Mexico’s Overlooked Retirement Havens.

July 9, 2009

Dear International Living Reader,

Mexico is the world’s top retirement haven–it took first place in IL’s last two Annual Retirement Indexes.

More than one million Americans call Mexico home and enjoy its rich culture…perfect climate…affordable living…not to mention the mountains, beaches, deserts, and just about everything in between.

These new American retirees range in age from early 20s to 80+; their days and nights filled with moon-lit fiestas, strolling mariachis, languid white-sand beaches, ancient colonial towns set in the rugged Sierras, even more ancient Mayan pyramids rising from the misty Yucatan jungle…

In many ways, Mexico today is like the U.S. was 50 years ago–relaxed, simple, and affordable. That’s why we’ve put together a report on this country that shows you how to easily take advantage of every opportunity Mexico offers.

Regardless of your age, whether you want to live, invest, vacation, retire, or simply relax in Mexico, this report shows you how to do it.

The report is called Mexico’s Overlooked Retirement Havens. If you’re interested in getting a free copy, you can read more about it below.
Sincerely,

Martina Dunphy
Executive Director, International Living

Why Are One Million Americans
Moving to Mexico?

There’s a real side of Mexico that you rarely see…
And it’s the reason Americans are moving south of the border in droves.

Dear International Living Reader,

In many ways, Mexico today is like the U.S. was 50 years ago–before big government, big business, and special interests whittled away the lifestyle our parents took for granted…

Then, neighbors still trusted one another… and you could afford to raise a family on one income… People were more family-focused… more relaxed.

They didn’t worry about random violence, mass shootings in schools and shopping malls… Life seemed safer… children could ride bicycles around town… they didn’t worry about being abducted.

There was less crime… and less crime-fighting.

Unfortunately, that life is now gone in the U.S. But in Mexico, it’s still much like that today. There, life is still relaxed, simple, and affordable…

You can still get quality health care without spending a fortune each month. For instance, the government-funded health care uses the same high-tech medical procedures that are available north of the border. But the cost is significantly less–only $270 per year.

That’s your cost without any additional co-pay or deductible… and it includes all of your medications. You can get car insurance from as little as $540 per year. And, you can live comfortably, even hire a housekeeper–on just $2,000 per month.

Retirement Havens – Retire in luxury without spending a fortune.”

What most people don’t
know about Mexico

Unfortunately, most people never see the real Mexico. They get their ideas about Mexico from the resorts and tourist shops they visit on their holidays.

“According to UN statistics, you’re 3 times more likely to be a victim of crime in the U.S. than you are in Mexico.”

But that description isn’t any more accurate than a person visiting Disneyland, assuming they have seen the U.S. And, for these people, Mexico outside the tourist areas is the Mexico they’ve seen on television… much like the old Wild West that the U.S. was so long ago. But nothing could be further from the truth. Contrary to what the press would have us believe, Mexico is actually safer than the U.S.

According to UN statistics, you’re 3 times more likely to be a victim of crime in the U.S. than you are in Mexico. Recent FBI statistics paint the picture even more clearly… The murder rate (per 100,000 people) in Baltimore is 43.3… in Washington DC it is 29.1… and in Detroit 47.3… But in Mexico, the murder rate again is just a third of that… about 13.

Anyone can tell you that there are certain neighborhoods in Los Angeles, Washington, or Detroit you should avoid. That’s where the crimes happen.  Likewise, people living in Mexico would tell you about isolated areas in their country (like in Mexico City, or those along the border) that you should avoid.

Unfortunately, when people vacation, they often leave their common sense at home. And sometimes they do risky things they wouldn’t otherwise do. The truth is, people in Mexico are more honest, friendly, and welcoming than the media would have you believe.

There is a lot more to Mexico that most people just don’t know…

• According to U.S. government figures, Mexico’s economy moved ahead of Canada’s last year, making it the 12th largest economy in the world.

• BusinessWeek reported on Mexico’s growth too, saying, “The ranks of that middle class have swelled to record levels… Millions have access to mortgages, solid jobs provide security, and a class of strivers saves to put its kids through college.”

• Unlike the U.S., Mexico is one of the world’s largest oil exporters and sells 1.7 billion barrels of oil to the U.S. each day. As a result, Mexico’s economy is actually strengthened by today’s rising oil prices.

• Mexico’s stock market has also taken off. In fact, over the past five years, Mexican markets have outperformed U.S. stocks (as measured by the S&P500) by 10 to 1.

• This year, Mexico’s government has launched a 5-year, $250 billion program to build new highways, railways, airports and ports throughout the country.

• And today, there are countless state-of-the-art hospitals and care homes being built specifically to service the aging baby boomers arriving from north of the border.
• No wonder Kiplinger’s calls Mexico “one of the most popular retirement havens.”

· “Mexico is, “Bargain numero uno.”
– Fortune Magazine

Mexico can give you all the conveniences of modern life that you’re used to. It has a stable government and a First-World infrastructure, including high-speed internet, mobile telephone networks, high-tech medicine, paved multi-lane freeways, and much more.

Yet for millions of people, Mexico is still largely undiscovered. They know nothing, or very little, of the wonderful benefits this country has to offer.

But with the amount of changes taking place, we don’t believe that the real Mexico will stay undiscovered for long…

North America’s favorite
retirement destination

Some places in Mexico have long since become famous among expats.
You can still move and enjoy the laid-back Mexican way of life. But property prices here have already gone up. And the best deals are long gone.

But there are places in Mexico where few expats have treaded. Places where white sandy beaches stretch for miles…where the water is warm and calm… and children can swim safely.

In fact, some days you may not see a soul. And when you do, you’ll see most people getting around by golf carts. And in town, the local restaurants are known for their dish of fresh fish and shrimp–marinated with lime, tomatoes, vinegar, oil, cilantro, and garlic.

A well-connected businessman, Coca-Cola executive, and friend of former president Vincente Fox, has already bought 20 parcels on this coast. And more parcels were snatched up by other well-informed individuals. This area is on the verge of a large property boom. According to the government’s Director of Tourism and Development, a new 6,500-foot runway and airport is not far behind.

You’ll explore the emerald-green reefs of the Caribbean, where you can explore sunken Spanish galleons and swim with hundreds of colorful fish. (Jacques Cousteau called this one of the five best dive spots on earth.)

Discover the ancient kingdom of the Mayas and the vast pyramids and temples they left behind. More International Living readers have retired to Mexico than to any other country we write about.

“It’s the quality of life” that we hear the most about. Some talk of the relaxed pace and the smiling faces of the local people…others mention the small-town feel and the comfort of safe streets…or the non-intrusive government, where politics don’t matter so much.

“When you can afford to hire a maid, a cook, and a gardener, all of a sudden you have time to read…to golf in the mornings… relax on the beach… to savor life.”

But whatever their initial remarks, they all agree: Your money buys more south of the border…and that makes for a decidedly comfortable life.

In fact, you can enjoy all of the modern conveniences of life, including state-of-the-art medical coverage…and all of the benefits of Mexico, including hired domestic help…for $20,000 per year. You may prefer a deserted Caribbean beach as your backyard……where the comforts of home (restaurants, a well-stocked grocery store, medical care, etc.) are just a short drive away… if you’d like to live in an English speaking community–shop at Costco or Home Depot…rent movies from Blockbuster and eat at TGI Friday’s… there are plenty of places to choose from.

“The land of opportunity”
– Canadian Business

Lots that you could have bought for $20,000 a few decades ago, are now worth millions.

• A Beachcomber’s Paradise. Unwind in the most beautiful and comfortable place where gentle evening breezes keep you cool…the ocean waters are a comfortable 80 degrees…and the tides roll out for half a mile…

Your Last Chance at Paradise…

By taking advantage of Mexico’s affordable lifestyle, you can dramatically slash your living costs, improve the quality of your life, and get in on the ground floor of some of the world’s greatest property opportunities.

But you’d better be quick. These opportunities won’t last forever. We believe this might be your last chance to get in on Mexico before the last secluded hideaways are discovered, and the last property deals are finally gone.

NEW MARKETING HUB LAUNCHED FOR CANADIAN CONFERENCES

PRESS RELEASE

- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –

NEW MARKETING HUB LAUNCHED FOR CANADIAN CONFERENCES - ConferenceZone.net aims to boost visibility of conferences, visitors to Canadian cities, and competitive positioning of small business and non-profit sectors.

Ottawa, ON – May 6, 2009 – Canadian cities, small businesses, and non-profit organizations are now able to enhance their visibility on a website designed to promote conferences and the vendors that serve them. ConferenceZone, billed as Canada’s Find a Conference – Plan a Conference – Serve a Conference Destination, provides free membership and access for meeting planners in 24 cities to promote their upcoming events; receive information, news, and trends on the conference planning industry; and to identify reputable vendors and professional service providers. As the ailing economy is poised to further impact the declining tourism industry in 2009, ConferenceZone, to be promoted online and in print across Canada and around the world, will be a useful tool to promote meeting facilities, attractions and events, and local hospitality.

“ConferenceZone is a bright-spot in these tough economic times for conference planners and for the local vendors that cater to them,” says Melissa Peneycad, Principal at Nova Vista Strategy Group Inc. “Building communities is our passion and we are delighted to work with so many talented small businesses and non-profit organizations across Canada to increase their visibility and positioning in the marketplace.”

In June, a comprehensive directory of reputable meeting vendors and other professionals that serve the conference industry will be launched to provide additional resources for meeting planners. To qualify for a profiled listing each vendor must meet a pre-determined criterion that affirms them as small business and non-profit-friendly. This summer, students from universities across Canada are being hired to meet with businesses to promote ConferenceZone and to evaluate their qualifications for vendor membership.

Advanced online tools, currently in development, will soon be made available for planners to enable conference delegates to register, receive their schedules and programs, access live webinars, and evaluate their events online. Vendors will receive email alerts whenever a conference is newly listed in their city and a planner has indicated a need for their product or service.

“This year has been presented significant economic challenges for small businesses and non-profit organizations, and ConferenceZone is a positive solution”, says Dr. Wayne Adams, former Nova Scotia provincial cabinet minister and Sr. Principal of Nova Vista Strategy Group Inc. “We feel confident that by increasing the visibility of thousands, we can help curb the economic losses that our sectors have sustained.”

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For more information about ConferenceZone, please visit www.ConferenceZone.net, call M. Daniel Roukema, President & Sr. Consultant, Nova Vista Strategy Group Inc. at (613) 683-5979, or email droukema@novavista.ca.

About Nova Vista Strategy Group Inc.

Nova Vista Strategy Group Inc. is an Ottawa-based company with associates in Ontario, Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan that provides small businesses and non-profit organizations with the strategies and tools required to enhance their visibility, positioning, and overall competitive advantage in the marketplace. The firm specializes in web solutions, public engagement and facilitation, and non-profit management consulting. For more information visit www.novavista.ca or email droukema@novavista.ca.

 

Technorati Tags: ConferenceZone,Novavista,Daniel Roukema,Dr. Wayne Adams

The Current Economy …. & Roddie Mac

THE TIME TO ACT ON THE ECONOMY IS NOW: MCNEIL

Today at 1:31pm

(Halifax, NS) Liberal leader Stephen McNeil is today criticizing Rodney MacDonald for lacking an economic plan and is insisting that the Nova Scotia economy has already begun to feel the effects of the global financial crisis.

“Nova Scotians can’t afford to wait any longer for this government to act decisively,” explains McNeil. “Rodney MacDonald has said this province won’t feel the effects of a downturn for six to eight months. This proves how out of touch he really is.”

McNeil points out that several major Nova Scotia companies are already suffering due to worldwide economic decline – a fact that has clearly eluded MacDonald.

“This government has expertly handcuffed our province’s economic growth for nearly a decade,” said McNeil. “The MacDonald-led Conservatives completely failed to manage the economy during what were relatively good times, leaving Nova Scotia with absolutely no financial flexibility to deal with an impending downturn.”

“The fact is that from 2002 to 2006, Nova Scotia’s economic growth was the worst in the country – 10th out of 10 provinces,” reminded the Liberal leader.

McNeil noted that he hosted a small business roundtable earlier on Wednesday, where Nova Scotia-made jobs led the agenda. The Liberal leader also plans on hosting a series of economic roundtables throughout the province in the coming weeks and months.

“Small business is the strength of any economy and that certainly holds true for this province,” contends McNeil. “Having this open dialogue with the business community will help us move the economy of Nova Scotia forward instead of simply waiting for a recession as Rodney would have us do.”

“While the United States is now coping with the effects of poor management at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the Nova Scotia economy has been long suffering due to the repeated failures of Roddie Mac.”

Premier’s Priorities Are Mixed Up

Monday, September 22, 2008 at 11:39am

 

It wasn’t too long ago that Rodney MacDonald was managing the Nova Scotia campaign of a federal Conservative leadership hopeful named Stephen Harper. While one soon became premier of this province and the other became Canada’s 22nd prime minister, their questionable leadership has more often than not been a detriment to Nova Scotia.

The demise of the Atlantic accord gave us our first glimpse at the type of leadership brandished by the Harper-MacDonald team. Premier MacDonald threw Nova Scotians and MP Bill Casey under the bus in order to cater to Prime Minister Harper’s demands. Stephen Harper broke his word to Nova Scotians, and instead of demonstrating leadership by standing up for his province Rodney backed up the prime minister.

These days, it appears the old team is back together again. After a politically motivated Harper government yanked two coast guard vessels from our waters, the premier “defended” Nova Scotians by writing the prime minister a letter. A partisan political decision costs our local economy 124 jobs and an estimated $12 million, and the premier couldn’t even place a telephone call to his close personal friend?

The Harper-led federal Conservatives then attempted unsuccessfully to stop a provincial committee from exploring the loss of those same coast guard jobs last week. That provincial committee moved to condemn the transfer of the icebreakers and once again, the MacDonald government let Nova Scotians down. All three members of the premier’s caucus present voted in favour of moving the ships to Newfoundland; more to the point, they voted in accordance to the prime minister’s wishes without the slightest regard for their own province.

Throughout this federal election campaign, Premier MacDonald has repeatedly and purposely misled Nova Scotians by echoing Stephen Harper’s inaccurate rhetoric around the Green Shift. Whether from MacDonald or Harper, the people of this province are still not hearing about the federal Conservatives’ plan to put a price on carbon.

Every party and every leader, including Stephen Harper, will be putting a price on carbon in this country. However, only one leader plans to give that money back to Canadians, and that leader is Stephane Dion.

Under the leadership of Rodney MacDonald, Nova Scotians are coping with some of the highest gas prices in the country, thanks to a failed attempt at regulation. The premier’s political stubbornness and absolute refusal to admit his mistake with regulation is costing the public millions of dollars. We are being gouged daily at the pumps, and the only way to stop the suffering is by scrapping gas regulation immediately.

Liberals have been calling for the end of gas regulation since its inception; the premier refuses to listen.

A leader recognizes his mistakes and acts decisively to correct them. Premier MacDonald has failed on both counts.

Under the leadership of Rodney MacDonald, Nova Scotians are facing a fifth power rate increase in seven years and the indication that volatile electricity prices will only continue to skyrocket. A decade of Conservative neglect has left this province entirely addicted to imported fossil fuels and dirty coal. While the rest of the world is moving to renewable green energies, the premier lacks the vision to move Nova Scotia Power in that direction.

A leader has vision and a viable plan to secure a prosperous future for his constituents. Premier MacDonald has failed on both counts.

Without energy security, the future for Nova Scotia appears bleak. Green energy can provide that security and is the only way to stabilize the ever-increasing price of electricity.

Nova Scotia has tremendous assets in wind, tidal and solar power generation, but Premier MacDonald’s indifference is allowing those opportunities to go to waste. In our own backyard, other provinces have begun generating renewable energy that Nova Scotia simply can not take advantage of. The premier has allowed this province to become an energy island with no means to draw green power from regional sources.

The premier shouldn’t be acting like he’s still Stephen Harper’s campaign manager here in Nova Scotia; he should be acting like a leader by standing up for Nova Scotians.