No Regrets!
Jan. 17, 2011, Ambergris Caye, Belize: Ann Kuffner and her husband retired early from careers in San Francisco and relocated to Ambergris Caye, Belize, where they have built new lives and new businesses.
*** Save 50% Off The Cost Of Attending Any Conference On Our 2011 Calendar! ***
Dear Live and Invest Overseas Reader,
"'Do you have any regrets about moving to Belize?'
"That's the question we're probably most frequently asked, both by our neighbors here on Ambergris Caye and also by friends and family back home in the States," writes Belize Correspondent Anne Kuffner.
"Without hesitation, my husband Mike and I answer, 'No. No regrets. Not a one.'
"The folks back home often find it baffling that we could be as happy--in fact, happier--living here in little San Pedro Town than we were living in the San Francisco Bay Area.
"Initially, we invested in property on Ambergris Caye because of our love for the Caribbean Sea and the laid-back tropical lifestyle on this island. Even today, years later, we're still thrilled to be surrounded by so much beauty, color, and nature.
"But there's another attractive aspect of daily life on Ambergris Caye that kept drawing us back to this low-key Caribbean retreat: The people and the strong sense of community we perceived here from the start. I'd never experienced anything like it before. In a big metropolitan area, like the San Francisco Bay Area, one can easily feel lost in a sea of bodies. It's difficult to get to know your neighbors.
"On my first return trip to Ambergris Caye, I was greeted again and again by people who remembered me from the prior year! Everywhere I went, on the beach and around town, people recognized me and reacted as though they were seeing a long-lost friend...even though I'd met them only once before! It was a revelation for me. I seemed to have more friends in San Pedro than in California, where I'd been living for so long.
"And even if they don't know you at all, people in San Pedro Town smile and wave as you pass. The people here are friendly, welcoming, and helpful. They'll go out of their way to lend you a hand, as a matter of course.
"Volunteering is common in San Pedro. Almost everyone gives back to the community in some way. There's always a fundraiser being planned or taking place—maybe for the Saga Society (Humane Society), the Holy Cross School, Green Reef... Sometimes the goal is to raise money to help a particular family or friend in need. This has really touched me to see neighbors helping neighbors in such a real way.
"Mike and I are living at Grand Baymen, a condo development we've been involved with from the start. We describe it as a 'Caribbean Community.' The owners and investors who spend time here are more than mere neighbors. They have become our friends, our very like-minded community. We see them and enjoy their company regularly--at the pool, on the beach, in restaurants, in town...
"I find it comforting, at this time of economic and political upheaval and uncertainty worldwide, to live in a place where everyone knows me and my husband, where we are part of a happy, contented community of people who are not worried over their futures because they have taken control of their futures. We're all here building new lives together. We lend a hand to help each other any way we can. We all look out for one another."
Kathleen Peddicord
Editor's Note: Belize Circle members are invited to spend two nights as Ann and Mike's guest on Ambergris Caye, enjoying a firsthand look at this beautiful Caribbean island and a personal tour of expat life in this English-speaking safe haven. Full details are here.
----------
Free Presentation: Why You Don't Have To Worry About Affording Your Retirement
In the United States and elsewhere, this is shaping up to be the retirement era of scraping by and making do. But not everywhere. In key spots around the world, not only can you maintain the standard of living you enjoyed during your hard-working years...you can improve it.
In these 10 places, you can live better...for less.
In this just-released video, I walk you through the secret to realizing the retirement you've dreamt of your whole life...even on a Social Security retirement budget.
You owe it to yourself to find out how. I urge you, therefore, to take time now to review this just-released video presentation.
----------
Continue Reading:The Wall Street Journal says: "If you're thinking about living abroad in retirement, this book is essential reading..."
"Whether you're in the 'what if?' stage, or have graduated to an investigatory visit, or are now seriously intending to live overseas...the book How to Retire Overseas will be one of your essential resources." ---Rapid River Arts & Culture (Asheville, NC)
Order Now
Kathleen Peddicord is the founder of the Live and Invest Overseas publishing group. With more than 25 years experience covering this beat, Kathleen reports daily on current opportunities for living, retiring, and investing overseas in her free e-letter.
Her book, How To Retire Overseas—Everything You Need To Know To Live Well Abroad For Less, was recently released by Penguin Books.
Sign up for the Overseas Opportunity Letter
Receive our editor's latest research reports...absolutely FREE!
The Best Places For Living
And
Investing in the World for 2012