Budget Retirement Lifestyle

The video below shares information on affordable retirement destinations in the Dominican Republic, 50 miles outside of the capital city, Santo Domingo. Once you remove yourself from tourist areas., the rents are more affordable, as is the cost of food and services.   The food cost on any of the Caribbean islands is high when you are speaking of foods made in the United States.  However, when you adjust your eating habits to fit the local economy, the cost of food goes way down. In the DR, fish is always affordable as are fruits and locally grown vegetables.  Even salmon and large shrimp are affordable because of the fishing economy. Breakfast cereals made in the United States are more expensive, because these must be imported.  Thus, when I am on the island, imported foods are not a part of my diet.  In the video, I share rental rates and real estate prices in areas outside of the local tourist industry.  Yes, there are a few expensive resorts in the ...

  Many of us have had to leave because we could not afford to stay. It's just that simple.  I was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Berkeley, California. to be exact.   After the Internet boom the growing real estate prices to accommodate the high-tech industries, many of us who were born in the area could not afford to stay during retirement.  It has not bother me for the first 12 years of my retirement.   Hopping from country to country and living oceanfront for less than $750 a month has been interesting and exciting.   However, as you get older you realize that it may be a good idea to slow down and stay in one place longer.  But where? Where do you go? You can retire in senior communities in Asia for $1200 to $3000 a month, with everything taken care of for you, but do you really want to live in Asia full-time? And what about being able tio qualify to stay in certain countries full-time.  If you noticed the blog ha...

What this article covers: The article highlights a number of small, often overlooked mountain towns in the U.S. where real-estate remains surprisingly inexpensive — including opportunities to buy charming homes or cabins for under US$50,000 . The appeal of these towns isn’t just the low price. Many are in scenic, natural settings — mountains, forests, or rural lands — making them attractive for people seeking a simpler, quieter lifestyle or a vacation/second home in a peaceful environment Scroll down for examples of properties in U.S. under $50,000 Where you might find houses for ≤ US$50,000 There are mountain or rural areas where $50,000 homes are still available. Supporting data from other real-estate sources shows that certain states — including Montana, Wyoming, Tennessee, North Carolina, and others — often have multiple listings under that price threshold. ( Realtor ) Some concrete examples from those markets: In parts of Montana , there are dozens of homes listed under...

  While TravelInsurance.com connects you with multiple insurers, the billing model depends on the insurer and the provider’s network arrangements. Some — like Allianz, IMG, GeoBlue — do offer direct billing in many scenarios. Others may require you to pay first and then submit for reimbursement.  Direct billing appears to be more expensive, but well worth the cost if you don't have thousands of dollars to pay up front. Direct Billing (Cashless or Direct Pay): This involves the healthcare provider sending your bill directly to the insurer. You typically don’t pay upfront (unless you have a deductible or co-pay to cover, Several providers offer networks or arrangements where this is possible: Allianz : Offers a “Direct Settlement Process” in some cases — paying providers directly for eligible services, though you might still be responsible for deductibles, co-pays, or excess fees. IMG (International Medical Group) : Recognized by NerdWallet for showing medical providers with ...

    Costa Rica Retirement Cost Summary Location Rent Range (Monthly) Food Cost (Monthly) Atenas $650–$1,200 $250–$350 Grecia $500–$1,000 $200–$300 San Ramón $400–$900 $250 Ojochal $800–$1,500 $300–$400 Tamarindo $850–$1,600 $300–$450 Nosara $900–$2,000 $350–$500 Escazú $800–$2,000 $300–$500 1. Atenas Distance from airport: About 35 minutes (Juan Santamaría International Airport - SJO) Rent: $650–$1,200/month for a furnished 2-bedroom home Weather: Spring-like all year; temperatures range from 65°F to 85°F Food Costs: $250–$350/month for groceries; fresh produce is inexpensive at local ferias Healthcare: Excellent access to both private and public clinics in nearby towns like Grecia or San José Expat Community: Large and active; mostly American and Canadian retirees Facebook Connection: Search "Atenas Costa Rica Info" or "Atenas Costa Rica Community" Travel Time to U.S./Canada: 3 to 6 hou...

If you receive Social Security benefits but also continue to work, your earnings could affect how much you receive — depending on when you claim benefits and how much you earn. Starting in 2026, there are updated thresholds for when work income may reduce your benefits.  How 2026’s Earnings Limits Work If you are younger than full retirement age (FRA) for all of 2026, you can earn up to US $24,480 this year without affecting your Social Security payments. If you exceed that, SSA will reduce benefits by $1 for every $2 you earn over that limit. ( ssa.gov ) If you reach your FRA in 2026 , then the earnings limit is higher: US $65,160 . If you make more than that before the month you reach FRA , benefits are reduced by $1 for every $3 over the threshold. ( ssa.gov ) Once you are at full retirement age (for the entire year), your work income no longer reduces your benefit , no matter how much you earn. ( ssa.gov ) For example: If someone under FRA earns US $30,000 in...

Georgia is a small, historically homogenous nation in the Caucasus, but like most countries, its population has become more diverse over time. Here’s a clear picture so you know what to expect: 1. Black and African Diaspora Communities Georgia does have a small Black population, including: Students from African nations studying in Tbilisi and Batumi Diplomats and NGO workers Entrepreneurs, teachers, and digital nomads While the community is small, it is present, especially in Tbilisi . 2. South Asian and Middle Eastern Communities There are larger groups from: India Iran Turkey Pakistan Arab countries These communities are quite visible in cities and are part of daily life. 3. Southeast Asian and East Asian Residents Filipinos, Chinese, Koreans, and Vietnamese nationals also live and work in Georgia, often in hospitality or business. 4. How Locals React Georgia is generally safe for foreigners, including people of color. Most experiences...