Quote Originally Posted by frugal-one View Post
I have traveled extensively and can honestly say there are few places that compare to the US. The standard of living in South America and elsewhere is very low. There is more to living than how little you can get by on to live. I would hate to have to retire with that mindset.
I agree with you that this is an unfortunate mindset to have concerning retiring. That said, how many Americans realistically will have a sufficient asset base as to think in these lofty terms you describe? Some will, yes, I don't deny that - but the vast majority? Leave the US on a retirement visa to a lower cost country - or work until death or at least much longer than you would have to if you departed the US.

In this scenario, how many will stick around in the US? It will be interesting to see to be honest as this reality is playing out now as we speak and given the givens, I can't see it not intensifying going forward. Rob