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Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: wildbeast on October 11, 2017, 04:37:43 PM

Title: Retirement/Life in Mexico?
Post by: wildbeast on October 11, 2017, 04:37:43 PM
I wasn't sure where to post, but since the relocation sticky is here that's what I went with.  If this would be better elsewhere, please let me know.

I'm considering moving to Mexico. 

I'm looking for feedback from anyone who has lived or lives now in Mexico or someplace similar.
Title: Re: Retirement/Life in Mexico?
Post by: MrMoneySaver on October 11, 2017, 06:31:48 PM
Commenting to follow. I'm interested in this as well. A big advantage is that you should be able to get into Mexico's government healthcare system, and also, when you need to pay out of pocket for care the prices should be very reasonable. That's my understanding.
Title: Re: Retirement/Life in Mexico?
Post by: MayDay on October 11, 2017, 07:08:13 PM
Commenting to follow. I'm interested in this as well. A big advantage is that you should be able to get into Mexico's government healthcare system, and also, when you need to pay out of pocket for care the prices should be very reasonable. That's my understanding.

Are you fluent in Spanish? Medical Spanish?

It's not trivial to navigate a foreign country's medical system in a non native language.

My sister lives in DF and is fluent and still struggles at times with medical stuff and leans on her native speaking husband. When you are I'll you aren't the best at advocating for yourself.

I'm not saying don't do it, but I would not be breezy about just landed la la I'll use the Mexican healthcare system unless you are a pretty dang good speaker of the language and have a good understanding of the culture.
Title: Re: Retirement/Life in Mexico?
Post by: ixtap on October 11, 2017, 07:27:54 PM
Where in Mexico?
Are you looking to join an expat community or go native?

Are you calculating a specific withdrawal rate (ie 4% =~$18k)  or just dividing your assets by your time to SS?
Title: Re: Retirement/Life in Mexico?
Post by: wildbeast on October 12, 2017, 09:42:20 AM
I would say my Spanish is conversational level and probably good enough to get by.  I spent some time in Mexico almost 20 years ago and loved it.

As for the where, I really don't know.  I'm open to pretty much anything.  I'd like nice weather.  My plan is to identify 4 or 5 places that look good, fly down for a month to check them out and hopefully procure a 6-12 month lease on a place that allows pets.
Title: Re: Retirement/Life in Mexico?
Post by: gerardc on November 15, 2017, 03:57:32 PM
Due to a possible divorce in the near future, I'm considering moving to Mexico.  With my share of our assets (300K), I think I can live pretty comfortably in Mexico or very tightly in the US.  I have 10 years before I can tap into Roth (150k) and 12 before early SS.

It seems $300k (4% = $1k/month) is a little tight, even for Mexico, if you have emergencies or need to move back. You wouldn't want to be stuck there unwillingly. Can you supplement your income a bit?
Title: Re: Retirement/Life in Mexico?
Post by: EndlessJourney on November 15, 2017, 04:48:09 PM
Check out the Chapala area. Up in the mountains, it gets mild, spring-like weather all year round. Also, it's the largest ex-pat community in Mexico, so you can get by with not too much Spanish. The only drawback is that it is more expensive than other places in Mexico (but still cheaper than the US). Ajijic is the main village where all the gringos live.

It's right beside a huge lake, very pretty place.