Author: Admin

Great Places For Holidays And Investments1 Comment

Emergency Health Care In Belize–One-Third The Cost You’d Pay Stateside

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“After a lovely weekend with friends,” writes Belize Correspondent Ann Kuffner, “my husband Mike and I stepped into our condo at dusk Sunday evening. I had just picked up my new prescription sunglasses at the Hoy Eye Center in Belize City. I was pleased that the transition lenses are very dark but not yet used to focusing with them. Entering the house, I did not see our big, black dog, Ziggy, asleep on his favorite dark rug… “Before I knew it, my heels were in the air, and I had landed on the unforgiving tile floor, directly on my hip. … Continue reading Emergency Health Care In Belize–One-Third The Cost You’d Pay Stateside

Real Estate Investments1 Comment

Assessing Your Retire Overseas Risks

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“Read almost any article in the mainstream press about retiring overseas,” writes Intrepid Correspondent Paul Terhorst from his current base in Chiang Mai, Thailand, “and the writer almost invariably starts by evaluating the local health care situation. ‘Country A offers high-quality, low-cost health care…Country B allows expats to buy into the national health plan.’ “I’ve long been puzzled by this emphasis on health care. “Sure, most overseas retirees are older…and we older folks buy more health care than young people. But we buy other stuff, too. We buy transportation, plumbing, electricity, and lodging. You never read that ‘Country C offers … Continue reading Assessing Your Retire Overseas Risks

Great Places For Holidays And Investments, Real Estate, Real Estate Investments2 Comments

Retire Overseas Fundamentals

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Lief and I have begun conversations with our first Live Overseas Personal Consulting clients, and I’m being reminded of the fundamentals. For example… Language This can seem an intimidating, even paralyzing hurdle. If you’ve never spoken a second language or even if you speak, say, a little Spanish but not enough to hold a business conversation or to negotiate a rental lease, you can worry how you’ll get things done, how you’ll keep from being taken advantage of, and how you’ll make friends. The concern can be greatest if you’re thinking of making a move on your own. I do … Continue reading Retire Overseas Fundamentals

Investments, Real Estate, Real Estate Investments1 Comment

Why These Expats Chose This Safe Haven

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“Developed in the 1930s as a resort for wealthy Argentineans,” writes Uruguay Correspondent Sol Tuya, “Piriapolis has evolved into one of the world’s most affordable and appealing retirement havens, attracting expats from North America, Europe, and elsewhere throughout South America.             “I include myself among them, and I can tell you that, here in this small city on Uruguay’s coast, we are enjoying peace and harmony and a quality of life that I think would be hard to match. “Every month, the Piriapolis English Speakers Club gathers by the sea for good conversation, good food, and a chance to network … Continue reading Why These Expats Chose This Safe Haven

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Culture Shock In Reverse

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A couple of months ago in Paris, I had lunch with another long-time American expat, whose children, like ours, have grown up outside the States. “We’re moving back,” he remarked that afternoon, “to Bethesda.” At first, I thought he was joking. After more than 13 years in France, he was opting now for Bethesda, Maryland? Then he explained. “Only for a couple of years, until our youngest son goes off to college. We feel like we need to do something to help his transition back to U.S. life. His older brothers have struggled with it so.” Then I understood. I’ve … Continue reading Culture Shock In Reverse

Real Estate, Real Estate Investments1 Comment

Building The Perfect Property Portfolio

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The perfectly diversified international real estate investment portfolio might look something like this… A rental property in Europe that is leveraged (that is, carries a mortgage…remember that it’s possible to borrow for the purchase of real estate as a foreign buyer in many European countries) and that generates positive cash flow. Right now France, Italy, and Portugal probably make the most sense for this kind of investment. This is a long-haul play, and, thinking very long term, I like Paris. It’s the closest thing to a recession-proof rental market as you’ll find. Next, a rental property in a resort location. … Continue reading Building The Perfect Property Portfolio

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Here’s How Not To Let This Happen To You

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Buying wholesale, path of progress, crisis investing, real productive assets…why bother with all these different real estate investment strategies? Why not just focus on one? Wouldn’t that be simpler? Yes, sure. It’s be more simple, but, over time, it’d also be far less effective. One of the fundamental advantages global real estate investing offers is diversification. You want to capitalize on that advantage every way you can. All those bubble investors in the United States who “controlled” millions of dollars worth of pre-construction condos found out the hard way what putting all your eggs in one basket can mean for … Continue reading Here’s How Not To Let This Happen To You

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Nobel Laureates, Sugar Cane, And Cruise Ships–The

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“St. Lucia is like a pretty girl with only her smiles to live off,” writes Correspondent Paul Lewis, continuing the reports from his early-winter cruise through the Caribbean. “The island’s main export is Nobel Prize winners–it has had two so far. With a population of only 160,000, this makes it the world champion Nobel Prize-winning country. “St. Lucia’s first laureate was Sir William Arthur Lewis, who received the Economics award in 1979. He launched the United Nations Development Program and championed the idea that education is more important than money in promoting development. “St. Lucia’s second win came in 1992, … Continue reading Nobel Laureates, Sugar Cane, And Cruise Ships–The

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See Asia In 2010

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“I grew up in the 1950s and 60s, and China was closed, full-stop closed, permanently closed,” writes Intrepid Correspondent Paul Terhorst. “Mao’s Revolution had taken hold,” Paul continues. “One thing we knew for sure was that we’d never, ever get to travel in China. “Today I can still hear my older brother saying, with that grave, pontificating voice that 14-year-olds assume, that China, not Russia, looked to be the biggest danger in our future. Remember that, during the Cold War, Russia–actually the Soviet Union, but everyone called it Russia–was Enemy Number One. My brother figured China would be even worse … Continue reading See Asia In 2010

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5 Secrets to Successful Crowdsourcing

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Crowdsourcing is the latest Web buzzword – it can also be as confusing as a tuk-tuk ride through Bangkok. Handle Crowdsourcing with care. An increasing number of businesses are turning to Crowdsourcing to drive more efficient ideation, innovation and marketing. Not to mention Crowdsourcing as a next generation outsourcing/partnersourcing model. But how do you make it work? Here are 5 secrets to successful Crowdsoursing: 1. Leadership – a crowd needs a strong leader and a clear, inspiring mission. Crowds form for a reason – not just for the hell of it! 2. A gaggle is not a crowd – until your crowd is at least 1,000 … Continue reading 5 Secrets to Successful Crowdsourcing

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Your Better Half Won’t Budge?

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Here’s the second most common reason I’ve heard over the past two-and-a-half decades from people who want to make a move overseas…but who just can’t bring themselves to take the leap: Reason #2 Not To Retire Overseas: Your significant other wants to stay put. As I explained yesterday, having kids at home is no reason not to “retire” overseas. Bring them with you. But a spouse who’s not in favor of the idea? That’s tougher. You can’t very well pack your better half’s suitcase for him (or her), then take him by the hand and lead him out the door … Continue reading Your Better Half Won’t Budge?

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Why You Don’t Have to Worry About Outliving Your Nest Egg…

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Your retirement nest egg has been marginalized, and you’re thinking there’s no way you could afford to retire overseas. This is probably the most often given reason for why someone who’s interested in the idea of launching a new life in a new country hesitates or even abandons the idea altogether. And it’s the least valid. Here’s the truth: You can’t afford not to retire overseas. I’m speaking both literally and figuratively. Let’s begin with my literal point. You could retire to Cuenca, Ecuador, for example, and enjoy a comfortable life in a safe, pleasant colonial city on a budget … Continue reading Why You Don’t Have to Worry About Outliving Your Nest Egg…