Reasons Canadians Are Retiring To Mexico

From Canuck Abroad, “With more people reaching retirement age, many of the so-called “baby boomer” generations are looking south for their retirement homes. More and more Canadians (and U.S) retirees are seriously considering a move to Mexico. In fact, it is a big topic right now. A number of locations like Ajijic, San Miguel de Allende, Cuernavaca, and Chapala are bursting with expats—and these numbers are on the rise in more exotic Mexican locales.”

“Why are more expats choosing Mexico as their retirement destination? What is so appealing? Well, the reasons may vary as much as the retirees themselves do. For many, it comes down a desire to experience a new culture or something personal like more freedom or a desire for reinvention. Of course, one cannot ignore the obvious advantage of the weather.”

“Another reason cited by expats is money. The costs of living in Mexico are significantly lower than they are in Canada or the U.S. There are certain expenses or items that may require more money than most retirees are used to paying, but most items are cheaper. (Naturally, this will depend on what level of retirement income you expect.)”

“For those who have limited means but still desire to live in Mexico, the Mexican government has a program that is specifically geared for those over 60 years old that can help with monthly expenses. It is the Instituto Nacionál de las Personas Adultas Mayores or INAPAM program. Since October of 2007, the program has been offered to foreign expats who live either as permanent residents or with FM-2 or FM-3 visas.”

“It is the benefits of this program that may make the top of some Canadian expats’ lists. For instance, there are certain discounts available to seniors. YOu may receive reduced prices on buses, free admissions to museums, and discounts on other cultural events. Additional savings are available on utilities, in various shops, travel, accommodations, and other features.”

“Be advised though since the local administration of the INAPAM program is still trying to catch up with the new regulations concerning the eligibility of foreigners and expats.”

PHOTO: darvinsantos / 51 images

Surge in Baby Boomers Retiring to Mexico

Sonu Wasu reports at ABC15 Arizona, “It's a different type of "surge" at the border, one that may not be as visible, but it's been happening for the last few years.”

“We are talking about a record number of U.S. citizens who are moving south of the border to retire.”

“This reverse migration trend is very real, and it's booming with more than one million American citizens estimated to be living in Mexico. Cost of living and climate are listed as the top two reasons for this migration. Mexico has a visa for such people, the "residente temporal," which targets people who do not work in Mexico and are economically self-sufficient.”

“Jamie and Paige Lopez are among these ex-pats who sold their home in Arizona and have now re-settled in Rosarito Beach, Mexico, just about 30 miles away from the San Diego border.”

"We live in a gated community. We bought a house that has three bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and an ocean view," said Lopez.

“Living on a retirement income, couples who have made this big move know they could never afford this lifestyle here in the United States.”

When you look at the number of baby boomers retiring; the cost of living in the US vs. Mexico; the wonderful weather, and the nearness of family and friends via the airplane, I’ve been surprised more United States citizens haven’t slipped the bonds and come down to Mexico to live and retire.

To read the rest of Wasu’s article, go to ABC15 Arizona.

PHOTO: julienup / 4 images

Is Mexico Safe?

Pyramid of El Cerrito

Atlas Obscuro features Pyramid of El Cerrito.

Just outside the beautiful city of Querétaro, towering above an arid landscape of scrubland, looms the desolate stone ruins of a pyramid known alternately as El Cerrito and El Pueblito. In ancient times, this site was the religious center of an enigmatic civilization that devoted itself to the fervent worship of an inscrutable and buxom goddess of fertility.

The Chupícuaro civilization and its city center, known today as El Cerrito, arose around 300 BC and was for many centuries contemporaneous with the Teotihuacan civilization. Later in its history, it was conquered and came under the influence of the Toltec empire as a vassal state. This socio-cultural change was reflected in the city’s architecture, and led to the construction of the Toltec pyramid that still dominates the site and the surrounding landscape today.

Interestingly, the main deity worshipped here above all others is believed to have been a powerful mother goddess. Excavations in the area have repeatedly discovered clay statuettes that depict curvaceous female figures believed to represent her. These sculptures were typically found buried in areas where staple crops such as maize, beans, and squash were cultivated. It’s been theorized that these objects may have been annual votive offerings to gain the favors of the goddess and to invoke rain or bountiful harvests, keeping the ever-present threat of catastrophic drought and famine at bay. 

The archeological evidence suggests that the cosmovision of the Chupícuaro civilization venerated the fertility of agriculture and nature, embodied by the image of this enigmatic divinity. Yet not much more is known about the cultural practices or ontologies of this mysterious Mesoamerican civilization, which has often been overshadowed by other Central Mexican cultures such as the Teotihuacanos, Toltecs, and the Aztecs. 

The collapse of El Cerrito and the Chupícuaro appears to have occurred around the same time as the fall of the Toltecs in 1168, and was probably similarly caused by a combination of environmental stressors and the invasions of warlike northern tribes known as the Chichimecas. The absence of archeological evidence after this time period seems to suggest that the practice of worshipping the goddess was suddenly discontinued by the survivors, who perhaps felt angered or that they had been abandoned in their time of need. 

Nevertheless, although El Cerrito was never again to regain its former glory, it is known that the area continued to be inhabited by small tribal communities right up until the time of the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in 1519. Today, the El Cerrito Archaeological Zone is an intriguing and easily overlooked archaeological gem just a short drive from Querétaro. Aside from the ruins, there is an interesting museum displaying artifacts from the Chupícuaro civilization that were discovered at the site.

Know Before You Go

The archaeological site and museum are open from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. from Tuesday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekends. Entrance is free.

PHOTO: Cristopher Maubert Salgado - 

Does Medicare Travel Well?

As seniors venture overseas, whether for recreation or new living arrangements, a key question to ask is what benefits travel with them. While Social Security benefits follow Americans to other countries, basic Medicare likely will not, and seniors may need to be prepared for alternate arrangements.

First, while Medicare does cover residents of Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands, except for some rare cases of inpatient hospital services in Canada or Mexico, traditional basic Medicare does not provide coverage for hospital or medical costs outside the United States.

These rare cases for inpatient hospital services in Canada or Mexico relate to three possibilities. One is that you live in the U.S. near a foreign hospital and need emergency or non-emergency treatment and the foreign hospital is closer or easier to get to from home than the nearest U.S. hospital. Secondly, if you are in the U.S. when you have a medical emergency and the hospital in Mexico or Canada is closer than the nearest U.S. hospital that can treat the emergency, Medicare might cover. Third, if you are crossing through Canada on your way between Alaska and another State and experience an emergency and the Canadian hospital is closer than any hospital in the U.S., there might be coverage.

Since most circumstances do not involve these three exceptions, other alternatives need to be explored.

Examine the plan and get information first before traveling.

First, travelers and Americans living overseas should review their Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plans before leaving home and call to ask if there are questions. Some Medicare Advantage coverage may come with worldwide travel benefits. However, generally speaking, Medicare Advantage plans do not travel well. They might not even cover in other locations in the U.S. outside their territory. Even if it does, you might need to pay first and file a claim. Some Medigap (also referred to as Medicare Supplement) plans might also provide Foreign Travel emergency health care for travel outside the United States. Find out first.

Consider travel insurance.

Medicare recipients who are traveling might also seriously consider buying a short term travel insurance policy to cover health care expenses in other countries. Travel coverage could include evacuations such as when an accident or illness occurs on a cruise ship or in remote or difficult areas with limited access to health care.

One source for information regarding health insurance for traveling and for living abroad is the U.S. Department of State website, Bureau of Consular Affairs at www.travel.state.gov, Insurance/Medical/Health Insurance Overseas. The site also refers to www.aarp.org. Another, obviously, is your own insurance company or insurance agent.

Answers could be sought for such questions as: What questions should I ask my health insurance company? Can the U.S. government assist me if I become disabled overseas? Where do I find a list of physicians abroad? What insurance information should I carry with me abroad? Where do I find a list of U.S.-based air ambulance/med-evac companies? Or foreign-based air ambulance/med-evac companies? Or U.S.-based travel insurance companies?

For Americans considering moving to other countries, options are limited. If the retiree is moving to a country with strong national health insurance coverage, he or she could explore buying into a plan in the country of destination to receive coverage comparable to other residents. Also, some insurers may offer “expatriate” health insurance plans. All of these plans would need to be investigated to ensure that they handle the needs of the American moving abroad.

On returning to the United States, Medicare enrollees who lived overseas should remember that they are returning to the U.S. Medicare system or Medicare Advantage with all of the usual Medicare rules.

If the American living overseas did not keep up his or her Medicare Part B payments and Medicare Part D while living or traveling in other countries, he or she would be subject to the same rules regarding penalties as Americans who remained at home. So, if there is a likelihood of return, consider paying Medicare B and D premiums while abroad.

In brief, if you are traveling or moving overseas, you should spend some time determining health insurance options. Do not leave home without them.

Janet Colliton, Esq. is a Certified Elder Law Attorney and limits her practice to elder law, retirement and estate planning, Medicaid, Medicare, life care and special needs at 790 East Market St., Suite 250, West Chester, Pa., 19382, 610-436-6674, colliton@collitonlaw.com. She is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and, with Jeffrey Jones, CSA, co-founder of Life Transition Services LLC, a service for families with long term care needs. Tune in on Wednesdays at 4 p.m. to radio WCHE 1520, “50+ Planning Ahead,” with Janet Colliton, Colliton Elder Law Associates, and Phil McFadden, Home Instead Senior Care.

Tandy Martin - The Heart of the Silence

A couple of weeks ago we celebrated Ben Pietra birthday at his house out in the country. As we were leaving,  Bev and I met a woman who claimed to be a psychic and a Tarot card reader. I am fascinated by all things a little kilter. When our friends get together, we exchange stories about strange occurrences in our lives: ever seen a ghost? ever had an ESP experience? do you see auras? do you know people who can tell you your future?

Anyway, we met Tandy Martin on the way out and were immediately fascinated by a Tarot card reading, so we made an appointment to have our cards read for 500 pesos each.

For me, Tandy didn't immediately start with the cards, She wanted to know if there was a question I had for her.

I wanted to know if there was anything holding me back from achieving my goals. She turned over a card and it was a Happiness card. What she told me is subject to my memory and my interpretation of her words. Ok?

What I got was Bev and I made a decision four years ago to pack up and move from Portland, OR to San Miguel de Allende. We are currently building a house and that causes us some stress, but the Happiness card is telling us we are happy and in a great place. Nothing to be worried about.

Tandy dealt out more cards. Soe may consider our conversation filled with "woo woo." She asked me what my soul wanted The answer I came up with was attuned to what was on my mind recently. Generally, am I the same person I was in Portland or have I changed. If I am the same person, what do I need, what does my soul need to be a bigger person.

Sometimes, I don't know the answers whether it is with the novel I've been working on or answers like what does my soul want. 

She said, "Why don't you ask?  Your father is right here over your left shoulder or your grandma Meme, who you were close to. " Both of whom have passed.

It's hard enough to ask for help, but I never considered asking for answers in that way.

I was blessed in meeting Tandy and blessed that she spent so much time with both of us.
Tandy is a writer and currently working on a film. Call her if you want an experience you won't forget and take a look at the trailer for her film:

The Heart of the Silence

When we listen from this heart of silence, we invite healing on the deepest level, welcoming everything just as it is. This is as true in our ordinary relationships as it is in the specialized relationship between therapist and client.

Encourage her to complete this work so the world can benefit.

Tandy's  phone is 703 935-9696

The Pros and Cons of Retiring Abroad

From The Week,

After working as an environmental engineer for nearly 40 years, Ann Kuffner had had enough of corporate politics. She and her husband, Michael Brunette, who owned a contracting business, were overworked and burned out.

"We made good money but worked like dogs. We had little free time for family, friends, or hobbies," says Kuffner, 68, via email from her home in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. "Once we figured out that we could retire early due to the low cost of living overseas, we took a risk and went for it."

While still in their 50s, the couple left California and retired to Belize in 2008, where they pursued their passion for scuba diving and other water sports. They decided to relocate to Mexico last year because they wanted more cultural stimulation and Kuffner says the health care in Belize was not adequate for people their age (Brunette is 69).

The couple is among a growing segment of Americans opting to retire abroad. As of April 2019, the Social Security Administration was sending 685,000 payments to beneficiaries overseas — a 40 percent increase over the past 10 years — but that's likely just the tip of the iceberg.

"Most people continue to bank in the U.S. and have their Social Security checks deposited at home, even if they themselves are physically abroad," says Jennifer Stevens, executive director of International Living, a website and publication that advises people on living, working, and retiring overseas.

It's impossible to know exactly how many people retire abroad, but Stevens — who has been at International Living for 23 years — says the numbers are increasing. And not just for Baby Boomers or those who retire completely.

"We're definitely seeing more people retiring part-time abroad, in part, because they want the flexibility, and also because they have older parents they need to attend to," Stevens says. "The other trend we're seeing is people retiring earlier. People are saying, 'I'm not going to wait until I'm 65; I hate my job. My accountant is saying I have to stick it out for another 8 years. No, I don't. I'm just going to retire now and go overseas.'"

In many of the hot retirement spots around the world, the cost of living is substantially lower. Food, housing, and domestic help are often cheaper. Plus, many other countries boast excellent health care at a fraction of the costs found in the U.S., which makes retiring abroad sound awfully appealing. But how is it done? Can you really just pack up and move to a different country?

Looking at a globe and choosing where you want to retire can be overwhelming, particularly if you've not traveled extensively. Stevens recommends making a list of priorities, such as proximity to the U.S., language, and climate. The dollar will buy an extremely high standard of living in southeast Asia, for example, but it's far away and can be scorchingly hot.

"The first order of business is to profile yourself and be really honest about it," Stevens says. "If speaking English is important, if you do not under any circumstances want to learn a new language, that needs to be on your list."

Next, do your research. Look at published lists of retirement destinations and match them to your priorities. Go online, but be mindful of the sources you use. A country's tourism site is naturally going to give a slanted view. Stevens recommends joining expat Facebook groups, where you'll get honest information and can ask questions.

You'll also want to visit the U.S. State Department's website, which has information on the legal logistics of retiring abroad. Each country has its own visa requirements, which can be found through their embassy or consulate's website. Some countries have a special visa to encourage foreigners to settle. For example, Malaysia's My Second Home Program offers 10-year visas for individuals over 50 who have at least $84,000 in liquid savings and a monthly offshore income of $2,400.

When you've narrowed your choices down, hop on a plane.

"Go and check out the places that are on your short list, but don't just go for a week," Stevens says. "Go for a month or two or three and see if you like living there. You may be surprised that the place that intellectually checks all your boxes, doesn't speak to your heart." She adds that one inexpensive way to explore is through house-sitting.

When Chip Stites, 72, and his wife Shonna Kelso, 59, decided to retire overseas, they visited three of the nine countries on their short-list, and settled on Italy in 2015.

"We have other connections to Spain and France but we loved Italy" writes Stites from his home in Reiti, about 90 minutes outside Rome. "The pace of life here, the Italian love of living, a different way of thinking, and living in a culture that is more than 3,000 years old is incredibly appealing to us."

Stites, who spent 40 years as a certified financial planner, notes that there are downsides to such a dramatic move. As much as he loves Italy, he says dealing with the bureaucracy is tough, and that he had to learn new ways to do basic functions like making a phone call and drying clothes without a dryer.

"Retiring overseas isn't for everybody," cautions Stevens. "No place is America-light. If you are looking for a place that's just like where you live now, only cheaper, you're not going to find that and retiring overseas may not be for you."

For those with an adventurous spirit (and kids and grandkids who don't mind traveling), however, retiring abroad can be transformative.