6 Cheap Places To Retire Abroad

When making plans for retirement many people choose the regular places like Florida, Arizona, or North Carolina. These are great places but you are limiting yourself. Maybe it's time to consider finding a retirement destination abroad.

If you are considering such a dream, you will have to do a whole lot of research. If you are a bit of an adventurer you may find overseas living intriguing. As you do your research you will find many web sites, media outlets, authors, and bloggers who can help you find what's best at a reasonable price.

I have put together a list of a few countries that came up repeatedly, as great places to live.

In the European community there are several places you already know about and a few you would be surprised at as choices.

France.
Here you will find the food and culture center of the world. France was rated as superior in the 2010 International Quality of Life Index. Their health care is also rated as very good. On the downside they do have high taxes, a difficult bureaucracy, and high prices. So it's better to find yourself a place outside the larger cities.

Turkey.
Though on the edge of the European landscape, they consider themselves more Western than Middle Eastern country. Soon to become part of the European Union they are one of the top growing economies in the region. You can find retirement destinations in the mountains or at the seashore. Places like Altinkum Property are well suited for retirement or vacation living.

Italy.
Who could argue about Italy being a great place to retire to. You have the great food, culture, and the Mediterranean weather is very attractive to visitors. The best bargains are in the southern areas and again staying in the country side is going to save you a lot of money. Like most metro areas you will be paying a premium for city life.

In the Central and South American countries you have your pick of warm and tropical destinations.

Mexico.
Being the closest destination to the U.S. and already popular with retirees for its money saving standard of living, Mexico is a great choice. In Mexico, you will find modern and up to date health care near big cities. Many retirement and vacation communities have been providing a relaxing life under a warm sun and tropical weather for many years.

Costa Rica.
A small country in Central America that is already the home to many people that have chosen the laid back life style. It has a good economy and a stable government that encourages the foreign dollar to its shores. Retirement income and real estate profits are untaxed, combine that with lush beaches and country side living, you have a perfect destination.

Panama.
Another small country that wants to attract the foreign investor and retiree. The currency is tied to the U.S. dollar, there are retiree discounts, and favorable tax treatment on income and new homes. Mostly a rural spot with no major metropolitan areas, so traveling for major health care may be necessary. The weather is also warn and tropical.

This is only a short list of all the possible destinations to retire at. You need to consider other obstacles to living abroad like language, government stability, and living standards. These and many other things need to be considered for such a big move. 

Living overseas is going to give you the adventure of your life. It takes a certain mindset to leave you home country and live abroad. Maybe after a while you may become homesick. There is much to consider in living overseas. 

Do your research and take a vacation to your destination and see if it is all you thought it would be. Good Luck.

The High Costs of Life or Death Dental Care (Infographic)

In a country with the best available health care available in the world, there is occurring an epidemic in dental care problems. It seems the increase of emergency room dental visits is due to the fact that people tend to neglect their oral health till it's to late and they are in dire pain. 

This procrastination of dental care not only costs the patient increased pain and discomfort but the costs to treat their problems is ten times higher than going to your local dentist before the trouble occurs.

Let this be the motivation you need to make an appointment to see your family dentist. I realize how expensive the dentist can be but check out this infographic and see what you're in for by neglecting your teeth.

Source: FrugalDad.com

How to Make Money with Your Tax Return [INFOGRAPHIC]

This info graphic shows the magic when you save and invest your money. The trouble with most people is they don't have foresight or the patience to do this. That 55' Led 1080P HD TV feels so much better to buy. The payoff from owning the TV is immediate, the payoff from saving and investing is to far away to make that sacrifice.


This graphic brings home the point that a simple saving strategy pays off so well.

Via: YourLocalSecurity.com

Some Links to add to your tax day fun:

• Resources You Need to Know About Before Filing Your Taxes
• Paying Taxes With A Credit Card Can Be Expensive
• I Can't Pay My Taxes - What Should I Do
• How to Amend Your IRS Tax Return
• Tax Filing Status Is Not Set In Stone
• Does Cancelled Debt Have To Be Reported On My Income Tax?
• How to File for a Tax Extension
• Tax Tips for the Unemployed

What Is The VIX Index and What Does It Mean To Investors?

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) introduced the CBOE Volatility Index or Vix Index in 1993. It has become the benchmark for stock market volatility and is also refered to as the "investor fear index".

The VIX measures the market expectation of 30-day near term volatility conveyed by stock market option prices. VIX is based on real time option prices which reflects the investors view of future stock market volatility. 

In times of high financial stress, often during hard market declines, option prices as well as the VIX tends to rise. The more intense the fear, the higher the VIX level. As market and investor fear subsides, option prices begin to decline, which causes the VIX to decline. 

This is why the VIX is called the "investor fear index". But also keep in mind that there are variations to this rule. 

It is important to remember that the VIX reputation as the "fear index", doesn't necessarily mean the market is bearish for stocks. But instead the VIX is a measure of "perceived" volatility in either direction, including the upside.


 




An investor can use the VIX to measure volatility. A high VIX corresponds to a volatile market which usually means one headed downward. Also a low Vix usually indicates a stable and usually rising market.

VIX is more than a fear gauge. It's a risk power tool.

Turn Volatility to Your Advantage with CBOE VIX Options and Futures 

With its strong negative correlation to the broad market, VIX provides an effective way to get diversification and protection when you need it most. No wonder investors are trading VIX options and futures in record numbers.

Manage risk, diversify your portfolio and leverage volatility with VIX options and futures, offered only at CBOE and CBOE Futures Exchange.

Betterment.com Review Update: $25 Bonus, Asset Allocation, Fees

Since my previous review of Betterment.com there has been some changes made for the better. What still hasn't changed is the simple process of application, choosing investments, and getting started.

The hardest part of investing is taking that first step. Most people never start investing because they lack the knowledge of where to invest. Today we have so many different investment companies competing for our money. Their advertising can sometimes be confusing and contradictory. Even if you do manage to sign up for an account then you are faced with the choice of what to invest in. All these concerns have been addressed and solved by Betterment.com.

Application

The application process allows you to get started entirely online. They say you can the process only takes 60 seconds. It takes a little longer but couldn't be easier. Enter your personal information, they verify it through information on your credit report. You then enter your bank information so they can link it to set up quick deposit and withdrawls.

Asset Allocation

After answering a few simple questions Betterment.com offers a asset allocation suggestion based on my answers, goals and age. They gave me an allocation of 50% stocks/50% bonds.


Their current breakdown of stocks and bond portions are:

Stock Portion Only

• 25% Vanguard Total Stock Market (VTI)
• 25% iShares S&P 500 Value (IVE)
• 25% Vanguard Europe Pacific (VEA)
• 10% Vanguard Emerging Markets (VWO)
• 8% iShares Russell Midcap Value (IWS)
• 7% iShares Russell 2000 Value (IWN)

Bond Portion Only

• 50% iShares Barclays TIPS Bond ETF (TIP)
• 50% iShares Lehman 1-3 Year Treasury Bond ETF (SHY)

I like it that they are investing with passive index ETFs that are very low in fees. The weighted expense ratio of all the stock ETFs together is 0.16%. The weighted expense ratio of all the bond ETFs together is 0.18%.

What's all this going to cost me? (fees)

When I last reviewed Betterment.com they had a 0.9% annual fee for all accounts with balances up to $25,000. There were no monthly fees, no maintenance fees, no minimum requirements, and no commission charged for any trades. In March, their fee schedule has been changed to lower fees for most users, but also raised some fees for certain smaller accounts.

Here is the new fee schedule:

If your just getting started there is a requirement to have $100 per month added to your account. If you do not they charge a $3 monthly fee. This should not be a problem if you plan on making the $100 minimum deposit every month. If you are not ready to at least invest $100/month do not sign up for this program. 

Remember that to open an account and receive the $25 bonus you must have an initial deposit of $250. Add that to the monthly deposit of $100, at the end of the year your balance should be $1,450. With a 0.35% annual fee you will be paying about $5 of annual fees. Compare that to a discount brokerage that charges from $9.99/trade to $3.95/trade. Using Betterment,com keeps fees low and more money working for you.

$25 Bonus Offer For New Accounts

The $25 bonus offer for opening a new account, with a $250 initial deposit is a sweet way to try the process out.

4 Reasons a Business Should Pay Their Bills On Time

When a business is having good cash flow the subject of paying bills late never comes up. The time when business is slow and the money is just not there to pay bills, is the time when mistakes get made.

Why should a business pay their bills on time? Paying slow allows you to keep more of your money for your own use. Paying early or on time seems a loss of opportunity. I have known many business men who believe paying one month behind is a good way to keep their own money in their pocket for a little longer. This attitude is totally wrong and not only does damage to your businesses reputation but also the reputation of the business owner.

1. Reputation.
If the reputation of your business means anything to you there is no quicker way to malign it than by not paying your bills properly. Paying late or not at all gives you time to use the money for other things. It also damages your credibility as a trusted business owner. It damages your reputation in the community and gives your company a reputation of being a bad payer.

2. Saving Money.
Many vendors give a discount when paying your bills early. It may be even possible to negotiate an even deeper discount from a supplier on larger and future production needs. Establishing you good paying record shows the vendor you can be trusted. This relationship could come in handy for future discounts and patience when one month you can't pay your bill.

3. Building Necessary Goodwill.
Having the reputation of being a company who doesn't dodge it's bills, shows people you can be trusted. This trust translates into sales. No one will recommend a company who is a deadbeat when it comes to paying bills. Your future customers not only come from word of mouth from you customers, they also come from recommendations of the vendors you buy from.

Everyone you write a check to is part of your marketing team. From your reputation of paying your vendors, landlords, insurance brokers, and even the people that clean your office, they all can either recommend you to future customers or just shoot you down. Your reputation with these people is critical.

4. Your Credit Rating.
When you are a new business, a companies credit rating doesn't really exist yet. The company owners are using there own personal credit rating to stand up for the debt burden of the company. As the company grows and the need to expand calls for a larger sum of money to borrow, the credit rating and reputation of the company is vital. Where will the lender go to establish your ability to pay the loan back. Will you want the bank to talk to your vendors or will you be afraid of what they will tell your banker.

Your reputation and rank in the community is something that takes years to build but only an instance to destroy. It's an asset just as important as any other asset that your company owns.

These and many other great business ideas are in Bill Weirsma's book The Power of Professionalism: The Seven Mind-Sets that Drive Performance and Build Trust