If you’ve ever dreamed of a freer, more affordable life in another country, you’re not alone. Every year, more financially savvy Americans are choosing to retire abroad—not because they’re running away, but because they see a smarter, more abundant way to live.
This is the story of John and David, two successful finance professionals who realized that staying on the traditional path of “work until 65” no longer made sense. Instead, they decided to challenge the rules, access their retirement savings early, and begin planning their dream life in Mexico.
When Financial Security Feels Like Scarcity
After the 2024 election, John and David lost nearly 90% of their income. Despite having more than $1.4 million in retirement accounts, they still felt broke.
“I just couldn’t understand how we could have this much money,” John said, “and still live in financial insecurity. There had to be a better way.”
Their wake-up call wasn’t just financial—it was emotional. Like many couples on the path to retire abroad, they realized their old mindset was keeping them trapped.
They began researching ways to legally access their funds before age 59½ and discovered IRS Rule 72T. That strategy allowed them to take distributions from retirement accounts without penalty and start living the life they actually wanted—now, not twenty years later.
From Scarcity to Strategy: The Turning Point
As former traders and financial advisors, John and David knew the numbers. What they hadn’t fully examined were their values—and whether the “American Dream” was still serving them.
They sat down, ran the math, and asked:
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What if we sold our house and downsized?
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What if we used geo-arbitrage—earning in U.S. dollars but living in pesos?
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What if we could comfortably retire abroad for less than half of what it costs to live in the U.S.?
Those questions changed everything.
Why They Chose Mexico to Retire Abroad
Like many Americans, they first looked at Spain. But after comparing costs, taxes, and logistics, Mexico quickly became the clear winner.
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The residency process was simpler and faster.
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Healthcare and daily living costs were dramatically lower.
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They could enjoy year-round sunshine, vibrant culture, and world-class food—all for a fraction of U.S. prices.
“We’d been to Mexico several times and never had a problem,” David explained. “It’s no more unsafe than parts of the U.S.—and the quality of life is incredible.”
The Mindset Shift That Makes Retiring Abroad Possible
Most people never take the leap because of fear: fear of the unknown, fear of losing status, or fear of doing something different.
John and David say the key is focusing on what you want—not what you’re leaving.
They call it the abundance mindset.
Instead of saying, I can’t, ask, How can I?
Instead of waiting until everything is perfect, take the first step now.
“Start by picturing your ideal day,” John advises. “Are you walking barefoot on a beach? Reading by a lake? When you can feel that vision, the rest falls into place.”
The Real Math Behind the Decision to Retire Abroad
Many Americans believe they need millions to retire. That belief keeps them stuck.
In truth, a couple with $500,000–$750,000 in total assets can often retire abroad comfortably—especially in a country like Mexico.
Here’s why:
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Housing costs can be 60–80% lower.
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Quality healthcare averages $100–$200 a month.
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A couple can live well on $2,500–$3,000 USD per month.
When John ran the numbers with conservative assumptions—3% annual inflation and 5% portfolio growth—they could live comfortably until their 90s.
How Mexico’s Economy Supports a Better Life
Mexico’s middle class is expanding rapidly, and opportunities for investment and entrepreneurship are growing. For John and David, who spent decades in finance, this was a signal that the country’s long-term trajectory was strong.
“In the U.S., growth is mostly in the stock market,” they explained. “Here, we’re seeing real growth for everyday people. It feels like the U.S. in the 1960s—hopeful, upward, expanding.”
They’ve already diversified part of their portfolio into local Mexican investments, earning returns between 10–15% annually.
How to Start Your Own Journey to Retire Abroad
You don’t have to wait until you have millions. You don’t have to do it alone.
Start with these simple steps:
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Clarify your vision. What do you want your life to look like?
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Run the numbers. Use realistic cost-of-living comparisons.
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Get professional help. Work with relocation experts who understand visas, taxes, and real estate in your destination.
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Take action now. Apply for residency while the requirements are favorable—you can always move later.
As John and David discovered, time freedom is priceless. The sooner you begin, the more life you’ll have to actually live it.
Final Thoughts: You Have More Options Than You Think
Whether you’re sitting on a million-dollar retirement account or just starting to save, the decision to retire abroad is less about money and more about mindset.
“Ask yourself,” David said, “what’s the cost of waiting another ten years? What memories, experiences, or health might you lose by delaying?”
It’s not about abandoning your home country—it’s about choosing your own dream over someone else’s script.
So if you’re ready to explore your options to retire abroad, download the Moving Abroad Checklist or book a consult with our team at EntrepreneurExpat.com/consult. We’ve helped hundreds of families, professionals, and retirees design a life they love—on their own terms, in countries that inspire them.