Retirement in Costa Rica on Less Than US$1,000 Per Month. ” I am living again!”

I worked construction all my life. I was two years from being able to get retirement when I was injured on the job. After fighting with workman’s compensation for 5 years, I finally had my broken ankle fixed.

By this time I had lost my house, savings and retirement. Now I was in my 50’s, no work history and injured. I could not get a job!

So I went on Social Security, $1,000 a month to start. I just existed on that in California. I figured I had 1/4 of my life left to live. Living for me is all about experiencing things and making memories so I decided to move to Costa Rica.

I did not know any Spanish, never been here before and did not even know anyone who had been here. I came anyway.

The first week I was here I found an apartment for US$300 a month. It included everything, utilities, dishes, sheets, cable TV – I mean everything. I was in heaven. I do not have a lifestyle that requires much money.

I walk now or ride a bus instead of driving. I have lost 35lbs. All of my health problems are gone, acid reflux, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, depression and some others.

They say you need to exercise when you age. Here I exercise not only my body but my brain. I love the challenge of the continued learning you have here. I have been able to travel to all the other Central American countries on my Social Security.

I have been married and divorced here. I was on a bus in Guatemala that was shot at. Been on many buses that have broke down away from the city. I have had troubles at border crossings.. and on and on.

I am making memories, I am living again!

Now I have since moved to Matagalpa, Nicaragua. Not better than Costa Rica but different. If I had come to here instead of Costa Rica, I would not have made it. Costa Rica for me was a stepping stone. It taught me so much it will always have a place in my heart.

I believe whether a person is happy here is all up to them and how the perceive life. Nobody takes care of you here like in the U.S. Here you have to step over the uncovered hole in the sidewalk because nobody will cover it up for you.

I had not realized just how much the government in the states did in my everyday life but I like caring for myself.

Written by VIP Member Ira Stephenson

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Andrew Makarik

to@welovecostarica.com

Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.