A California Gen Xer who retired early to Colombia on a $3,423 month-to-month pension explains how a lot he pays for housing and different payments

A California Gen Xer who retired early to Colombia on a $3,423 month-to-month pension explains how a lot he pays for housing and different payments

a man walking on the beach, facing away from the camera

Jeremy Teitelbaum, 56, (not pictured) moved from California to Colombia for retirement.Crispin la valiente / Getty Pictures

  • Jeremy Teitelbaum, 56, moved from California to Colombia for a extra reasonably priced retirement.

  • Rising residing prices within the US are driving many retirees to hunt cheaper choices overseas.

  • Teitelbaum’s $3,423 month-to-month pension covers his bills in Pereira, Colombia.

To Jeremy Teitelbaum, the climate in Pereira, Colombia, appears like “everlasting spring.” The 56-year-old by no means will get uninterested in the cool breeze, mild rain, and dependable sunshine.

Teitelbaum moved to the town a couple of yr in the past. After a well being scare, he left his profession as a speech communications lecturer in San Luis Obispo, California, and selected to maneuver overseas.

“I do not suppose there actually is something in regards to the US that I miss,” he stated.

In keeping with paperwork reviewed by Enterprise Insider, he lives on his $3,423 month-to-month instructing pension. Teitelbaum can begin amassing Social Safety in six years when he turns 62, however his pension covers all the pieces he wants in Pereira proper now. He stated costs in Colombia are a lot decrease than within the US.

As the price of residing continues to rise throughout America, it is changing into frequent for older adults to maneuver overseas. Worldwide retirement gives journey expertise, and plenty of really feel their cash goes additional. BI has heard from individuals who moved from Texas to Panama, California to Italy, and Minnesota to Mexico.

In keeping with the Social Safety Administration, over 700,000 US employees retired overseas in 2022, the newest out there knowledge. This pattern comes as thousands and thousands of child boomers live on mounted Social Safety or pension incomes with restricted financial savings. On such a decent funds, many battle to afford requirements like housing, meals, and healthcare as they age.

Teitelbaum hasn’t dominated out a part-time job. However, for now, he feels financially snug and is having fun with retirement.

“It is a very relaxed life-style,” he stated.

Teitelbaum says life in Colombia is cheaper, and he plans to proceed touring

Teitelbaum stays busy. He volunteers a couple of hours every week instructing English as a second language and takes Spanish lessons. He additionally walks his canine, goes swimming, socializes with associates, and takes day journeys to close by cities and landmarks.

His one-bedroom house prices lower than $500 a month, and his utility, water, and cellular phone payments add as much as about $150 month-to-month. The remainder of his funds goes to groceries, eating places, social actions, and any healthcare he wants. Teitelbaum stated life in Colombia prices about 25% to 50% lower than in California.

As soon as he begins amassing Social Safety, Teitelbaum stated his instructing pension can be diminished. Even so, he feels assured he could have sufficient revenue to dwell on in Pereira — and he has a number of thousand {dollars} in financial savings to drag from if he has surprising bills.

Not all older adults can afford to maneuver overseas in retirement, and a few discover their pension or Social Safety incomes aren’t sufficient to pay the payments. However Teitelbaum does not plan to return to full-time work — or to America — anytime quickly.

He hopes to journey subsequent to Machu Picchu, Buenos Aires, and perhaps Italy. However, irrespective of the place he calls house, Teitelbaum stated he’ll nonetheless go to Los Angeles to spend holidays together with his daughter.

“Wherever on this planet I’m, I am going to at all times come house for Thanksgiving,” he stated.

Have you ever chosen to retire overseas? Are you open to sharing your expertise? In that case, attain out to this reporter atallisonkelly@businessinsider.com.

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