Three Places to Consider Retiring Abroad

If you’re thinking that as soon as this Christmas break is over the real state of the economy and the nation is going to be revealed, we have a feeling you’re right.  Some employers who have been holding back the bad news may be forced to unveil it in 2009, and as a result it’s likely that job losses will rise and Britain will not only be in a recession, it will feel depressed as well.

Many people are well aware that the party is over – and among those most keenly aware are the baby boomer generation who are either approaching or already in retirement.  For these people, many of whom are living on a fixed income, times are tough.

Interest rates on savings are laughably low, the state pension doesn’t exactly go a long way, fuel prices are still too high making it expensive to light and heat a home, and all in all there is very little tying these people to Great Britain.  If you’re among this group and you’re thinking about a way of escape, here are three places to consider for retiring abroad.

Retire to Malta

Malta is a stunning island nation in the Mediterranean Sea, it is blessed with a near perfect climate and the architecture and geography of the island make it fascinating as well as beautiful.  Malta is in Europe, its currency is the euro, (making it expensive for Britons at the moment, but hopefully not for the long-term), and it is packed with history, heritage and culture.  Malta is also home to a large number of British expatriates, and what’s more, because the island was once under British rule, expatriating to live on the island is a very smooth transition for most people.  Because the island is a popular holiday destination there are affordable year round flights, making it very accessible – and the popularity of the nation also means that if you do retire to Malta you will be assured of plenty of visitors!

Taxation for permanent foreign residents can be low – meaning that a pension can go far further in Malta, there are also no property taxes.  The healthcare system is good, English is widely spoken, there is tonnes to do and see, therefore all in all Malta is well worth considering as a great place to retire overseas.

Retiring to New Zealand

New Zealand is a top choice with Britons looking for a place to live or retire away from the United Kingdom.  Those who have already made the move say that it is like the UK used to be before it fell apart under Thatcher and now the Blair/Brown years.  The British pound still goes a long way in New Zealand too, and many are saying that property prices in NZ are due to fall further in the near-term, which is good news for anyone moving to live in New Zealand who needs to buy a home!

The only downsides with the nation are that it is so far away and you need a visa to live there – but if you can overcome these hurdles then you will be blessed with a life living in what is arguably the most stunning country in the whole world!

Live Abroad in Mexico in Retirement

Lesser considered by us Britons, Mexico is a popular retirement destination with our North America cousins.  It is a country with a fantastic climate, famously friendly and passionate people and a nation which is blessed with sophisticated cities and beautiful rural and rustic towns and villages.  You can find any sort of life you want in Mexico – and you can do so for a fraction of the price it would cost you if you remained in the UK for example.  The British pound goes even further in Mexico than it does in New Zealand nowadays as well – and properties can be bought for very low prices depending on where in Mexico you want to live.

Mexico is easy to get to from the US, and the US is easy to get to from the UK – and what’s more, because the nation is well established as a retirement destination for expat American retirees, Britons who live abroad in Mexico in retirement will find it very easy to adjust to life.