Peaceful Overseas Escapes

September 2, 2024

With election madness ramping up, even a cursory glance at the headlines serves as a reminder of how volatile and divisive U.S. politics have become. Add to that a string of global crises and conflicts, and the desire to somehow escape from the chaos becomes easily understandable. I’ve long been on a mission to identify…

Why We Picked Panama

August 26, 2024

Why were Lief and I drawn to Panama in the first place, some 26 years ago? And why have we invested more in this country than anywhere else in the world? It’s partly because Panama’s is one the greatest economic success stories in the world. Massive Growth Has Been Due Largely To Foreign Investment When the United States handed…

The 5 Cheapest Places To Buy Property Abroad In 2024

March 4, 2024

High prices, a high mortgage rate, and dwindling supply… Prospective homebuyers in the United States face a near-impossible situation, and home sales are suffering as a result. They’re at their lowest levels in 13 years. Instead of waiting on a frozen market to thaw, those interested in buying property for lifestyle or investment should look…

Making The Most Of 2024

January 1, 2024

All the calendar days of a new year in front of us… Each one begging to be filled with discovery. I’d say that this world of ours is a pretty great place to be. I make the point in case you’re worried the opposite is true. In this age of 24/7 real-time news, it can…

Following The Path Of Progress On This Charming Caribbean Island

December 18, 2023

When you come to Belize, pay no mind to Belize City. This is the Calcutta of the Caribbean, the city a friend says he’s going to put on the cover of the “World’s Worst Cities” coffee table book he’s threatening to publish. Belize City isn’t Belize. It’s just the place where the country’s one and…

A Caribbean Beach Lifestyle At A Bargain Price

November 20, 2023

My first trip to Belize, some 30 years ago, was organized courtesy of the Belize Tourism Authority (BTA). I was a starting-out travel writer; the BTA was looking for press. This was well pre-“Survivor,” pre-“Temptation Island.” The only people who knew this tiny country existed way back then were divers and backpackers. And Morley Safer.…

Panama In 2023—The Truth About Life On This Isthmus

October 23, 2023

I woke up this morning, brewed a pot of Irish breakfast tea, and, as has been my custom for decades now, sat down at my laptop to write you a letter.  I want to focus your attention this week on Panama. Trouble is... I’ve been telling people about Panama for 25 years. In fact, I…

A Rich Cultural Scene And World Class Health Care

August 30, 2023

Dear LIOS Confidential Reader, The first time I ever recommended Americans think about retiring overseas was back in 1985. When I began making these kinds of suggestions, I was sometimes met with suspicion… sometimes ignored… now and then even attacked as part of the lunatic fringe. The good news is that today the idea of…

A Look At The Different Lifestyles In Belize

December 12, 2022

Reef, Rivers, Ruins, And Rum—Why I Love Belize We believe Belize is one of the best places in the world to live, retire, invest, and chase

Live In Ecuador And Drop 50% Of Your Expenses

December 5, 2022

The Cheapest Place In The World To Retire Well—On Less Than $800 A Month Ecuador is the number-one place in the world for a cheap and luxurious retirement. In fact, no matter where