So, you’re approaching retirement and getting ready for a major lifestyle change. You might already have a clear plan or might be considering a few different ways you will spend this time. One option, which is quite common in the US or Europe, is to retire and move overseas.
This often involves moving to a country with pleasant climate year-round, cheap living costs and a laid back lifestyle. If this has crossed your mind, but you are still uncertain, here are a few reasons why you should take the plunge.
You haven’t yet had the opportunity to travel internationally much or at all
Travel and adventure is a life dream for many, but their lifestyle and money demands make this difficult and it often falls to the bottom of their priority life. But with retirement, it’s a fantastic opportunity to re-evaluate your priorities and reach your dream of travelling. Even if you no longer have the energy to constantly move around, living in another country is still a thrilling adventure. And you can always base yourself somewhere that is suited to your needs.
You’re sick of your current city
Maybe you’ve had it with the weather, or how expensive living has become. Or maybe you just want a more relaxed lifestyle away from city living. Whichever it may be, if your finding yourself feeling bad about where you currently reside more often than not, retirement is a great chance for a change. And it is not like it has to be permanent, you can always come back if it doesn’t work out. Better to go and discover, than to be stuck with the what ifs.
You’ve never learnt another language
Learning a different language is a difficult but rewarding skill. With travel, it’s something many people dream about, but don’t have time to do. Putting yourself in the immersive environment is a fantastic way to learn and get a hands-on experience on what the language sounds like. You do have the option to choose somewhere your language is spoken so you don’t feel the pressure straight away, but even picking up basics is a great accomplishment. It is also a great way to keep your mind active and yourself entertained.
The thought of living somewhere else excites you
If you always find yourself dreaming about being an expat, and the thought makes your heart race, this is a strong sign that this is a good idea for you. If you already have a destination in mind, or just want to take a gap year, don’t think you have to stay put just because your friends or family are. While it is important to realise not everything will turn out the way you anticipate, following your heart really pays off.
You can already see yourself as part of the retiree expat community
Internet and social media have made it easy to connect with others who share your similarities with lifestyles and values. If you’ve already began researching blogs or following social media accounts of other retirees living abroad, and you find yourself wishing you were them, you will fit right in with the community. Try searching for blogs written by expat retirees in your country and see if you can make connections with them for more personal advice.
The idea of spending your retirement where you currently are makes you feel (insert negative emotion here)
Does the idea of spending your future in the same old place make you feel a range of unpleasant and negative emotions? It is important to listen to that feeling and ask yourself why you feel like that. It could be a range of things, from boredom, stagnation, or just plain repetitiveness. There are a million different reasons, but its likely that if you feel like this, there are good reasons why
You like to travel with your family
If one of your dreams if to spend time travelling with your family, moving to another country could really benefit from that. You can choose a location that can be used as a holiday destination for your family to visit, or as a way to meet up and travel around your new country. You will get to spend quality time with your family in a fun and exciting way, while showing off your new tour guide skills.
You’re dreading trying to manage your money once you’ve retired
Whilst Australia is known for having a high standard of living, it is also one of the most expensive countries in the world. Property, insurance, or even day to day living are all very expensive, particularly in the bigger cities. However, there are parts of the world where you can live the same lifestyle for much less. If you have been saving up, have super, or some other source of income in AUD, you could be in higher financial positions in other parts of the world. People seem to have this misconception that moving to a cheaper country involves a lifestyle downgrade. But this doesn’t have to be true. You can find lovely houses, quality services, and world class care for much less in cheaper countries.
There are many convincing reasons to retire overseas. Ultimately, if you are already reading this article, it is something you have put thought into and appeals to you. While it is not the simplest thing to organize, nor is it a decision to make lightly, if you have your heart set on this adventure, you can find a way to make it happen.