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Retirement, the beginning of life!

Considering retiring to Spain? then all I can say is stop considering it and just DO IT!!

You will no doubt have reservations about moving abroad, especially if you haven't enjoyed many Spanish holidays to know what it is really like. Most of the doubts that retirees have is over health, family or finance issues. To try and allay your concerns, I will pass on what most other people have found once they took the plunge and moved to sunny Spain.





HEALTH - yes health, which is one thing you will find you have more of by living alongside the 'Med'. The warm sunny days, clean air and cheap healthy diet works wonders on the body no matter what age you are. Sometimes though, we do have health conditions that these benefits do not have great effect on, so we turn to the medical profession instead. Spain has a greater number of doctors per capita than any other european country, and a health system that I feel is second to none. The staff are approachable, the hospitals are clean (VERY CLEAN), and for those in receipt of a state pension, medical services are free. Throughout Spain you will find many G.P's who are willing to take you on to their lists, and are normally based in large general medical centres that cater for for minor ailments, tests and check up's. There are also superb large hospitals with full medical facilities including A&E departments. You are in safe hands!!!

FAMILY - As with most families in the U.K. it becomes increasingly difficult to get to see each other what with work pressures and other commitments, let alone the time it takes to get through the sheer volume of traffic. Since moving here some three years ago, I see more of my 'in-laws than I ever did in the U.K. as it took us about three hours to travel 160 miles. You will probably find that your family will happily join you for a holiday more frequently and for longer periods than if you added up the occasional hours visited on birthdays and at Christmas. That is only if you give them your address !!!

FINANCES - Although prices have risen in Spain, they still offer better value for money for your pension especially if you shop in a traditional Spanish town as opposed to a coastal holiday resort. Electric is perhaps more on a par with the U.K. but water, rates, fuel etc. are much lower. If you enjoy fresh fish, meat, fruit and vegetables, then you really are onto a winner even if you eat out. Another consideration is the purchase of your new villa. If you feel that after purchasing your new home, you perhaps don't have as much left as you would have liked, then why not consider having a mortgage to release capitol as your 'safety net'. Please do not feel that this is a step backwards in life, far from it, it could be the key to unlocking a long and enjoyable life. Let me give you some thoughts on this matter. Providing you have a regular income which a pension is, then banks would look favourably to lending you money against a property providing you were able to pay it back without over-stretching yourselves financially. If you wish, you can then put this money into a high income account with the bank, which will go some way as to paying part of the interest back on the loan but allowing you to use some of it to enjoy whatever you enjoy most. You could buy a boat to go fishing, visit some of the fabulous cities throughout Spain, or shop 'til you drop at the many genuine sales the shops here have.

Life here however isn't all a bed of roses, you may have to draw up a rota as to who gets out of the pool to serve the cool drinks!!

Seriously though, if you are genuinely considering moving to enjoy a better way of living, please come over to get a greater insight as to whether it is what you are looking for. If you need any assistance, please feel free to contact me on our contact us page and I will respond to you asap!!