10 Things Retirees are Doing Without

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had a golden retirement and then in 2008 lost a third of our retirement savings. so much for certified financial planners.

once fooled of MA 8:30PM February 22, 2012

In Nigeria retiment is like a death sentence.Almost every body tries to postpone it as long as possible because of irregular payments of monthly pensions.It hardly matters how much you have saved.

Finzi Ghaji of AK 3:34AM September 25, 2010

I read your article at work and re-read it with my spouse at home. We went over each section and evaluated where we were and what we are presently doing. We found it to be very useful and especially validating. We are in our early 60's, own our home, have three grown children and four grandchildren. We continue to pay our bills, choose our luxuries wisely and feel fortunate that we can eat out and spend a little on ourselves and family members. We have some debt but feel it is manageable.

Kim of Chicago, Il. of IL 10:39AM August 07, 2010

Don't make any decisons until you talk with your accountant and your investment counslor. If you don't have them get them now. Don't listen to any one person. Ask retirees what they've done also. Never try to keepup with the Jones either. The grass always looks greener on the other side but it isn't, believe me.

Tom Jimeson of PA 9:46AM August 07, 2010

My dollar buys enough to live alone nicely here. My health care costs me less than $20.US a month (plus dentists or private service if I want it). Medecines are part of health care plus a few dollars for a month's amount of some expensive ones. Almost everyone speaks English, many areas French and Spanish as well as Hebrew and Arabic. There are activities for all interests. American cable TV ,telephone connections and Skype worldwide, two daily newspapers in English and Rusty Mike Radio 24/7. The AACI ( Association of American and Canadians in Israel) helps with everything for the newcomer. Just google www.aaci.com and let them know your arrival - they will meet the flight. The country is small, the welcome is large and we help each other. (We Anglos have organized for Senior rights are we are like extended family) Think about joining us.

Marcia Lewison 3:50AM August 07, 2010

My husband and I are 65 and 68. We love California, but everything is so very expensive, we don't see how we can stay. Our oldest daughter lives in Texas and we found housing very reasonable there. An average 3 bdr. home there costs one third of a similar home in TX.
We have changed our annuity to a lifetime annuity which will provide extra income along with our pensions, IRA and SS.
We are in the process of selling off things we will never use again such as tools, fishing gear, furniture, collectibles and anything else that we would have to move. We now have an additional $8000.00 and still have plenty to sell. The letting go of all that "stuff" has been very liberating.

Jackie of CA 10:11PM August 06, 2010

Dear "Loving retirement" ... is there really a place in CA with that kind of affordable housing? My wife and I have a few years left in the worforce, but I'd like to start the planning process ...
Thanks !

Kevin of IN 4:20PM August 06, 2010

I have observed for years that the US government and people are debt junkies.
Most people would never consider it, but for those smart ones who are flexible and willing to look at all the options there are countries where one can live for much less with a reasonable standard of living.
My wife and I live in a quiet area of Mexico. I have my DirecTV with all US channels, the broadband internet, and phone service to the US via Vonage and VOIP. We live well, eat well, and enjoy our lives in a beautiful climate 20 miles from the border on the Pacific Coast. Did I mention our panoramic ocean view?
The crime Americans hear about is happening in Mexico, no doubt about it. But it primarily happens in the bad areas to people who are doing bad things. The crime rate here is lower than in Detroit or Philadelphia. Health care is very reasonable and better than my experiences in the US. In fact our relatives are now coming down for dental and other services. They can't believe the prices. And the service is good.
Its not perfect here - nowhere is, but in contrast with the US it gets better all the time. As the US economy fails to recover and shows serious cracks because of the huge debt burden carried by the entire nation.
You can go down slowly with a sinking ship while the band plays patriotic songs and waving the flag, or you can look for other options. Its your choice.

Bob of WY 3:19PM August 06, 2010

We sold our home and moved to a very affordable part of the country and were able to purchase a lovely little home for under $50k. We budget now (never did before), planted a garden, trade produce with neighbors, plan for traveling within the budget, take care of ourselves physically and shop for bargains every chance we get. We LOVE those tag sales and also shop thfit and consignments stores. Also, barter for goods and services. You'd be amazed how well this works within the community we live in now--wouldn't happen in the city we left behind. We planned to retire early and saved so we could and despite the downturn in the economy are living quite well on a lot less without the stress and strain of major debt--no credit cards, period!
Worried about creditors after retirement? Check you state's laws about homesteading your property to protect it from foreclosure. Check with your financial planner to see what types of income are protected from creditors under the Fair Debt Collections Act. Contact and work with your creditors, especially if a financially catastropic event hits you.

Loving Retirement of CA 2:58PM August 06, 2010

Seriously considering not retiring in the USA. Too expensive, too crowded, too many police, poor social support system in way of health care. Going to a country where the cost of living is way less expensive and / or healthcare is paid for by the government.

Tony of CA 2:26PM August 06, 2010