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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…

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Too Much Stuff—Some Of It Will Have To Go

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Not everyone is interested in a life in the tropics…or at the beach. Maybe you, for example, dream of a cosmopolitan life on the Continent. I’m going to let you in on a secret: Euro-city life can be more affordable and therefore more realizable than you might imagine, for reasons you might not predict. The key is adjusting your approach. In the United States, we Americans live big. We reside in three- and four-bedroom houses with walk-in closets, full basements, finished attics, and two-car garages. We have porches, backyards, and driveways, and we fill every square inch of every room, … Continue reading Too Much Stuff—Some Of It Will Have To Go

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Into The War Zone–On The Ground In Chiang Mai

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“Vicki and I arrived in Chiang Mai, Thailand, a few hours ago, Friday morning local time,” writes Intrepid Correspondent Paul Terhorst. “Protesters left their Bangkok camp on Wednesday, but some refused to go home. Instead, they tried to burn down much of Bangkok. The army prevailed overall, but not completely. Random violence quickly spread to other parts of Thailand, including Chiang Mai. “The U.S. Department of State talks of ‘unrest in Bangkok and Chiang Mai’ and says U.S. citizens should ‘defer all travel to Bangkok and defer all non-essential travel to the rest of Thailand.’ “The Thai government has set … Continue reading Into The War Zone–On The Ground In Chiang Mai

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The Big Benefits Of Being The Only Tourist In Town

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“As I’ve explained,Vicki and I considered canceling this trip to Chiang Mai,” continues Intrepid Correspondent Paul Terhorst, picking up where he left off yesterday. “On the Thursday before we planned to travel, Switzerland, Brazil, the UK, and Australia raised their travel advisories to: Do not travel to Thailand. These four countries joined 14 others already making this recommendation, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Spain, China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Taiwan, Germany, Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands, Israel, Belgium, and New Zealand. “We came anyway. We flew into Chiang Mai, 700 kilometers north of the main violence in Bangkok. “I wrote … Continue reading The Big Benefits Of Being The Only Tourist In Town

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No Regrets!

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“‘Do you have any regrets about moving to Belize?’ “That’s the question we’re probably most frequently asked, both by our neighbors here on Ambergris Caye and also by friends and family back home in the States,” writes Belize Correspondent Anne Kuffner. “Without hesitation, my husband Mike and I answer, ‘No. No regrets. Not a one.’ “The folks back home often find it baffling that we could be as happy–in fact, happier–living here in little San Pedro Town than we were living in the San Francisco Bay Area. “Initially, we invested in property on Ambergris Caye because of our love for … Continue reading No Regrets!

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Move Over, Baby Boomers! Make Room For The New Generation Of Overseas Retirees

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At what age should you think about retiring overseas? It’s almost never too late…or too early. Laurie Norton and Paul Jewitt, two easygoing Canadians, low-key and modest, started their new lives in Belize four years ago, as young 30-somethings. As Belize Correspondent Ann Kuffner explains, “Laurie and Paul are part of an emerging trend. Move over, Baby Boomers! An increasing number of adventurous 30- and 40-year-olds are making their mark on the local San Pedro Town scene here on Ambergris Caye. They’re making their way down here to La Isla Bonita with small savings and pockets full of dreams, and … Continue reading Move Over, Baby Boomers! Make Room For The New Generation Of Overseas Retirees

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The Five Flags Approach

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I’ve been inundated recently with e-mails from readers asking, “Why not?” “Why not Honduras?” “Why not Costa Rica?” “Why not Spain?” “Why not the Bahamas?” Etc. Why do I focus in these dispatches on the countries I do…and give less (or no) virtual ink to others? I have a Top 10 list. On it are my picks for the best places in the world right now to think about spending your time and your money. This list has been created based on more than 25 years experience traveling the globe and covering this live, retire, invest overseas beat…and it has … Continue reading The Five Flags Approach

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Tax Heaven No More?

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“Bad news from down South America way,” writes friend and offshore expert Bob Bauman. Bob is legal counsel for the Sovereign Society, an organization we’ve trusted for years as perhaps the most reliable source of information on what can be complicated and murky issues. “It was announced last week that the government of the Republic of Uruguay plans to introduce legislation to impose taxes on bank deposits and other assets held offshore by citizens and residents in the country. “If this proposed legislation becomes law, this would be a radical change from the current territorial tax system that exempts citizens … Continue reading Tax Heaven No More?

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When Really Cheap Isn’t A Good Deal

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This week I was forwarded information about cheap lots on a Caribbean island. Prices start at US$7,550. That’s an attention-getter, right? In fact, this sounds-too-good-to-be-true offer (like every such offer I’ve come across in more than 17 years seeking out international real estate investment opportunities) is just that–too good to be true. Here’s why. Property this cheap generally falls short on the three characteristics I look for in any property investment–location, size, and infrastructure. In the case of the Caribbean lots that came across my desk this week, upon closer inspection, I saw that we’re not, in fact, talking about … Continue reading When Really Cheap Isn’t A Good Deal