TOP TIPS FOR EXPAT RETIREES

You may enjoy a lower cost of living by moving abroad, but it requires careful planning.

- LAURA PETRECCA

You moved from Las Vegas to Cuenca, Ecuador, in 2010 and now run a website with guidance for expat retirees. Based on your experience, what’s driving more Americans to retire abroad?

Edd: Many people are reaching retirement age with insufficient savings and want more-affordable solutions. Moving abroad can lower your living cost, raise your living standard and preserve your nest egg. It was scary for people to do this when we moved 15 years ago. Today, a lot more information is available, including online communities where you can learn from expats.

Why did you leave the U.S.?

Cynthia: We were casualties of the 2008-09 recession. We lost our careers and most of our financial security. We had to come up with a Plan B. Edd suggested moving someplace where the cost of living was lower. I said, “We're not moving someplace just because it’s cheap.” So we made a wish list and tried to check off as many of the boxes as possible.

Edd: