Having had this summer off and knowing I'm going to be in Europe for another month after this, have really got me thinking a lot about retirement. All this planning may be a wee bit premature, yet I even signed up for the AARP magazine this week. I've heard that organization has become a bit more international in approach and, honestly, I hope there's more information than about US Social Security and Medicare in them!
I still feel pretty certain we'll be playing the role of those Canadians who winter in a warmer climes. If monarch butterflies can manage it, then why not, I say? I won't get much of a pension at age 55, but I don't want to gamble waiting around to start retirement. One could easily end up in poor health, or even worse! No, better get while the gettin's good.
The biggest thing to contemplate is our destination. Should we stick close down the coast in Mexico or venture half way around the world to Sri Lanka during winters? Both options have clear advantages and disadvantages. Also, given the extra few years to plan, should we consider the burden of buying real estate now? The direction of the markets during the next four years is anything but obvious. Perhaps a few years of being landlords could pay off the incurring maintenance costs. Yet after that, would we be get fifteen years of suitable use out of the property? Or might we simply be better off renting on a seasonal basis, rather than owning?
There seem to be many more questions than in a usual blog entry. And on a day in Vancouver when it is as hot or hotter than any winter spot!
I could defintely picture living November to March in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. This photograph was taken during our trip in May.
