HR Specialist Dept of Labor Wed Jun 24, 2009 10:06 AM
In all the articles FedSmith has published on this issue, there is one thing you have never mentioned. While it is something that only applies to a small percentage of your readers, it is something that should be considered by those effected. For those retiring Feds in Recovery, they should definitely look into the quality of the 12-step programs in the location they plan to retire. It is important for us to know if we have access to enough Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meetings and whether we feel comfortable in those particular meetings. My wife and I attended a few of the meetings before we bought the land where we plan to build. I have known a few AA members who moved back to the DC area because they didn't like the meetings where they moved in retirement. It was an expensive lesson for them, which we should try to avoid.
I apologize to all those not impacted by this who had to read this, but I felt I should share with those who are.
What Tsunami?
Civil Engineer VHA Wed Jun 24, 2009 10:39 AM
Another article on the "coming reitirement boom". I've been readng these for 10 years now. Oddly enough it never seems to happen. Why? Fewer people can afford to retire these days - too much house, too much credit card debt, too many "wants", too many kids or grandkids at home that have to be supported.
How about an article on why people aren't retiring? Might be an eye opener for younger workers.
Not With The Current Government
Aviation Safety Inspector FAA Wed Jun 24, 2009 1:31 PM
It is unwise for anyone to retire before they absolutely have to given the current government. Inflation is about ot heat up in a way never seen before in America. If you think you have enough money to retire, you're wrong.
The Obama election was the tipping point for America. We are a fast slide down the tubes. The next election is not going to make things "right again". The damage will be too much to correct and don't forget, there are still 69 million gullible people out there with the vote.
Re: Not With The Current Government
Federal Employee Federal Thu Jun 25, 2009 9:39 AM
Your comment is ridiculous!!! This government had many issues that were bankrupting it long before Obama was elected.
Stop using this newletter as a forum to dispense your partisan rhetoric!!!
Re: Not With The Current Government
hr specialist dod agency Thu Jun 25, 2009 9:46 AM
Yeah, unlike the partisan rhetoric supporting our new president who knows we all want to be the most successful socialist state ever (or, at least, successful until his policies destroy much of our economy through unbridled debt and killing the incentive of many of our citizens to work) as many in our press praise his populist rhetoric, class warfare initiatives, and attempts to instill the victim mentality among the most productive members of our society.
Re: Not With The Current Government
Retired Retired Thu Jun 25, 2009 12:54 PM
I couldn't agree more. I when I look at the leftist / socialist wave that has crashed on America's shore, I wonder if my money will last until I die. There is an unfortunate mentality that seems to be sweeping America that the way to be secure is to tax someone else, borrow money, and take over private industry. Obama is not the problem, it is the "something for nothing" mentality of the voters that elected him that is the problem. He is just the bleeding sore on the surface that belies a much deeper and more serious problem throughout the whole body.
Re: Not With The Current Government
Worker Bee None Mon Jul 20, 2009 10:23 AM
Why is there such a problem all of a sudden since the last elections? The US and world economic problems and woes have been festering a long time. We can go back at least 15 -20 years to see where things started going wrong. This is not rocket science, but apparently it is easier to blame a change some didn't want.
Now back to topic, I have been looking at Belize, South Africa and Panama as options. My husband and I intend to spend a season in each place before we make a final decision. Good Bless America.
Another Plan...
Retired Fed None Wed Jun 24, 2009 2:41 PM
Some time ago I saw an interesting article about a retired couple that tried a variation in their living. They “downsized” to a condo/townhouse, and spent three months there, then three months living wherever – Paris, Rio, Tokyo – then back home for three months to reconnect – and another three months elsewhere. They used home exchanges and the like to minimize their costs, and said they enjoyed the reconnection with their home, as well as the opportunity to live as a temporary part of a community elsewhere.
OTOH, if one is looking to move out of country for a tax break…you’re making much more than the typical Fed retiree. And be careful of your state tax obligations – they will get nasty if you maintain a state drivers license, voters registration, kids in college, or own property and play any residency games. Never forget, the states set their own rules in these matters, not the Federal government.
Colombia South America
Accountant Corps of Engineers Wed Jun 24, 2009 3:30 PM
My wife is from Barranquilla Colombia. A seaport of over two million. Climate is the same year round ninety days and eightys at night. Two hour flight from Miami. I plan to rent first either in Barranquilla or Cartagena to make sure I am comfortable in that location. Cost of living is about a third of US. Happy and industrious people that love us gringos.
Retirement?
LRS DoD Thu Jun 25, 2009 1:59 AM
Looks like ah will die with mah boots on some ole day. Good thing ah love muh job.
Overseas in Puerto Rico
Benefits Counselor VA Thu Jun 25, 2009 7:29 AM
You use US currency and postal service, US law is in effect, lots of people lived many years in the US so English is understood by many everyday people, no passport required, some variety of weather can be had by choosing coastal vs mountain areas to live. Winter temps run 65-85 (night-day coastal) to 55-80 (night-day mountains). In 100 years they have measured 40 degrees only three times for a few hours; never lower. Coastal high temps in the 70s happen a handful of times due to clouds and rain. It can be noisy and it seems like retired kamikaze pilots do all the driver ed. Careful of the sun!
Retire? I hope to (someday)
CSRS Union Steward DOD Thu Jun 25, 2009 7:40 AM
My thoughts are to retire on my first opportunity day in May 2011. But I've heard from people who did that and wished they had continued to work past that date. There's lots of reasons to stay in your job. If you are still comfortable working, getting up every morning, having a purpose, making a contribution, seeing friends, wearing work clothes, having some extra money to do things. I didn't bring children into this world so I'm not concerned if other people's kids have jobs or not. Giving them my job does not make sense to me. I put myself through college and don't see a reason why kids think they are owed anything past age 18.
Re: Retire? I hope to (someday)
HR Specialist Dept of Labor Thu Jun 25, 2009 9:59 AM
". . . don't see a reason why kids think they are owed anything past age 18."
Just remember those kids are the ones who will be choosing the nursing home in which you will be living.
;-)
Re: Retire? I hope to (someday)
IT Project Manager State Thu Jun 25, 2009 11:50 AM
Lightnen up. Those "entitled" kids will be supporting both of us in retirement by:
1. Paying income taxes to fund CSRS and part of FERS
2. Paying social security taxes to fund that part of retirement
3. By contributing to the U.S. economy and keeping our investments valuable and capable of producing income for as long as we need it.
Re: Retire? I hope to (someday)
Ernest T. Bass rock chucker Thu Jun 25, 2009 1:16 PM
There are a lot of ways to make a contribution, and having a purpose after you leave federal employment. I have talked to people who retired from where I work and held on for years, they now say they don't know why they didn't go sooner.
Start a new business, go back to school, let retirement be a new start, not an ending.
Re: Retire? I hope to (someday)
CSRS Union Steward and Former HR Specialist for 22 years DOD Fri Jun 26, 2009 8:17 PM
Dear HR from Labor: I have a long, very long, history of visiting rest homes of different types and features as a volunteer, friend, and relative since I was age 10. We visited my grandmother's friends who all went to them for years before she died in her 90's. Then my dad, my mom, my aunt, and my stepdad followed. I hope that I will receive the same gentle care in return. As I don't have children nor any siblings, and my only living relative is now 98, I wish that all the very grateful children of others get exceptional medical administration degrees and fill the rest homes with capable and caring personnel by the time I'm there. Meanwhile, I will work, work work.............
Retiring Outside US
Retired DoC Thu Jun 25, 2009 9:19 AM
Important points overlooked in such articles:
Life in the US is extremely stable and we have our Constitution and Bill of Rights, and a generally reasonable legal system. Life outside the U.S. can become suddenly unstable (politically, economically, culturally) and we would be under the laws of the foreign country with whatever "rights" they choose to allow or not allow - even in the more "advanced" countries.
In most foreign countries, outright bribery of public officials (police, customs, doctors, etc.) is expected as routine, and medical care and even drinking water, sanitation, etc, can be marginal at times.
For me, it would be very scary growing old and infirm in a foreign country, many of which don't even have a real middle class.
These comments do not apply only to 3rd world countries, but to many of those mentioned in the comments by other readers. Vacationing there might be enjoyable, but living and growing old there could be an entirely different story.
Re: Retiring Outside US
Federal Employee Federal Mon Jun 29, 2009 8:51 AM
This is a very informative and true comment. I want to live abroad after I retire, but after considering the very points that you have made, I plan to do it on a revolving basis....
maybe 6 months on and 6 months back in the U.S. I probably will not purchase property abroad since I will not be there 24/7/365.....
Re: Retiring Outside US
Older American Fed Agency Tue Jun 30, 2009 3:06 PM
Many excellent comments however it's not certain just how long we are going to continue having our Constitution and Bill of Rights. Also, life inside the U.S. is becoming unstable as each week passes. Our own "rights" are being picked to death and eliminated as we live each day.
We will soon no longer have a "real middle class" ourselves.
What I find rather fascinating is some of the countries listed in the article as places to retire. Venezuela? I don't know about anyone else but why would any American consider moving to a country whose leader hates America? Well, okay, he probably "loves" American(s). . .well, probably not nearly as much as the American Dollar, he just has to tolerate the American that comes attached. Many of the Central and South American countries are being slowly devoured by violence and Americans are great targets. I personally would prefer not to support a government who hates the U.S. with my retirement money.
But to each his own.
Living in the Philippines
Inspector US Postal Service Sun Jul 5, 2009 7:44 PM
I'm there now visiting an architect to have a home built. the RP is actively recruiting American retirees with a special visa program.
You can have any lifestyle you want here, from a beautiful condo in Manila (prepare to pay up to $250,000) to a 2,000 square foot freestanding home in a province for about $65,000 plus the modest cost of leasing the land it's on. Folks speak English and the medical care in large cities is astonishingly cheap and modern.
Many middle class people can afford servants. At $45 a month in the country and $65 in the cities for a live-in cook and maid, even a poor retired fed can have one.
Downsides - typhoons in the Northern islands, radical Moslems in Southern Mindinao, warm and humid weather 11 months a year on most islands.
It's worth a second look.
Retirement
retired fed DHHS Fri Jul 10, 2009 9:58 AM
Maryland, unfortunately. Our families are here and we like our home, but Delaware is starting to look better and better every year. Maryland taxes are driving thousands of retirees out of the state.
Retiring Outside US
retired fed2 USPS Thu Jul 16, 2009 1:40 PM
With all the different places to retire outside of the US mentioned here, I am surprised no one has mentioned Canada, our closest neighbor. Although I am not sure of any tax implications by relocating there, I do envy the less congested feel and more open space and the less hurried lifestyle in the smaller towns of the Canadian Maritime provinces. Not sure either about how strong the possibility is of some (usually mild) anti-American sentiment there (which could also happen in ANY foreign country where Americans are relocating.) Does anyone here have any experience living either part or full time in Canada? Pluses?? Minuses?? I know if I did relocate outside the US, either part or full time I would consider Canada before any overseas destination, but am puzzled no one has mentioned it in this discussion.
Re: Retiring Outside US
Customs Officer CBP Wed Aug 5, 2009 7:21 AM
A couple of thoughts on living in Canada after doing so for three years: The cost of living is surprisingly much more expensive than in the U.S. If the exchange rate is favorable then it helps offset increased costs of daily life; otherwise, watch out! There is most definitely abundant anti-American sentiment that exists in Canada although it is subtle and the casual visitor may not encounter it because Canadians are generally very polite and cordial in their demeanor. Living in Canada is not the same as living in the U.S. as many Americans would think and there are differences to which Americans living in Canada must become accustomed.
Oregon bound
DoD HR DoD Fri Jul 17, 2009 10:33 AM
after reading some other retiree comments I have decided on Bend Oregon- went there two weeks ago and have place under escrow.
Since I have been working for a number of years a good portion of my federal pension will be totally exempt (about 55%
Brings my tax rate down.
About 30 golf courses to look forward to next year. Yeh!
And lots of trails and lakes to hike/fish
Very insightful article
Think Panama! Panama Equity Mon Jul 20, 2009 8:26 AM
Ralph,
Your article addresses some excellent considerations. To me, it is all about the adventure. Living and retiring in a foreign country is most definitely a risk, and there are some difficult factors to get over, including being away from family. My experience in Panama has been second to none- the people have accepted me and my family with open arms, and our quality of life has improved greatly. Anyone considering retiring abroad should take a serious look at panama. Thanks again! Kent Davis www.panamaequity.com
Not with the Mess left to Current Gov
Worker Bee None Mon Jul 20, 2009 11:14 AM
Our current econ problems can be traced to decisions made at starting least 20 years ago. The most recent election just highlighted the failure of Congress,Wall Street and John Q. Public to act in a responsible manner in the last 10 years for sure especially, since a blind ant saw this coming.
Retirement
Analyst HHS Fri Jul 24, 2009 6:59 AM
I am eligible now under CSRS. I wish to continue a bit longer to take advantage of flexible spending account for some anticipated dental and to continue maximum contributions and catch up to Thrift. However, if I even smell the potential for "reforms" like high five and older age eligibility, I'll go immediately. Same for the rest of us eligibles, I'd be willing to bet. And none of the agencies we represent will have a moment's notice to tap into the institutional memories we will take with us.
Retirement
Automotive Worker Gov Tue Sep 8, 2009 12:18 PM
I was a military dependent, living in three different countries, plus would go through Europe in the summer with my older brother. Before you think about living in another Country make sure you know their laws. I am passed retirement age and have 36 years in Goverment service I plan to work four more years. Because I am paid under the WG system and live in San Diego Ca., which is at the bottom of the wage grade schedules, I have to work up to 40 years. Having child hood friend living in Europe. I am staying in the U.S. it is still a safest place to live. Even if our Goverment is not what I like, it is still the best.
Where to Retire
IT COTR VA Fri Nov 20, 2009 3:42 PM
Berkshire Mountains, Western Mass
Beautiful Spring, summer, Fall and Great Winter snow season!!!
Another Factor to Consider when Picking Where
Dept of Labor
Wed Jun 24, 2009 10:06 AM
In all the articles FedSmith has published on this issue, there is one thing you have never mentioned. While it is something that only applies to a small percentage of your readers, it is something that should be considered by those effected. For those retiring Feds in Recovery, they should definitely look into the quality of the 12-step programs in the location they plan to retire. It is important for us to know if we have access to enough Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meetings and whether we feel comfortable in those particular meetings. My wife and I attended a few of the meetings before we bought the land where we plan to build. I have known a few AA members who moved back to the DC area because they didn't like the meetings where they moved in retirement. It was an expensive lesson for them, which we should try to avoid.
I apologize to all those not impacted by this who had to read this, but I felt I should share with those who are.
What Tsunami?
VHA
Wed Jun 24, 2009 10:39 AM
Another article on the "coming reitirement boom". I've been readng these for 10 years now. Oddly enough it never seems to happen. Why? Fewer people can afford to retire these days - too much house, too much credit card debt, too many "wants", too many kids or grandkids at home that have to be supported.
How about an article on why people aren't retiring? Might be an eye opener for younger workers.
Not With The Current Government
FAA
Wed Jun 24, 2009 1:31 PM
It is unwise for anyone to retire before they absolutely have to given the current government. Inflation is about ot heat up in a way never seen before in America. If you think you have enough money to retire, you're wrong.
The Obama election was the tipping point for America. We are a fast slide down the tubes. The next election is not going to make things "right again". The damage will be too much to correct and don't forget, there are still 69 million gullible people out there with the vote.
Re: Not With The Current Government
Federal
Thu Jun 25, 2009 9:39 AM
Stop using this newletter as a forum to dispense your partisan rhetoric!!!
Re: Not With The Current Government
dod agency
Thu Jun 25, 2009 9:46 AM
Re: Not With The Current Government
Retired
Thu Jun 25, 2009 12:54 PM
Re: Not With The Current Government
None
Mon Jul 20, 2009 10:23 AM
Now back to topic, I have been looking at Belize, South Africa and Panama as options. My husband and I intend to spend a season in each place before we make a final decision. Good Bless America.
Another Plan...
None
Wed Jun 24, 2009 2:41 PM
Some time ago I saw an interesting article about a retired couple that tried a variation in their living. They “downsized” to a condo/townhouse, and spent three months there, then three months living wherever – Paris, Rio, Tokyo – then back home for three months to reconnect – and another three months elsewhere. They used home exchanges and the like to minimize their costs, and said they enjoyed the reconnection with their home, as well as the opportunity to live as a temporary part of a community elsewhere.
OTOH, if one is looking to move out of country for a tax break…you’re making much more than the typical Fed retiree. And be careful of your state tax obligations – they will get nasty if you maintain a state drivers license, voters registration, kids in college, or own property and play any residency games. Never forget, the states set their own rules in these matters, not the Federal government.
Colombia South America
Corps of Engineers
Wed Jun 24, 2009 3:30 PM
My wife is from Barranquilla Colombia. A seaport of over two million. Climate is the same year round ninety days and eightys at night. Two hour flight from Miami. I plan to rent first either in Barranquilla or Cartagena to make sure I am comfortable in that location. Cost of living is about a third of US. Happy and industrious people that love us gringos.
Retirement?
DoD
Thu Jun 25, 2009 1:59 AM
Looks like ah will die with mah boots on some ole day. Good thing ah love muh job.
Overseas in Puerto Rico
VA
Thu Jun 25, 2009 7:29 AM
You use US currency and postal service, US law is in effect, lots of people lived many years in the US so English is understood by many everyday people, no passport required, some variety of weather can be had by choosing coastal vs mountain areas to live. Winter temps run 65-85 (night-day coastal) to 55-80 (night-day mountains). In 100 years they have measured 40 degrees only three times for a few hours; never lower. Coastal high temps in the 70s happen a handful of times due to clouds and rain. It can be noisy and it seems like retired kamikaze pilots do all the driver ed. Careful of the sun!
Retire? I hope to (someday)
DOD
Thu Jun 25, 2009 7:40 AM
My thoughts are to retire on my first opportunity day in May 2011. But I've heard from people who did that and wished they had continued to work past that date. There's lots of reasons to stay in your job. If you are still comfortable working, getting up every morning, having a purpose, making a contribution, seeing friends, wearing work clothes, having some extra money to do things. I didn't bring children into this world so I'm not concerned if other people's kids have jobs or not. Giving them my job does not make sense to me. I put myself through college and don't see a reason why kids think they are owed anything past age 18.
Re: Retire? I hope to (someday)
Dept of Labor
Thu Jun 25, 2009 9:59 AM
Just remember those kids are the ones who will be choosing the nursing home in which you will be living.
;-)
Re: Retire? I hope to (someday)
State
Thu Jun 25, 2009 11:50 AM
1. Paying income taxes to fund CSRS and part of FERS
2. Paying social security taxes to fund that part of retirement
3. By contributing to the U.S. economy and keeping our investments valuable and capable of producing income for as long as we need it.
Re: Retire? I hope to (someday)
rock chucker
Thu Jun 25, 2009 1:16 PM
Start a new business, go back to school, let retirement be a new start, not an ending.
Re: Retire? I hope to (someday)
DOD
Fri Jun 26, 2009 8:17 PM
Retiring Outside US
DoC
Thu Jun 25, 2009 9:19 AM
Important points overlooked in such articles:
Life in the US is extremely stable and we have our Constitution and Bill of Rights, and a generally reasonable legal system. Life outside the U.S. can become suddenly unstable (politically, economically, culturally) and we would be under the laws of the foreign country with whatever "rights" they choose to allow or not allow - even in the more "advanced" countries.
In most foreign countries, outright bribery of public officials (police, customs, doctors, etc.) is expected as routine, and medical care and even drinking water, sanitation, etc, can be marginal at times.
For me, it would be very scary growing old and infirm in a foreign country, many of which don't even have a real middle class.
These comments do not apply only to 3rd world countries, but to many of those mentioned in the comments by other readers. Vacationing there might be enjoyable, but living and growing old there could be an entirely different story.
Re: Retiring Outside US
Federal
Mon Jun 29, 2009 8:51 AM
maybe 6 months on and 6 months back in the U.S. I probably will not purchase property abroad since I will not be there 24/7/365.....
Re: Retiring Outside US
Fed Agency
Tue Jun 30, 2009 3:06 PM
We will soon no longer have a "real middle class" ourselves.
What I find rather fascinating is some of the countries listed in the article as places to retire. Venezuela? I don't know about anyone else but why would any American consider moving to a country whose leader hates America? Well, okay, he probably "loves" American(s). . .well, probably not nearly as much as the American Dollar, he just has to tolerate the American that comes attached. Many of the Central and South American countries are being slowly devoured by violence and Americans are great targets. I personally would prefer not to support a government who hates the U.S. with my retirement money.
But to each his own.
Living in the Philippines
US Postal Service
Sun Jul 5, 2009 7:44 PM
I'm there now visiting an architect to have a home built. the RP is actively recruiting American retirees with a special visa program.
You can have any lifestyle you want here, from a beautiful condo in Manila (prepare to pay up to $250,000) to a 2,000 square foot freestanding home in a province for about $65,000 plus the modest cost of leasing the land it's on. Folks speak English and the medical care in large cities is astonishingly cheap and modern.
Many middle class people can afford servants. At $45 a month in the country and $65 in the cities for a live-in cook and maid, even a poor retired fed can have one.
Downsides - typhoons in the Northern islands, radical Moslems in Southern Mindinao, warm and humid weather 11 months a year on most islands.
It's worth a second look.
Retirement
DHHS
Fri Jul 10, 2009 9:58 AM
Maryland, unfortunately. Our families are here and we like our home, but Delaware is starting to look better and better every year. Maryland taxes are driving thousands of retirees out of the state.
Retiring Outside US
USPS
Thu Jul 16, 2009 1:40 PM
With all the different places to retire outside of the US mentioned here, I am surprised no one has mentioned Canada, our closest neighbor. Although I am not sure of any tax implications by relocating there, I do envy the less congested feel and more open space and the less hurried lifestyle in the smaller towns of the Canadian Maritime provinces. Not sure either about how strong the possibility is of some (usually mild) anti-American sentiment there (which could also happen in ANY foreign country where Americans are relocating.) Does anyone here have any experience living either part or full time in Canada? Pluses?? Minuses?? I know if I did relocate outside the US, either part or full time I would consider Canada before any overseas destination, but am puzzled no one has mentioned it in this discussion.
Re: Retiring Outside US
CBP
Wed Aug 5, 2009 7:21 AM
Oregon bound
DoD
Fri Jul 17, 2009 10:33 AM
after reading some other retiree comments I have decided on Bend Oregon- went there two weeks ago and have place under escrow.
Since I have been working for a number of years a good portion of my federal pension will be totally exempt (about 55%
Brings my tax rate down.
About 30 golf courses to look forward to next year. Yeh!
And lots of trails and lakes to hike/fish
Very insightful article
Panama Equity
Mon Jul 20, 2009 8:26 AM
Ralph,
Your article addresses some excellent considerations. To me, it is all about the adventure. Living and retiring in a foreign country is most definitely a risk, and there are some difficult factors to get over, including being away from family. My experience in Panama has been second to none- the people have accepted me and my family with open arms, and our quality of life has improved greatly. Anyone considering retiring abroad should take a serious look at panama. Thanks again! Kent Davis www.panamaequity.com
Not with the Mess left to Current Gov
None
Mon Jul 20, 2009 11:14 AM
Our current econ problems can be traced to decisions made at starting least 20 years ago. The most recent election just highlighted the failure of Congress,Wall Street and John Q. Public to act in a responsible manner in the last 10 years for sure especially, since a blind ant saw this coming.
Retirement
HHS
Fri Jul 24, 2009 6:59 AM
I am eligible now under CSRS. I wish to continue a bit longer to take advantage of flexible spending account for some anticipated dental and to continue maximum contributions and catch up to Thrift. However, if I even smell the potential for "reforms" like high five and older age eligibility, I'll go immediately. Same for the rest of us eligibles, I'd be willing to bet. And none of the agencies we represent will have a moment's notice to tap into the institutional memories we will take with us.
Retirement
Gov
Tue Sep 8, 2009 12:18 PM
I was a military dependent, living in three different countries, plus would go through Europe in the summer with my older brother. Before you think about living in another Country make sure you know their laws. I am passed retirement age and have 36 years in Goverment service I plan to work four more years. Because I am paid under the WG system and live in San Diego Ca., which is at the bottom of the wage grade schedules, I have to work up to 40 years. Having child hood friend living in Europe. I am staying in the U.S. it is still a safest place to live. Even if our Goverment is not what I like, it is still the best.
Where to Retire
VA
Fri Nov 20, 2009 3:42 PM
Berkshire Mountains, Western Mass
Beautiful Spring, summer, Fall and Great Winter snow season!!!