I didn’t move to Mexico to save money. I moved to buy back my future

The author did not move to Mexico solely for financial reasons; she relocated to secure a better future for a loved one. Her longtime partner, now experiencing dementia, required extensive care that the author was not prepared to provide in California. After more than three decades in the California real estate industry, the author decided to establish a home base in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where she had been visiting for nearly 25 years.

Initially, she believed she was planning for a future caregiving challenge, but the future arrived much sooner than anticipated.

The author realized that where she lived did not have to dictate where she worked. By owning property in both California and Mexico, she found she could maintain her investments while enjoying a lower cost of living elsewhere. Her move was not only financially motivated but also emotionally driven, as she wanted to ensure she could care for her partner when the time came.

When the author's partner fell and suffered a medical emergency, she was able to arrange private care quickly and with people she trusted, avoiding the potential delays and uncertainties of the California healthcare system. The author's move to Puerto Vallarta allowed her to focus on quality of life and family support rather than navigating complex medical systems and insurance coverage.

Although healthcare across borders presents challenges, the author's experience highlights the importance of having a supportive community and the ability to pay upfront for medical care. For those considering retirement abroad, the author advises thoroughly investigating insurance options, emergency arrangements, and the potential costs involved.