Contributing Writer Siri Lise Doub takes you on an unforgettable journey into the heart of Argentina's wine country--a region that offers a most enviable lifestyle...on a very affordable budget. And you don't need to be a wine aficionado to fit in down Mendoza way. As Siri Lise explains, there's a lot more to "the next Napa" than its grapes.

Meanwhile, Paul Terhorst discusses why shrewd retirees should consider switching from income-based to asset-based thinking (and spending). See page 3 of the report for details on how this approach has worked for Paul, Warren Buffet, and the Argentine nation...to name a few.

Belize correspondent Phil Hahn reveals a place of stunning landscapes and natural resources where you can live a luxury lifestyle for US$1,145 a month. And, despite an established expat population, property prices are still "local." Among Phil's best finds is a 3,200-square-foot villa--with a separate guesthouse--for  US$125,000.

In the same report, Paul Terhorst asks what we've learned from the recent global meltdown...and how we can better prepare for future busts.

"A sleepy seaside city a generation ago, today La Serena, northern Chile's 'serene one,' is one of the country's most popular beach resorts," writes Lauren Stanley.

As Lauren reports, La Serena has more character than your average beach town: "In the heart of downtown, most shopping is done at department stores and specialty shops. Semi-pedestrian streets like Prat and O'Higgins are lined with upscale wine stores, clothing boutiques, and shoe emporia. Trendy cafés and restaurants abound, and the streets are so clean you can practically eat off them."

Also in this report, Paul Terhorst explains how to efficiently keep up with the news you need online.

Contributing Writer Siri Lise Doub gives life to Hangzhou, a land of lakes, water gardens, and elegant pagodas, where many expats have already found an earthly paradise. There's a lot to learn about life in this delightfully affordable part of the world, from property ownership to running a business. 

Also, Paul Terhorst puts forward a new model for financial planning that couldn't be more timely.

Contributing writer Roseanna Keats vividly describes her tour of the beautiful--and highly affordable--Istrian coast of Croatia, Europe's Sleeping Beauty, as Roseanna calls it, where every bend in the road brings another amazing view and you've a wonderful selection of Old World properties to choose from. It's the best of Italy...only cheaper...not to mention the world's truffle capital.

Also this month, Paul Terhorst is back with words of wisdom on how to navigate the current recession and smart answers to the questions every retired investor must surely be asking.

"Although I have a tendency to steer clear of capital cities when considering an overseas relocation, Zagreb caught my eye," writes our correspondent Siri Lise Doub. With its ideal location (a perfect base for exploring other European cities), good infrastructure (you won’t need a car), diverse leisure opportunities (ski in the morning, lay on the beach in the afternoon, and catch an opera in the evening), as well as a reasonable cost of living, it turns out that Zagreb is not your average capital city.

Moreover, you will find out what are the strategies for dealing with currency fluctuation...

Take an in depth look at Cuenca, Ecuador--the country that Publisher Kathleen Peddicord has named the cheapest country in Latin America. Our reporter, Christian MacDonald, concurs: "In my opinion, the country of Ecuador is the best deal out there when it comes to an overseas retirement destination...and Cuenca is the best that Ecuador has to offer."

Expats here can take advantage of "a cost of living that's among the lowest in Latin America...real estate prices that are unheard-of in a city with such a rich quality of life...an unbeatable retiree benefit package...and a thriving expat community surrounded by a warm and welcoming people who make you feel like you really belong."

Describing the history of beret-making in the French town of Nay (sometimes called "Little Manchester"), Lucy Culpepper is careful to point out that Nay is "no dirty industrial town." It seems the French never compromised on style, even through peak production. Nay is just one of the many attractive towns and villages dotted around France's Béarn region, the focus of this report. With so much on offer around the region, Lucy found it difficult to recommend any single town, but finally settled on two, Nay and Morlaas, since:

"They are a good size; not too big or too small. I've found them both very welcoming, they both have every facility and service you need, they both have an interesting historical center, and they are both set in beautiful, though different, countryside."
Also in your report:

• Forget economics: Paul Terhorst explains why you need to make decisions based on your own costs.
• Five property opportunities from gated developments...

France Correspondent Lucy Culpepper takes you on a journey through the medieval villages of the Languedoc region of France...the "other" South of France...where Lucy talks to expats about their experiences living their dream in French wine country, their newfound quality of life, and the rich history of one of this country’s least-discovered regions.

Also, Paul Terhorst explains how to spot a Ponzi scheme and what to do if you still think you’re smarter than the other guy.

This overlooked colonial city in the heart of Central America has plenty to offer the would-be foreign retiree. Correspondent Michael Paladin recently set up home in Antigua and reports that real estate is affordable, the people are friendly, the climate is perfect with little to no humidity, overseas income is free of local tax, and you can live a very good lifestyle for less than US$1,400 a month, including regular entertainment, eating out, and a furnished rental at US$800 monthly.

In fact, though, you could live in Antigua on much less. For, as Michael explains, you could rent small and basic in this town for as little as US$250 a month. That'd make your total monthly budget but US$850. Own your own place, and you can do away with rent altogether...meaning you could enjoy life in this beautiful colonial city for as little as US$600 a month...

When abroad, even the smallest things...for instance, how coffee is brewed...can come as a shock (or a mouthful of grinds to the uncultured drinker). The Balinese, reports Wendy, our correspondent, don't see the need for coffee filters. However, the challenges Bali presents you with must be overshadowed by its beautiful beaches, low cost of living, tropical climate, and opportunity for Indiana Jones-style escapades.
Also in this publication:

• You're not Warren Buffet: Paul Terhorst discusses strategies for buying and holding.
• Five island retreats from as little as US$13,900...

Ireland makes more sense for the would-be foreign retiree right now than it has in nearly a decade. Thanks to the worldwide financial crisis, the costs of both real estate and of living on the Emerald Isle have fallen dramatically, making a new life in the Auld Sod a more realistic option than you may have been thinking. In addition, of course, Ireland offers all the Old World charm, beautiful countryside and coasts, and welcoming hospitality you could hope for. In this special Retirement Report, Managing Editor Lynn Mulvihill introduces the charms of the Copper Coast, a stretch of dramatically beautiful coastline in an overlooked part of Ireland that boasts a particularly rich history and heritage.

Also in this report, resident Retirement Planning Expert Paul Terhorst discusses how you can learn from the world’s oldest investors by putting your money in three "pots."

Correspondent Roseanna Keats takes us on an adventure around the "Pearl of the Orient," one of the most livable destinations in Southeast Asia. Penang, Malaysia, has a lot going for it. Not only is the cost of living low, but English is widely spoken, foreigners are welcome, and the government is stable. Obtaining residency as a foreign retiree in this nation is easy (easier than anywhere else in Asia). The Malaysian government invites foreigners to stay in Penang on a long-term Social Visit Pass under the "Malaysia My Second Home Programme."

Also in this report, resident Retirement Planning Expert Paul Terhorst tells of a friend back in the United States who believes he needs US$5 million dollars to retire comfortably. Paul explains though, that, in fact, you don’t need anything like a US$5million dollar retirement fund. What you need is to be creative. Learn what you need to know to retire now, on the money you have now.

In this Country Retirement Report, read Siri Lise Doub's report of Morelia, a hilltown southwest of the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range, that is largely off the radar of Americans. In this fairytale town (its buildings even have a natural pink hue), you'll find well-preserved squares and parks; historic buildings alongside modern shopping facilities; a vibrant culture; friendly people who move at a slower, easier pace; a wealth of dining options; affordable property in and around the city (options start below US$100,000); good health care facilities, and a superior standard of living at an affordable price. Our top pick in Mexico.

Michael Paladin introduces you to the little-known town of San Cristobal del las Casas, high up in the mountains of Mexico's Chiapas state. This colonial town is far from over-run with Americans (think San Miguel or Oaxaca three decades ago). A quirky place with its distinct architecture, vibrant colors (from buildings to textiles), and revered stashes of coffee and amber, you'll feel like you've entered an entirely different world.

In the same report, Paul Terhorst offers suggestions for what you can do now to help your financial situation in case you haven’t planned so well for your retirement.

You could live well in Nicaragua’s most charming colonial city on less than US$1,000 per month. Correspondent Michael Paladin introduces you to our favorite city in Central America ,a little city with a long history where you can travel around by horse-drawn carriage and pass the balmy afternoons in a rocking chair on the wide front porch of the historic Alhambra Hotel overlooking the always-busy central square.

Also in this report, Resident Retirement Planning Expert Paul Terhorst explains how your credit card company handles overseas transactions, and why you can be better off parting ways with your plastic before you leave home.

If you've been following Kathleen Peddicord's writings in the daily Overseas Opportunity Letter, you're already acquainted with Panama. You know about the country's general attractions: arguably the world's best pensionado program, a stable economy, modern infrastructure, privacy and tax advantages, an affordable cost of living, affordable real estate, and world-class health care...to name a few...
El Valle is conveniently located 30 to 45 minutes from some of the Pacific coast's best beaches...and about two hours from Panama City (so you can regularly enjoy the best of the city, without its heat and humidity). Lucy Culpepper shares all her insider information on living, getting around, buying property, staying healthy, and making the best of your time in El Valle, where you can enjoy the best of Panama without the heat and humidity of Panama City.

This Country Retirement Report focuses on the town of Almuñécar on Spain's Costa Tropical. Whether you choose to live here part- or full-time, Correspondent Lucy Culpepper promises "the charm of a typical Spanish town with the best of northern European influences and services." Not forgetting the local beaches, markets, restaurants, attractions, and fiestas. As the mayor of Almuñécar puts it, "How could you live anywhere else?"

Attracted by the affordable housing options, the modern infrastructure, and the Western amenities, at least 17,000 foreigners have chosen to make Chiang Mai their adopted home. You can live in Chiang Mai for as little as US$775 a month, enjoying first-class medical facilities in a country known for medical tourism. Advantages aside, could you live so far from home? Correspondent Wendy Justice explains both the positive and negatives of a new life in the Land of Smiles.

Also, should you keep your home "back home" when you move overseas? Resident Retirement Planning Expert Paul Terhorst answers the questions you’ll have to ask yourself sooner or later.

Latin America Correspondent Christian MacDonald reports from Uruguay, where he has discovered one of the world's best options for sophisticated seaside living in the little coastal town of La Barra. La Barra, as Christian explains, is also a place where you could generate good rental income if you were to invest now for a retirement home in the future.

Also in this report resident Retirement Planning Expert Paul Terhorst, retired overseas for more than 25 years, since the ripe age of 35, begins a conversation that could be one of the most important of your life.

Paul has survived no fewer than 12 "financial meltdowns" in various corners of the world. In this report, Paul tells you what you need (and don't need) to make the leap to retirement overseas. Paul also shares his tried-and-tested methods for setting yourself up in retirement in a foreign country.

In this report, writer Eoin Bassett introduces you to Turkey--a country full of surprises--focusing on four key areas that would be of particular appeal to retirees. Best for part-year living (for taxation purposes), Turkey will suit the retiree who's not after a permanent move.

Also in your publication, Paul Terhorst forecasts where the markets are headed in 2010--and what this means for the retiree and overseas investor.