Lately, there has been much written regarding how poorly prepared Americans are for their retirement. B$'ers are always looking for the best value, so would you consider retiring outside of the US?

And what if you couldn't afford to retire - would that change your answer?

Not I..I agree that most Americans are never prepared but the US is still the best

No.


I'd like to find a place to live in February and March though. Maybe the French Rivera?

Not unless I could take my kids & grandkids with me...

Honestly, I think some older folks are too set in their ways and want to die in their home in the 'burbs. Compound that with low retirement income streams and rising expensives, paying the bills can be difficult. Without caring neighbors and relatives, I've seen properties go downhill and fix income means putting off mainteance until real money is needed. A house like my father that sold orginally for around $10,000 (864 sq. ft.) now goes for $90,000, except one needs to spend at least $30,000 to meet the expectations of even the subprime crowd.

For those seniors with a low fix income and not ready for the nursing home, I suggest finding out about rental complexes that offer an apartment based on a percentage of income. Some I wouldn't let a dog live in, while others are well ran and even located in small towns.

I think that's what it boils down to for most people - do you want to leave your family behind?

All things considered, the issue of family is huge, but how do you balance not being able to make it due to poor planning. It may become an issue of how to make their funds go as far as possible. Social Security alone won't cut it, and many question whether it will be there.

Will the taxpayers be forced to pay for these folks who simply did not plan adequately for their retirement?

The cost of living is so much lower in some other countries, it may in fact be worth the tradeoff for some people. When we were in Greece (not a bad country, mostly), we looked into buying a house, just out of curiosity. A nice house in the suburbs of Athens was about $40,000 US, and I believe that included housekeeping and a cook.



Heck, if your family's small, it might be affordable to bring them too!

Never, ever.
This is the best place in the whole world!

Includes housekeeping and a cook for how long?
But, wow... Especially if you could telecommute to the US for the same salary you'd expect here..