Posts Tagged ‘travel’

Your Retirement Guide To Living Cheap…Four Ways To Have It All

Saturday, February 13th, 2010

A good guide to living cheap will contain retirement lifestyles that are fun as well. For the last fifteen years, the writer and wife have enjoyed lifestyles you may not have considered for retirement. Take a look and see if they do not seem like a lot of fun. You can too with the information on how we did it.

1) Our favorite and most adventurous frugal lifestyle was living on a sailboat…we enjoyed sailboat cruising in the Caribbean for eight wonderful years. It was not only fun we only spent around a $1,000 a month once in the islands. Why that cheap? Anchoring is free…no cash registers in sight…and the view was better than people paying $600 a night in a fancy resort 100 yards from our boat.

2) Consider living in an RV in your guide to living cheap. The freedom of having a steering wheel in your living room is great. The RV lifestyle is also a fine way to scout out potential “real retirement places”. Decide a certain locale is not for you…fire up the engine and leave. RV park rent for a months stay is $500 or less.

3) Live Overseas…we did for eight years. It is fun, cheap, safe and interesting. Currently one million Americans are living in Mexico. You can live very well here for $1500 to $2000 a month…including a maid…and health insurance which is $270 a year. You are three times more likely to a victim of violent crime in Mexico vs the US. Jimmy Buffett is right folks…changes in latitude changes in attitude.

4) Downsizing…if you think there is no way you could go from a big house to a condo or RV…I beg to differ. We moved from a 1800 square foot home to a 35 sailboat with curved walls. You quickly find that you need very little to live and live well. Do not let your “stuff” prevent you from retiring.

Still think you can not afford to retire? You need the guide to living cheap. We have experienced all four lifestyles mentioned. You can do this too. Want more information?

Want to learn more about guide to living cheap? For more information on fun and frugal ways to retire visit frugal retirement living. Do not quit on retirement until you check it out. Get a totally unique version of this article from our article submission service

Overseas Health Insurance Policy For Healthy Life Abroad

Sunday, February 7th, 2010

It is tough times for Americans, especially baby boomers. With most of their savings in social security, rising prices and the uncertainty surrounding the future of social security itself are forcing them to consider other options-such as settling down overseas. When retiring abroad, it is necessary to purchase adequate international travel health insurance.

When you’re planning overseas retirement, you might be tempted to think that since healthcare costs are cheaper in your intended new home, you can afford to pay the costs yourself. However, if you end up paying the bills yourself, the bills may deplete your savings, no matter what currency or rates you use.

Living abroad is probably not easy for every retiree. To be able to peacefully settle abroad, one must enjoy everything that comes with a foreign country different cultures, customs, and languages. If family ties are too strong, settling abroad may become emotionally tough. Settling abroad will work better for those who are looking to maintain or improve their standard of living, and don’t mind being away from home much.

When moving base to a foreign country, you might be most worried about health insurance. Purchasing international travel health insurance from your home country is a good idea to tide over the financial implications of any illnesses.

If looking to move abroad, it might be a good idea to do a ‘trial run’ and lease out property at the overseas destination. International travel health insurance can also be purchased to take care of health issues during the period. This will provide great insight into whether moving to the country will work.

Long-term and short-term overseas health insurance plans provide a wide range of benefits and options for the overseas settler. Moving to a country full-time begs for long-term insurance, which covers regular check-ups and pre-existing conditions as well, if conditions are met. These are important benefits for the senior citizen.

While local insurance policies may help, the greatest advantage of U.S.-based international health insurance is that they provide emergency evacuation coverage. This can be especially critical, paying as it does for evacuation to the nearest healthcare institution able to treat the condition.

When you choose a plan, you should also consider the insurance company’s ratings, which are routinely done by several companies including A.M. Best. Once you sign on that overseas health insurance dotted line, you are ready to enjoy the beautiful place that you will call home!

Dan Miller often writes about international insurance.

Frugal Retirement…Living Aboard a Sailboat

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010

Frugal living in retirement conjures up thoughts of doing without…eating dog food, yuk…and other unpleasant thoughts. Frugal retirement living does not have to be like that at all. Sailing anyone?

Retirement plans have been shaken recently by the current poor economy. Some are saying, my IRA’s and 401K’s just won’t fund retirement. We open our statements with trembling hands. You are not alone. Just do not totally give up on retirement yet.

Take a look at some retirement lifestyles that are not about sacrifice, they are just cheap ways to retire. We lived on a sailboat for eight years…in the Caribbean…it was fun… it was frugal. In our 35 year of married life it was the most rewarding experience we ever had.

The lifestyle we led on the boat cost about $1,000 a month. We traveled from The Virgin Islands down to Venezuela and Trinidad. We lived very well and wanted for nothing. How much can you spend in a pleasant anchorage?…anchoring is free. Most of our money was spent buying cheap fresh local food which we cooked on the boat.

Living aboard a sailboat is lots of fun. What is not to like? We had experiences that were different on every island. Boat folks stick together and we would hike with other boaters all over the place. We interacted with locals and did things the tourists never experienced.

Do you need to be a life long sailor to enjoy this lifestyle? Far from it. Thanks to the GPS…a wonderful invention, navigation between islands is easy. In the Windwards and Leewards, your longest sail between islands is 90 miles…or about 16 hours. Except for Anegada and Anguilla, all the islands are mountainous and easy to see. You pick up most of the sailing skills you need as you go.

If you want a fun and frugal way to enjoy retirement, take a look at living on a sailboat. It was the best eight years of our lives. You can do it too.

For more information on living on a sailboat. Gary P Pierce is the editor of frugal retirement living , he has enjoyed sailboat life and other enjoyable, frugal methods to retire. Click here to get your own unique version of this article with free reprint rights.

Retire to Ecuador…for Cheap Living in Style

Sunday, January 31st, 2010

Ecuador… a country off the radar, offers very cheap retirement living.

Ecuador is one of, if not the cheapest place to retire in the Americas. It has much to offer American and Canadian retirees besides being inexpensive…it’s a great place to live.

Ecuador has a familiar currency, the good old American dollar. Retirees report that the locals are very friendly and have made them feel very welcome in sharing their country. Americans who have retired in Ecuador find that they are quickly absorbed into the local communities.

It costs about $15,000 to live a very comfortable lifestyle. That includes domestic help and eating out frequently.

Cheap living means very reasonable real estate both for purchase and rentals. Rent before you buy is always good advice.

Owning two homes in Ecuador is quite possible due to th elow prices for real estate. One might be in the mountains. Quito the capital, has spring like weather due to its 9,000 foot elevation. The culture of an colonial city is available there. Your second home might be on the beach, Ecuador has some beauties.

Your other home might be on the beach. Manta is an up-and-coming beach town with lots of current real estate development. When on the beach make sure you sport a famous Ecuadoran export…the Panama hat. These popular hats are made in Ecuador.

Cheap living…how cheap for real estate? You can easily afford two houses in Ecuador. $100,000 will pay for a beachfront condo in Manta and a apartment in Quito. That is cheap living my friends. As it is always more prudent to rent before you buy a well located apartment in Quito is $500 a month.

Some other costs that you will be pleased with is;domestic help…$30 a week. A doctors visit or house call…yes they make house calls…is $15 to $20.

Folks wishing to retire in Ecuador must be able to prove stable income of $900 per month per couple. Your pension or Social Security check is of course acceptable. A visa is needed as well; the visa fee is $350.

12,000,000 people are currently enjoying living in Ecuador. They live in widely varying climates and scenery. From Amazon jungles, to beaches to colonial cities set high in the Andes. If you want a change it won’t take long to get to a view and temperature that you like.

If cheap living is your only motivator for living in Ecuador, you probably will be disappointed. You would be unhappy moving anywhere just because it is less costly. Instead if you have a sense of adventure, are self confident, and interested in living well…all in friendly environs, consider Ecuador as a place to retire.

Retiring to Ecuador is under the retirement radar now, it won’t be for long. Do you need information on other frugal retirement living lifestyles that are rewarding? Do not give up on retirement until you visit this website

Costa Rica Real Estate - Will It Continue To Be A Popular Investment?

Saturday, December 12th, 2009

Costa Rica is a major tourist attraction for people from around the world but, primarily, the U.S. and Canada. Indeed, tourism accounts for nearly eight percent of its gross domestic product. This tiny country, only about the size of West Virginia, is world-famous for its warm, sun drenched beaches and beautiful tropical mountains and landscape. Though it encompasses only one tenth of one percent of the planet, it is home to an incredible diversity of plants and animals. In fact, nearly one of every five species of plants and animals on the globe is found here. There are more kinds of butterflies in this little place than on the entire African continent and nearly the same number of species of birds as in the continental United States. It is no wonder, then, that Costa Rica draws tourists like a magnet. This country, which has been a democracy since it cast off its Spanish conquerors, has acquired the status of a tourist hot spot in Central America. The boom in the tourism industry has contributed positively to the growth of Costa Rica real estate over the past decade.

This relative scarcity of available real estate in the face of development growing out of tourism has led to a boom in new condos and homes along the coasts, in the mountains, and in urban areas.

Additionally, the large numbers retirees and folks who have elected to live in a tropical paradise and leave behind the pressures of day-to-day life has also contributed to the increase in property prices in some coastal areas. Plenty of investment has been coming into real estate from outside the country. The U.S. has led the way, certainly, but there are lots of investors from Canada and Western Europe. China has been increasing its presence in Costa Rica dramatically over the last few years, too and today there are thousands of Chinese who live there. In addition to beach-front property, the main areas of investment are farms, called fincas, which are being developed into subdivisions, mountain properties, and vacation rentals. Real estate prices have soared along the Pacific coast and some other parts of the country because expatriates and people wanting second homes have realized just how cheap, relative to the U.S. and Europe, land is.

A number of years ago, the country realized the benefits of sustainable development and tourism. Unlike many other countries, Costa Rica has learned the lesson that unregulated exploitation of resources is ultimately detrimental. Wisely, in the face of sometimes intense pressure, it refuses to allow oil exploration off its coasts. Tropical forests, once cut or burned for little farms, are returning. As more and more of the international community is encouraged to visit, investors from around the globe have found that Costa Rica is a wonderful real estate market. And, indeed, over the last decade there has been a real boom in development along the Pacific coast.

The severe economic downturn in the States and Europe has impacted Costa Rica as well. Condo and subdivision development have slowed dramatically and in some parts along the Pacific coast, American second-home buyers, strapped for funds, are selling properties at very large discounts. One person’s challenge is another person’s opportunity.

However, many experts predict that the boom will resume in the coming years. Costa Rica will continue to draw tourists and retirees from America, Canada, and Europe. Savvy investors often pool their money to form real estate ventures with, up to now, assured returns. Indeed, many folks who invested in Costa Rica real estate a decade ago have seen their investment soar. To be sure, the economic woes in the States and Europe are felt here now but the price stagnation or decline is temporary and will form the basis of a great recovery.

Most investors and many folks buying second or retirement homes prefer the more developed Pacific coast. Prices have risen the most there due to the increased demand though some of the most developed areas are temporarily witnessing some declines in prices. The Caribbean coast is not very developed yet and prices are often substantially lower than on the other coast. Though most tourists head west, nearly 40% of the country lives in or around San Jose, the capitol city, and real estate prices there have not been significantly affected by the world’s recession because available land is at a premium as more and more Ticos move from the country to the city.

The author, Victor Krumm, writes from tropical Costa Rica and has an informative websiteCosta Rica Vacations. Check out the prettyCosta Rica Real Estate

Shenandoah at Lake Frederick is Home to a Premier Retirement Community

Monday, November 23rd, 2009

Lake Frederick is a popular destinantion in Virginia. The Oxbridge group looked at the are around the lake and decided it would be a great location for it’s premier gated retirement community, Shenandoah. the community has 942 acres of land with panoramic views of the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains, miles of trails through the local woodlands, and access to the lake for great boating and fishing.

This 55 and over gated community will have 2,130 custom homes. Homes constructed under Phase One will include lakeside, lake view, and mountain view single family homes. Town homes and condominiums will be available in future construction phases.

The community features a luxury 35,000 sq. ft. clubhouse / fitness complex with many amenities. Some of the amenities enjoyed by the residents include a social club, media center, formal and informal dining options, library, activity rooms, bar and lounge.

Adults into physical fitness will love the exercise center that features both strength and cardio machines. Fitness trainers offer classes in Pilate’s, aerobics, and yoga Tennis players can challenge one another on the tennis courts. Swimmers can take a swim or relax by either the indoor or outdoor pool. Swimming lessons are also available.

Lake Frederick is the cornerstone of this community and it’s natural beauty is only enhanced by the surrounding mountains. The lake is great for fishing Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Red Ear sunfish, Black Crappie, Channel Catfish, Walleye and Northern Pike. Set your boat out from the dock and boat access ramps or fish off one of the many piers.

The winding lakeside offers a vast network of hiking trails with beautiful views of the tall timbers and wetlands. Lakeside gazebos make great picnic spots overlooking the lake.

Located a mere 90 minutes from Washington DC, this gated community has many entertainment options. From the local museums, wineries, and parks to an evening in the capital city, Shenandoah is never short on fun things to do.

Shenandoah residents have to meet certain age requirements which means your neighbors will be similar in age and likes which makes it easy to make new friends. One household member must be 55 or older. No one under 45 is allowed to live there permanently.

Hubert Miles is the founder of Gated Communities USA which features the best Private Communities in the USA and Internationally. Find information on 55 Private Communities.

Brunswick Forest Master Planned Community Offers Many Amenities in Wilmington

Monday, November 16th, 2009

Situated along the North Carolina coastline, Brunswick Forest offers 11 beautiful neighborhoods built among 4,500 acres. This private community in scenic Wilmington, North Carolina, offers it’s residents many luxury amenities.

Southern charm abounds within the communities neighborhoods. Budget conscious home owners will enjoy the low maintenance single family homes and town houses. The planners have done an excellent job with keeping the neighborhoods secluded while keeping the feeling of a close knit community.

Golfers will enjoy the Cape Fear National 27 hole golf course. Active adults can use the Fitness and Wellness Center. The community offers walking and biking paths and trails through the pristine coastal wetlands and woodlands. Residents can kayak and canoe down the Cape Fear River and Intracoastal Waterway from the River Center. A Garden Center and a tennis complex is also available for use by residents.

The course was designed by Tim Cate. Cate used the majestic woodlands as the backdrop for his championship golf creation. Eventually it is planned for the Cape Fear National to become a private membership golf club. Homeowners enjoy membership to the communities amenity centers.

The paths and trails that wind through Brunswick Forest offer beautiful views of the tall trees, creeks and wetlands. The paths and trails stretch over 100 miles and are perfect for walking and biking.

The River Club has an observation deck and a boardwalk with bridge leading to a floating dock in the creek. The club is a great launching point for fishing, kayaking, and canoing. Other benefits at the club include a screened pavilion and outdoor fireplace. The club also has an area suited for boat storage. The nature center offers canoes, kayaks, and fishing gear for sale or rent.

The Fitness and Wellness Center has a lot to offer the residents of the community. The centerpiece of the community is it’s indoor and outdoor resort style swimming pools complete with poolside grill and six hard-surface tennis courts. The center also features a steam room, massage rooms, sauna, whirlpool, and mens and womens dressing rooms. The aerobics and exercise rooms help you stay fit.

The Villages at Brunswick Forest is a commercial area inside the community that has shops, restaurants, entertainment, medical and professional services connected to the communities neighborhoods by the bike paths and trails.

Hubert Miles is the founder of Gated Communities USA which features the best Private Communities in the USA and Internationally. Find information on North Carolina Gated Communities.

categories: real estate,property,house,home,finance,business,golf,beach,ocean,tennis,retirement,vacation,travel

The Air Is Great In Payson Arizona Along With Real Estate

Thursday, October 8th, 2009

As a town, there are a lot of events and attractions that make Payson a vibrant, lively and exciting place to live. As a location for real estate, the properties on offer are tempting and come in all shapes and sizes. This report looks at what Payson has to offer when it comes to homes for sale in Payson, AZ ? as well as the culture.

Finding out the value of your home is one of the most important things to do before you sell. The interest that you get in the real estate that you are selling more or less solely relies on the price that you put your real estate at. Getting advice from a Realtor and doing your research can make sure that you set the right asking price for what you have and get offers that you are satisfied with.

With a population of 15,407 as of 2007, Payson has seen consistent growth in population. The number of families in the area is approximately a third of this number. The population seen in 2007 are an increase from 2000 where there were 13,620 citizens recorded in the census.

There are some things which justify your house being more expensive than others. If your house has a definitive feature that most houses do not have, you may get interest from buyers who are willing to pay that little bit extra. This is called adding a premium cost to your home.

Payson has a lot to offer when it comes to attractions ? it can be said it is a very leisurely place to live. With an impressive array of three golf courses, a casino and a host of restaurants, it isn?t too hard to see why. Two community parks, a swimming pool and a skate park confirm this further.

Pets can get in the way of the proceedings of a Moving Day. What?s more, they can sometimes appear to get rather distressed. Removing your pet from the situation by leaving it with a friend or relative can be beneficial to both you and your pet.

Annual activities include the Beeline Cruise-In and Car Show. A cruise around the town during the day culminates with music and dancing in the night. What?s more, the festival even accounts for the ladies ? with special activities planned for their interest!

Payson even has the Christmas spirit ? with a special event every December which is known as the Magic on the Mountain. Consisting of a live Nativity play and a Santa?s Workshop, the event is geared at all ages. Various monuments and locations in and around Payson are also lit up during the event.

If you are caring about the environment, buying real estate in Payson could be for you. It is an area which prides itself on its natural beauty, and this is seen by areas like the Green Valley Park. Further, a majority of the building work is done carefully, with the environment in mind.

Remember: an hour?s work can be a thousand dollars. Maintaining the litter boxes of your pets and stopping smoking inside the house can all contribute to making your house have sensory appeal. Also, invest in an air freshener that makes your house smell clean without being overpowering.

As you can see ? Payson has a lot to offer, especially if you are planning to buy a house for sale in the area. Whether you like natural beauty or are someone who likes high-octane excitement, the choice is clear. The town of Payson is where it?s at.

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Reasons To Live In Payson Arizona

Thursday, October 1st, 2009

The town of Payson is a great place to live. However, with the surrounding areas of Strawberry, Pine and the Mogollon Rim in very close proximity to the town, it?s worth doing your research to make sure you get to the place best suited to your needs. This article looks at all three areas in more depth.

In these tough times of the subprime mortgage crisis, the value of property has plummeted. Some people have found themselves in the circumstances where they have dipped into negative equity. Checking up on the value of your home can help you to see whether this is the case with your property.

Strawberry is an ideal place to consider if you are planning to build your own home. There are many agencies that specialise in selling land. There is a wide variety of choice available from a variety of many different realtors in the area.

Should you be considering changing to a new mortgage plan or even obtaining a mortgage, it can be incredibly useful to know the value of the home. Always bear in mind that if you have the value of your home priced too high, this can make you pay more in future. With the current economic situation driving down the prices of real estate, it can be beneficial of you to make a check.

On a MLS, important information about your home is listed ? like the size of your home and a brief description about what makes your real estate stand out from all of the others. In some ways, selling your home to the Realtors is as important as selling to the buying customer. This is because Realtors who are interested by your house will offer it to their clients if it is in their price range.

If you are considering buying or selling a home, it is pretty essential to know the value of your home. If you?re buying, you need to know your home?s value so you can establish some form of a budget based on the asset that you have in your current property. If you are selling, obtaining the knowledge of your home?s value can give you an informed asking price.

Now, if you want to find out the value of your home, there are a number of things that you can do. The first is to visit a local realtor from the area of your choice. Some realtors offer home evaluations which give you a detailed look at the value of your property based on its principal features.

Home evaluations may be offered as a free service by realtors in the hope of you becoming a client. If you are interested, realtors can analyze the current progress of the market. From there, you can be given an informed judgment on how much your home is worth.

Many Realtors use the Open Listing method when it comes to selling your home. These contracts usually mean that your house is not put on the Multiple Listing Service. Realtors take the clients they have that they believe will be suited to the home in the hope of it being sold and them earning a commission based on what the house sold for.

The value of a home and what is sells for can sometimes be two completely different things. If you are unsure whether the value that your home holds will convert into an asking price, there is a service that you can consider called InstaCompare. The service, which is available online through some realtors, analyses how much certain houses in the area surrounding your property sold for recently.

With the current financial situation internationally, keeping an eye on your assets can be beneficial. Using all of the information in this article will allow you to do so. What?s more, you may be able to use the details that you find from your realtor to your advantage.

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Proven Money Saving Vacation Tips

Tuesday, September 29th, 2009

Vacation is one of those things that we love to go all the time. Unfortunately, one thing stands in the way and that’s money. If there were ways to save on traveling, we’d be much happier.

Travel agency gives great deals because the industry is actually extremely competitive. They know that everyone can find discounts themselves and if they aren’t the lowest price, people won’t use them.

Research can be fun because you can plan your route and think about your vacation long before you even get on the plane. You will end up saving so much time and money without that unnecessary back and forth trips.

Eating a bigger lunch is always better than a big dinner if price is a concern. That’s because lunches are often cheaper and you will also be more healthy, another incentive.

Last minute deals are truly priced to perfection. If you want the best deal possible, just be ready to take off in days notice. Your boss may not like it but your wallet will thank you for it.

Always go online and keep checking prices to get a range of prices that your trip will cost. Then, when it dips back down to the bottom, book it before it changes back up.

Bigger luggage may seem more cumbersome but since airlines are starting to charge by item, it make sense to use bigger pieces. Don’t worry about having too big of a bag as long as you bought the luggage from a reputable brand.

Check out the loyalty programs even if they require time to sign up because the deals are amazing. Every company wants you to stay with them so the more you travel, the more discounts and peaks you get.

Never get a rental car at an airport if you want to save money. With all those airport taxes etc, it literally pays to take a shuttle around the corner to get your car. Best of all, there are probably no lineups.

Always use a credit card that has travel insurance coverage to book your airlines and you will pretty much have free insurance. Otherwise, you will have to pony up extra dollars for it.

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