Retiring in Belize is relatively cheap for some
In the tourism world, Belize is well known as a small piece of paradise, with its beautiful cayes, Maya temples, diverse cultures, as well as exotic fauna and flora. But as of late, the crime rate, among other social issues, has given the jewel a black eye. But we came across an article on Yahoo Finance, naming Belize as one of the top, most affordable places to retire comfortably. The article shares the story of a couple, Jason and Elizabeth Pearce, who moved to Belize from Canada three years ago. While Elizabeth’s social security funds go to their savings, the Pearce’s have since purchased land on one of the cayes and built a beautiful home using only Jason’s social security income. Apart from affordability, the article highlights Belize’s natural beauty which encompasses hundreds of bird, plant, tree species, a large number of protected areas, including the marine life inside the world’s second largest barrier reef.
Just not for Belizeans. Most of the elderly I know rely on relatives for basic sustenance. The article indicates that these ppl live on $1500 US/mth. Tell me, how many Belizeans do you know who make $1500 US after taxes? Or can afford land on a caye? Belize is beautiful but not affordable to its own ppl, for the most part.
The statements are quite true but we have to know exactly where in Belize that is safe for anyone to retire and live. I am a retired Disabled Vietnam Veteran and have moved back home to Belize my beloved country that I LOVE to death, but I’m not willing to endanger my life to die in Belize City. As a matter of fact, I am so ashame to read articles as this one with all the nonsensical killings throughout the old Capital City, the political & healthcare mess, the incompetent performance of our Law Enforcement & Judicial Officials, and last but not least, the “don’t give a sh-t attitude of our elected Representatives (Both Partys). The whole world is watching now and all that one can really see is a community of you know what, which is very frustrating for us the respectable citizens of Belize. How can anyone from any other district go to Belize City without being fearful for his/her life?. I is a damn outright shame.
More GOOD PUBLICITY FOR BELIZE. We have the potential to be a great nation. All we need is the LEADERSHIP TO TAKE US THERE!!!!!!
True—-and so many more would love to return home and “semi retire” (retire from the U.S. but still contribute productively and substantially to our native and beloved homeland), but the thought scares us to death as we read the daily news reports of unprecedented crime.
Please, administration, get the situation eradicated before it escalates any further!!!!
I wonder if a Belizean can purchase land and build a beautiful home with their Social Security income?
I DONT THINK SO! Ha Ha Ha
Only the bosses of the Belize Social Security can have mansions while Belizeans live like paupers on their Social Security income.
Belizeans Wake Up. Stop throwing away your money to Social Security. You get almost nothing in return. You can save a lot more money if you put your Social Security deductions into a bank, credit union or under your mattress.
If Everyone in Belize STOPS PAYING money to the Social Security it will go under in a few months and no longer be able to RIP OFF the working Belizeans.
HA HA HA! belize a paradise?you dam serious?sick of hearing this ideas,iam a belizean i can say,belize aint no paradise,get your facts straight.and i agree,belizeans should stop paying social security….that social securrity is used for loans for speacial belizeans,mostly in the city.and families of ministers!
What the artcle is saying that yes US retirees can live with their SS if they have an amount of $1500/mo US. But what they forgot to mention is that most of these Americans that recieve that amount is because they are not the average Joe. They have savings in the bank, maybe some other investments and plus the SS.
Jesse to sad to hear that from you but you are the only few that thing so. But if you keep saying and thinking that you will stay behind while others will be reaping. Wake up and take advantage of it.
I’m from the US and can tell you that SS is a pretty good
deal right now. Despite the criticisms of some, in the
US SS is actually administered to at least try to give a
decent life to retired citizens. I don’t know how the system
works (or doesn’t) in Belize, but it’s not really rocket science
to administer a national pension system. Actuarial tables
really do work, and after that it’s relatively simple math to
calculate anticipated need. Don’t take my word for it, try it
yourself with pencil and paper a few times and you’ll see
what I mean. Just start with a rough guess as to how many
Belizeans out of 100,000 will collect and then form your own
estimate of how many years on the average each one will
draw upon the hypothetical fund you are creating. Then try
it using real actuarial tables and you’ll probably be pretty close
to a right answer. Fun with numbers.
Also concerned….u missed the whole point.
Jesse….u stupid or something? Belize is a paradise…and its a shame that ur a Belizean and cannot appreciate your own country….
yes its cheap to retire in belize but for sure its not safe.
US social security sucks – why do you think Americans need to look for a more affordable place to live – my question to the locals in Belize – which country would you go to retire in in order to afford a normal life on your country’s social security?