We are all

concerned

about safety. 

The following email I recently received emphasizes that very fact – our safety. It’s from Edna and she writes:

Hi Barbie: If I want to go and spend a month in Mexico to test the waters so to speak, do you have any information on that? I’m single female, traveling alone. Would it be safe? Thx,  Edna

Edna has a very good question. My response is: No matter where you go, you need to be careful. That includes anyplace in the U.S., too. You need to be careful in Mexico, in New York City, in San Francisco, and in Small Town, USA.

Early morning

I really think  that no matter where you go, you will enjoy it more if you can talk a friend into going with you. My opinion is – you should never go to a strange place alone.

And remember: Get all the information you can before you go. Know what to expect. I have received so many emails from single guys and gals and they have been just fine – but, know where you’re going – know what to do. Don’t be foolish. Do your research and plan ahead.

Talk about safety…

I just got an email from someone who “had a friend” who was in one of the larger cities in Mexico. They were at a bar and decided to walk to their hotel at 3 AM.  Excuse me, but that now no way thinking of safety - was stupid…anyplace!!!  So, the police pulled them over and fined (” robbed”) them of the cash they had on them – $55. Frankly at 3 AM they were lucky something worse didn’t happen to them.

Anyway, I’ll get off my pulpit and just say: BE CAREFUL. Enjoy yourself  and research, research, research before you go, and always be aware of the safety factor.

Maz to PV and back:

Safety article by Barbie.

So, you want to retire?

Then get your finances in order.

Of course, if  you’re soon going to hit that magic age to retire,

it may seem a bit late to worry about.  But, hopefully, you’ve learned to be a bit frugal along the way – put a little bit aside – learned not even to try to keep up with the Joneses (Like the pitiful guy on the television commercial who shows off his beautiful house, his big new car, the golf club membership and then admits “I’m up to my eyeballs in debt!” – poor guy – no – poor stupid guy.)

My husband, Dick, and I learned years ago it’s not how much money you bring in, it’s how wise you are using whatever that amount is.

So, clear up those credit card balances before you are ready to retire…

… and then make it a practice to always pay your credit card debt off each month.  We also feel you should try your very best to have your home paid off – no mortgage in otherwords.

Remember, you’ll most likely want to downsize when you retire - why worry about having to clean and care for a 4-bedroom home when you really just want to head out and get another round of golf in?  Hopefully you can sell that big money-drainer and get something easy to take care of and then, even put a good chunk of cash in your pocket.

I have a chart in my book , Retire in Luxury, that actually has the figures and compares living expenses where we then lived, with those expenses we would probably experience in Mexico, when we retire.   Actually, during the time Dick and I were exploring, in order to decide to where we would and spend these precious years, we had charts for everything – and we even had a chart about what we wanted in a house - what would be really important to us – what was necessary – and what we’d like but could do without– we really are detail folks, apparently!  Especially in retirement, it works for us!

Retire article by Barbie.

Expat

Social Clubs

When you head to Mazatlan to check things out, a fun and easy way to get info is to visit the expat social clubs.

You’ll get opinions on everything from other expats, from banking in Mexico to hearing about the wonderful theater downtown.

Once you’re here, you’ll probably find even more organizations!  Here are some of the groups to check out:

“What’s Up Amigos”  At “When Pigs Fly” 4:00 p.m., Fridays. When Pigs Fly is located on the malecon, about a half-mile south of Valentino’s Disco.

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL  You won’t have to miss your meeting if you call 69-83-90-37

LION CLUB  Located in Av. Insurgentes #1000.Phone: 69-83-28-00, 69-83-12-56

AA MEETINGS  Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 6:30-7:30 p.m. Sunday 10-11 a.m. #333 Sabalo Suite 6 across from Guadalajara Grill, behind stores, 2nd. row (there’s a sign in the window) Golden Zone

ALANON MEETINGS  Wednesday 5-6 p.m., same address as AA. For information call Expat Mike at 69-13-01-32 or Expat Barbara at 69-88-05-68

Get together

AMERICAN LEGION POST #11  All meetings are held at The Place (El Paraje) restaurant on Sabalo Ave.For more information, you can call Commander A. “Sam” Pelzman at 69-85-20-47;or Adjuntant Jerry Alexson at 69-16-66-03

AMIGOS DE LOS ANIMALES  The Humane Society can be reached at: 69-16-71-07.

HANDS ACROSS THE BORDER  This is a group of English speaking expats in Mazatlan, they meet the 2nd Friday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Playa Mazatlan Hotel

FRIENDS OF MEXICO  Meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at El Pueblito Restaurant on Av. Camaron Sabalo. Social hour begins at 9:00 am, with the meeting starting at 10:00 am

FRIENDS OF THE AQUARIUM  They meet sporadically. Volunteers are needed. You can call Kittie at 69-83-99-31 or Vicky at 69-16-62-10 for information

PRO MEXICO  It’s a Mazatlan organization dedicated to help people help themselves. Call 69-85-26-11 for more information.

If you’re an expat or a native, there are seven Asociacion’s Mexicana Automovillistica throughout Mexico. 

I had originally thought there were no auto clubs in Mexico that sort of correspond to our AAA, American Automobile Association – but I was wrong.  I have their contact phone numbers as an addition in my book Retire In Luxury.

You will find most of the meetings have a listing in the local newspaper – Pacific Pearl.

Expat Clubs article by Barbie.

It really is true – and that’s why we have a will.

The only things we can absolutely count on is death and taxes.

Now, why in the world do we find it easy to talk taxes all day long, but just can’t voice the word death?

Live your life to the fullest, prepare, then, face the fact – we’re all going to pass away – nope – folks we’re gonna die…eventually…so, prepare for it.

Make that time is as easy on your loved ones as possible. You made sure the car had gas before letting your teenager drive it, didn’t you? Well, make sure you at least do that much preparation and thought to those who survive, when you die -

through your will or trust.

Health-Care Proxy gives the designated person who you specify, the authorization to communicate your wishes regarding end-of-life medical treatments. Medical Power of Attorney gives an individual you specify the authorization to make medical decisions for you in the event you are unable to make decisions for yourself.  Usually “Trusts” contain these documents along with your bequest – through a will – just make sure you have them, and distribute them to the proper individuals. 

Important – no – VERY important things to do:

Make a list for your executor – whomever you name to handle things after you die. You don’t have to hand all this information to your executor, but make sure they know exactly where you have placed the envelope that contains all this info.  And, no, don’t put it in a safe deposit box at your bank – whoever you designate to handle your affairs may not be allowed access to your box!  I have the password to my computer on the inside of Dick’s underwear drawer!

Things to put on an information list for your executor:

• The location of your will or Trust documents

 (which should have most of this info already listed within it).

• Where the deed to your home is. Or, if it’s mortgaged, who holds the deed and how much the payments are and when they should be paid.
• Names and contact information of family and friends (Another reason Dick will need to access to my computer – my address book.)
• Where you have filed all personal information, such as birth certificates, Social Security numbers, marriage licenses, etc.
• Name of the institution where you bank and where they can find the list of all of your account numbers.
• Location of all insurance papers and account numbers – Life, Home, Car and any others.
• Location where they will find a complete list of your assets along with the account numbers – such as house, cars, vacation home, savings account, checking accounts, IRA’s, investments, etc.
• How to turn your computer on and where you have placed the password! And the passwords to any programs they may need access to such as Quicken, or your Internet bank account.

Okay – so I’ve given you some homework to do. Oh – one more thing – make sure that all members of your immediate family know how to pay the everyday bills – the TV, the phone, etc.

Make sure your partner actually knows how to write a check. Show them to write the dollaramount beginning clear to the left, leaving no space to the left, and to draw a line from thatamount to the end, so that numbers can’t be added onto at the beginning or the end. Nevermake out a check to “cash” – if you loose it and someone finds it, they can cash it.

I think it’s just downright unforgivable to never include your partner in the important job of keeping track of the finances. Sharing the chore will make them feel capable and secure.

Yes I’m a Senior Citizen!  I’m the life of the party …even if it lasts until 8 p.m.  I’m very good at opening childproof caps…with a hammer and I’m very good at telling stories…over and over and over.

Will article by Barbie.