http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico Information on Retiring in the U.S. or Mexico...and visiting Mexico. Fri, 10 Oct 2008 06:23:33 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Hi Folks,  It's been a long hot summer, and I had a knee replacement!  And I'm doing great!  I did have it done in the States.  Medicare, you know :) I've had so many questions about dental service in Mexico, so here's a rather long diary of Dick's and my latest ... http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico/2008/10/09/dental-adventure-in-mexico-good-dentists-good-service/ Foreign nationals (you and I) can visit Mexico for a defined period of time and take part in non-remunerative activities such as vacations, holidays, and/or just visiting. The Mexican Tourist permit, FMT, allows you to remain in Mexico up to 180 days, and is available from airlines and ports of entry – that’s ... http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico/2008/07/30/fmt-vs-fm3/ Love – Hate Relationship…You and Your Computer No matter where on this big wide world you live, computers have become a way of life!  And whether you are retired or working parttime or fulltime - they are here to stay! I recently replaced my modem (the thing that lets you connect to ... http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico/2008/07/30/computers-cant-live-with-them-cant-live-without-them-video-of-driving-to-walmart/ We are all faced with lots of decisions when contemplating retirement! Logically, and sensibly, your choices should be based primarily on your finances. Do you want to do a lot of traveling? If you choose that lifestyle, then why would you start looking for a large home, with a lot of upkeep ... http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico/2008/05/26/retirement-decisions-and-planning/   As a senior, we are all concerned about making our pennies go as far as possible.  Dick and I live everyday by this credo:   “A penny saved is a penny earned”.  Everyone wants that Social Security check to stretch, so why fall into the Debit Card offer, that is going ... http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico/2008/05/14/debit-card-and-social-security-for-retirees-video-of-puerto-vallarta/ To take your vehicle into Mexico, beyond the border zone (20 to 30 kilometers past the border with the United States), your options are:   Only Sonora Permit or a Federal Permit.  Both permits cost the same. 1)  Only Sonora means exactly that – do not travel to any other Mexican state ... http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico/2008/04/29/72/ Hi Barbie: If I want to go and spend a month in Mexico to test the waters so to speak, do you have any information on that? I'd be a female, traveling alone - would it be safe? Thx,  Edna Hi Edna,  Sure - just be careful. Are you extremely careful ... http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico/2008/04/26/advice-for-travelers-going-anyplace-video/ Many people ask me if I'm a real estate agent. The fact of the matter is I'm not...never have been. Although, I did take the Real Estate course - years ago - that was fun, and interesting! Because of that, I feel I can offer you truly objective information about ... http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico/2008/04/21/homes-villas-for-retirement-in-mexico/ A few people who are just beginning to consider moving to Mexico for their retirement years and some who are now ready to decide just what area will fulfill their dreams of retirement have emailed me asking just how, in my opinion, they should best experience Mexico so they can ... http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico/2008/04/12/investigate-and-research-your-retirement-in-mexico/ There are over nine thousand passport acceptance facilities located in the United States. The facilities may be located in Federal, state and probate courts, post offices, some public libraries and a number of county and municipal offices. Our Czech daughter-in-law gave us even more insight into how precious a U.S. passport ... http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico/2008/04/11/passports-are-precious-possessions/ If you’re even contemplating retirement – get all your finances under control. Pay off all credit card debts and keep them paid in full monthly. Get your home paid for, even if that means moving to a smaller –more modest home. Save every penny you can…believe me, worry-free retirement is ... http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico/2008/03/14/retiring-to-mexico-financial-considerations-plus-video/ A lot of people who are thinking about making the move to Mexico are curious about grocery and food prices. So I thought I would grab a pen and paper (and my video camera) and make a detailed list of the prices in two of the major grocery stores in ... http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico/2008/03/02/video-and-cost-of-groceries-in-mazatlan-mexico/ Mexico Immigration Mexico's General Law of Population sets forth the rights and obligations of foreigners, as well as different statuses associated with foreign immigration. Mexico welcomes most foreign nationals for a specific period of time to take part in non-money-making activities, such as a vacation. Recurring visits or stays over 180 ... http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico/2008/02/02/visas-fm2s-fm3s-etc-for-immigrants-and-non-immigrants/ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA PASSPORT Is a small book-type document; Is internationally recognized; Verifies the identity and nationality of the bearer; Is valid for air, land and sea crossing, including ferries; Is required to enter and leave most foreign countries; Is procured only through the U.S. Department of State.  All persons must ... http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico/2008/02/02/passport-information/ Hi Everyone, hope your winter has been gentle. Hang in there, the sun will be out soon – shorts and t-shirt weather again! That’s basically the ”retired uniform” Oh of course, white sox and tennis shoes...or sandals where it’s really warm. I thought you might enjoy seeing what Mazatlan looks like ... http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico/2008/01/09/short-car-trips-to-take-around-mazatlan/ This article was inspired by an email I received, basically putting down many communities...different strokes for different folks, I always say. Depending on what is important to you, you may find the following destinations to be some of the worst places to retire or you may not! (My opinions ... http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico/2008/01/09/destination-retirement-communities-different-strokes/ It’s Thursday, January 3, of the New Year – 2008.  Think we would all agree time goes much too fast nowadays! Do you remember, years ago, whenever the talk got around to an elderly person, the phrase always came up -  “and the time drags by so slowly for them”?  Boy!  What ... http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico/2008/01/03/after-christmas-thoughts/ I just have to share with you some wonderful information from my friends Herb and Margy Sutton. Herb tells a GREAT tale about their recent trip. Let's hear what he has to say..... Dear Barbie: Time flies when you are catching up... It is a month since we got back from our ... http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico/2007/12/19/trailer-rv-trip-to-mexico/ Last week I received a wonderful email from Dave, who is living in Mazatlan and he was kind enough to share his story (click here to read it). Well, Dave isn't the only one who has made the move to Mexico recently! Here is yet *another* amazing email I just received ... http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico/2007/11/06/cuidad-victoria/ Here is a wonderful email I received from Dave who is living in Mazatlan... Hola Barbie,  I have been living in Mazatlan for about 8 months now and I am  living in Playa Sur in el centro. The city is very beautiful and has much to offer an American retiree. The delicious fresh ... http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico/2007/10/23/email-concerning-mazatlan-living/ 1964 McDonald's opened with fifteen-cent hamburgers. 1971 The Quarter Pounder was introduced at McDonald's for 53 cents.  I guess in 1957, Dick and I, just being married, were barely considered median income!  Dick was bringing home about $3,000 a year, I was probably making $1,500 to $2,000 a year – shoot, we ... http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico/2007/10/16/prices-%e2%80%93-when-the-heck-is-this-going-to-stop/ A lot of people have asked me what they need when they’re planning a trip to Mexico... Well, first and foremost you need to get your passport ready! It's not that hard to obtain and once you get it out of the way, you can travel virtually anywhere in the word. ... http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico/2007/10/08/complete-passport-information/ I recently received two email.  They are known as “phishing” email: (The people who sent them are “Phishing” (fishing) for personal info)... THESE ARE BOTH SCAMS!!!!!!!    Do not even answer emails like these.  Somehow, they will ask for some personal information, etc.  Then, look out – you too may lose your ... http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico/2007/10/08/keep-your-personal-info-safe/ My main goal for you is to become familiar with Mexico and feel comfortable when you visit... After all as I have said, it is a foreign country - different than the States in so many ways. One of the most popular Mexico tourist destinations for those living in the States is ... http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico/2007/10/02/rocky-point-aka-puerto-penasco/ Here's a quick lesson on civics of Mexico Mexico is a federal democratic republic, and is divided into 31 states plus the Federal District, which is the seat of government. (Corresponds to our District of Columbia)  The Mexican Constitution is the basic, supreme set of laws on which the country’s overall organization ... http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico/2007/10/02/mexico-is-a-democracy/ Welcome to my newly updated Mexico Retirement blog. I'm glad you stopped by! Just in case you're wondering: Yes, you can retire early, reduce your cost-of-living, and live better than you do now. What will your life be like in Mexico? How much does it really cost? Most importantly, how do you ... http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico/2007/09/27/thinking-about-retiring-in-mexico-good/ PESOS CURRENCY EXCHANGE You probably should always try to exchange your U.S. dollars for Pesos at a bank. Especially when you’re not that familiar with the going exchange rate. The banks will almost always give you the correct and best exchange rate.Beware any guy on the corner though. He may offer you ... http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico/2007/09/27/conversion-chart-for-pesos/ YEP, WE HAD OUR IDENTITY STOLEN!...And it can happen to anyone! The way I became aware of it was just opening the mail one evening. There was a bank statement, an internet bill, and a bunch of junk mail. The junk mail went into the shredder. Then I opened Quicken on ... http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico/2007/09/27/your-identity-can-be-stolen-act-quickly/ EDUCATION For those who might be thinking of taking grandchildren or children to Mexico. Free education in Mexico, is mandatory from ages six through eighteen. That stipulates a child will receive schooling and books, but all else must be provided by parents. In Mazatlan, groups such as Friends of Mexico, raise money to supply ... http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico/2007/09/27/education-for-children/ RENTING A CAR I want to share with you this experience - I think it shows how much compassion the Mexican people usually have -- even for those they consider foreigners. Dick and I flew into Mazatlan and landed at 9 p.m.  We thought we had arranged to be picked up by ... http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico/2007/09/26/rental-cars-driving-your-own-auto-insurance/ You need to realize that the average daily wage in Mexico is a bit under $5. And yes, just as when Dick and I were young and our families were poor, and everyone we knew were poor too, none of us went hungry - they do live in Mexico on that ... http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico/2007/09/26/the-money-is-in-pesos/ You must be a resident of the United States to receive Social Security benefits.You will not receive Medicare in any country other than the United States. Hopefully, I’ve gotten you started toward the process of getting all your finances in order, which is great to do whether you are looking at ... http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico/2007/09/26/social-security-medicare-and-savings/ In Mexico, only civil marriage is recognized as legal. A civil wedding in Mexico is fully valid for legal purposes in the U.S.  The prospective bridge and groom must have: Birth Certificate - Original or Sealed Copy Picture I.D. Passport,Visa - Given to you on the airplane and validated by Mexican Immigration in ... http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico/2007/09/26/want-a-mexican-wedding-get-married-in-mexico/ When you head to Mazatlan to check things out, a fun and easy way to get info is to visitthe social clubs . You’ll get opinions on everything from banking in Mexico to hearing about the wonderful theater downtown. Once you’re here, you’ll probably find even more organizations!  Here are some of ... http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico/2007/09/26/clubs-and-organizations-to-visitin-mexico/ The national health care program, IMSS: 1. Available in most major cities 2. Takes about 6 to 9 months for coverage to be activated after acceptance. Once accepted, you are a life member as long as premiums are paid. 3. At IMSS clinics you do not have a choice of physicians. Available in Mexico: 1. ... http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico/2007/09/26/a-short-course-now-on-health-care-in-mexico/ A GOOD, INEXPENSIVE FIX Dick just replaced the insides of one of our toilets, so I carefully watched, took notes, and this is how I would do it - hope this helps you... Commodes are made of china, and there really is no part of a commode that “wears-out”. Unless it has ... http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico/2007/09/26/toilet-repair-the-easy-way-do-it-yourself/ FINANCIAL SUGGESTIONSYour retirement may be just around the corner, or it may be along way off, but from this day forward it’s up to you – and no one else – to save enough money to live on happily after retirement. As far as Social Security, the nay-sayers and dooms-dayers say ... http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico/2007/09/26/saving-for-retirement/ Please friends, it really is true, the only things we can absolutely count on is death and taxes. Now, why in the world do we find it easy to talk taxes all day long, but just can’t voice the word death? Live your life to the fullest, prepare, then, face the ... http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico/2007/09/26/final-preparations-like-a-boy-scout-be-prepared/ I was just reading an e-mail I received from someone looking forward to their retirement, which is coming up very soon for them.  Their major concern is the same as most of us... the cost of their health insurance until Medicare takes over, and then, what in the world is this ... http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico/2007/09/26/insurance-medicare-and-that-supplemental-insurance/ My husband, Dick, plays bridge!  I’ve played bridge for years.   Being from Ohio – those long cold winter seasons – there was a lot of game playing that got us through the dull days.  Board games, dice games, card games, the whole gamet. Don’t remember exactly how I got started on bridge ... http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico/2007/09/26/wow-now-my-husband-plays-bridge/ Hi Again Friends, I was looking over some of my prior newsletters, and one suggestion I had made was to purchase a good used car instead of a brand new one, due to the loss of value when you drive a new one off the lot. Then, I realized there was a ... http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico/2007/09/26/buy-your-car-gently-used-not-new-let-the-original-owners-take-the-hard-hit/ During the Holiday seasons, the radio and cd player only play my favorites: Christmas Music - from “Frosty the Snowman”, to “White Christmas”, to “We Three Kings”... and the memories come flooding back...  SEEMS AS THOUGH MY LIFE HAS BEEN A SONG I sing a lot…no, no, not in front of anyone ... http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico/2007/09/26/memories-and-reminiscing-the-past/ I forgot and wore sandals when we took our last air trip. Seemed like a pretty good idea – easy to get off for your “inspection”. But, standing in line and watching all the other passengers removing their shoes and realizing I was going to have to walk there – ... http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico/2007/09/25/air-travel-suggestions-passport-information-immigration-fees-info/ Mexican Bank Trust (Fideicomiso)     The Way I Understand It:   To acquire valid ownership rights it is necessary to have the propertytitle recorded. For citizens of the United States of America the title will transfer to a Mexican bank, which acts as trustee of your interests and ensures precise fulfillment of ... http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico/2007/09/25/so-you-think-you-may-move-to-mexico-bank-trusts-your-finances-bringing-household-items-into-mexico/ Late afternoon and Dick and I found ourselves again at beachside to watch for the elusive green blip – that I never saw, even once – but lots of other people swear they see it – including my husband.  We watched the sun slide slowly into the ocean and again ... http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico/2007/09/25/that-mysterious-green-blip/ Many people ask me if I'm a real estate agent. The fact of the matter is I'm not...never have been. Although, I did take the Real Estate course - years ago.  Because of that, I feel I can offer you truly objective information about building or buying a home in Mexico. ... http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico/2007/09/25/building-a-home-in-mazatlan/ Many of you have questioned me about working in Mexico after retirement… I have stated before that the Mexican Government feels no responsibility to see that foreigners who move to their country are “taken care” of.  I have no problem with that.  So saying…although Mexico is a terrific place to live, it’s ... http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico/2007/09/08/working-or-teaching-versus-just-retiring-in-mexico/ Think you can't buy real estate in Mexico? Think again...  In places formerly off-limits, foreigners can now acquire irrevocable and absolute ownership rights to property through a 50-year, perpetually renewable, and transferable, real estate bank trust called a "fideicomiso". With a Fideicomiso, you have the same property rights in Mexico as we do here ... http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico/2007/09/08/buying-real-estate-homes-in-mexico-made-easy/ Now, assuming you’re a bit nearer that golden year of retirement, and have already put the above plans into action, here are a thought to ruminate on: Your retirement does not only involve yourself.  Your spouse or partner is going to take that ride with you.  Sit down and have many discussions ... http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico/2007/09/07/financial-planning-mexico-retirement-part-2/ Your American driver’s license is valid in Mexico. Your American auto insurance, I can almost guarantee, is NOT! At the border, this is just part of the process of entering Mainland Mexico: •You'll need a temporary car-importation permit, •A valid driver's license, •Current, original car registration, registered in your name, and a copy of the ... http://www.retireinluxury.com/mexico/2007/09/07/taking-your-car-into-mexico/