Are you planning to retire soon or already retired? If the answer is YES to either question, I am certain the information below will be informative and inspiring. While writing this article, I will be wearing two of my ‘hats’, as Life Coach and Real Estate Professional. Although you started reading this because of the ‘Where-to-retire’ part, it would not be understood in full without answering the following four questions, first: when, how, why, and what.  Thus, this article could also be titled, “Retirement: When, How, Why, What, Where”. 

Let’s start with WHEN to retire: It depends, foremost, on the personal financial portfolio: social security, savings, company pension, investments, 401K, owning a business (with its own management team), inheriting a fortune, even winning a lottery, etc. One or more of these sources should allow you to cover all the expenses for the years ahead without having to work. Those retiring with the social security or equivalent system (in most countries) need to meet certain age and having paid social security regularly for a predefined number of weeks or years, depending on the specific rules. Note also that in many countries (including the US) the social security is intended to cover only a portion of the retiree’s living expenses.   

HOW to retire involves two practical elements: Unless being forced to retire due to disability, unexpected layoff, company incentive to retire (aka “the package”), family reasons or specific company or government policies (e.g., mandatory retirement age), the first step consists of calculating if all the expenses ahead could be covered by the retirement plan based on the remaining estimated years of life. If based on this retirement is viable, the second step will be starting the process formally, both with the institution(s) (private and/or public) that will handle/support the retirement plan and to notify the company or the clients that you have been working for, if any. That way, they will have enough time to make any adjustments to cover for your absence. Well, I know that up to this point there is nothing new in what I have said, but needed to be clarified before answering the next questions.

WHY to retire: Reasons to retire voluntarily may vary widely from person to person:              a) Being exhausted of a job or not being able to keep or find an inspiring  job or, worse than that, hating the job so much that retirement is the only possible exit. b) Experiencing personal health issues. c) Wanting to help a loved one who has special needs or to serve a cause (e.g., humanitarian) full time. d) Wanting to pursue other projects in life (new business ventures, long trips, sports, hobbies) that the time spent in the current job does not allow to do them enough, or wanting to dedicate more time to grow personally and to develop the talents to the full.

WHAT to do with the extra time: The most generalized concept of retirement could be defined in two words: ‘permanent vacation’. Meaning that, since you have reached financial independence (retirement), now you can rest, do whatever, whenever… If you want to! However, although being in permanent vacation sounds very attractive and, therefore, most people are on a race to retire in order to accomplish this as soon as possible, it may not end as rewarding for all as expected. The hard counterpart, actually the cruel ‘trap’ of retirement that affects many people, is that the personal biology could respond to those thoughts and emotions of being in permanent vacation by slowing down their lives too much due to the lack of urgency in life. The truth is that urgency has the amazing mission in life of keeping a person’s biology, mind, and emotions working in full gear with a purpose. For example, to learn something new, to accomplish new goals, to help others (e.g., raising their children), to transform the world into a better place, etc.

WHERE to retire: For most, finding a place to retire is relatively simple; it just needs to have mild weather (usually without very cold winters or snow), where to rest a lot and to take life easy, where the cost of living is low and affordable, and the medical services are good, but not too expensive.

Well, let’s see if a private island, the most common mental image of paradise fits with this: Mild weather? Many islands have it. Where to rest a lot? Certainly. Low cost of living? Certainly not. First, the cost of buying the private island or a piece of it and, second, having to spend a lot of money to get all the supplies and services needed: potable water, food, transportation, etc. Medical services? Most likely not close to the island.

How about living on the beach? It sounds paradisiacal, too. Doesn’t it? Mild weather? Many beaches have it (although may be too hot for some). Where to rest a lot? Of course. Low cost of living? Certainly not. First, the real estate on the beach or close to it is usually much more expensive than in the inland as well as its insurance due to the higher risk of storms, hurricanes, and flooding. Second, you pay all those extra costs expecting to enjoy the area peacefully, but the hard reality is that tourists from everywhere invade (the entire year) the beaches, roads, restaurants, etc. Medical services? Most likely equally expensive because the providers must pay the extra cost of real estate and its insurance, either if owning or renting. Because of all the above, a place in the inland to retire may be a better idea for most people.

If considering a handful of different countries to retire because of the low cost of living, make first a thorough research about their political stability, hygiene, transmissible diseases, culture, language, security in general, kidnaping risks, and the paper work you would need to reside there and to buy property based on your current citizenship.

On the other hand, if you are (or want to be) an ‘unstoppable active retiree’, following is a list of possible creative activities that you may want to do:

·        Developing the strongest and healthiest body, ever.

·        Learning about all what you always wanted and continuing to learn a lot more                    every day. Remember Gandhi’s famous quote: “Live as if you were to die                              tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever”.

·        Continuing to develop your already known talents and exploring new ones.

·        Getting closer to your loved ones and having the best time together.

·        Visiting (traveling) as many places as possible, even with a frugal budget.

·        Experiencing new adventures and being closer to nature.

·        Remodeling your home (or buying a new one) to make it the loveliest castle.

·        Leading and/or helping with community projects in order to build a better society.

·        Pursuing all your life dreams.

Anyway, if either being (or planning to be) an ‘unstoppable active retiree’ or NOT, what do you think about a retirement destination like this?

ü Very tranquil with lots of places for outdoor activities all year round, including golf courses, rivers, lakes, parks, public trails in natural preserves for hiking, biking, and horse riding.

ü That offers the benefits and comfort of the city life combined with the fresh air, wide green spaces, and the amazing scenic views of the countryside.

ü With fantastic places to visit within two hours’ drive that could even be visited during the same day, including the beautiful beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, the exciting beaches of the Atlantic coast, and a wide variety of amazing cities full of history, adventures, shopping experiences, and plenty of restaurants of all kinds.

ü With lower cost of living, including lower taxes than most US states, that also offers homestead exemption to the primary residence occupied by its owner(s).

ü With many real estate options to buy with prices ranging from the low U$200,000 (including new construction) to any millions you want to invest, such as condominiums, townhouses, country homes, mini horse farms, big farms, luxury homes, waterfront properties (lake or river), and houses in gated communities for golf, equestrian, aviation, and/or 55 plus.

If you are thinking that just one place cannot have all those great qualities together, I used to think the same… Until I found “My Dreamland” in the beautiful city of Ocala, Florida that I love so much. To learn more about this amazing area, watch this video.

                  Diego Bravo: Real Estate Sales Associate - PROFESSIONAL REALTY OF OCALA

(352) 266-2782

                                               2801 SW College Rd Suite#10, Ocala, FL 34474