If inflation is cooling why are prices going up?

[frugal-one]

I echo bae above.....we here at Casa Rob have stopped buying most things. I will still shop at yard sales (found some incredible inflation busting deals this Spring when I had a day off) and also we will continue to shop the Goodwill Sold By Weight Clearance Center in Nogales, AZ - the prices are so low there we make up the cost of getting there and back. Other than that, we just choose not to participate in any spending we don't absolutely have to.

At this rate, I believe my take on the necessity of leaving the US to be able to retire in the first place is going to go mainstream or at least not be viewed the slightest bit as radical going forward - it's just too damned expensive in the United States. At least I have a few workarounds to date. I have something like 12 pairs of shoes I bought for $2 each pair the last time I was in Nogales at this Goodwill. That's enough shoes - the point is that I stocked up to not be vulnerable to retail prices.

I don't know the answer here but I am becomming more and more grateful for the economic turmoil I've known in my life. I can auto adjust my standards downward instantly - faster than one can snap their fingers - because I never really believed in the US as a viable long term option. I do feel a little bad for the many folks who are not capable of this automatic adjustment - I see challenging days ahead for many.

It seems SO and I will be travelling next Summer - Bogota/Medellin and not just for tourism but to get a handle if Colombia would make do for lower costs as a place to retire. Anyone in any position to do so - I highly recommend such comparison shopping. I can't see things getting less expensive nor wages increasing very much from here on out. Rob

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.

[gimmethesimplelife]

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

[frugal-one]

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

In hearing about your frugal ways, I doubt you need as much for retirement as you envision. Before I retired I contacted a fee-based financial planner to see if I was realistic about retiring. Have you done this? You might be surprised how little you need. Might be a good idea to check before you turn your entire world upside down??

[Tradd]

Rob, I think your estimate of people who will retire outside the US is very inflated. First question is will the country in question let them in? It seems that a lot of people are clueless about the entry requirements other countries have. I know a number of people who would love to move to Canada. They’re younger, still working. They don’t meet the requirements.

[iris lilies]

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

What is a retirement visa?

[jp1]

Real estate prices continue to be crazy too. I am now thinking maybe Maine is a better place to move to. Here is a house, not out in the boonies, for $185,000:

https://www.realtor.com/realestatean...=srp-list-card

I agree that the house, despite having small square footage, is actually quite nice. Like iris Liy I would worry about the amount of yard to care for. Personally that would probably be a deal breaker unless I could replace all that turf with something more low maintenance.

[Teacher Terry]

And for those completely unwilling to leave the US - Bless you, someone has to stay - I recommend Wichita, Kansas - a place where 135K can buy you a decent house to this day, with a large backyard to grow some of your own food. Rob

Rob, I have lived in Wichita twice. Yes a nice house is cheap. Despite Wichita being the biggest city in Kansas it’s conservative and if I had trouble finding my tribe it would be harder for you. Plus the weather and scenery is awful.

I have to admit the COL is bad where I live but being close to my kids and long time friends is priceless as is the weather and beauty. I would have more money in Wichita but it wouldn’t make up for my losses. Once a spouse dies moving overseas could be very difficult.

[rosarugosa]

Your link is for a house not gardens.

Sorry, this is the correct link:

https://mclaughlingarden.org/

[sweetana3]

Iris lilies, here is info on retirement visas. Keep in mind that it can change on a whim based on whether the country wants retirees and those in the country can pretty much be kicked out if the politics or instability increases. Better website: https://wherecani.live/explore-optio...irement-visas/

[Teacher Terry]

The other downside about retiring to a cheaper country is that frequently a stable country becomes unstable and unsafe and then you have to get out. Not a fun way to spend your life. I don’t know one person that has retired in another country.