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COSTA RICA RETIREMENT?

YES, YOU CAN!!!



When should you think about Costa Rica retirement? Or living in Costa Rica?

How about when

It's the dead of winter or. . .

It's the dog days of summer or. . .

You realize life's too short or. . .

A bit of romance would be a pleasant change or. . .

You're tired of working for the bank. . . .

Do you really need a reason?



Retire? Who? Me?

"Retirement at sixty-five is ridiculous. When I was sixty-five I still had pimples." George Burns

Several years ago, the pastor of my church reflected upon turning 40. "As I wonder whether life is passing me by, I think of Moses," he said.

"When Moses was 40 he was still a Prince of Egypt."

"When he was 80, he parted the Red Sea---and I am heartened."

Me, too.

And I still have pimples.

Cafe Britt Fair Trade coffee exp 3/11

The Analysis of Costa Rica Retirement

costa-rica-retirement_horseback-riding

Bet you didn't know that there are more Americans living in Costa Rica than Ticos living in the United States.

Not to mention thousands of Canadians, Europeans, Chinese, and others.

Many chose to move after their vacations to Costa Rica.

Some came here for the allure of Costa Rica retirement (or just to horse around).

Most are here because of, well. . .

Pura Vida.

"That's nice, " you're probably saying, "But should I retire to Costa Rica?"

I think that depends on five things.

First, why live in Costa Rica?

Second, can I afford it?

Third, where should I live?

Fourth, What can I do here if I want to work sometimes?

Fifth, Do I want to be a resident (and what are the rules)?

Let me start with the "why."

And remember. . . I'm talking about retiring TO Costa Rica, not retiring from something.

Why Live in Costa Rica? Some Call It Paradise

I live just outside of San José where it's spring-like year round. Seldom above 85° and never below 60°. Check it out for yourself.



CNBC calls this place "Paradise Found" see why here

Can You Afford It?

Of course, Costa Rica retirement depends upon whether you can afford it.

Click to learn more about Costa Rica cost of living.

Tips for Living in Costa Rica

Whether you're thinking about retiring or simply moving here, I've got some important tips for living in Costa Rica.

I call the first Vol. 1: Tips about banking, telephones, and internet when living in Costa Rica, click.

And, if you're like me, you'll probably grapple with these questions when thinking of Costa Rica retirement. What should I bring?

In Tips, Vol. 2 you'll find some thoughts--and money saving tips--about your car, furniture, household items, and large appliances when you move to Costa Rica, click.

Go to Vol. 3 if you'd like info about Social Security and how and when to pay your bills when you retire in Costa Rica, click.

Costa Rica Residency

No discussion of retirement in Costa Rica is complete without considering whether legal residency is right for you.

Do you have to be a Costa Rica legal resident to retire here?

What are the rules of the residency road?

What are the benefits of residency?

Click for a primer on Costa Rica immigration.

Retiring To Costa Rica: Sweetening You Up

March 2010 was a big month for Costa Rica wannabee retirees.

New President sworn in, a woman everybody simply calls "Laura."

My birthday (in case you want to send a card next year).

New immigration law took effect.

Government announced seniors from out of Costa Rica are of "government interest"----meaning, there is a plan afoot to sweeten the pot to lure you into retiring in Costa Rica!

What Can You Do Here If You Want to Work?

And What's This About $85,700?

"At my age I do what Mark Twain did. I get my daily paper, look at the obituaries page and if I'm not there I carry on as usual." Patrick Moore

If that's your daily routine, maybe Costa Rica retirement is not for you.

But, if you're interested in working in Costa Rica (even if you're otherwise retired) you need to know the rules, click to see the opportunities and, yes, find out about that $85,700 when you retire to Costa Rica.

Working In Costa Rica

Whether you're considering moving or retiring to Costa Rica but feel the need to continue making money, click here for info about how you can work in Costa Rica.

Working For Yourself

If you're serious about Costa Rica retirement or perhaps just working on your own schedule, you need a plan.

In the last section, I discussed the need to know the rules and laws for working in Costa Rica, the restrictions and opportunities (if you didn't view the opportunities page, I suggest you do so now).

So, I devised a plan.

Remember, I retired TO Costa Rica instead of retiring FROM something so the plan aims at fulfilling my life rather than merely filling my days.

I want to work but not for somebody else.

Not 40-50 hours a week.

Not every week.

My plan is working for me and I'm confident that

something like it will work for many others.

And, though I implement my plan for living in Costa Rica, it'll work anywhere in the world.

Why? Because the earth is flat. . . .

If I can do it (and I did it), you can, too---whether you are in Costa Rica, Dubuque, Dubai, or Dublin.

Just make a plan. Here's an idea, click to see about working for yourself.



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