Is it Smart to Retire Outside of the US?

Yes, well, it can be. It depends on where you'reThis decision can also be considered smart because it
going, how you define a smart move, and a lot ofwill be a new adventure. In retirement you'll be
other things about your circumstances.looking for new things to do with your time as you
How their currency compares to the US dollar isadjust and living in a foreign country will certainly help
probably the biggest factor here financially. If you arewith that. You'll have all sorts of new and interesting
planning to move to say, London, it's going to be athings to do already built into your new everyday life,
lot more expensive than if you move to Panama formeaning you'll have less need to make extravagant
example.purchases in your search for new things to do with
How the currency will compare in say, twenty yearsyour time to keep life exciting.
from now is also something to consider. It's hard toKeeping your life exciting is something that is often
say what the global and domestic economy will beoverlooked in retirement planning but really shouldn't
like when you're ready to retire, and this will play abe. Your life is not over when you stop working at
part in your cost of living. If you're trying to baseyour job, and you'll want new and interesting things
your location entirely on cost of living you'll want toto do and this is something you'll want to think about
come up with a couple different locations in casewhen planning your budget. If there's something
things change between now and the time you'reyou've always wanted to do but never had the time
ready to move.for, plan on that being a part of your retirement life
If you have children or other family you spend a lotand plan for it in your budget.
of time with you'll also want to consider that in yourAs you can see whether or not it is smart to retire
decision. Not just for emotional reasons, but foroutside of the US is really a personal question, but
financial ones, too. If you're going to be flying backdepending on where you go, what you're hoping for
to the united states every other week to visit yourin your later years, and your overall circumstances it
new grandchildren then living in a cheaper countrycan be one of the smartest decisions you can make.
may not be cheaper overall anymore.