Before You Retire - Special Report-1

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www.liveandinvestoverseas.com

By Rebecca Tyre

Things You MustKnow Before YouRelocate, Retire,

Or Invest OffshoreBy Rebecca Tyre

44

A publication of Live and Invest Overseaswww.LiveandInvestOverseas.com
http://www.liveandinvestoverseas.com/


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44 THINGS YOU MUST KNOW BEFORE YOU LIVE, RETIRE, OR INVEST OVERSEAS By Rebecca Tyre

2 Copyright 2009 Live and Invest Overseas| www.liveandinvestoverseas.com

44 Things You Must Know Before You Relocate, Retire, Or Invest Offshore

By Rebecca Tyre

Published by Live and Invest Overseas

Bayfront Tower, Suite 1007, Avenida Balboa, Panama City,

Republic of Panama

Publisher: Kathleen Peddicord

Copyright 2009 Live and Invest Overseas.

All rights reserved. No part of this report may be reproduced by any means

without the express written consent of the publisher. The information

contained herein is obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but its

accuracy cannot be guaranteed.

Any investments recommended in this publication should be made only after

consulting with your investment advisor and only after reviewing the

prospectus or financial statements of the company.


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Table of Contents

1. Shopping For International Health Insurance ........................................................................................... 5

2. Shipping Your Belongings Across International Borders ........................................................................... 6

3. Bringing Your Pet With You ....................................................................................................................... 74. Worlds Most User Friendly Places To Obtain Permanent Residency ..................................................... 8

1. Panam ................................................................................................................................................. 8

2. Uruguay ................................................................................................................................................. 9

3. Belize ..................................................................................................................................................... 9

4. The Dominican Republic ....................................................................................................................... 9

5. Ecuador ............................................................................................................................................... 10

6. Malaysia .............................................................................................................................................. 10

5. Medical Care Overseas ............................................................................................................................ 10

6. U.S. Social Security In A Foreign Country ................................................................................................ 11

7. What You Need To Know About Medicare Before You Move Abroad .................................................. 11

8. Set Your Priorities ................................................................................................................................... 12

9. Its Not Easy............................................................................................................................................. 12

10. The Internet Is Your Best Friend ........................................................................................................... 12

11. Rent First ............................................................................................................................................... 13

12. Love At First Sight Can Be Dangerous ................................................................................................... 1313. No Country Is Perfect ............................................................................................................................ 13

14. No Country Is Like Your Home Country ................................................................................................ 14

15. Seek Tax Advice In The Country Where Youre Planning To Reside Before You Take Up Residence ... 14

16. Listen To Your Gut ................................................................................................................................. 14

17. Be Willing To Accept The Culture Of Your Chosen Country .................................................................. 15

18. Know The Local Laws ............................................................................................................................ 15

19. Learn The Local Lingo (At Least A Little) ............................................................................................... 15

20. If Youre Moving Overseas With A Significant Other ......................................................................... 16

21. Find Out How Your New Neighbors Will View You ............................................................................... 16

22. Dont Think Youre Going To Change Things In Your New Home ........................................................ 16

23. Staying In Touch Can Be Easy And Cheap ............................................................................................. 16

24. You Wont Easily Find A Job Overseas .................................................................................................. 17


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25. Understand Local Health Risks .............................................................................................................. 17

26. The Benefits Of A Second Passport ....................................................................................................... 17

27. How To Obtain Legal Second Citizenship .............................................................................................. 18

28. 6 Things You Must Consider Before Opening A Foreign Corporation .................................................. 19

29. How To Reduce Your Tax Burden 80% Or More Living Overseas ....................................................... 20

30. How To Live Tax-free ............................................................................................................................. 20

31. Assemble Important Documents To Take With You ............................................................................. 20

32. Double Check Expiration Dates ............................................................................................................. 21

33. Consider Registering With Your Embassy ............................................................................................. 21

34. Register For Absentee Voting ............................................................................................................... 21

35. Consider What To Do With Your Current Residence ............................................................................ 21

36. What About The Kids? .......................................................................................................................... 22

37. Assess Your Current Physical Condition (And Be Honest With Yourself) ............................................. 22

38. Can You Adjust To New Foods? ............................................................................................................ 23

39. Determine Why You Want To Live Overseas ........................................................................................ 23

40. Reconcile Yourself To Being A Foreigner .............................................................................................. 23

41. Understand How Youll Pay Your Bills ................................................................................................... 24

42. Prepare For Panic .................................................................................................................................. 24

43. Know How Youll Access Your Money ................................................................................................... 25

44. Choosing A Banking Jurisdiction ........................................................................................................... 25


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By Rebecca Tyre

1. Shopping For International Health Insurance

Health care and health insurance are among the most important issues you must address as

you prepare for a move to another country. Whats more, theyre highly personal issues.

Some people we know choose to go without health insurance. That may sound crazy to you,

but this can make sense, especially in a place like France, where world-class health care is more

affordable than youd imagine.

You have to decide: Do you want to arrange local health insurance? An international health

insurance policy?

Or do you want to go without insurance at all and pay your medical expenses as you go?

The trouble is that the options are many. And, no, all international health insurance policies are

not created equal.

First, understand that your U.S. health insurance most likely will not cover you outside U.S.

borders. And Medicare does not follow you overseas (unlike Social Securitymore on this

below).

Before committing to a policy, make sure you know exactly what it covers. If youre older than

74 or have a pre-existing medical condition, the truth is, you will have trouble finding coverage.

Youll need the help of someone with experience shopping for special-case policies.

Many expats find their best option is a legitimate catastrophic policy with a high deductible

from an established insurance company. A catastrophic policy covers life and death situations.

Most cover medical evacuation, as well. A catastrophic policy will not cover maternity care or

other common medical care. Its main function is to cover you in case of an emergency.

We say you want a legitimate catastrophic policy, because, once you begin looking, youll findmany non-legitimate ones on offer.

Heres the most important thing to know about international health insurance: Do not buy it

over the Internet.

44 Things You Must Know Before You

Relocate, Retire, Or Invest Offshore


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In many cases, these Internet policies are not health insurance at all. If you go this route, you

often end up paying for something that likely will not help you in case of an emergency.

Internet policies may be cheap, but they are also often worthless.

Many countries offer local medical insurance policies. These are usually less expensive than

an international policy and can be a good option. However, local policies generally cover you

only up to the age of 62 (this varies by country).

International health insurance policies accept new clients up to the age of 74, and once you are

insured, the coverage continues for the rest of your life. When considering an international

policy, chose a company with a long track record. If you need to use your insurance one day,

you want the company still to be around to provide it.

An Essential Care policy with BUPA is often, in our opinion, the best choice. This is an

international option that offers top-notch coverage for the best price. A 60-year old will pay

US$1,911 per year, or US$159.25 per month. The Essential Care policy comes with a

US$5,000 deductible with maximum policy coverage of US$1 million per year. Coverage

includes hospital stays (including ICU), diagnostic services, such as X-rays and MRIs, cancer

treatment, prescriptions following a hospital stay, air ambulance, and maternity care.

When shopping your options, remember, the higher your deductible, the lower your premium.

2. Shipping Your Belongings Across International Borders

Unless youre moving to a foreign country for a fresh start, you are likely going to want to bring

personal belongings with you, maybe even furniture and other things that will require special

shipping.

The good news is that international shipping today is a straightforward proposition, far more

easily accomplished than it was even a decade ago.

Most of your shipping research can be done on the Internet. Start here: www.intlmovers.com.

Type in the details of what you would like to ship, the pick-up and destination locations, and, in

a matter of a couple of days, you will receive quotes from international shipping companiesinterested in doing business with you.

Two more tips: Invest in the insurance. Its cheap and worth it.
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Second, pay to have the shippers professionally pack your things. Dont think youll save a bit by

doing the packing yourself. More than saving a little on the total cost, you want to be sure that

your things arrive at their new destination in the same condition that they left their old one.

3. Bringing Your Pet With You

Before you decide to bring your pet with you to your new home overseas, make sure it is in

both your best interest and that of the pet. If your furry friend is accustomed to a winter

climate, for example, a move to the tropics may not be a great idea. Maybe talk over your

planned move with your pets veterinarian.

Once youre certain you want to bring your little friend with you, find the website of the

embassy of your destination country. Most embassy websites detail the requirements for

importing a pet to that country.

For instance, to bring a cat or dog to Panama, you need all vaccination certificates, a health

certificate from your vet, and another health certificate from an approved USDA veterinarian.

Arrange for your pets arrival ahead of time with the Ministry of Health in Panama, which will

require you to pay a fee of US$30 in advance. If you follow all the steps properly, your pet will

not be quarantined upon arrival in the country.

To consider another example, the process is much the same in the Philippines. You must show

the vaccination certificate. If your pet is coming from a country that is not rabies-free, youll

need an additional certificate to show that there have been no cases of rabies within a 20-

kilometer radius of where youve been living with your pet for the past six months at least.

At the airport, the quarantine personnel will inspect your pet. If your pet arrives without health

or vaccination certificates, or is showing signs of disease, it will be quarantined or disposed of.

In addition, in the Philippines, pets are subject to 50% duty, based on the original value of the

animal, plus an additional 10% tax.

Again, the particulars vary country by country. Follow the instructions on the relevant embassy

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4. Worlds Most User Friendly Places

To Obtain Permanent Residency

Every countrys requirements for gaining permanent residency are different. Dont assume that

you know whats required for permanent residency in Argentina, say, because youveresearched the requirements for Uruguay.

Below are guidelines for the most user-friendly places in the world to obtain foreign residency

today:

1. Panam

Panama offers more than a dozen residency visa options. Most widely known and popular is the

Pensionado (or retirement) Visa. To qualify, you need be only 18 years of age or older and to

receive a pension (this includes Social Security, an Armed Forces pension, any other

government pension, or a private company pension) of at least US$1,000 per month, plus

US$250 per month for each dependant.

Panamas next most affordable option is the Forestry Investor visa. Technically, you can qualify

for this visa by investing as little as US$60,000 in a timber reforestation project of at least 20

hectares.

However, in practice, the US$60,000 investment buys you a more complicated version of this

visa. If you invest a little more (US$80,000), the process is easier and quicker.

The best resource we know for arranging a Forestry Investor visa in Panama is United Nature,which is currently the only group in the country with turn-key US$80,000 visa packages

available as of this writing.

With this investment, you reside in Panama on renewable, one-year residency visas. For the

US$60,000 investment, you must obtain six one-year visas; for the US$80,000 investment,

youre required to renew your one-year visa for only three years. At the end of the six- or three-

year period, you receive your permanent residency card.

To obtain any visa in Panama, youll need a certificate of general health signed by a Panamanian

doctor, a clean police record from your last country of residence, and six passport-sized photos.

Youll also need to organize a series of potentially maddening visits to the Ministry of

Immigration. Our strong recommendation is that you dont try to go this alone. Get help from

an attorney experienced at helping foreigners choose from among Panamas many residency

optionsand adept at managing the paperwork and red tape.
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We recommend Rainelda Mata-Kelly. Weve worked with Rainelda both professionally and

personally for 10 years. She has helped hundreds of foreigners obtain permanent residency in

Panama.

2. Uruguay

All thats required to obtain residency in Uruguay is a birth certificate (stamped by the

Uruguayan consulate in your country of birth), a clean police record, and proof that you can

support yourself. The minimum income requirement is US$6,000 per year. This income can be

derived from a pension, a mutual fund, lease income from assets inside or outside of Uruguay,

earned income, etc.

After five years as a resident of Uruguay (three years if you are married; 12 to 18 months if you

are a resident retiree), you can apply for Uruguayan citizenship and acquire a Uruguayan

passport.

Again, the best idea is to seek professional counsel. Our recommended attorney in Uruguay is

Juan Fischer.

3. Belize

Belizes Qualified Retirement Residency (QRP) Program was created to make it as

straightforward and as turn-key as possible for people from the United States, Canada, Europe,

and the United Kingdom to obtain residency in this country. As long as you provide a clean

police record, a medical certificate, and proof that you earn a pension or annuity of at least

US$1,000 a month, you qualify for residency. Full details here.

4. The Dominican Republic

The first step in gaining permanent residency in the Dominican Republic is to obtain provisional

residency. To qualify for provisional residency, you must pass a doctors exam, including blood

and urine tests and a chest X-ray.

The next step is to provide copies of your passport, certified copies of your birth certificate, and

a clean police record from your last country of residence.

You must then demonstrate that you are economically solvent. To do this, you deposit at least$500,000 Dominican Pesos (about US$14,026) in a Dominican Republic bank account, make a

real estate purchase, or invest in a local business.

Once you have held provisional residency for one year, you repeat the entire process and then

are granted a two-year immigration card and a Dominican Republic identification card valid for

six years.
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At the end of the six years, you can apply for citizenship.

5. Ecuador

To obtain residency in Ecuador, you must prove that you receive a pension from your home

country of at least US$8,000 per year. You can also gain residency by investing at least

US$15,000 in real estate.

Once you have been approved for residency, you cannot leave Ecuador for more than six

months in any 12-month period. If you do, you lose the visa.

6. Malaysia

The government of Malaysia is promoting a residency program called Malaysia My Second

Home. The purpose is to allow foreigners to live in Malaysia on long-stay visas, up to 10 years.

All applicants and their dependants must submit medical reports from a private hospital in

Malaysia. Approved applicants must also possess valid medical insurance covering their stays inthe country.

Applicants under the age of 50 are required to open fixed-deposit accounts in Malaysia in the

amount of RM300,000 (US$82,144). After the initial year, the participant must maintain an

account balance of RM60,000 (US$16,421).

Applicants over the age of 50 can choose either to open a fixed-deposit account in Malaysia of

RM150,000 (US$41,000) or to show proof of a monthly offshore government pension of at least

RM10,000 (US$2,733). In addition, applicants must also prove they have sufficient funds to

maintain themselves for the duration of the 10-year visa. Basically, this means showing at least

RM500,000 in the bank and a monthly income of RM10,000.

5. Medical Care Overseas

Again, one of the most important things to research about any country where youre thinking of

living or retiring is the quality of local healthcare. It varies wildly country to country. Some

countries, such as Malaysia and Panama, offer excellent healthcare in private hospitals. Some

countries, such as the Dominican Republic, offer decent medical care in main cities but limitedcare in small towns.

Many countries you may be considering offer universal healthcare for their citizens, but you

probably would not want to rely on the government system. Government-run medical facilities

can be counted on to stabilize an expat in an emergency situation, but for the best care you

likely will want to be transferred to a private hospital.


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You need to research this question in the country where youre thinking of taking up residence.

Private medical care is expensive in some countries, a bargain in others.

It can make sense to purchase an international health insurance policy, and, indeed, some

countries require foreign residents to carry international medical insurance.

Some countries, including Panama, are emerging as medical tourism destinations. Foreigners

are seeking them out for certain kinds of medical care and surgery, including cosmetic surgery,

cosmetic dentistry, and even life-saving procedures. Often, doctors practicing in these countries

studied in the United States or Europe.

One issue concerning medical care overseas is that the biggest obstacle can be just getting to

the hospital. In a city such as Panama City or Bangkok, where traffic is a big problem, it can take

an hour for an ambulance to reach you. Add to that another hour to get to the hospital. Under

these circumstances, its better not to rely on an ambulance for emergency transport to a

hospital but to be driven to the hospital by a family member, a police officer, even a stranger.

6. U.S. Social Security In A Foreign Country

The U.S. government considers you to be outside the United States if you have not resided in

the country for at least 30 days in a row and until you return and stay in the United States for at

least 30 days in a row.

If you are a U.S. citizen living outside the United States according to these parameters, you mayreceive your Social Security payments as long as you are eligible for them. Many U.S. citizens

living abroad choose to have their Social Security payments made by direct deposit into a bank

account in their foreign country of residence. This is typically the most efficient and reliable

approach.

7. What You Need To Know About Medicare

Before You Move Abroad

Medicare does not cover health services you receive outside the United States. As a U.S. citizen

residing abroad, therefore, it may not be to your advantage to sign up and pay the premium for

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On the other hand, if you do return to the United States at some point and decide to sign up for

Medicare, your premium will be 10% higher for each 12-month period you could have been

enrolled but were not.

8. Set Your Priorities

Before you decide to make a move abroad, you must pin down what is most important for you.

Cost of living? Expat social scene? Medical facilities? Culture? Weather? Proximity to your home

country?

Once you have identified the priorities for you and your family, you may determine that, in fact,

a life abroad is not your cup of tea.

Before you commit to a move to another country, read this first.

9. Its Not Easy

To move abroad, you have to be up for a challenge. No matter where you chose to relocate,

youll have a transitionand maybe a difficult one, especially if you move to a country where

you dont speak the local language. Not being able to communicate adds another level of

frustration to an already frustrating experience.

If you are moving to a country where you dont know anyone, one of your biggest challengeswill be finding a social network.

10. The Internet Is Your Best Friend

To that end, the Internet is one of the best resources available to you, both for finding

information about moving overseas and for making friends and contacts in the place where you

eventually decide to settle. From lawyers to doctors, from shipping companies to veterinarians,

and from apartment rentals to real estate agentsa long list of options is only a few googleclicks away.

Once you have targeted a destination for your move, join an Internet chat group geared toward

expats there. The best place to start is: www.groups.yahoo.com. You can even strike up

friendships before you arrive in your new home.
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Here are your best options for connecting with fellow expats in Panama, for example:

The American Society of Panama (www.amsoc.org) Expats in Panama (www.expatsinpanama.com) The Navy League (www.navyleague-panama.org) The Canadian Association of Panama (www.canapan.org) Charity Expat Socials (www.charityexpatsocials.com)

11. Rent First

Heres one of the most important pieces of advice we can give you as you prepare for a move

abroad: Rent first.

No matter where you decide to moveand no matter how much time youve invested in

selecting your new country of residencerent a house or an apartment before committing to a

real estate purchase there.

All your preparations, research, and planning dont guarantee that youre going to be happy in

your new home. Hedge your bets at first by renting a place for six months to a year. This gives

you a chance not only to try the country on for size, but also to familiarize yourself with the

different living options. Maybe you think you want to be in the center of the city but, after a

few months, realize that youd prefer to be a little outside town.or maybe in another town

altogether.

12. Love At First Sight Can Be Dangerous

You dont want to base a life-changing move abroad on a fun vacation. Plan many visits before

you commit to any country, including, if possible, an extended visit during the least agreeable

time of year (the rainy season, the hurricane season, the winter season, etc.).

13. No Country Is Perfect

Every country has its wartstraffic, hurricanes, bugs. The truth is, Paradise does not exist. Its a

question of what youre willing to put up with and what youre not willing to live without.
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Keep your expectations in line, and remember your sense of humor.

14. No Country Is Like Your Home Country

Whether you are from the United States, Canada, or Europe, we promise you that wherever

you decide to move abroad will be different from wherever you came from. Some of the

changes will be welcomeand some wont. Youll miss some comforts and conveniences of

your home country. Youll find the laid-back approach to living and to business in many Latin

and Caribbean countries frustrating, especially when youre trying to do something like open a

bank account or get your household goods out of customs. You may have to pay your

telephone bill in person. Banks may close every day at 1 p.m. Businesses, in general, may close

for a few hours every afternoon for siesta.

If these things sound like torture to youstay home.

15. Seek Tax Advice In The Country Where Youre Planning To

Reside Before You Take Up Residence

Heres the key to dealing with your tax liabilities as an expatriate: Plan ahead.

Some of the most appealing opportunities for mitigating your tax burden in another country

can be taken off the table once you become physically resident there. Meet with a tax attorneyin the country where youre moving well in advance of your move.

If youre an American, you also need to meet with a tax attorney or advisor in the States. For, as

an American, no matter where you reside, you never lose your tax obligation to Uncle Sam. You

need, therefore, good advice on both sides of the equation to understand what taxes you must

pay and what taxes you could be exempt from.

The best international tax attorney weve found after more than two decades of looking is Chris

Rusch.

16. Listen To Your Gut

Do your research, make your lists, even spreadsheet out the pluses and the minuses of every

place youre considering for a move.
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Then get on a plane.

A place can look perfect on paper. Then, within a few days (or even hours) of arriving in person,

you realize that its just not for you. Maybe for reasons you cant pin down or articulate.

A place will either feel rightor it wont. Pay attention to your gut.

17. Be Willing To Accept The Culture Of Your Chosen Country

No matter where you decide to move, remember that you are a guest there. Respect how

things are done in your new home and adapt accordingly. No one wants to listen to someone

whine, Thats not how we do it in the United States/Canada/Europe. The culture may feel

strange and foreign at first, but isnt that part of the reason you made the move in the first

place? For new experiences? Open yourself up to your new surroundings and your newneighbors, and, we promise you, you will have the time of your life.

18. Know The Local Laws

Some countries in the Middle East prohibit alcohol, while in other countries socializing and

making friends revolves around alcohol. In some countries, including Panama, for example, it is

illegal to talk on your cellular phone while driving. Getting to know what is and isnt allowed

could save you time, trouble, and money.

19. Learn The Local Lingo (At Least A Little)

If you are planning a move to a country where English is not the common language, take

language lessons in advance. English is widely spoken in some Latin, Caribbean, and European

nations, but not in all. Regardless, youll never enjoy a full experience of a place unless you

speak the local lingo, at least a little.

You dont need to become bilingual. But an effort to learn key phrases will impress the localsand make your day-to-day life easier and more enjoyable.


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20. If Youre Moving Overseas With A Significant Other

Recognize the possibility that one of you will like your new home more than the other. Before

committing to a move abroad, discuss this openly and honestly with your partner. What

happens if one of you loves your new life and the other hates it? Do you both move home?

Move on together to a different country? Separate?

Its not unheard of for married couples to end up divorced after a move abroad. Again, your

best defense against this is open discussion in advance.

21. Find Out How Your New Neighbors Will View You

Residents of some countries have negative attitudes toward U.S. citizens, Canadians, or

Europeans. You probably want to avoid settling in a country where you will face scowls or snidecomments. Speak with other foreign residents to find out how welcome they feel.

22. Dont Think Youre Going To Change Things

In Your New Home

Respect the people and the culture of your adopted homeland. Accept the way things are done

locally. Dont judge and dont try to effect change. No matter where you wander, your new

neighbors have something to teach you. Thinking that youre going to change them, rather thanlearn from them, will lead only to frustration.

23. Staying In Touch Can Be Easy And Cheap

In some countries, reaching home can be as easy as making a call from your cell phone. In

other places, you may have to rely on e-mail. Many countries offer VOIP technology, which is

perhaps the best option if you want to be able to phone home frequently. Take a look at

www.skype.com and www.itp4you.com.

A host of companies offer long-distance phone cards. They vary in call quality and the price per

minute.
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Something else to consider is a time difference between your home country and your new

destination. Keeping in touch can be difficult if its 5 p.m. where you are and 4 a.m. where your

friends and family live.

24. You Wont Easily Find A Job Overseas

If youre moving abroad with the intention of earning an income, research the possibilities for

this in full in advance of making any commitment to a new place. You may find its not legal for

foreigners to work in the country where youre thinking about movingmaybe its not legal for

foreigners to work in certain industriesand, even if its legal, it wont be easy as a foreigner to

find a job (legally) in any foreign country.

In countries where you are prohibited from working, your best option is to start your own (best

case, typically, Internet-based) business. Heres help.

25. Understand Local Health Risks

Ask your doctor before your move abroad if you should get any vaccinations before you go. The

U.S. Centers for Disease Control is a great resource for information on disease concerns country

by country. Take a look here: wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationList.aspx

26. The Benefits Of A Second Passport

Perhaps the main benefit of second citizenship and a second passport is flexibility in travel.

Most countries require visas of passport-holders from various other countries. If you have two

passports, you can travel to a broader list of countries visa-free.

For example, U.S. citizens are required to have a visa to enter Brazil. That means sending your

passport to a Brazilian consulate (and paying the fees). The process can take weeks. Meanwhile,

you dont have your passport. EU citizens are not required to have a visa to enter Brazil. So, if

youre an American with an Irish passport, you can avoid the Brazil visa process by traveling on

your Irish papers.

The flip side is that U.S. citizens arent required to have a visa prior to arriving in Mongolia, but

most of the rest of the world is.
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Real estate ownership is another reason to acquire a second passport, although this is

becoming less of an issue.

A specific example is property ownership in Croatia, where foreigners can own real estate only

if their country of citizenship allows Croatians to own real estate. Since individual states cant

and dont hold treaties with Croatia (or any country), an American will be rejected when

applying for title to a piece of Croatian property in is individual name. If you have a second

passport, though, you to use your second country of citizenship for the Croatian title

application.

Another reason to have a second passport is security. Americans, Canadians, and other

nationalities, depending on where you are traveling, can be targets for terrorists and face other

security issues. If you are traveling to a country that doesnt care for one of the countries where

you hold a passport, use your second passport to travel there.

27. How To Obtain Legal Second Citizenship

There are effectively three ways to obtain second citizenship: ancestry, long-term residency,

and outright purchase.

Gaining second citizenship through ancestry is harder all the time. Used to be, you could obtain

Irish citizenship if one of your great-grandparents were born in Ireland. Today, you can obtain

second citizenship in Ireland only if your parents were Irish (your grandparents and your great-

grandparents Irish heritage no longer does you any good). Italy, Germany, and other countries

have had similar paths to genealogical citizenship, but, again, the rules are tightening all the

time.

Long-term residency is the most realistic option for obtaining second citizenship. Legally

residency in some countries for some period (usually five years) entitles you to apply for

citizenship in that country. Some countries start the clock with permanent residency, as is the

case in Panama. This effectively means that you must be a resident 8 to 10 years before you can

apply for Panamanian citizenship, as it takes 3 to 5 years to obtain permanent residency status

in this country.

In Ireland, the requirement is 60 months legal residency in the country over the previous 9

years. In other words, you dont have to have five consecutive years of residency in Ireland to

apply for citizenship. You can spend four years in Ireland, leave for four years, then return for

one year, then apply.


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Two countries currently offer citizenship for sale: Dominica (not to be confused with the

Dominican Republic) and St. Kitts (half of St. Kitts and Nevis). If you are in a hurry for a second

citizenship and have the financial means, these are options.

28. 6 Things You Must Consider Before

Opening A Foreign Corporation

1. Annual Filing Requirements and FeesYou dont want to pay thousands of dollars a year for a corporation in one jurisdiction when

a corporation from another country that costs only a few hundred dollars a year could serve

the same function for you.

2. TaxesWhat are the tax rules in the jurisdiction where youre thinking of opening a corporation?

Will you be required to pay taxes on income generated outside the country? If so, seek a

different jurisdiction.

3. Annual Meeting RequirementsSome countries require annual meetings and other corporate tasks that you probably

dont want to be bogged down with.

4. Required Directors and OfficersSome jurisdictions require as many as three directors for any corporation. This means youll

need nominee directors (typically provided by your attorney), for which youll pay a fee

every year, or friends or family you trust to serve as directors for you.

5. Nationality Requirements of Directors and OfficersSome jurisdictions require that you have at least one national on your board of directors.

6. Opening a Corporate Bank AccountBefore you begin the process of opening a corporation in another country, check with a

local bank to see what is required to open an account. You dont want to invest in the

company only to find that you cant open a bank account to go along with it.

The best jurisdiction in the world right now to open a foreign corporation is Panama. Its

easy and affordable. Speak with our recommended attorney in Panama, Rainelda Mata-

Kelly, for more information.
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29. How To Reduce Your Tax Burden

80% Or More Living Overseas

A U.S. citizen living outside the United States and earning wages for work done outside the

United States qualifies for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion. The exclusion for 2009 isUS$87,600. That effectively means you pay no U.S. taxes on up to $87,600 of earned income.

You still are required to pay taxes in the United States on other income, including income from

dividends and interest.

Furthermore, this exemption applies only to your U.S. tax obligation. You may still be liable for

taxes in the country where the money was earned.

International tax attorney and advisor Chris Rusch explains further here.

And here.

30. How To Live Tax-free

If youre a U.S. citizen earning the foreign-earned-income-exclusion amount or less and living or

working in a country where your income isnt taxedvoliayoure living tax-free.

For example, a U.S. citizen living in Panama but earning his money from outside Panama, but

not in the United States, would owe income taxes nowhere. This person would be eligible for

the foreign earned income exclusion, meaning hed owe no taxes to Uncle Sam, and he

wouldnt be taxed in Panama, where only money earned in the country is subject to income tax.

Another example would be a German living in Malaysia and earning a living speaking at

conferences outside Malaysia. He isnt taxed in Germany, as he doesnt live there, and he isnt

taxed in Malaysia, as he doesnt work there.

Taxes are one of the most complicated elements of a life abroad. Our best advice is to get good

counsel. Chris Rusch is the most savvy international tax attorney we know.

31. Assemble Important Documents To Take With You

Before making the move to a new country, assemble all important documentation into a file

that you take with you.
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Include: a copy of your will (which you should update to reflect any changes brought about by

the move); copies of passports for you and all family members; copies of birth and marriage

certificates; past medical records; details of vaccinations, what, when, and where; and copies of

insurance and bank records.

Many of these documents will be required to rent an apartment, to open a bank account, even

to have your electricity connected.

32. Double Check Expiration Dates

Many countries wont allow you to enter unless your passport is valid for at least six months

from your date of entry. If your expiry date is even close to the cut-off time, renew it.

Make sure your credit cards and drivers license are valid for extended periods of time from thedate of your move. You dont want to have to deal with renewing your drivers license long

distance while still trying to settle yourself in your new home.

33. Consider Registering With Your Embassy

Registering with your home countrys consulate or embassy makes your presence and

whereabouts known so you can be contacted easily in case of emergency.

34. Register For Absentee Voting

If you plan to be out of your home country during an election period and want still to be able to

vote, look into the application process in advance of your move.

35. Consider What To Do With Your Current Residence

If you own real estate in your home country and plan to sell it before you move, research your

local real estate market. It may take a lot longer to sell your property than you planned,

especially in the current global climate. What will you do if you cant find a buyer?

If you decide not to sell your home, you may want to arrange a long-term tenant or, at least,

hire a property management company or arrange for a relative or a friend to look after it for

you while you are gone.


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36. What About The Kids?

If you plan on moving abroad with children, their priorities become your priorities. That is to

say, the most important issues become education and health care. Many countries all over the

world offer excellent education choices at international schools. However, typically only in the

big cities, meaning your destination options become limited when relocating abroad with

children, unless youre interested in home schooling.

Best choice for high school-level education is the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.

More information here: www.ibo.org.

Youll find that your child adapts to his new surroundings quicker than you do. Hell also learn

the local lingo faster than you will.

For more on relocating abroad with children, go here.

And here.

37. Assess Your Current Physical Condition

(And Be Honest With Yourself)

Living overseas can present physical challenges that you do not face at home. Crowded streets

and buses are common in Caribbean and Latin countries, and the heat can be stifling. Some

cities, especially in the undeveloped world, simply cannot accommodate people with physicaldisabilities.

And living outside the major cities anywhere the world presents additional physical challenges

and puts you farther away from quick medical care.

For example, Panama City, though metropolitan and hip, would be a nightmare of a choice for

someone with a walker or in a wheelchair. Few buildings are wheelchair-accessible, and the

sidewalks are so crumbled that it can be difficult for an able-bodied person to get around on

foot.

Quito, Ecuador, for example, sits at 10,000 feet elevation. Not a good choice if you have a heart

condition or asthma.
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38. Can You Adjust To New Foods?

Sure, you can find a McDonalds in just about every country in the world, but would you want

to dine there every day?

If the answer is no, familiarize yourself with the local cuisine and the availability of meats andproduce, as well as specialty foods you might crave, before you commit to a move.

If you will be living on a budget, you will be eating what the locals eat. If you dont like rice and

beans, dont move to the Caribbean or Latin America. Not a meat and potatoes person? The

United Kingdom is probably not the best choice.

However, if you can be adventurous, living abroad is a great way to expand your culinary

palate.

If you have any special dietary requirements or allergies, on the other hand, maybe culinaryadventure isnt what youre looking for.

39. Determine Why You Want To Live Overseas

If you are going through a difficult time in your life, a move abroad could be too much of a

change and could create too much stress.

If you are leaving your home country for negative reasons, you could well come to regret your

decision to move.

There are dozens of good reasons to think about living or retiring abroad. The key is to

understand yourreasons.

40. Reconcile Yourself To Being A Foreigner

Moving to another country, no matter how similar its culture may be to where youre moving

from, you will be considered a foreigner. If your skin tone is different from that most commonin your destination country, be prepared to be stared at. If your hair color is uncommon, people

you pass on the street may reach out to try to touch it.

If you dont mind being perceived as a foreigner, dont give these things a second thought. If

you would feel more secure living near other people more like you (other expats, for example),


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seek out a place with an established expat community or perhaps a gated community geared

toward foreigners.

41. Understand How Youll Pay Your BillsIts easier than ever to live one place and pay bills in multiple other countries. Most banking

these days can be done online. Set up online banking for your current accounts before you

leave your home country.

An alternative to paying bills through your bank online is sending a wire. This is costly, though

(in some cases, wire fees can be more than the amount of money youre sending!), and can be

complicated. Sometimes youll be required to go in person to your bank to arrange for the wire

transfer.

The most efficient way to transfer money across borders nowadays is PayPal

(www.PayPal.com).

42. Prepare For Panic

What were you thinking? You must have taken leave of your senses. Paradise? This place is no

paradise. This place is a nightmare.

Take our word for it. No matter how much due diligence you've done...no matter how ready

you are for the move...at some point, probably during your first year abroad, you'll wonder

what in the world ever possessed you to think this leaving home thing was a good idea.

Our best advice is to wait out the panic. It will pass.

No place is going to check every one of your boxes.

That's where Perpetual Retirement comes in. Move around with the seasons, for

example...winter in the tropics...then springtime on the Continent...
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43. Know How Youll Access Your Money

You dont want to be stuck in a new country with no way of withdrawing cash. Fortunately,

nowadays, thats not an issue in most of the world. ATMs are a global convenience.

Still, speak with the bank that issued your debit card to find out what fees youll be charged forwithdrawing money in another country. If the fees are prohibitive, speak with your bank

representative to see if there is a more cost-effective option.

44. Choosing A Banking Jurisdiction

Choosing the right bank requires understanding what you need the account for.

For an investment account, Europe is the best choice. Swiss banks are under fire and require

high minimums, so they are no longer the best option. Austria has banking privacy written into

its constitution and is considered to have very safe banks. Fees are high, though.

That said, two banks in Europe worth considering are Jyske Bank out of Denmark and Valartis

(formerly Anglo-Irish Austria) Bank in Austria.

For an account for an offshore corporation, Caribbean and Panama banks make the most sense,

all things considered, including fee structures.

In the Caribbean, one downside is the slowness of the operations. Still, First Caribbean is worth

consideration.

Bottom line, however, we recommend Panama above all other options, specifically, right now,

Multibank.


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The Six Best-Value

Destinations for Livingand Investing in the

World Today

You Can Retire in Style Overseasand Live Better than You Do Now

for as Little as $694 a Month

Live well -- including a maid, a gardener, a driver -- all on a SocialSecurity budget

Enjoy health insurance for $120 a month or less...or choose toretire to a place where medical care is free... Own your own home in the sun for as little

as $120,000 and wake up each morning tothe sound of the waves on the sand or thefreshness of clean, mountain air
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Dear Reader,

In the mornings, Judy Ahern sips a cup of tea,one hip perched on the rail of her open porch, andlooks out over the turquoise waters, listening to

the tide slosh in.

Sometimes horses gallop by on the beach. Oftenshe takes a quick swim. Always she's struck byhow lucky she feels. And how alive.

"We never imagined we'd be able to afford anisland retreat -- let alone one right on a secludedbeach," Judy says.

"For years we'd check out the real estate when wewere on vacation... we looked all over Hawaii andin other places on the water. But it was alwaystoo expensive.

"Yet here we are today on this Caribbean island,pretty much full-time. We're enjoying the open-airhouse we had built -- and an incredible quality oflife -- for a fraction of what it would cost usanywhere else nearby.

"In the States, we couldn't afford it at all."

Originally from California and in their 70s today, Judy was a teacher andactress. Her husband, Bill, is still in the airplane-parts business.

Back in 2002, they traded in their expensive, traffic-clogged life for aquieter, more affordable one on a lush, mountainous island where sandcrabs meander across the roads. You may never have even heard of thisplace (though it's only a two-hour flight from Houston)...

Yet here on the island of Roatan, Judy and Bill have access to solidhealthcare... a full dinner of fresh lobster with wine and dessert costs lessthan $30... they can get homemade cheesecake squares at the local bakeryand fresh lettuce, fruits, and veggies at the organic farm...

And in this place, $199,000 buys a two-bedroom, two-bath home with aprivate pool on nearly an acre of land, just a 60-second stroll to a mile-longprivate beach...


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With $135,000, you could own a luxury condo here with hardwood floors,high-end appliances, a community pool, panoramic vistas from your privatedeck... and be just five minutes by foot from the shops, restaurants, andgroceries in town.

"Moving here changed the way we experience life... for the better," Judy toldme. "There's a freshness here. A quickening of the senses.

"Instead of retreating someplace to retire, we've reached out toward newchallenges.

"I'm keeping busy as the director of a pre-school that servesunderprivileged, working families. And I'm editor of our local islandmagazine, too.

"Sure, living here isn't without its inconveniences.

"But it's as if we're looking not at the end of our lives now... but at thebeginning of another life altogether!"

"Retirement" doesn't have to be about difficultcompromises. It isn't for Judy and Bill.

And it doesn't have to be for you, either.

If you're intrigued by Judy and Bill's experience -- whether you're ready forretirement now or planning for the future -- I know you'll be excited aboutwhat I have to share with you.

Because even though for millions of people "retirement" in the years to comeis likely to mean cutting back on pleasures like dining out and on vacations...or, worse, demand downright frugal living...

It doesn't have to mean that for you!

No matter what the economy does back home, today you can retire overseasin style... live like a movie star on a school teacher's budget... and neveroutlive your nest egg...

If, that is, you know where to go. Around the world are places where youcan...


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Live comfortably in a modern, 2600-square-foot apartment withmountain views... on less than $15,000 a year...

Enjoy health insurance for $120 a month or less...or choose to retireto a place where medical care is free...

Retire in style and employ a maid, a gardener, or even a driver -- allon a Social Security budget...

Own your own home in the sun for as little as $120,000... and wakeup each morning to the sound of the waves on the sand... or the

freshness of clean, mountain air...

You see, in the world's best-value places,your dollars simply buy you more.

So that you can actually live much betterthan you ever did at home -- for as little as$22 a day...

...and you'll never have to worry you mightout-live your savings.

Retire overseas today and never outlive your nest egg...

Leonard Holden and his wife Jenna aren't independently wealthy. Not by along shot. But they're confident they'll have more than enough to carry themcomfortably through retirement, no matter what the economy does at home.

Here's why...

Leonard and Jenna used to spend about $8,000 a month living in Manhattan.At 49, when Leonard "retired," he took with him a pension of $1,800 amonth. They could have stayed in New York. But it would have meant eithersome serious scaling back, living on savings, or -- more realistically -- taking

another job.

Only they were ready to stop working and start "living." And there was noway they could maintain the lifestyle they'd grown accustomed to on lessthan one-quarter of the income.

So they looked for a place where that $1,800-a-month pension wouldstretch.


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And they found it in a safe, welcoming, warm-weather city in Ecuador,where they'd be among the community's wealthiest residents.

There they could afford a 5,000-square-foot house, two cars, and a carefree

-- even luxurious -- lifestyle that included a housekeeper, dinner out a fewtimes a week, and the time and funds to travel and explore their new cornerof the world.

Leonard and Jenna are part of what is rapidly becoming a real "movement"among adventuresome (and pragmatic) folks. You might even call it a"Retirement Revolution."

And it's something you can easily take advantage of, too.

After all, do you really want to cut back or make do at this important stagein your life?

Or are you ready for some peace of mind? To know you're set for life. To livenot just comfortably... but even extravagantly... and do it on much less thanyou spend today?

Five Good Reasons to Retire Overseas

1. Escape cold winters... and never pick up asnow shovel or scrape a windshield again.

2. Sidestep a recession at home and investwhere the prospects for profit are strong.

3. Live better, healthier, and with less stress.4. Grow your investments tax-free or tax-deferred.5. Enjoy a Rolls-Royce lifestyle on a Dodge Dart

budget... and never outlive your nest egg.

If you're ready to enrich your life in retirement... find newways to spend your days... discover... explore... grow...

Look overseas. You can't afford not to.

You know, maybe it doesn't bother you... but it sure bugs me that all yousee in the papers these days are stories about war, politics, and economiccatastrophe.


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To be fair, the U.S. is embroiled in Iraq and Afghanistan... in an electionyear... home prices are falling, the costs for food and fuel have jumped,credit is tight, the stock market is uncertain. (A recent AARP survey reportsthat one in four people aged 45-54 plans to delay retirement because of the

economy.)

But the thing is... what you don't get in the papers are reports aboutattractive alternatives overseas (in Europe, Asia, and Latin America) wherepeople are friendly, crime is almost non-existent, the health care isexcellent, and the prices for everything from homes to groceries to doctors'visits would make you think it's 1953 again.

That's not really "breaking news," I suppose.But it IS the reality in the places around theworld I'd like to show you.

Places where you can take that dream you'vealways had about an open-air home right onthe beach... or a hillside retreat tucked into avineyard... or a cosmopolitan pied-a-terre invibrant city...

...and you can make it your reality on as little as $1233 a month. (Slash thatto $694 a month if you'll own your own home and won't have to pay rent.)No kidding.

That's what this "Retirement Revolution" is all about...

It's for forward-thinking souls like you who are looking for an alternative towhat we traditionally think of as "retirement."

It's for people who are ready to enrich their lives, to find new and interestingways to spend their days... to discover, explore, grow...

And to live well on a fraction of what it would cost at home.

Find out where to go now from an expert who'sbeen right about the best-value places

every one of the past 23 yearsI'd like to help you do exactly that. First though, let me introduce myself.

My name is Kathleen Peddicord. For 23 years I ran a magazine devoted toliving and investing abroad. I'm from Baltimore, Maryland originally. But for


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the last decade, I've lived overseas with my husband and two children -- inIreland, then Paris, and now Panama.

I've traveled to more than 50 countries, invested in real estate in 17,established businesses in 7, and renovated properties in 6.

And over the years, I've fostered a truly far-flung network of globally mindedcolleagues and friends -- people who, like me, are living, investing, anddoing business in good-value destinations all around the world.

So when a reporter at the New York Times or Money Magazine wants towrite a story about the best international destinations for affordableretirement, they call me. I'm a contributor to ABC radio's Expat Show andI've been a guest on Good Morning America. When the AARP is looking foran authority on overseas retirement, I'm the person they talk to.

I guess it's fair to say I'm an "expert" in where to retire overseas. And Iseem to have a nose for the next, great, up-and-coming retirement hot spot.

More than 20 years ago now, I was among the very firstretirement advisors to recommend places like San Jose,Costa Rica... San Miguel de Allende, Mexico... andAmbergris Caye, Belize...

That was well before the rest of the world caught on tothose good-value, welcoming, warm-weather destinations.

And while today those places are well-discovered -- andnot nearly as affordable as they once where -- the idea ofliving well for less is just as appealing now as it ever was.

Given the current economic climate... it might even be more appealing!

Yet as word gets out about a place and it becomes more "mainstream,"people go in greater and greater numbers. Demand increases for propertiesto rent and to own. And as the market heats up, so do prices. The best

values eventually fade.

But it's just like what happens in big cities around the world whereneighborhoods get gentrified and prices rise...then the artists and younghipsters and, increasingly, retirees migrate toward new "frontier"neighborhoods...

Well it's the same idea with retirement "frontiers" overseas. There's always


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some community ripe for discovery. Some hidden gem where you can enjoyan incredible quality of life for next to nothing.

I make it my mission to know where those places are.

And I've just collected my current favorite finds in a SPECIAL REPORT I'd liketo send you -- absolutely free...

Get Kathleen Peddicord's top picks for the world'sbest-value destinations today... yours FREE

It's called Where to Go Overseas: The Six Best-Value Destinations forLiving and Investing in the World Today(retail price: $29).

In it you'll learn about the smartest places to focus your attention in 2009.

Destinations where you can...

Own your own vineyard -- five-acres of vines to go with your 2,500-square-foot, three-bedroom home with a swimming pool -- all for just$100,000. And in a place where you can have a full-time housekeeperfor $350 a month... or enjoy a gourmet meal with fine wines, coffee,and dessert for less than $12 a person...

Live a chic "European" lifestyle in a cosmopolitan city where the winesare excellent... caf culture is alive-and-well... and in a stylishneighborhood filled with boutiques and restaurants you can own a

small pied-a-terre for a mere $69,500...

Enjoy clean, sapphire waters... sandy shores... and picturesqueharbors dotted with yachts... This coastal enclave looks and feels likethe Cote d'Azur, only you can live here for about half as much as itwould cost you in the South of France...

Relax with a gorgeous ocean sunset view in a place that's safe,affordable, charming, and tax-friendly. Here $250 a month will pay fora live-in maid... you can rent a three-bedroom home for $600... orown a luxury two-bedroom apartment overlooking a curved expanse of

sand for just $86,500. (Plus farther along the coast, a new "hot spot"is just warming up... and you could buy the land to build your dreamhome on for as little as $.20 a square foot. Yes, that's 20 cents.)

Invest for profit in a Latin American country not dependent on the U.S.economy. This nation is probably on your radar screen already --certain regions of it, anyway. But I've uncovered a pocket ofopportunity nobody's talking about. What it means for you is that while


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in one popular mountain enclave land sells today for around $4 asquare foot... in the nearby community I like (which is, arguably,prettier)... you can still own for less than $1 a square foot.

Live like a prince on a poverty-wage pension in "the cultured pearl ofthe orient." For retirees on a fixed income, this retreat is one of themost affordable destinations in Asia today. In one corner I like,beautiful botanic gardens meet the lovely curves and bright colors ofthe colonial architecture. It has style. It's friendly. And dinner in a nicerestaurant? Less than $10.

Where to Go Overseas: The Six Best-Value Destinations for Living

and Investing in the World Todayis yours -- at no charge -- simply fortaking a look at a brand new, and entirely unique, retirement-intelligenceservice called The Overseas Retirement Letter.

No sugar-coating. Just the facts.Delivered with a lifetime of perspective.

The Overseas Retirement Letteris not a glossy magazine. It's anintelligence service.

A detailed, down-and-dirty, tell-it-like-it-is, get-there-first report from thereal world about the best communities for good-value living and investing allover the planet.

I don't sugar-coat any place. That sort of "it's the perfect paradise" languagedoesn't do you any favors if you're seriously thinking about moving andinvesting overseas.

I know that. And so do you.

No place is perfect. And in The Overseas Retirement LetterI won't tellyou it is.

But I will give you an honest, measured assessment of each destination wefeature. And tell you not only what it has to recommend it. But what thedrawbacks and potential pitfalls are, too.

I've been in this business for more than two decades. I know the questionsto ask. I know the risks you'll want to avoid. And I'll get them on your radarscreen.


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That way you can decide for yourself whether a place is worth investigatingfirsthand... or not.

"Sophisticated and Thoughtful... and Therefore More Useful"

"I have to say that you seem to dig deeper into the feel of a particularplace and to do comparative analysis between alternative places. Yourapproach is more sophisticated and thoughtful and therefore moreuseful than that of other e-letters I've read covering these samesubjects." --John W., United States

After all, what's important to you isn't necessarily what's important to thenext guy. Everybody's situation is different.

Take me, for instance. I'm still young. In good health. And I've got a 9-year-old son. The accessibility and cost of long-term medical care isn't my top,personal priority when I consider overseas destinations for my own family.

Right now I'm more concerned about where, in what language, and how wellmy little guy will be educated. Plus I want to be near an airport since I travelall the time...

But that might not be what keeps you up at night...

Maybe you're more worried about how close by, how sophisticated, and howaffordable a doctor's care is...

I can tell you about one place I like where many doctors are U.S.-trained... prescriptions typically cost 50% what they do in the States...an overnight stay in a private hospital room will run you less than$40... and you can have your teeth cleaned for less than $30. Full-coverage medical insurance? About $120 a year.

Or maybe what you really dream about is being able to walk barefoot every

day on the soft sand of a palm-lined beach...yet you still want to be an easyhop from home so you can get back for your grandchildren's birthdays.

In one of my favorite Caribbean islands, the beaches are every bit aswhite and soft as those of the U.S. Virgin Islands or the Bahamas. Butproperties are a fraction the price. $89,000 will buy you a one-bedroom apartment with a vast veranda in an exclusive complex lush


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with flowers, close to the beach. And from here you can fly direct tothe States on discount carriers like Spirit Air and Jet Blue.

Perhaps you'd prefer a place where there's spring-like weather year-round, asmall and friendly community, and ample opportunity for you to put your life

experience and your interests to good use locally...

In one place I can think of that fits that bill... the weather is cool soyou need no air conditioning. The land is lush with orchids. The hillsrise to forests where clear rivers run and waterfalls tumble. And hereyou could buy a lot and build a tidy house for less than $150,000.

Not Your Parents' Retirement

This word "retirement" has nothing to do with checking out or

taking it easy. Unless you want it to.

In the places I'd like to introduce you to, sure, you could improveyour golf swing or join a bridge club... you could spend your dayslazing in a hammock beneath the banyan trees. And no onewould think any less of you.

But if you're not ready to take up a position on the sidelines oflife, don't worry. That's not what I'm suggesting.

The ideas of retirement I'm talking about work for the 30-year-

old as well as anyone twice that age... or older. That's because itis easier today than ever before to live, travel, invest, and retireas best suits your personal agenda.

The world is alive with opportunities for fun and for profit, nomatter what your age. I'd like to steer you to the ones that makethe most sense for you.

The good news is: There's a good-value community for

everyone. It's just a matter of finding the right fit.

Your good-value escape exists. With The Overseas Retirement LetterI'llhelp you find it. Quickly and easily. It'll save you time, trouble, and money,too.


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(Just think about it: If you decided to traipse to every destination that couldpossibly make sense for you, you'd spend thousands of dollars a month intravel expenses alone. You'd be at it for years. And there's no telling if you'dget the straight story, either.)

With The Overseas Retirement LetterI and my seasoned team of expertsand expats will do all the important legwork for you.

Every month, you'll get an honest and comprehensive assessment about aplace worth retiring to today (or maybe investing in now and living in tenyears from now) -- including both the pros and cons.

You'll get proven recommendations for everything from health insurance tomortgages to keeping in touch from afar.

And timely ideas about ways you can protect and grow your nest eggoverseas.

Including real-world stories from folks whohave found their own perfect haven... and

retired in style on a budget overseas

I'll also bring you stories in The Overseas Retirement Letterdirectly fromfolks who have already done what you're thinking about doing.

People who have traded an uncertain quality of life at home for a new, more

affordable adventure overseas.

People like Jay and Elsie Snyder, for instance. For 40 years, they owned asuccessful inn in rural Vermont, a sprawling, red, 1810 farmhouse with 18guest rooms.

They were ready to retire. But not to sit and do nothing. They wanted towork less. Enjoy more.

Only they could see -- even with the sale of the inn -- that they wouldn't be

able to sustain the comfortable lifestyle they'd always envisioned forthemselves in retirement.

They weren't looking for jet-set extravagance. But they did want thefreedom to travel, to eat out, to relax, to not worry about health-careexpenses bankrupting them.


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So they began to look beyond our borders... to places where they could"retire rich" on a middle-class budget.

They landed in Granada, Nicaragua... a vibrant,

colonial-era town with cobbled streets and colorfulhomes. (Not unlike those now well-discovered havensof San Miguel de Allende in Mexico or Antigua inGuatemala.)

Now, here's where their story gets interesting. Theycould have simply bought a colonial-era villa andrenovated it, just as other "retirees" from the States,Canada, Spain, France, and elsewhere have done.

But instead, they bought an empty lot in the centerof town and on it built a beautiful community of ninecondominiums that fit in perfectly with the surroundings.

They're selling them to other "overseas retirees" who, like them, are lookingfor a better lifestyle in a welcoming, good-value destination.

In essence, Jay and Elsie are building their own mini-community of like-minded folks ready to trade recession-era skimping for the affordablecomforts they can enjoy overseas.

Already they've recouped their investment -- even though they have ahandful of units still to sell. (Those will produce pure profit.) And today theydivide their time as they like between the States and Nicaragua.

When they're at their place in Granada, they have their choice of excellentrestaurants -- Spanish, German, and Italian among them -- where the twocan eat dinner, including wine and dessert, for $20 or less. See a first-runmovie for $3. They can take care of their annual physicals with an American-trained doctor for just $30 or have their teeth cleaned for just $17.

When I asked Jay about whether they'd do it all over again, he told me:"It's been one of the most satisfying experiences of my life." Hesaid...

"I don't have a solution to the problems facing Americans right now.It's too frustrating to contemplate. I do feel, though, I've found analternative that works for me and that could work for many, manyothers, as well.


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"It's tempting to continue living the way you've been living. It's easy...and it can be very frightening to think about creating a whole new lifefor yourself in a foreign place.

"But that fear can keep us from acting on chances for fun, for

adventure, and for possible profit.

"All I can tell you now is that I'm thrilled... it has been one of the mostsatisfying experiences of my life."

"Immediate Info... No Bull"

"...just a thank you for the immediate infowithout all the bull." -- Tom F.

Nearly half a million people already receive theirSocial Security checks abroad. Now you can

benefit from the secrets they've learned.

I include stories like Jay and Elsie's in The Overseas Retirement Letterfor two reasons:

1) It's important to remember that real people like you -- school teachers,dentists, accountants, attorneys, consultants, office managers, doctors,

sales reps, small business owners -- are already doing what you're thinkingabout. And doing it successfully.

Because I promise you: You'll have family and friends who think you've lostyour marbles. I know mine did!

But the truth is: A whopping 441,000 people already receive their SocialSecurity checks at an address abroad. And the real numbers of people livingwell and enjoying life overseas -- at least part of the year -- is likely muchhigher. (Some, like me, aren't of "retirement age." And others simply havetheir Social Security checks direct-deposited at home.)

So I like stories like Jay and Elsie's because they can open your eyes topossibilities you might never have even thought about before.

And the world is full of inspiring, life-improving, money-saving, and money-making possibilities. In The Overseas Retirement Letter, I'll bring themto you.


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2) Plus there's nothing more welcome when you're starting out in a newplace than a little "been there, done that" advice. And that's exactly whatThe Overseas Retirement Letter delivers each month.

It plugs you in to my vast network of contacts -- both the "experts" and the"regular folks" -- in the best-value destinations all over the world.

So you'll have somebody you can email with a question... a contact who canspare you all kinds of frustration, wasted time, and unnecessary expense.

In fact, that kind of on-the-ground intelligence is so invaluable, that I'vecreated an entire volume to tell you the most important things you need toknow before, during, and after a move.

You'll find the advice in it useful whether you're looking for a full-timeretirement haven... a refuge you can escape to a few weeks or months ayear... a sanctuary you could invest in now and keep to use later in life... ora straightforward way to park some cash in a positive-trending market welloutside the U.S....

101 Tips for Retiring Happy and Living Well Overseas

It's calledJoin the Retirement Revolution: 101 Tips for Retiring Happyand Living Well Overseas (retail price: $29).

And when you agree to test-drive The Overseas Retirement Lettertoday,I'll send you this SECOND SPECIAL REPORT -- also FREE.

In it y