Your Dream Retirement May Be Closer Than You Think in The Philippines

Cold – Rain – Snow – Storms!!!!!!That time of the year is rapidly approachingagain in the USA, Canada, Europe and most other countries where you reside. Do the economic conditions you find yourself with seem to be simply standing still or worsening?There is a way out – more foreigners than ever are choosing to live in the Philippines, which is rapidly becoming a popular retirement haven. There’s no use ignoring the facts: Life is becoming ever-more challenging in the States and Europe. Taxes are poised to go up. The government is expanding. Inflation is on the horizon, the housing market continues to slump, and the unemployment figures resist going down. People in Europe, Canada and the USA are seeking a way out from a dismal retirement future. Pensions and healthcare benefits are being cut, yet food, housing and transportation costs continue to rise, as do the length of years one must work before being eligible for a “retirement” benefit. The future that those living in these places face is not retirement, but rather to “work until you die”.Well there is another option, and more and more foreigners are discovering this in the Philippines. The US State Department estimates that over 300,000 American citizens are currently living in the Philippines. (source: American Citizens Abroad)Yet, as a retiree in the Philippines – I have a different story entirely. You can live without going into debt. Neighbors trust one another, the pace of life is slower, more civilized, manners still matter, and politics matter less.With over 7,000 islands in the middle of the Pacific and unlimited beaches where usually there are cool ocean breezes that bring relaxation and peace of mind, incredibly, you can still live luxuriously, even hire a maid, on nothing more than your Social Security check.“And I’m not going to take it anymore”. This is the sentiment expressed around the US through the recent ‘Occupy Wall Street (OWS)’ movement that seems to be flaring tempers on both sides of the argument. http://wethepeople2012.net/I am somewhat sheltered from this, being an expat here in the Philippines, but with Facebook and all of the news outlets, it’s impossible to avoid the implications of what’s going on with this movement.Today is a different world. We live in the age of Facebook, Twitter, text messaging and blogs. We have reached a point of worldwide group consciousness never before seen in the history of mankind.But admittedly, I have been wrong to dismiss this movement as short term hippie protest against capitalism. I feel the anger is misplaced toward Wall Street and the majority of the blame lies in Washington. I would feel a bit better if it were labeled, ‘Occupy DC’, but regardless there is merit to their protests, and it shouldn’t be dismissed.People are angry with the current state of affairs, and rightly so. Maybe they don’t understand the underlying causes of the ongoing economic crisis, but nonetheless they have the right to be disenchanted with the way things are being handled.I am sure many of you (if not all) agree that something is just not right today with the world. There is something out of sync.We are angry that big corporations have record amounts of cash on their balance sheets, but still refuse to hire. We are angry that the US seems to be turning into a fascist police state robbing it citizens of their personal freedoms. We are angry that we used to have great 6-figure jobs and now have to work 2-3 shit jobs just to make ends meet.We are angry that old ladies and children are subjected to intrusive pat downs by bullying TSA agents when they want to fly cross country and visit family. We are angry that politicians get to vote on the citizens’ healthcare and social insurance plans while they get to opt out in favor of much more lucrative plans for themselves. Clearly I could go on and on. There is much to be angry about today More foreigners than ever are choosing to live in the PhilippinesGreat Weather all year round with mild seasonsVERY interesting Nature areas – Beaches, Mountains, Hills, Nature Reserves, Beautiful Scenery – EverywhereSemi-tropical vegetation: Palm Trees; Cactus; Bougainvillea Flowers everywhereWith over 7000 islands, there are Oceans and Seas all around youRustic and attractive island style farms, homes, roadside malls, etc.A huge variety of weekly markets all over the islands with fresh foods in abundance, and at reasonable pricesVariety of relaxing areas with simple Spanish or Island architectureAttractive, small, comfortable home in a PERFECT residential location -120 sq meters living, 1,250 sq- meters land. 10 km to seaOffers a Multi-National environment - Very easy to meet people, establish friends. (British, German, American, Spanish, Italian, Swiss, Australian, etc.)Lots of cultural activity, and reasonably priced: Music, Theatre, - whatever suits youA marvelous capital city - Manila - 40 minutes away as well as numerous escapes throughout South East Asia, (Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia to name a few.)Roughly 43 Philippine Peso to 1 USD at current exchange ratesMaids and drivers 4500 at Pesos per mo.Great variety of good restaurants- Breakfast: Toast Jam, Orange Juice, Coffee, 250 Pesos; Lunch or Dinners 3 courses /dessert, Wine, 300 to 500 PesosUnlimited variety of reasonably priced groceries - All food / condiments available (English, Spanish, German, etc,)In the Philippines it’s possible to:• Live like a king in a tropical paradise
• Escape those cold winters
• Escape the “rat-race” - How about a place where things move at a slower pace!
• Wake up every morning and go to bed every night free of frustration and anxiety over money
• Live healthier with less stress
• Have one or two maids, and a driver
• Reinvent yourself – clear the slate and start over
• Nurses and caregivers readily available to care for you• Travel and make life one big adventure, travel to exotic locations in Asia • Live in a country where elders are respected and treated with dignityOn nothing more than your Social Security checks[image: Banaue, Philippines, via WikiTravel]

View the original article here

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.