people closed up the homes and left the Cape for the winter.  It can get bitterly cold in the winter and many of the restaurants and tourist facilities on Cape Cod are closed during the coldest months.  Second, the population decreases significantly during the winter months, so you might not have many neighbors if you plan to live there year around.  If these factors do not bother you, and you like to go fishing and sailing, then this could be the right choice for you.

Fredericksburg, Texas - This town is home to Texas Tech University, so there are many cultural events that retirees can enjoy.  It is also a charming, historic town in the Hill County, for those who are looking for a quaint small town where they can enjoy their retirement.  Home prices are quite reasonable and Texas does not have a state income tax, two factors that appeal to many retirees.  I have some friends who retired there about 15 years ago, and they have been very happy.

Ocean Pines, Maryland - This mid-Atlantic coastal community is near the more crowded, touristy Ocean City.  There are a variety of housing choices, including those both inside and outside of age restricted communities.  This is a popular beach-style retirement area for retirees with plenty of golf courses and other amenities for people who seek an active lifestyle.

Pahrump, Nevada - This town on the California border is about an hour's drive away from Las Vegas.  It is a sunny desert community that is not too far from Death Valley, California. Retirees need to consider these facts when they think about the long, hot summers in the California/Nevada desert.  While a high percentage of the residents may be over the age of 65, this may be primarily because younger people leave and move to more prosperous areas with more job opportunities.

Camano, Washington - Camano Island is a gorgeous community that is popular with both fishermen and artists.  It's just north of Seattle and is popular with retirees who want to live in a pristine, rural area.


Source:

http://money.usnews.com/money/retirement/slideshows/places-with-the-most-retirees

If you are looking for other places to retire, use the tabs at the tops of this article to find links to hundreds of other articles.  In particular you will be interested in the tab "Retire in the U.S."

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Free Tax Preparation Help

Completing your tax returns can be complicated, especially as we get older and more easily frustrated.  However, there is no need for most of us to handle our returns by ourselves.  The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is available to help you file uncomplicated personal tax returns, at no cost to you.

How Do I Find a Tax-Aide Volunteer?

These IRS trained and certified volunteers are usually available by appointment at libraries, senior centers, community centers and similar public facilities in neighborhoods all over the United States.  They are available from approximately February 1 to April 15.  Anyone can ask to use the service, but they are particularly interested in helping people over the age of 60 who have low or moderate incomes.

You can use the contact information below to make an appointment and find the nearest location:

aarp.org/freetaxhelp
1-888-227-7669

What Documents Should You Bring To Your Appointment?

Make sure you show up at your appointment with all the information the preparer will need to complete the return quickly and efficiently.  In particular, be sure to bring in this information:

Proof of health insurance coverage;
If you were insured through the Affordable Care Act, bring Form 1095-A;
Your tax returns from the preceding year;
A photo ID, such as your driver's license, for everyone on the return;
All your income statements (W2, 1099, interest, dividends, Social Security, etc.);
Brokerage statements that show your capital gains/losses and stock sales;
Receipts for prescriptions, as well as other medical and dental bills;
Receipts for health insurance premiums;
Property tax and mortgage interest statements;
Proof of charitable donations;
Documentation for any other itemized deductions;
A check or bank card that shows the routing and account numbers for direct deposit of your refund.

Most of the documentation you need, including the Form 1095-A, W2, 1099s, Social Security statement, brokerage statements, etc., will be mailed to you during the month of January. 

Don't let yourself become upset and frustrated by trying to do your taxes by yourself.  Let professionals help you for free.

If you are looking for additional helpful retirement information, use the tabs at the top of this article to find links to hundreds of other articles related to retirement planning.

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Protect Yourself From Medicare Fraud

For those of you who are age 65 or over, you have probably signed up for Medicare and are now enjoying the benefits of this healthcare program.  Now that you are on Medicare, you want to make sure that someone else doesn't enjoy your Medicare benefits, too ... and leave you with unpaid bills and co-pays that could damage your credit until you are able to go through the complicated process of proving that you did not incur these expenses.

These are the type of retirement problems that I never thought about before I retired and they are certainly the type of problems you don't want to bring on yourself.  Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself from Medicare fraud.

How to Prevent Medicare Fraud

*  First, it is important that you and your retired relatives know that Medicare will NEVER call you and ask you for your Medicare number or any other personal information.  They will not try to sell you products such as insurance or supplemental drug plans.  Consequently, there is no reason to ever give your number out over the phone to a stranger who calls you.

*  In addition, there is no reason to carry your Medicare card around with you, unless you are going to visit a doctor, hospital, clinic or pharmacy.  Once you have given this information to your regular healthcare providers, you will not usually have to keep showing them your card.  Furthermore, if you get a Medicare Advantage plan, they will provide you with a separate card that has your plan's member number ... which will be different than your Medicare number.  Of course, you'll want to protect your Medicare Advantage number or your Medigap policy number, as well, so that information cannot be stolen and misused.

*  Keep track of your doctor visits, tests, surgeries and any other medical procedures.  Write them down in a calendar or journal.  When you receive your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) and your Part D Explanation of Benefits (EOB), compare them to your personal records.  Make sure there are no mystery charges on them.  If there are, call your physician and see if they have an explanation for the charges.  For example, they may have sent a test to an outside lab or another physician for a second opinion.

*  If there are unexpected charges on your bill and no one knows why, report the charges to the Senior Medicare Patrol for your state. They will investigate the fraudulent charges.

You can get more information about preventing Medicare Fraud at:

http://www.smpresource.org (Website for the Senior Medicare Patrol)
http://stopmedicarefraud.gov

If you are preparing for retirement, use the tabs at the top of this article for links to hundreds of additional articles on a variety of helpful topics.

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How to Have a Happy Marriage After Retirement

Causes of Gray Divorce

Divorce after the age of 50, also know as gray divorce, is becoming more common ... sometimes because of the stress placed on a relationship by retirement.  A marriage that was difficult when one or both spouses were working can become unbearable when two people find themselves together most of the day.

Even if they don't divorce, many people who thought their spouse was simply a little annoying before they retired now find themselves living in misery afterwards.  As a woman in her 60's, I have several married women friends who dread having their husbands retire.  They feel they will never have time to themselves again and that everything they do will be constantly critiqued and criticized ... especially if their husband starts telling them how to run the house. I have known men who suddenly began to "instruct" their wife on the right way to load the dishwasher, vacuum the carpet, or do the laundry.  Whether this is true in your relationship or not, just the fear of it often puts the wives on edge, making them irritable and unhappy about the prospect of retirement.

Another problem that can come up is that some couples may have different expectations about retirement.  For example, the wife may expect that her husband will help more with the household chores.  He may expect that she will now start playing golf or tennis with him more often.  When these things don't materialize, it can cause disappointment, resentment and bitterness.

Another common issue is social dependency.  The husband may want the wife to focus all her attention on him, especially if he has few friends now that he is no longer working.  The wife, however, may have already developed a large social group that she enjoys seeing on a regular basis.  This can also cause jealousy and resentment.

I felt this was an important topic to address in a retirement blog, so I decided to do a little research into ideas that might alleviate some of the fear and resolve many of the issues regarding marital compatibility after retirement.  An important aspect of retirement planning is to feel confident that your relationships will be pleasant, too.  While you may not want to try everything I discovered and list below, it could be worth it to at least give a few of these suggestions a try.

How to Get Along with Your Spouse After Retirement

*  Both the husband and wife should find ways to be of service.  Helping others is rewarding and especially benefits those people who feel they do not have much value after they leave their jobs.  Having self-worth is important for nearly everyone, whether they are retired or not.  In addition, being busy and having activities that give structure to your free time can make your life more enjoyable.

*  Some people who are ready to retire from their lifelong career may wish to continue to work in some other capacity.  This could mean that you keep your current job, but only do it part-time; or it may mean choosing an entirely different career.  It might even be possible to find an encore career in which you are both of service to others and earn an extra income at the same time.  The website encore.org can help you find a second career with service organizations in your area.  In addition to helping you feel of service and giving you the opportunity to interact with other people in meaningful ways, working can also relieve any financial stress that might have been brought on by retirement. 

*  Even if it requires marriage counseling, every couple needs to learn how to accommodate each other and avoid hurting each others feelings.  If you have been hurting each other for years, it could take time to re-learn the ways you used to enjoy spending time with each other.  After all, there has to be a reason why the two of you got married in the first place.  Once you manage to get back those feelings, you will be glad that you now have a kinder, gentler, more loving relationship.  If you plan to be happy during the decade or two that you are likely to live together after retirement, both people need to find ways to fulfill their social, spiritual and emotional needs within the marriage.

*  At the same time that you are working on building a better relationship with your spouse, both people also need to develop their own individual, personal interests and respect their spouse's independence.  Both of you need to have the free time to do the things that you enjoy.

*  Sit down and talk with each other about your expectations after retirement.  See which expectations you both agree to ... such as he will take responsibility for certain chores and she will join him in certain activities.  Set up a calendar so you both know what will be going on each day.  For example, on Tuesdays she plays bridge and he plays golf.  On Wednesday afternoons, they go together to a movie.  Avoid nagging your spouse to give up an activity they enjoy, simply because you want them to do the things you like.  They deserve to have time to enjoy their retirement, too!

*  Find some individual space for each person within your home.  He may want a home office; she may want a craft or sewing room ... or the opposite could be true.   Each person needs to have a place they can call "their own" within the home ... even if that space occasionally has to do double duty as a guest room for a visiting adult child.

*  Continue to read, talk to each other and learn as much as you can about how to get along after retirement.  You may both need a "refresher course" from time to time, especially after an argument or a period of high stress. In addition, you could find the articles below helpful.

Sources:

http://www.marriagebuilders.com/graphic/mbi5018_qa.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/09/divorce-after-50-retirement_n_3286342.html

http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2013/11/05/retirement-couples-happy/2918023/

http://www.encore.org/

For more help with retirement planning, use the tabs at the top of this post for links to hundreds of additional articles.

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Best Places to Retire Overseas from Live and Invest Overseas

Live and Invest Overseas has a Retire Overseas Index which they use to evaluate a variety of factors that go into helping people decide where they should move if they want to retire to another country, rather than stay in the United States.  Currently, over 600,000 Americans receive their Social Security checks in other countries and countless others have their checks deposited into American bank accounts, while they spend at least a portion of their year in a foreign retirement mecca.

U.S. News and World Report, in an article released on September 5, 2014, took the Live and Invest Overseas data and compiled their own list of ten places you should consider, if you want to live all or part of the year in another country when you retire.  They considered data such as affordability and the presence of other American ex-patriots in compiling this list.

Best Places to Retire Overseas

Algarve, Portugal - low cost of living, fabulous climate, and the 17th safest place to live in the world.

Cuenca, Ecuador - affordable, high-quality healthcare, and this is a country that uses the U.S. dollar, which means retirees do not have to worry about exchange rate problems.

George Town, Malaysia - This charming small city is a UNESCO World Heritage site.  Many people speak English, which makes it an easy place to live.

Chiang Mai, Thailand - low cost of living, mild climate and an easy place to find work in the local schools, universities and health care facilities, if you hope to earn extra retirement income.

Dumaguete, Philippines - A couple can live in this University town for as little as $1000 a month and enjoy the gorgeous beaches, as well as many western cultural opportunities like ballet or the theater.  English is the primary language.

Pau, France - Known as the garden city for its lush and abundant greenery, a couple could live in this beautiful university town for about $2,000 a month.

Medellin, Columbia - A beautiful South American city with numerous parks and architectural beauty.  Although we have all heard of the dangerous Medellin drug cartel in the past, according to these reports the city is now considered safe for retirees.  It was named the 2013 World's Most Innovative City.

Abruzzo, Italy - I recently wrote another post about this spectacular and affordable area, titled "Move to the Abruzzo Region of Italy."  It is also included on the Live and Invest Overseas list because of its beautiful beaches, stunning mountains and its affordability.  This is another place where it is estimated that a couple could retire for about $2,000 a month.

Panama City Beaches, Panama - This town offers retirees a beach lifestyle with modern amenities.  Panama is another location that uses the U.S. dollar and has a high-quality healthcare system.

Istanbul, Turkey - We have some Swedish friends who worked for an international company and were often transferred to various parts of the world.  They lived for several years in Texas and then for several years in Istanbul.  They insisted that Istanbul was, by far, their favorite place to live outside of Sweden.  It offers both the experience of living in Europe as well as in Asia.  It is a very affordable place to live at an estimated $1,100 per month.  Our Swedish friends love to play golf and had high praise for the golf courses and the community where they lived in a suburb of Istanbul.


For more detailed information about these locations, go to:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/10-best-places-retire-overseas-142702453.html

For more information about retirement planning, use the tabs at the top of this article to find links to hundreds of other retirement articles.

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Photo of the Abruzzo region of Italy is courtesy of wikipedia.com/commons