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longlegsinlapaz
Super Nomad
Posts: 1685
Registered: 11-18-2005
Location: La Paz
Member Is Offline
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Osprey eloquently touched the harshness of the land; I’d like to address what I feel is the next logical factor…the people
factor. I liken the people who make a successful transition to life in Baja to the pioneers who crossed the plains to begin life anew
in the West. It certainly isn’t for everyone, and IMHO, those who succeed are the ones who researched the hell out of all things they personally
require to make their life successful & fulfilled; as well as many that aren’t required, but exist here & could have an adverse impact. Even
with extensive research, it takes a certain personality to thrive here. Finances definitely play a role to a certain extent, but in my mind, the more
important factor is an inherent ability to adapt to a new culture, different climate & a totally different life style. Individuals who have the
ability to leave their USA lifestyle, standards & expectations at the border are more likely to succeed in making the huge transition & find
happiness in their new surroundings. I believe it takes a certain breed of hardy pioneer genes flowing in our veins, the ability to not only accept,
but to embrace the differences we find here; an inherent ability to hit the ground running, to deal with obstacles (real or perceived) on the fly, to
roll with the punches.
Those who can’t or aren’t willing to adapt to the reality of Baja typically end up disillusioned, dissatisfied, unhappy & blame
it on the land, the culture, the climate…when in fact more often than not, it’s their own fault. Lack of factual knowledge of what you’re going to
encounter, having steadfastly stuck to your gringo standards & expectations, lack of truly knowing yourself & what you can or would be willing
to change or forego in your life…in my experience are the greatest factors to success or failure.
Each individual person or couple are the only ones who know their needs, their likes & dislikes & have the ability to differentiate between
genuine need versus want. Type of lifestyle, food differences, limitations or availability, medical requirements, comfort level with all things new
& different. Social & lifestyle differences vary greatly between life in a quiet little fishing village versus being in or near a larger
town. How important is having an airport located within what you consider reasonable distance to you? Do you plan on insuring your casa and/or
vehicle? Language skills, or lack thereof. Weather…how well does your body deal with several months of 100+ temperatures, not to mention high
humidity. IMO, all these things are are just as important to take into consideration as money.
Thorough research will help prepare you, but there’s still a high likelihood that you’ll be blindsided by something(s) that you hadn’t come across in
your research. Reality is something that comes along when we least expect it & has the uncanny ability to skew the best-laid plans!
I don’t feel there’s such a thing as “the typical Baja retiree”. I own my home, don’t have local health insurance, have no existing medical problems
beyond occasional severe allergic reaction to wasp stings, take no medication other than infrequent OTC, have veterinary expenses for 2 dogs & a
cat, I carry both homeowners & vehicle insurance, I eat well (mostly at home), rarely drink, not yet drawing SS & have lived here on fixed
monthly income of $1,000 USD since 1999. I live in a nice home…I live well & don’t feel deprived. Planned or unplanned out of pocket
medical/veterinary costs & annual insurance premiums are the most difficult things for me to budget for; electricity also can fall in there,
despite my efforts to conserve.
If you want it bad enough, you'll find a way to make it happen!
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Cypress
Elite Nomad
Posts: 7641
Registered: 3-12-2006
Location: on the bayou
Member Is Offline
Mood: undecided
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longlegsinlapaz, Agree with you on all counts. But, the year 'round
fishing is something that factors into the equation.  On the Sea of Cortez side
the fishing is less than what it's cracked up to be. Hate to come across as
being negative, but it cost me several $$$ to learn that. Would advise anyone
with expectations of catching mucho fish not to buy into the PR promoting the fishing unless you're a real triggerfish fan and most of them are
dinks.
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comitan
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4177
Registered: 3-27-2004
Location: La Paz
Member Is Offline
Mood: mellow
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I guess its my time to chime in, Osprey, Legs, and Cypress have said it well.
Strive For The Ideal, But Deal With What\'s Real.
Every day is a new day, better than the day before.(from some song)
Lord, Keep your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth.
“The sincere pursuit of truth requires you to entertain the possibility that everything you believe to be true may in fact be false”
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vandenberg
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5118
Registered: 6-21-2005
Location: Nopolo
Member Is Offline
Mood: mellow
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Stick to this and it won't take much to get by.
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BajaGringo
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3922
Registered: 8-24-2006
Location: La Chorera
Member Is Offline
Mood: Let's have a BBQ!
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Cypress - I would never be confused with someone who really knows what they're talking about when it comes to fishing but is the SOC becoming fished
out or are there other reasons behind the decline? I ask this because I have heard from several folks who do fish a lot on the Pacific side of Baja
that this was a great year for fishing???
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Iflyfish
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3747
Registered: 10-17-2006
Member Is Offline
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comitan
pithy amigo pithy...but i repeat myself. these are the guys that know it well and and know well how to say it
Iflyfish
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Udo
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6346
Registered: 4-26-2008
Location: Black Hills, SD/Ensenada/San Felipe
Member Is Offline
Mood: TEQUILA!
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My book will just be an expanded version of what longlegsinlapaz has so eloquently written. So far I have 22 titled chapters but I may have to
dedicate a couple of chapters just on what longlegs and Osprey have to say.
Udo
Youth is wasted on the young!
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Pescador
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3587
Registered: 10-17-2002
Location: Baja California Sur
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Cypress
longlegsinlapaz, Agree with you on all counts. But, the year 'round
fishing is something that factors into the equation. On the Sea of Cortez side
the fishing is less than what it's cracked up to be. Hate to come across as
being negative, but it cost me several $$$ to learn that. Would advise anyone
with expectations of catching mucho fish not to buy into the PR promoting the fishing unless you're a real triggerfish fan and most of them are
dinks. |
Well, I knew I should have taken Cypress fishing. While I think there is some serious decline in fish stocks, the fishing last year could only be
described as epic in the Santa Rosalia to Loreto area. I will admit that there is a fairly sharp learnin curve and one must pay their dues either by
hiring real professionals or going out with those in the know.
The Pacific side from Abreojos to Asuncion just finished one of the best years in anyones memory and was probably related to available baitfish in
the area.
So while it did not work for Cypress, the main number one reason I retired where I did was the fishing. When that goes, there will be a nice house
for sale in a sleepy little fishing village.
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Cypress
Elite Nomad
Posts: 7641
Registered: 3-12-2006
Location: on the bayou
Member Is Offline
Mood: undecided
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Pescador, You could probably catch a mess of fish out of a mud hole. I'm heading
down towards the LA/MS marsh country this winter. No doubts at all about being able to catch plenty of specs, flounder and red fish. Won't need a
guide to teach me how to catch 'em. Was raised down there with a rod and reel in my hand. The shrimp don't cost as much as in Baja and the Blue Crabs
are abundant. Those San Lucas oysters are great, but the MS/LA oysters are choice, actually bigger and better. Can't comment on the Pacific side
fishing, never had the pleasure, not likely to get over that way any time soon. Good luck with all your trials and tribulations.
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longlegsinlapaz
Super Nomad
Posts: 1685
Registered: 11-18-2005
Location: La Paz
Member Is Offline
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Udo, could ya hold off until Osprey & I can meet with an attorney regarding plagiarism laws? We'll get back to ya!
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Udo
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6346
Registered: 4-26-2008
Location: Black Hills, SD/Ensenada/San Felipe
Member Is Offline
Mood: TEQUILA!
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I already discussed it with OSPREY, you were next on my list! 
Udo
Youth is wasted on the young!
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Hook
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9010
Registered: 3-13-2004
Location: Sonora
Member Is Offline
Mood: Inquisitive
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Soulpatch, I'm also a CalPers recipient. But, because I paid into SS my whole career, my CALPERS benefit is figured by taking the average of my 12
highest earning months and reducing the AVERAGE (not the benefit) by 133.00/month. This reduced average is then used to determine your monthly pension
in conjunction with variables for length of service and age at retirement.
I have also not heard anything about a diminished SS payment due to belonging to a defined benefit plan. Except, of course, that you can have your SS
benefit reduced, through taxes, if you earn too much, especially if you take early retirement.
This bears some researching............
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LOSARIPES
Nomad
Posts: 283
Registered: 8-14-2008
Member Is Offline
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62 it'll be. Right now, I am not even sure I will get to 62, much less to 74... Thanks for the info...
Aripes
God bless America
and Baja tambien
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Hook
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9010
Registered: 3-13-2004
Location: Sonora
Member Is Offline
Mood: Inquisitive
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| Quote: | Originally posted by LOSARIPES
62 it'll be. Right now, I am not even sure I will get to 62, much less to 74... Thanks for the info... |
Yes, most all financial advisors have been recommending that you start taking benefits at age 62, although there was some speculation that advice
might change if SS is diddled with (and it will have to be). However, Obama went on record during the campaign that he would NOT increase the ages for
retirement and would NOT reduce the benefits. Apparently he will increase the maximum salary that pays into SS and probably increase payroll taxes on
employers, too. But I seem to remember the CFSS (Commission on Fixing Social Security, MY ficticious acronym!) saying that alone would not fix SS.
[Edited on 11-12-2008 by Hook]
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Hook
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9010
Registered: 3-13-2004
Location: Sonora
Member Is Offline
Mood: Inquisitive
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| Quote: | Originally posted by soulpatch
Yeah, I haven't paid into SS for a long time. That was the rationale stated in their letter |
Probably what happened is that when figuring your potential SS payout, they look at what you paid IN over your highest 35 years of paying SS. Once
they averaged those few years you were paying IN with all those ones you weren't and THEN figured your benefit, it was small. Probably less than
50.00/month.
But I hear you. If you're paying in ANYTHING, why not get something back?
I have never understood the criteria that allows a non-working (i.e., non-contributing to SS) spouses/dependents to collect SS after the death of the
contributor. THAT has to be a huge drain on SS.
[Edited on 11-12-2008 by Hook]
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CaboRon
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3401
Registered: 3-24-2007
Location: The Valley of the Moon
Member Is Offline
Mood: Peacefull
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Hook
Except, of course, that you can have your SS benefit reduced, through taxes, if you earn too much, especially if you take early retirement.
This bears some researching............ |
I retired at 62 and for the next several years there is an earnings limit of approx $13,000-- after which my benefits witll be reduced.
CaboRon
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Hook
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9010
Registered: 3-13-2004
Location: Sonora
Member Is Offline
Mood: Inquisitive
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Ron, let's say you exceed 13k for the next two years and then drop below that in the next year. Does the SS reduction remain in place or is it
adjusted for the following year?
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k-rico
Super Nomad
Posts: 2079
Registered: 7-10-2008
Location: Playas de Tijuana
Member Is Offline
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For those retirees that can't afford housing in the US, Mexico is a good bet from the financial point of view. Medicare is a problem tho. Perhaps the
answer is to live in Mexico close to the border.
To that end, I have a real nice 3bdrm, 2 bath condo for rent in charming, quaint Tijuana, only $6,500 pesos! It's in a better TJ neighborhood and
since it's on the second floor, it's secure (compared to those on the first floor).
Only the front windows are exposed to gunfire in the streets and the cops have gotten real good at quickly removing bullet riddled cars and corpses
from the street, so that's not much of a problem.
And as the peso continues to devalue, less and less of your social security check will go towards rent - what could be better?
It's a quick, one block dash to the grocery store, so your exposure to the violence while food shopping is minimized and there is a hospital close by
in case you get caught in the crossfire.
U2U me if interested.
If desired, I'll install bullet proof windows. Cable TV too!
[Edited on 11-12-2008 by k-rico]
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shari
Select Nomad
Posts: 13048
Registered: 3-10-2006
Location: bahia asuncion, baja sur
Member Is Offline
Mood: there is no reality except the one contained within us "Herman Hesse"
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I have been thinking about this alot over the last few days. What is interesting is that there are very few families in our area who make what many of
you collect in SS a month and they support their families OK.
As many have said...downsizing, living frugally, ridding yourself of any payments on debts and lifestyle changes are the key to living in baja on SS.
I am amazed at the difference in rents, leases etc. between developed areas and small villages. It would be easy to live on SS if you buy/rent a
little place that ISNT on the beach. Rents are very cheap here for example and you can buy a small fixer upper for 10-20 grand in smaller
villages...and there are still lots of places you can live in your camper/RV for free if you dont need "fancy".
BAJA IS NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART....but it is entirely doable if you live like a mexicano...and you will certainly learn many new things and new
values.
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CaboRon
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3401
Registered: 3-24-2007
Location: The Valley of the Moon
Member Is Offline
Mood: Peacefull
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Hook
Ron, let's say you exceed 13k for the next two years and then drop below that in the next year. Does the SS reduction remain in place or is it
adjusted for the following year? |
Don't quote me on this, however I believe the adjustment happens once per year, and the benefit level can be restored, and might even be a little
higher when the SS contribution for your earned income is figured in.
I do know that each year around November you are sent a questioneer (sic) that asks your projected earned income for that year.
CaboRon
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