Topic: So, I'm planning early retirement...
Anonymous A started this discussion 2 years ago #110,438
...at the end of next year. Been working the same job for about two decades, saving around a thousand dollars a month. In addition, I own an apartment which I intend to sell for a slight profit, along with a pension plan and a severance package. Not sure yet whether I can cash in my health insurance, but I plan to look into that.
Question is, where should I retire to? The cost of living is way too high in my home country, so I'm thinking somewhere in Eastern Europe or maybe Latin America. I've heard that you can buy entire hamlets in remote locales for a song, but you have to spend a fortune on redevelopment. Most of the places I've looked into seem too good to be true, meaning they're almost certainly scams.
Ideally, I'd like to live in a cooler, temperate climate in the foothills of a sweeping mountain range, somewhere outside the city, but not so isolated as to feel cut off from humanity. Wouldn't need a mansion, just a small, comfortable house where I can relax in the afternoons and watch the day fade into twilight. A short, sweet, warm summer in August followed by a few billowing snowfalls over Christmas. Maybe a log fire and a shot of Jack Daniels when the temperatures start to drop...
Unrealistic expectations? Maybe. But it's nice to have something to look forward to. I'll let you all know how the dream works out :)
Question is, where should I retire to? The cost of living is way too high in my home country, so I'm thinking somewhere in Eastern Europe or maybe Latin America. I've heard that you can buy entire hamlets in remote locales for a song, but you have to spend a fortune on redevelopment. Most of the places I've looked into seem too good to be true, meaning they're almost certainly scams.
Ideally, I'd like to live in a cooler, temperate climate in the foothills of a sweeping mountain range, somewhere outside the city, but not so isolated as to feel cut off from humanity. Wouldn't need a mansion, just a small, comfortable house where I can relax in the afternoons and watch the day fade into twilight. A short, sweet, warm summer in August followed by a few billowing snowfalls over Christmas. Maybe a log fire and a shot of Jack Daniels when the temperatures start to drop...
Unrealistic expectations? Maybe. But it's nice to have something to look forward to. I'll let you all know how the dream works out :)
(Edited 17 minutes later.)
Anonymous B joined in and replied with this 2 years ago, 24 minutes later[^] [v] #1,229,417
@OPlolno. you'll end up sleeping in a cardboard box under a bridge trading blowjobs for spare change in knoxville
ps lmfao, fgt
Anonymous C joined in and replied with this 2 years ago, 5 minutes later, 30 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #1,229,418
Consider Portugal. Lowest cost of living in Western Europe. If you're considering moving from a first world country to Latin America, then you might find Portugal is really the best of both worlds. They are very friendly to retired immigrants and have programs to help encourage their relocation. The country is also safer than most of Eastern Europe and has none of the instability.
Another direction to consider is rural America, including Alaska as well. Benefits are mostly obvious. No need to learn a new language. Safety of a first world country. Cheap land, and therefore privacy, unlike anything you'd find in Europe, and also remarkable views. Your cost of living and startup costs can be as low as you make them, especially if you commit to it. Clear your own land. Build your own cabin. Hook up to only the utilities you need. Cook your own food. Bake your own bread, etc. And pick a state that has low property taxes; there are many to choose from.
Another direction to consider is rural America, including Alaska as well. Benefits are mostly obvious. No need to learn a new language. Safety of a first world country. Cheap land, and therefore privacy, unlike anything you'd find in Europe, and also remarkable views. Your cost of living and startup costs can be as low as you make them, especially if you commit to it. Clear your own land. Build your own cabin. Hook up to only the utilities you need. Cook your own food. Bake your own bread, etc. And pick a state that has low property taxes; there are many to choose from.
Anonymous C double-posted this 2 years ago, 1 minute later, 31 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #1,229,419
btw, what price point are you looking at for relocation/startup costs and what's your target for monthly expenses?
Anonymous A (OP) replied with this 2 years ago, 34 minutes later, 1 hour after the original post[^] [v] #1,229,420
@previous (C)
In the past, I've always been able to relocate for around $5000. Of course, that was a long time ago and I always had a job waiting for me at the end of the line. Bulgaria used to be a popular retirement destination a few years back, might check it out along with Spain and the Czech Republic.
In the past, I've always been able to relocate for around $5000. Of course, that was a long time ago and I always had a job waiting for me at the end of the line. Bulgaria used to be a popular retirement destination a few years back, might check it out along with Spain and the Czech Republic.
Anonymous C replied with this 2 years ago, 9 hours later, 10 hours after the original post[^] [v] #1,229,430
@previous (A)
Spain is going to be more expensive than Portugal.
$5k isn't going to get you much no matter where you go.
I'd aim to have $50k for startup costs.
Spain is going to be more expensive than Portugal.
$5k isn't going to get you much no matter where you go.
I'd aim to have $50k for startup costs.