If your clients are worried about running out of money in retirement in the United States, they may want to consider retiring abroad. Some unexpected overseas destinations allow retirees to live luxuriously on incomes that would require pinching pennies in the U.S.
A budget of as little as $1,500 a month is enough to live comfortably in some places, says InternationalLiving.com, a website resource for overseas living.
“The majority of recent studies on retirement show that most Americans are not adequately prepared for it. They haven’t saved enough, they’ll likely outlive their nest egg, and so they are instructed to work longer, spend less, and lower their expectations for their retirement lifestyle,” International Living says. And keep in mind that the future of Social Security and Medicare remains a crapshoot.
But “go to the right places overseas, and retirees can actually improve their quality of life while they spend less,” says Jennifer Stevens, International Living executive editor. If you look to value places, “you’ll find your retirement, instead of limiting your quality of life, can expand it. All of a sudden, you can afford to rent a nice place in a safe community where the people are welcoming and the climate suits you; take advantage of good-quality, low-cost medical care; and eat well and travel. You can afford to relax and do what you want to do with your time.”
The International Living Annual Global Retirement Index 2017 ranks the best retirement havens at a reasonable cost. The firm considered such factors as day-to-day expenses, the cost of a flight back to the U.S. to visit family and friends, as well as traditional living expenses. Following are the five best places in reverse order and the reasons International Living likes them. The report is available here.
No. 5. Vietnam
Vietnam has become a popular destination in Southeast Asia for both expats and tourists. In 1990, it was one of the poorest countries in the world; today, it is decidedly middle-class and on an upward trajectory. Two bedroom apartments in beach towns start at $350 to $400 per month, and for around $500 per month in major cities.
No. 4. Colombia
During 2016 the Colombian peso averaged an exchange rate of 3,100 pesos to $1, making it an extremely affordable place to live. The actual costs varies depending on exact location, but a monthly budget of $1,500 to $2,000 allows not just for the necessities of life, but also some great amenities like regular maid and handyman services.
No, 3. Peru
Peru has long been a destination for tourists seeking outdoor adventures, spectacular scenery, and archaeological treasures. For expats looking for an inexpensive retirement location, it offers one of the most attractive costs of living in Latin America. For instance, in Arequipa, hundreds of traditional picanterias offer three-course lunches for as little as $2, including a jug of purple chicha morada, the local drink of choice. A large three-bedroom apartment in the popular Yanahuara district of Arequipa can be found for $350 per month or less.
No. 2. Nicaragua
Monthly expenses in Nicaragua average $1,200 to $1,500 a month, including rent and entertainment. Food is inexpensive, and taxes are affordable
No. 1. Cambodia
Cambodia offers an affordable cost of living that is hard to compete with. Western-style apartments go for $300 a month in the capital of Phnom Penh, and go for as little as $200 a month in beach towns. Meals at quality local and international restaurants cost as little as $10 to $20 for two people. For those requiring regular medications, brand name medications are less than 10 percent of the cost they would be in the U.S.