A viatical settlement is the sale of a life insurance policy by the policy owner before the policy matures. Such a sale, at a price discounted from the face amount of the policy but usually in excess of the premiums paid or current cash surrender value, provides the seller an immediate cash settlement. Similar to reverse mortgages, viatical settlements involve insured individuals with a life expectancy of less than five years. In countries with high health care costs (such as the United States), this is a practical way to pay extremely high health insurance premiums and other senior care expenses that severely ill people face. Some people are also familiar with life settlements, which are similar transactions but involve insureds with longer life expectancies (two to fifteen years). - From Wikipedia and other sources 5/2007Pattaya, Thailand Retirement!
Yes, you CAN retire on $50USD a day!
Although it may be crass to say, MONEY is everything in this world-by having money, you have the FREEDOM to do most anything you want. You're fortunate to live in the West where you have the opportunity to earn and save sufficient capital to last a lifetime. Even if you don't have a lot, most Western countries' governments will guarantee a monthly income (pension) of around $1,000 (USD) beginning in your early 60s.
And while not much in your home town, it is A LOT in Pattaya, Thailand.
Here's what I mean:
Sample monthly budget based on $50 day-
Housing (including ALL utilities)-$300
Food-$180
Transport-$20
Entertainment-$500
Misc/Everything else-$500
Not bad, eh! 1/3 of your budget is going towards entertainment which is A LOT of SANOOK (fun) in Pattaya!
While our budget of $50 a day exceeds the $1,000 monthly pension mentioned, a little tweaking in the entertainment or miscellaneous categories could bring it in-line. Or, having $100,000 in savings at 6% yields $500 per month thus putting you at the $50 figure.
Note that didn't factor a 'separate' travel fund for the annual trip back to your home country. Inevitably you'll need to back, so ensure you plan for it.
Now if you're too young for a pension, their is hope!
If have around $350,000USD saved, you've hit the mark, assuming a 6% return on your money.
And DON'T be discouraged if you're too young for a pension and short on money--consider 'semi-retirement'.
Make a plan to spend six months or so a year in Pattya, Thailand and the balance working in your home country. This is the 'having your cake and eating it too' strategy!
Go to http://www.retire-to-pattaya-thailand.com for more INSIDER information on retiring to Pattaya, Thailand.
John Galt is the nome de plume of a frequent Southeast Asian traveler and writer. He's the creator of the http://www.retire-to-pattaya-thailand.com website, and the author of the Internet's ONLY newsletter devoted to Pattaya, Thailand retirement.