"Lon" <alonzotanner[at]yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:6e469799-8ece-4faa-8f12-c40af27467c6[at]d21g2000prf.googlegroups.com...
- quote -

Where in New Zealand? I looked at the area around Nelson but the air
fare
($2K each) was a bit high and it was too much like the US. On the
other
hand is it true they don't have mosquitoes? I am bug fodder and that
is
major consideration in where we settle.

I also looked at Costa Rica, Mexico (Baja and Oaxaca), and Tuscany
plus
some quick looks at eastern Europe. Japan would be interesting but
much
too expensive. None of the warmer parts of the US interest us (we
live just
outside Boston).

Spain is a popular vacation and retirement destination for the English
so
there is a lot of information on the net. I did have a helpful
conversation
with an English real estate agent. However I found little about
issues
specific to Americans such as the consequences to Social Security and
Medicare. Can you help, Lon?

I am painfully aware of the slide of the dollar relative to other
currencies.
Houses that were affordable a few years ago are now outside our
target.
We are working to protect ourselves from any further slide. The 12 to
20% in fees and taxes for real estate transactions in Italy and Spain
are also a problem. Spain has 2% mortgages for foreigners but we
might
not qualify.

Thanks,
Abby

Moderators: The first attempt at this post resulted in a fragment. I
apologize and assume you will filter it out.

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On 2008-02-17 11:25:47 -0800, Lon <alonzotanner[at]yahoo.com> said:

- quote -

My wife and I have lived in Canada for about the same length of time
you have lived in NZ. One difference is that, during most years, we are
in Canada for longer than 6 months, and the tax situation is similar.
We file tax returns in both countries. Just an opinion, but I would say
the tax situation may not be quite as bad as you think, even in NZ. We
get tax credits and the total tax bill is usually not much different
from what it would be if we did all our business in one countrty or the
other. At least, I would say that the hassles of tax filing certainly
do not outweigh the benefits of residing in both places. If she likes
Spain a lot, she shouldn't cross it off solely because of taxes or
other financial issues without further investigation.

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Despite having been to Spain several times I can't address retiring in
that country. Since retiring 17 years ago my wife and I have spent
almost six months of each year in New Zealand. We choose to not live
there longer for several reasons. One being the weather, California
and New Zealand summers. Secondly, living there for more than 6 months
would make us residents an thus require us to not only file U.S.
Income Tax returns, but NZ as well. The NZ returns would have to
include all U.S. Income and pay taxes on part of it with both
countries giving a credit for Foreign Taxes Paid (don't want the
hassle).
The currency exchange rate has always been quite favorable to the U.S.
dollar even with the current .78 cents US to the NZ Dollar. I liked it
much better when it was .58 cents US to the NZ Dollar of a few years
ago. We have some funds in a simple savings account with a large bank
operating all over the Pacific that earns 8.2% (no FDIC) and we report
the account and the interest on our US Tax return. Most of the info
that you are seeking is available on the web by doing Google Search.
For example. Spain Immigration, Residency, living in Spain etc.

Good luck,

Lon

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On Feb 16, 1:36*pm, "abby" <abbybr...[at]charter.net> wrote:
- quote -

I think at this time the most impact on your finances will be the
value of the US dollar vs the Euro. You need also consider health
coverage if you are on Medicare.

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"abby" <abbybrown[at]charter.net> wrote in message
news:TkEtj.69$si3.32[at]newsfe06.lga...

- quote -

The impact of currency fluctuations on your investment value might be
considerable. You should diversify the denomination of your savings
and investments to moderate those effects, just as you diversify the
classification of those investment.
--
Chris Cowles
Gainesville, FL

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"abby" <abbybrown[at]charter.net> wrote in message
news:TkEtj.69$si3.32[at]newsfe06.lga...
- quote -

Abby, I will watch this thread with interest. My question to you is: are
you thinking it will be cheaper to live in Spain or Italy, or is this just a
lifestyle choice?

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Hi,

We are considering retiring outside the US with southern Spain
or Italy the leading candidates. What additional financial planning
considerations are there versus retiring in the US? How does that
change if we are outside the US for only the cold months?

Can someone recommend a financial planner in eastern
Massachusetts familiar with foreign retirement?

Thanks,
Abby

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