You’re absolutely aware that a devastating financial and social disaster is looming. You’ve probably seen the signs and have wondered just how to survive it, or avoid it altogether. I’m not a doomsday professor…I’ve simply been in the game long enough to understand the mechanics at play. And I’m not the only one who’s been harping about the pending issues ahead – just look to your daily news sources. Most headlines (should) strike terror in a hardworking, middle-class citizen’s heart. What is the point of working hard for years on end, without a guarantee that you’ll have the retirement cushion you deserve?
The golden rule has always been to save for those later years: the more we keep, the more we have. While I agree that we all need to be saving, the current financial situation begs the question: “Can we save enough?” With the nation’s 65-and-older population projected to be 83.7 million in 2050, and their expected savings clocking in at $1.6 million per person, will saving enough for retirement even be a possibility?
I don’t have the answer for this particularly tough question, but I do have ideas and great alternatives that can provide a wonderful lifestyle – and all within your means! The latter statement is particularly important, and I refer to Mark Skousen. “The key to avoid running out of money is to live within one’s means, make it easy to save money regularly and invest those savings in good long-term investments.” Yes, saving and investing is a top priority if we want to live our dream retirement lifestyle, but if the earnings are less than the amount needed to be saved, it’s time to think outside the box. And that form of thinking can apply long before retirement. Why not live your dream lifestyle now?
Turn Your Own Tide
By setting your sights beyond the US, you’ll quickly find that the alternatives are not only stunningly beautiful, but incredibly affordable as well. Look south of the border to places like English-speaking Belize or prosperous Panama. For under $2,000 a month, life in Belize is a tropical breeze, and only a couple hours’ flight away should you get “homesick.”
Concerned about healthcare? Panama’s Johns Hopkins facility and state of the art infrastructure sure sounds appealing. Other countries, such as Ecuador, Argentina, Nicaragua, Honduras and El Salvador, each have their own unique lifestyle alternative. Imagine being able to afford organic, free-range meals, maid service, additional indulgences such as a beachside massage, and more!
That incoming financial trainwreck seems less daunting now, doesn’t it? What so many do not realize is that the options have always been there. Over the past couple of years, a slew of people far from retirement age have also made this incredible discovery. Being able to work from anywhere has truly opened up the world to an entirely new demographic. Freedom and flexibility, cultural immersion, travel and the thrill of new experiences are all well within reach, and people are discovering this reality every day.
Second Residency and Freedom
When I talk about retirement, more often than not I refer to a certain “age group,” but the reality is that the current global issues are affecting the general population. That looming financial disaster is not hurting only one sector; people from all walks of life are forseeing the inevitable, and many are being smart about their strategies. I speak often about the absolute necessity to have a Plan B in place – well, I say have Plans B through Z, and switch to the Greek letters if necessary! You can never be too prepared.
A second residency is a pass into a country other than that of one’s birth, and allows a lot more freedom of movement than a standard tourist visa, giving the holder the legal right to live in another country on a long-term basis. Safeguarding one’s personal freedom with property and residency outside one’s home country has become incredibly important to many. In fact, over the past couple of years, the overwhelming majority of international property buyers state that securing their personal liberty is their primary reason for taking this small step.
No longer a luxury only attainable by the ultra-wealthy, second residencies can be had via investment-driven programs, many of which are quite affordable. Whether through an investment in real estate or agriculture, a second passport is within the reach of many.
Regardless of the reason to invest overseas, getting it right the first time is of utmost importance. I’ve provided this incredibly informative and free Consumer Resource Guide that can help guide your overseas investment process. The tools contained within can help you to evaluate and make prudent choices. After all, you are looking outside of the US, and the rules are different. It doesn’t have to be difficult, however, and with this resource, the process can be absolutely simple, safe and smooth.
I hope you enjoy this valuable resource, and please, feel free to share with your friends and family. It’s absolutely never too early to start planning a secure future.
Until next time,
Mike
At the height of a successful career in the computer industry, Mr. Cobb left to pursue more pioneering opportunities in the emerging real estate markets of Central America. In 1996, he and his business partner formed a company, Exotic Caye International, to provide loans to North Americans purchasing properties in Belize, Honduras and throughout the region.
As the need for capital outstripped the supply, the mortgage company was converted to an international bank under the jurisdiction of Belize. It continues to provide mortgage services, but has expanded its services to encompass the full realm of financial products.
You can meet with Mike at FreedomFest, “the world’s largest gathering of free minds” July 13-16 at the Mirage Las Vegas Hotel.
