tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1611711622146875201.post1766066801518154929..comments2024-03-28T21:23:54.204-04:00Comments on DON'T READ THIS; IT'S BORING!: Places We Are Considering Retiring To-The Financialsslugmamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12728856166374248591noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1611711622146875201.post-87004348852656610212016-03-15T11:20:08.715-04:002016-03-15T11:20:08.715-04:00Gee you left out IL. Why would you do that? ;pGee you left out IL. Why would you do that? ;pSonya Annhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01985227040902078422noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1611711622146875201.post-70050781209217145982016-03-12T21:17:31.582-05:002016-03-12T21:17:31.582-05:00I have no idea about retirement, let alone where. ...I have no idea about retirement, let alone where. I hadn't thought to realize the cost of living to do so. I guess this is all based on the intuition I will not live long enough to retire. Ur-spohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04237644452200889946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1611711622146875201.post-18334003827079126712016-03-12T14:07:02.890-05:002016-03-12T14:07:02.890-05:00Oh, I agree Hawai'i is not for everyone, but i...Oh, I agree Hawai'i is not for everyone, but it's not as bad as a lot of people make it out to be. I guess my point is that like you have done, it's important to drill down and look at ALL the numbers before either deciding to relocate or writing somewhere off as a retirement location. Know what you want and why you might want to live there and then see if it will work for you. Do your research, and be honest with yourself about what you're looking for, what you might be willing to give up and what you're not will to give up. As I said, we added Hawai'i to our list initially as a joke, but it's turned out to be exactly what WE wanted in a retirement location, and cost- and otherwise it works for us. Laurahttp://theoccasionalnomad.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1611711622146875201.post-56616850194568078042016-03-12T10:09:09.370-05:002016-03-12T10:09:09.370-05:00We are not born and raised PA people so have no co...We are not born and raised PA people so have no compunction to stay here. It's not bad where we are but very provincial. I think I'd like Western PA better(Erie or Pittsburgh)if I had to stay in PA. There are good things about the state(govt. corruption not being one)but it's just not where I want to be(though it does beat NJ where we came here from).<br />Staying close to family is important in life so I am glad you are happy with how you handled your retirement. Thanks for your comment.slugmamahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12728856166374248591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1611711622146875201.post-66131038772573376512016-03-12T10:05:19.599-05:002016-03-12T10:05:19.599-05:00I'm with you, our #3 being a musician too will...I'm with you, our #3 being a musician too will be a wandering one most of his life I am assuming and none are really settled for good so we really can't bank on moving to X or Y state yet to be near them.<br /><br />I have told my kids that once Hubs passes they are stuck with me....each one of them gets my company for 4 months out of the year and every year we repeat that. lolzslugmamahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12728856166374248591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1611711622146875201.post-77426946448670002232016-03-12T10:02:54.321-05:002016-03-12T10:02:54.321-05:00I am assuming that the 4 mos. in MN/WI are going t...I am assuming that the 4 mos. in MN/WI are going to be the Summer one? lolz<br />We are contemplating traveling after retiring but before putting down new roots. Sort of RV across the country and then maybe some international travel/cruising. Perhaps we can live out of the RV on one of our kids' property between adventures, at least for awhile. That way we don't have a house somewhere to worry about/pay to maintain while in traveling phase.<br />We could use the kid's address for legal purposes(send bills/mail/taxes)until we settle somewhere I suppose.<br />Just so many options at this point.slugmamahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12728856166374248591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1611711622146875201.post-32742202556688120552016-03-12T09:58:20.368-05:002016-03-12T09:58:20.368-05:00I am aware the Hawaii has one of the cheapest prop...I am aware the Hawaii has one of the cheapest property tax games in the country but the inventory and prices of houses sort of counteract that, don't they unless you get the old age perks? lol<br />Thanks for your thoughts and I guess if you want something enough you find ways to make it work. 8-)<br /><br />I am glad you are enjoying the island life but this isn't for us.slugmamahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12728856166374248591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1611711622146875201.post-66454116886883601782016-03-12T09:53:35.444-05:002016-03-12T09:53:35.444-05:00I am sure there are community forums on relocating...I am sure there are community forums on relocating to most any place you could search out.<br />We lived in Metro NY/NJ for 3 years(and Hubs is from that area). Couldn't wait to get out of there....I am not a big city person(tho I grew up in one). I grew up by the ocean too so if given my druthers I'd be near the water.<br />We don't have any desire to be in a 55 community either.<br />We do want to travel as well and are considering after we sell to see the world before putting down new roots, or putting down small/inexpensive roots so we are free to travel.<br />Thanks for your comments.slugmamahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12728856166374248591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1611711622146875201.post-64687641279138893722016-03-12T09:48:31.502-05:002016-03-12T09:48:31.502-05:00Cindi,
This post was just about teh financial aspe...Cindi,<br />This post was just about teh financial aspects. Of course we are considering much more than that as well.<br />Our kids are still not settled so we really can't take their locations yet into consideration. The only other family I have is a brother in Southern VA(not going to move closer to Hubs siblings-they are disasters waiting to bloom lol).<br />Access to medical care is critical for me....restaurants, movies, not so much. We are thinking a college town(if not too big)too.<br />Lots to mull over that's why I am doing it now, years before we pull the trigger.<br />Thanks for your imput.slugmamahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12728856166374248591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1611711622146875201.post-81350634928672128352016-03-12T09:43:54.302-05:002016-03-12T09:43:54.302-05:00Yah, CA was NEVER going to be on my list! lolzYah, CA was NEVER going to be on my list! lolzslugmamahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12728856166374248591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1611711622146875201.post-82967432389461045942016-03-12T09:43:20.353-05:002016-03-12T09:43:20.353-05:00Lots of aspects of retirement to consider.Lots of aspects of retirement to consider.slugmamahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12728856166374248591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1611711622146875201.post-48029273496543872062016-03-11T21:23:47.335-05:002016-03-11T21:23:47.335-05:00I'm filing Sluggy's post and your reply in...I'm filing Sluggy's post and your reply in my planning folder. You've added a lot to what Sluggy already has researched for me to think on. I guess I feel like I'll retire like my parents and inlaws did-lot's of travel, but when illness comes, closer to family.SAMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16485146123969622896noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1611711622146875201.post-34960379190399041752016-03-11T19:14:07.215-05:002016-03-11T19:14:07.215-05:00Wow! You have really done your homework. I notic...Wow! You have really done your homework. I noticed California isn't on your list. Har!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1611711622146875201.post-12308558891066723782016-03-11T15:55:17.911-05:002016-03-11T15:55:17.911-05:00We did move when my DH retired, but not out of Pa....We did move when my DH retired, but not out of Pa. We moved to a different township, to a smaller house and property and MUCH lower real estate taxes. We wanted to stay close to family. We are very happy that we did move…..coleenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08411567702618432556noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1611711622146875201.post-71885788202777178482016-03-11T15:46:33.021-05:002016-03-11T15:46:33.021-05:00That's a lot of data. Wow. I didn't realiz...That's a lot of data. Wow. I didn't realize you were considering so many other places.<br />Lorrainehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15328674280714013955noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1611711622146875201.post-33056445731712033102016-03-11T15:46:26.876-05:002016-03-11T15:46:26.876-05:00As a medium time retiree I can safely say that exp...As a medium time retiree I can safely say that expenses and taxes are important BUT they are not the end all of the cure all. You have not even touched on medical care. From the many lists I browse, I know that LA has horrible medical care. <br />You will find out as you age, that unless you are near family and extremely good friends, as you get sick, your friends leave you one by one. No one wants to be near an ill person. Trust me, they run like the plague. I have seen my girlfriends fall ill, need oxygen etc and the social girlfriends refuse to pick her up, help her into her car, drive her to the doctors and on and on. Eventually, you get dropped from almost every social circle which can depress you to no end.<br />You also don't mention closeness to amenities such as entertainment, restaurants, music, social events, exercise, hiking, swimming, biking, dancing....again, trust me. As you age, even a game of bingo can be a life saver. These social events though can not be too far away. For you drive less and less as you age. You have to have fitness amenities in retirement otherwise you just fade away. Quickly. And you must have a social network AND family members close by. That's why I think people move twice in retirement. Once to have fun. And then for the last time before you die.<br />All your financial calculations are important but again, after you make a move, what's to stop the state from changing the financial situations? Taxes are always changing AND you can guarantee they will be going up, up up.<br />My advice is to select a location first: close to relatives. 2nd think of costs. Make sure you have access to a large social network and amenities. Make sure a medical outlet is nearby that is experienced in Medicare, so look for an area that caters to a lot of elderly people. Keep yourself active and exercised because you will be sadly surprised how quickly your health can deteriorate. As I turned 65 I lost 20 pounds and got my heath together. I am also moving closer to my brother and sister and made sure my kids have easy access to get to me and stay with me when tragedy finally comes. The less I own, the easier it is to manage.<br />I live in the #1 worst state to retire: New York. And I am moving to the #1 best place to retire: Florida. Affordable living, fantastic medical care, millions and millions of retirees who band together and make sure laws, taxes and other events that matter to seniors stay intact or get better, plenty of activities and easy access for family to visit and reside.<br />Good luck.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1611711622146875201.post-20728819659100080302016-03-11T15:12:02.378-05:002016-03-11T15:12:02.378-05:00Thanks so much for posting all of this great infor...Thanks so much for posting all of this great information! The "where to retire" conundrum is on my mind a fair amount these days. I am 60 and working full tilt (probably harder than ever before). DH is 67 and newly retired. We both love to travel, so when the time comes we hope to be doing a fair amount of that while still having a home base. <br />We are in NJ-very high property taxes, no tax at all on food (grocery) or clothing, and a low gas tax. Both kids live here (although 2 hours apart). My mom is still alive and about 3 hours away. My sister lives near Mom, and although she is further away from retirement, I suspect that she will head south eventually (probably NC). We are blessed with great friends within our immediate area and also some within an hour or so-but a number of them are in the process of downsizing and have either left or will leave NJ. My big issues with moving are:<br />(1) the kids, who will probably stay in NJ-although you never know; (2) our home, which I have been hopelessly in love with since I first saw it 20 years ago; (3) our proximity to NYC, Philadelphia, Baltimore, DC, and the beach, which has been great for weekend trips; (4) being able to get to my Mom by car; <br />(5) our wonderful friends, although I started out here not knowing a soul and feel comfortable I/we could make new ones; (6) great health care and (7) proximity to several major airports.<br />We went to one of those "Live South" shows but have not explored much. We know that we don't want Florida (unless our accountant convinces us)-we own 2 timeshare weeks there and love visiting, but we both love the change of seasons. North Carolina appeals to me because of its beauty, a slightly more moderate climate; its many colleges and universities; proximity to the beach and mountains; great health care in the Raleigh/Durham area; a couple of decent sized airports; and a culture that may be a bit more tolerant of newcomers from outside the area. <br />I have visited 3 over 55 communities in NC-one in the Wilmington area and two in the Raleigh-Durham area. I liked Wilmington (funky little city not far from the beach, very friendly people at the over 55 community, very pretty, less expensive over 55 homes and an Osher Living Learning program at UNC-Wilmington). I also liked the Durham/Chapel Hill area (great restaurants, better shopping, better health care, 2-3 Osher Living Learning locations plus other learning and volunteer opps for retirees, great health care). I will say that of all the states I have visited, the ones where I have felt most at home are California and North Carolina. California is too far and too costly, so North Carolina could be a good fit But I am so torn! Not sure if there are any websites where you can ask those who relocated about how it has gone. DH wants to head further south. He also reminds me that when we married (a remarriage for both of us), I had to move an hour south of where I had lived previously, worried about it incessantly, and ended up being incredibly happy about the move. <br />Since we do love to travel, I have also thought about being nomadic like SAM (at least initially). I would consider renting out our home and traveling for a year or two, although I worry about the potential landlord headaches.<br />I guess that is enough of an epistle!BethChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11402491034361993069noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1611711622146875201.post-38766347308921898422016-03-11T14:54:44.693-05:002016-03-11T14:54:44.693-05:00As you know, we moved to Hawai'i just about tw...As you know, we moved to Hawai'i just about two years ago. Some things are more expensive here (housing, food, gasoline) but not as high as you are often led to believe. Most of the statistics you read are based on Honolulu prices which ARE very expensive. We're on Kaua'i, and while some things are a bit more here, overall the cost of living is lower. Hawaii'i charges a 4% GET tax versus a sales tax. Even with the tax though, if you shop carefully, prices are not all that much higher than what we were paying back in Oregon. For example, the Suave shampoo I bought in Oregon (where there is no sales tax) was $2.79/bottle. At Walmart here, with the tax, the same shampoo is $2.83. Prices in Costco are the same or maybe just one or two dollars more than they were back in Portland. Gas here is currently $2.49/gallon, but we don't drive as much or as far as we did in the past (Oahu/Honolulu is another story - long commutes there due to traffic). Although utilities are higher, we don't have to pay for heating or air conditioning, and don't use as much energy as we did back on the mainland.<br /><br />The big difference here compared to other locations we looked at is taxes. Property taxes are very low if you're going to buy, and seniors get a big discount based on their age. For example, when we were looking at buying last year, our ANNUAL property tax would have been $150!!! Social Security, and all federal and state pensions (no matter where they're from), are not taxed by the state of Hawai'i. Non-contributory pensions are not taxed either, and only a portion of contributory pensions are taxed (not sure of the percentage). People scoffed at us because neither my husband nor I rolled our company-funded retirement accounts into Roth IRAs, but we would have paid tax at the time of the rollovers (both Federal and to Oregon). But, we don't pay any state income tax now on withdrawals from our traditional IRAs, and so far withdrawals haven't affected our Federal tax either. That situation will of course be dependent on your income and sources, but it's similar for some other retirees I know here. Basically, the low tax situation here for retirees ameliorates some of the other cost of living issues. <br /><br />After drawing up a list of nine criteria for a retirement location, we added Hawai'i to our list of possible locations as a joke. We're in a somewhat unique situation in that we still have children in high school and/or going to college, so that had to be accounted for, but mainly we were looking at things like weather, location, recreation, military services nearby, and so forth. Out of our nine criteria, Hawai'i met eight - the only thing it missed on was cost of living, but we knew we could figure that out and we have. I can't imagine living anywhere else now.Laurahttp://theoccasionalnomad.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1611711622146875201.post-19547400943297683142016-03-11T12:21:35.017-05:002016-03-11T12:21:35.017-05:00I like the way you are thinking about retirement m...I like the way you are thinking about retirement moves. We will move once TheHub retires and my mom is no longer living in her home. We have kids on both coasts and are seriously thinking of buying a condo in Oregon,keeping our lake place here, and dumping our current house. We thought about a small house in Portland but if we are there part time we don't want the yard upkeep. <br />The jury is still out about where Son3 will land after school and I don't see us doing anything but visiting him occasionally because I think he will have more of a gypsy lifestyle never staying in one place very long. Who knows though, I could be wrong.<br />It is a lot to think about and not as easy as I had thought it would be when I was younger and doing the thinking.Anne in the kitchenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01533249631969001657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1611711622146875201.post-41643788612655644972016-03-11T11:09:55.397-05:002016-03-11T11:09:55.397-05:00We really plan to spend our years in a full on tra...We really plan to spend our years in a full on travel mode-having multiple places, but needing a home base. Keeping the maximum amount of retirement funds is going to be crucial, but I know there are minimum number of months that you have to live somewhere to reap the benefits if they are a low tax/no tax state, so not sure how our vagabond life in retirement will impact that. We want to spread out time roughly 3-4 months warm weather stateside or international, 3-4 months international travel/long term stay short of immigrating (so time needs to be factored to meet laws) and then a minimum of 4 months Midwest-Minnesota/West Wisconsin as we have the family lake place in Wisconsin. We have at least 7-9 years to plan, so will be doing research on all things. SAMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16485146123969622896noreply@blogger.com