IL Postcard

Live in the Perfect Retirement Spot for Less Than $600 a Month

Date: 11/06/2008 Author: Laura Sheridan

Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008

Dear International Living Reader,

Lee and Peg Carper live in Cotacachi, a small village in the Ecuadorian Andes. It’s beautiful here—often referred to as the Mayberry of the Andes, and located just two hours north of Ecuador’s capital, Quito. Lee and Peg don’t worry about stretching their retirement dollars in their new adopted home. That’s because their total monthly expenses are less than $600. This includes food, medical expenses, utilities...even the rent of their 1,200-square-foot apartment. On page 20 of your issue this month, Suzan Haskins speaks to the Carpers and finds out why they love their new life in Cotacachi, the friendly town where everyone knows your name.

In your November issue, we also spotlight Huatulco, the Mexican town in the state of Oaxaca that’s poised for boom. “With its nine lush bays and 36 beaches, Huatulco always had the chops to be a major resort. But fame has eluded it, until now,” says Winton Churchill, author and resident of Huatulco. You see, Mexico’s president, Felipe Calderon, has promised a $1.4-billion, four-year investment program in the area. The investment will fund improvements like the construction of a super-highway from Oaxaca to Huatulco—a commitment that has already been approved and is set for completion by 2012. It also includes infrastructure like expanded public water and electricity services, improvements to the marina to attract mega-yachts, and a new hospital. As you can imagine, savvy investors are snapping up these hot Mexican properties and developers are starting to pour in. But for now, you can buy pre-sale condos from $114,000.

“You may have missed your chance for bargain buys in Los Cabos, but it’s not too late on this fabulous stretch of coast,” Winton says. See page 8 of your issue this month to learn more about this exciting opportunity.

This month, Steenie Harvey traveled to Anatolia, Asian Turkey, to explore import-export opportunities here. She found everything for sale in its bazaars—from hand-knotted rugs and regional kilims to mother-of-pearl tables and mirrors, traditional copperware, ceramics, and spices. It’s a shopper’s paradise...and best of all, you can make money by selling the items you buy here back home. “Few import-export trails are more rewarding,” Steenie says. Read her article, starting on page 14 of the magazine.

Also in your November issue, our investment expert, Manraaj Singh, tells you about the ultimate currency that can protect your wealth...you’ll read about the best places to visit in Scotland...find out where you can indulge on gourmet fare for the price of a Big Mac in Latin America...and learn how you can use your IRA to finance your dream property overseas.

Read all this and more in your November issue of International Living magazine.

Laura Sheridan
Managing Editor, International Living

Editor’s Note: If you are an International Living subscriber, you can access your November issue here. If you have not yet signed up to receive our monthly magazine, which is jam-packed with essential tips for living a more luxurious and affordable life overseas, then subscribe today and get instant access to the current and past issues.