Comments for MEXICO RETIREMENT INFORMATION CENTER

Comment on Take a Vehicle into Mexico by Patty Poderick

Patty Poderick — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 18:21:54 +0000

We have a condo in Puerto Aventuras Mexico and thinking about purchasing a vehicle and taking it there. We visit no longer than a month at a time. Can the vehicle be left there or do we have to take it across the border after 6 months and then bring it back?

Thank you

Comment on Passport For Mexico by bairlyn

bairlyn — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:28:42 +0000

My question is I ´m travelling home to canada and my passport expires in 3 months I have an fm3 and live in mexico but do you think I have to have my passport valid for at least 6 months

Comment on FMT vs FM3 by Merina

Merina — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 02:24:13 +0000

what do household items mean. couches, beds, etc? are you able to bring all over types of belongings into mexico without a FM3 like clothes, and all other personal items?

Comment on Investigate & Research Your Retirement in Mexico + ExPat Group Video by Barry HAMILTON

Barry HAMILTON — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 23:44:31 +0000

can someone tell me is it complicated to get a long term visia for mexicoif yiu buy a small place

Comment on FMT vs FM3 by Bob Harman

Bob Harman — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 21:39:44 +0000

Thanks, informative article. I am interested in coming to San Felipe for a week in October. these articles help.

Comment on FMT vs FM3 by Suzanne

Suzanne — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 12:44:11 +0000

Thanks, Barbie, for the short and concise explanation re visas.
I’m sure a lot of your readers are happy to see this info ‘in a nutshell’ and not have to read (or search out) every complicated detail before they really must !

Here’s hoping the Mexicans stay as welcoming as they currently are … and I make it there before they change their minds about us foreigners !

All the best,
Suzanne.

You’re welcome

Comment on Grocery Prices in Mazatlan, Mexico + Video by SolomonTemplar

SolomonTemplar — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 14:27:29 +0000

I lived in Mazatlan for six months, the only thing cheaper is the rent if you go inland, but anywhere near the beach is at USA prices, the food is the pretty much the same cost, also the prices listed above can be beat right here in the USA at the 99-Cents Only store, then shop for your meat here in the USA at either a butcher or a ethinic meat shop or grocerier, what kills us in the USA is the rent / mortgage and insurance.

Comment on Mysterious Green Blip as the Sun Sets in the Ocean by linda

linda — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 01:55:15 +0000

i have seen the green flash several times, it is not an intense green but a yellow-green. You can read about it in Jules Verne’s 20,000 leagues uner the sea, with the scientific explanation of how it happens! It only lasts part of a second, as the last bit of sun sinks into the ocean. Try it!

Hi! I know!!! 20,000 Leagues is one of my absolute favorite oldies - love it! But, Still, I can’t see it ;( I will, soon, get that dv and watch it for the thousandth time. Thanks Barbie

Comment on Retirement Decisions and Planning + VIDEO by JACKIE SWAFFIELD

JACKIE SWAFFIELD — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 22:20:30 +0000

HI BARBIE…WHAT ABOUT LIVINGIN LA PAZ? IS IT VERY EXPENSIVE? WE WOULD RENT FOR AWHILE….IS IT HARD TO FIND RENTALS IN LA PAZ…

Hi Jackie - please read my newsletters and free blog info at retireinluxury.com.
There are cheaper places than the Baja.
Best to you,
Barbie

Comment on Investigate & Research Your Retirement in Mexico + ExPat Group Video by JACKIE SWAFFIELD

JACKIE SWAFFIELD — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 21:41:34 +0000

HI BARBIE, IS IT POSSIBLE TO RETIRE TO MEXICO ON $ 2,500.00 PER MO. AND NO SAVINGS?

THANKS, JACKIE
Dear Jackie - I’d say yes. Of course it all depends on your spending habits, etc. No savings? Any equity in your home? Perhaps you need to wait a while to retire. People are retiring in Mexico on $1500 a month. It’s possible. I’d suggest you read all my free newsletters and reports at my site - then see what you think. It sure is easier to retire on that amount in Mexico than in the States.
Best to you, Barbie

Comment on Retirement Decisions and Planning + VIDEO by RICHARD

RICHARD — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:55:12 +0000

WAS VERY NICE WHERE WAS THIS TAKEN ? I GUESS I WOULD GO WITH A CHEAP RENTAL UNTIL I DECIDED IF THIS IS JUST WHERE I WOULD WANT TO BE AND HOW MANY HURRICANES DO THEY GET THERE IN MEXICO. AND NO I WOULD NOT NEED A REAL EXPENSIVE PLACE AND PROBALLY WOULD LIKE ONE WHERE THE AVERAGE PERSON LIVES WANT TO KNOW HOW THE NATIVES LIVE AND WOULD LIKE TO LEARN THERE WAYS AND LIFE STYLE BUT AS FAR AS THE INFO YOU GAVE ON THE VIDEO ITS GOOD ALSO YOUR INFO ABOUT MEXICO RETIREMENT I WAS SORTA LEANING TO WARD LAKE CHPPALA BUT AN PLACE WOULD BE OKAY

Hi Richard - it was in Algodones - south of Yuma, just past the border. You don’t want to live there. Lake Chapala? Do read all my newsletters and blog listings - they may help with your decision. Barbie

Comment on Retirement Decisions and Planning + VIDEO by Maureen Wills

Maureen Wills — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 09:33:25 +0000

Enjoyed this last video very much but they are all great and very informative!!!!!

Thanks Barbie

Comment on Visas, FM2’s, FM3’s, Immigration + Video by Mark

Mark — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 07:45:49 +0000

Going to retire and buy house south of Cancun.I have a significant other coming with me and she has no income.Can I still get her in on an FM3 retirememt as my dependent.I’ve been supporting her for 9+ years.We have both been married twice before and really don’t want to do it again,but if that is the only way to do it I guess we will have to.I’ll be getting about $2,000.00 a month retirement money

Comment on Retirement Decisions and Planning + VIDEO by Sherry in Dolores Hildago

Sherry in Dolores Hildago — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 22:54:31 +0000

Hi Barbi, you are really getting good with that camera, even providing entertainment. Thanks for the look at different places in Mexico, maybe someday we can visit. Dont forget a trip to Dolores on your route, Here Mexico won its independance from Spain, lot of things to see for History buffs. Dolores is famous for its different kinds of ice cream. Like shimp, avocado, my favorite is Mango.
Glad your still have teeth to get fixed. LOLOL How about glass’? Reading and everyday, what do they run in prices.
Thanks again for your excellent updates. Sherry in Mexico

Hi Sherry - thanks Dolores sounds nice! Glasses - I have been thinking about doing a blog on them for quite a while - guess I’d better get busy! You’re welcome. Barbie

Comment on Retirement Decisions and Planning + VIDEO by SeniorsSpace.com Blog » Retirement Decisions and Planning

SeniorsSpace.com Blog » Retirement Decisions and Planning — Mon, 26 May 2008 21:52:56 +0000

[...] unknown wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptIf you have a lot of equity in your home, (I always stress that hopefully by the time you are contemplating retirement, your home and your autos are paid for) and you should decide to sell it, buy smaller, have less expenses. … [...]

Comment on Thinking About Mexico? by Barbie

Barbie — Mon, 26 May 2008 21:22:38 +0000

Dear JJ & Irene, Sorry, have no contact there. Dick and I prefer an area more easily accessable - Mazatlan has convenient airport, or it’s a two day easy drive to the States. Barbie

Comment on Grocery Prices in Mazatlan, Mexico + Video by Barbie

Barbie — Mon, 26 May 2008 21:20:12 +0000

Dear Sharron, Sorry, don’t know anything about Webtv - perhaps you have a friend who has a computer? Barbie

Comment on Investigate & Research Your Retirement in Mexico + ExPat Group Video by Barbie

Barbie — Mon, 26 May 2008 21:17:47 +0000

Hi Jim - Mazatlan, of course. Not so touristy, a great hospital, accessable airport - everything’s there. Barbie

Comment on Investigate & Research Your Retirement in Mexico + ExPat Group Video by Jim

Jim — Mon, 26 May 2008 11:58:09 +0000

I am looking for a place where people are extremely active. I am a marathon runner and want to find a community of people whom are physically active. Also, because i like to travel I need a place that is easy to fly in and out of. I will be renting a place until I am comfortable with where I have decided to live. Yor thoughts on where to start looking.

Thanks,

Jim

Comment on Debit Card and Social Security for Retirees + Video of Puerto Vallarta by Chuck from Missouri

Chuck from Missouri — Mon, 26 May 2008 11:01:00 +0000

This site is a great resource, and a very good article. Thanks!

Comment on Grocery Prices in Mazatlan, Mexico + Video by Sharron Newton

Sharron Newton — Sat, 24 May 2008 02:24:26 +0000

Barbie, sorry I guess I don’t know how to get the video to work. Or it just doesnot work with webtv. I don’t know how to access it.
do you???
Sincerley,
sharron

Comment on Debit Card and Social Security for Retirees + Video of Puerto Vallarta by Sharron Newton

Sharron Newton — Sat, 24 May 2008 02:10:40 +0000

Barbie,I have my SS deposited straight into the bank. Easy and secure.

Comment on Debit Card and Social Security for Retirees + Video of Puerto Vallarta by Diane Arena Schulz

Diane Arena Schulz — Tue, 20 May 2008 03:22:27 +0000

Hi……Just a note to say thank you. I appreciate such good information!! I will be in touch if our house ever finds a buyer in this slow market!!!

Comment on Debit Card and Social Security for Retirees + Video of Puerto Vallarta by jerry fisher

jerry fisher — Mon, 19 May 2008 16:16:45 +0000

I will keep my direct deposit. Thank you! Thanks Barbie

Comment on Debit Card and Social Security for Retirees + Video of Puerto Vallarta by Liam O'Connor

Liam O'Connor — Mon, 19 May 2008 12:30:01 +0000

I have my check direct deposited, how much easier is that. I then use my debit/credit card as I wish.
Washington has just to many morons with nothing better to do, than to think up ways to try to screw things up.

Comment on Debit Card and Social Security for Retirees + Video of Puerto Vallarta by Bob Harman

Bob Harman — Mon, 19 May 2008 03:05:05 +0000

I have my SS automatically deposited in the credit union. As a taxpreparer for HR Block, I had to offer a similar plan to those I worked with–putting their tax refund into t debit account. I always told them about the fees,etc, and most people opted to get their refund some other way.

Comment on Thinking About Mexico? by JJ & Irene Johnson

JJ & Irene Johnson — Mon, 19 May 2008 01:30:00 +0000

You present some great information about the west coast of Mexico, but that is not the part of Mexico that interests us. Is there someone that does the same for the Gulf Coast and the Bay of Campeche areas of Mexico

Comment on Debit Card and Social Security for Retirees + Video of Puerto Vallarta by William Hughes

William Hughes — Sun, 18 May 2008 21:41:29 +0000

I’ll stay with the direct deposit, if possible.

Comment on Debit Card and Social Security for Retirees + Video of Puerto Vallarta by george

george — Sun, 18 May 2008 17:59:11 +0000

Hi Barbie, this is the first i’ve heard of them changing things up. but not surprised, I have my check direct deposited, how much easier is that. i then use my debit/credit card as i wish.
it sems to me washington has just to many people with nothing better to do, than to think up ways to try to screw things up. have a good day

Comment on Debit Card and Social Security for Retirees + Video of Puerto Vallarta by Ronald Adams

Ronald Adams — Sun, 18 May 2008 15:59:46 +0000

Thank you.

Comment on Debit Card and Social Security for Retirees + Video of Puerto Vallarta by Barbie » Debit Card and Social Security for Retirees + Video of Puerto Vallarta

Thu, 15 May 2008 07:59:59 +0000

[...] Barbie wrote an interesting post today on Debit Card and Social Security for Retirees + Video of Puerto VallartaHere’s a quick excerptBy summer of 2008, the Government is going to offer seniors and others who receive Social Security, the opportunity to have your monthly stipend automatically deposited into a Debit Card, instead of sending your SS through the mail or … [...]

Comment on Investigate & Research Your Retirement in Mexico + ExPat Group Video by Tom Eisenhauer

Tom Eisenhauer — Mon, 12 May 2008 16:40:17 +0000

Hi folks;
I just found your website and I’m mentally glued to it. Talk about doing your home work. I am late 50″s retired on SS disability with heart disease. I get around fine but there are limitations.
Iv’e been looking at central S A about 3 years and I think Mexico is the answer. I do need to be close to a newer hospital in a large city. Something like Merida or Cancun. I have not looked at the west coast yet. I am sure any large city on the west coast will have the hosp. I need. I keep looking.
Any suggestions would be very helpfull, thank you.
Sincerely, Tom Eisenhauer

Dear Tom - How about Mazatlan - yep, that’s the west coast - and excellent Hospital, plus convenient airport for trips to the states. Barbie

Comment on Take a Vehicle into Mexico by Helga McKeage

Helga McKeage — Tue, 06 May 2008 19:22:04 +0000

Jerry
Regarding the Canadian College students:

They would not have had any problem leaving mexico as you don’t report to the customs office of the country you are leaving but to the customs office of the country you are entering which in this case would have been US.

If they are not stopped during the drive home they are pretty well safe since they never got either there would be no record of them and even if they were they would be told to leavethe country immediately

Comment on Safety Advice for Travelers Going Anyplace! + Video by Charles

Charles — Mon, 05 May 2008 02:10:50 +0000

I had to send another note after attending a festival in the plaza last night After your question of safey I was looking at everything wirg a critical eye

There were maybe 250 to 300 people in the plaza, The plaza is across from the church. The castillo (fireworks) were set up on the church parking lot and we going all night the castillo at 10:00 (big display Mexican style)

There was a band, dancing, laughing, talking, eating a very festive occassion.

There were many children running around of all ages unatended by american standards, there was no drinking except a beer here and there maybe 5. There was no smoking. There were many family groups young and old. The only police were the road parols who were stopping at the taco stand for a bag and then off they went to park and eat somewhere, I have been in this town for 2 years and have never seen a fight, yelling yes but fists no.The final fireworks display was at 10:15 and by 11 the crowd started to disperse. A few cars and trucks pulled out and there were a few waiting for the last bus.

I was one of three americans in the plaza who are treated like friends and neighbors

Comment on Safety Advice for Travelers Going Anyplace! + Video by Charles

Charles — Mon, 05 May 2008 02:06:42 +0000

Mexico is as safe as you make it. Mexico City and parts of Guadalajara have areas you would not want to travel like any other big city. In any area your dress and car can make you a target. Flaunting your wealth or jewelry entices any theif anywhere If you dress plain and casual you blend in to the surounding. Thieves go after what looks like money to Them I live in a small town I have no need for jewelry so my rolex stays in a lock box Crime is almost non existant . I have only heard of a garden hose or lawn chair dissapearing Don”let your ego set you up as a target.

Comment on Homes and Condos for Retirement in Mexico + Video by Carol

Carol — Mon, 05 May 2008 02:00:58 +0000

Barbie, already own a home in San Miguel de Allende and have for three years. I just got back from there today

My gardenia bushes have now turned in to gardenia trees. I had my pool cleaned, painted and retiled while I was there.

I love San MIguel so you don’t have to sell me on it any more.

Comment on Safety Advice for Travelers Going Anyplace! + Video by Pete

Pete — Mon, 05 May 2008 01:59:11 +0000

Hi Barbie,
To answer your question: In eight years in Mexico I haven’t had one problem of any kind. Pete

Comment on Safety Advice for Travelers Going Anyplace! + Video by Cathie

Cathie — Thu, 01 May 2008 05:40:01 +0000

Barbie

Just wanted you to know that I live 38 miles south of Tijuana and the San Ysidro border crossing.
I am a widow that lives and travels by herself. (back and forth to the States) Mexico is safe, if you “THINK SAFE” and “DO SAFE” I do not travel at night ……anywhere. I only take the toll roads while going to Tijuana to get to the border. I do not go into TJ itself there is nothing I need or want there. I can always get what I need in Rosarito or in the States when I cross. When I see another car with US plates, I try to travel with them…There is safety in numbers.

I never put myself into neighborhoods that I do not know. I am aware of my surroundings, I do not wear flashy jewlery, I keep my cash in my pockets (and not all in the same pocket).

I love my life in Mexico…….I want all people to know what a beautiful country it is. The people here are warm, gracious and extremely talented. I feel that it is a privledge for me to be able to be here.

There is good and bad people on Both sides of the Border…..I perfer to live on this side.

Best wishes, Cathie

Comment on Safety Advice for Travelers Going Anyplace! + Video by Shari and Dad

Shari and Dad — Thu, 01 May 2008 04:17:27 +0000

Hi Barbie and Dick!

Think of you every day!!! just; somehow, can’t get it together to email you everything as I want to!!! Too many things going on this past 11 months that keep me from doing that. But! I will…hang in there!

Your most recent question ‘tho I must respond to! Is it safe to come here?

Yes!!!! There have been mucho problems here in Northern Baja, MX. Have those and are those problems being addressed by the new ‘government’ ? Yes!!!!!!! We feel so blessed by our new government!!!!!!!!!!

Is the U.S., i.e., San Diego Tribune playing all this horrible stuff to the hilt? Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!! They report things…awful things! that happened weeks/months ago!!!!! We are furious by that, Barbie and Dick. What has been and unfortunately continues to be happening in T.J. and this area (Northern Baja) is a direct result of ALL!!!!! the negative from the U.S. hotline. Yes…there continues to be…problems…all associated with the drug cartels. Our new government….local, federal and otherwise are sooooo working on that! Thank God!

Back to your question…is it (MX); are we, safe???? Yes! But, don’t be stupid!!! Don’t drive down here in a new SUV with blacked out windows….don’t drive down here in a new Hummvie, etc., etc.,!!!! Gosh! Above all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Don’t read and BELIEVE all the news s____t! that is weeks and months old!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! that our ’state of CA’ is publishing! We are so tired of that. The questions is: which State/Country does not want our tourists?????? Hello!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have I/we answered your question? Hope so! We’ll send more positive info/updates later,
Shari & Dan
P.S. Feel free to quote anything in this email!!!

Comment on Safety Advice for Travelers Going Anyplace! + Video by Barbie

Barbie — Thu, 01 May 2008 04:13:13 +0000

Just added this to my reply to Charlie:
p.s. Dick and I love going along the malecon - yes, even when it’s dark, and see all the families - all the little ones have hold of their parents hands… or they are playing while watched closely…it’s like it was years ago.

Comment on Safety Advice for Travelers Going Anyplace! + Video by Charlie

Charlie — Thu, 01 May 2008 04:09:36 +0000

This is an email I received from a special friend living in Mexico, and my response:

Hi Charlie, So good to hear from you. I really appreciate you helping out the people I send your email address - that is really just going over the top for the call of duty, I think! I know they all appreciate your help soooo much! I am going to add your email response to my blog section - along with my reply. I hope you are having a truly wonderful day, Charlie!
The very best to you,
Barbie

> Hi Barbie
>
> FYI I have answered all of your referrals over this way and have had some real good questions.
>
> Safety In Mx is much like the US. In New York. LA or Chicago you don’t show your cash, You don’t go into bad neighborhoods and you in general you are very careful In the states…you don’t let your kids out after dark.
>
> Thieves don’t target or waste their time out in the country they look for where there is money or where there are gringos… same thing. Children play in the streets here until very late most later than we ever allowed our kids out and they are not touched and crime, as we have known, is almost non-existant. It sounds like the people that are asking are not in the real world.

Comment on Safety Advice for Travelers Going Anyplace! + Video by Dianne

Dianne — Thu, 01 May 2008 03:58:44 +0000

Hi Barbie,
I love getting your emails even though I don’t have the kind of money it would take to live
in some of the more popular places, like Mazatlan or Guatalajara.
But I do think I can make a go of it in Guanajuato city, where I made a few wonderful friends,
both native and ex-pats.
I’m going there in July to visit my friends and see what prices are like for renting as well as buying.
I pass your newsletters on to friends of mine who think I’m crazy for wanting to move to another country.
And they are ALWAYS saying how dangerous Mexico is!
Mind you, these people have never been to Mexico, but they all have a million reasons why I shouldn’t.
I guarantee you, THEY will be the ones coming to stay at my place for free!!!!
Well, a good friend of mine just returned from a week in Guatalajara and fell in love with it.
She now says she wants to move there and I do believe she’s serious. By the way, she’s NOT one
of the folks who ever thought I was crazy for wanting this change in my life. So I’m thrilled that she really
wants to research the possibilities.
I’m forwarding this newsletter to her, as she is starting a research folder on Mexico. I may be there
before her, but it’s wonderful to know that sooner or later, one of my good amigas will be joining me, and
all the other happy ex-pats in beautiful Mexico.
Thanks for all the valuable and fun information. Keep the good word coming!!
Adios, por ahora,
Diane

Comment on Take a Vehicle into Mexico by Cathie

Cathie — Thu, 01 May 2008 03:25:37 +0000

Barbie

I never put myself into neighborhoods that I do not know. I am aware of my surroundings, I do not wear flashy jewlery, I keep my cash in my pockets (and not all in the same pocket).

There is good and bad people on Both sides of the Border…..I perfer to live on this side.

Best wishes, Cathie

Comment on Take a Vehicle into Mexico by Ruth Hill

Ruth Hill — Thu, 01 May 2008 01:54:06 +0000

Hi Barbie,
Is it still necessary to exit Mexico every six months with your car and then re-enter? Say we want to live there for 18 months or longer, then as I recall from our previous year in Guadalajar we need to exit every six months and then return. We never did register with anyone while we were there either. How important is that? At one time we were going to submit papers to AMSOC (American Society) for them to have on hand in case of emergency or death, then they would know how to proceed. But we returned to the US before doing so.
Ruth

Comment on Take a Vehicle into Mexico by Patricia Zdebiak

Patricia Zdebiak — Thu, 01 May 2008 01:52:09 +0000

Even though we are retired and living in Mexico I still enjoy reading your emails. We found a beautiful spot on the ocean just outside of Acapulco. No more 40 below zero winters for us.

Comment on Take a Vehicle into Mexico by Jerry Nettik

Jerry Nettik — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:31:18 +0000

We were in Ajijic for a week this winter. We ran into some Canadian college students who drove down from eastern Canada for spring break. I can’t even imagine how many miles they drove non-stop. They came through the US-MX border about midnight, and no one stopped them, so they drove all the way down without a permit, and I doubt Mexican insurance either. Ah to be a stupid college student again!

I’m wondering if they got back to the border ok, and what happened when they tried to leave MX and did not have an auto permit or tourist visas to surrender.

Comment on Visas, FM2’s, FM3’s, Immigration + Video by cheryl carlson

cheryl carlson — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 05:20:25 +0000

thanks for the infor and for taking the time to help newbees

Comment on Grocery Prices in Mazatlan, Mexico + Video by G A Curbow-Healey

G A Curbow-Healey — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 01:33:07 +0000

Great Job Barbie. Watch out Hollywood! These prices seem very acurate to me. To note, if you shop the off the beaten trail supermarkets vs. Walmart, it’s even more cheaper! Thanks as always for the info! My best to you and Dick and your hariy baby. G.

Comment on Grocery Prices in Mazatlan, Mexico + Video by Debra Conrad

Debra Conrad — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 20:16:44 +0000

I love that you include videos in your articles. It’s very helpful to get a full visual of the surroundings before we travel into unknown territories.

I wish you would talk more in your videos. A constant commentary keeps the videos lively and gives the viewer an easier awareness of what they are looking at.

The videos are great! Keep up the great work!

Comment on Social Security, Medicare, and Savings by Aida

Aida — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 13:42:29 +0000

If I should move to Canada for several years, can I put my Medicare on hold for my return?

Thank you for the information.
Dear Aida,
So many questions before I can answer that - will you be giving up your citizenship? I think you need to go to the gov’s site: http://www.medicare.gov/MedicareEligibility/Home.asp?dest=NAV|Home|GeneralEnrollment#TabTop
and check your particular situation. But, basically, you don’t exactly “put it on hold” - it’s simply not available in countries other than the U.S. of America. Barbie