NEWSWORTHY
As recognized experts and thought leaders on travel and retirement abroad, Edd & Cynthia Staton are regularly featured in worldwide media outlets.
July 4, 2023 ~ TravelAwaits
How You Can Vacation Internationally For Half The Price This Summer
By Edd and Cynthia Staton
Are you dreaming of a summer getaway but worried about the cost? What if a fabulous international vacation was possible at half the price you would expect to pay?
It is through the magic power of a fascinating and misunderstood concept called geoarbitrage. In this article, we explain how it works and share insider tips.
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June 14, 2023 ~ Smart Money ~ MACC-TVCTV
Tips on Living Abroad
Hosts Julia Anderson and Pat Boyle
The mission at Smart Money is to empower their listeners by providing expert knowledge on consumer and financial issues.
Julia and Pat, thanks for the opportunity to be guests on your video podcast. We covered health care, visas, top countries, and how living abroad in retirement saved our assets!
JOIN US HERE
July 26, 2023 ~ TravelAwaits
Why The Trendy Town Of Alpharetta, Georgia Should Be On Your Radar
By Edd and Cynthia Staton
Over the past 20 years, a remarkable transformation has taken place in Alpharetta, Georgia. It's now a trendy destination attracting locals and visitors alike.
With its charming historic downtown, upscale shopping & entertainment, hip culinary scene, and outdoor recreational spaces, Alpharetta offers something for everyone. See top things to do...
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March 20, 2023 ~ Next Avenue
Travel More, Spend Less
By Edd and Cynthia Staton
After happily living as expats in Ecuador for more than a decade, two years ago we decided to reimagine our retirement once again.
So we hatched a plan to leave home and travel full-time on our Social Security budget. We've flown from 20 airports to 25 cities in 10 countries learning along the way how to stretch our dollars, euros, and pesos!
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9 Surprise Life Lessons We've Learned As Expats In Ecuador
TravelAwaits ~ April 9, 2023
By Edd and Cynthia Staton
We have learned so much about ourselves living as expats since 2010 in Cuenca, Ecuador.
In addition to becoming more patient and resilient, in this article we reveal something that may surprise you as one of the greatest blessings of our expat life.
Health Care for Expats
Next Avenue ~ March 13, 2023 (Re-posted on MarketWatch & Morningstar)
By Edd and Cynthia Staton
The availability, quality, and cost of good health care outside of the United States are topics we're frequently asked about.
In this piece we cover Medicare abroad, health care options in a foreign country, and share some of our personal experiences.
11 Best Things To Do In Enchanting San Miguel De Allende
TravelAwaits ~ March 3, 2023
By Edd and Cynthia Staton
There is so much more in Mexico than world-renowned beach destinations.
After visiting the Riviera Maya, we spent weeks in the highland city of San Miguel de Allende. Here are some of the best things to see and do in this expat haven.
8 Key Tips For Planning A Successful Retirement Scouting Trip Abroad
TravelAwaits ~ February 13, 2023
By Edd and Cynthia Staton
After all of your research to determine the perfect place to retire abroad, we recommend planning a scouting trip.
Discover why deciding when to go could make all the difference. Also, we include tips for setting a realistic budget and list in-country expenses to consider.
A couple that retired early abroad share 4 strategies that allow them to live and travel on a $2,500-a-month budget
Business Insider ~ February 2, 2023
By Kathleen Elkins
We hope our story in this comprehensive article inspires others facing retirement with an uncertain financial future.
Kathleen, we're grateful for the opportunity to share our money-saving strategies, particularly in the area of geographic arbitrage.
Taking the Road Slow Traveled
Next Avenue ~ January 20, 2023 (Re-posted on MarketWatch & Morningstar)
By Edd and Cynthia Staton
For the past several years, we have practiced a form of travel rapidly gaining in popularity among the 50-plus set called Slow Travel.
We share what it is and why to consider this different approach. Sound intriguing? Here are some ideas to get you started, plus insider tips from our experience.
More Newsworthy Articles, Interviews & Podcasts
By Edd and Cynthia Staton
Our article reveals a critical mistake we made almost 13 years ago when we moved abroad to Cuenca, Ecuador.
In addition, we identify the most common blunders new expats make and suggest practical ways to avoid them.
By Kathleen Elkins
The interview for this piece took us back to the beginning of our relationship and the events that led us to expatriate.
Kathleen, thank you for telling our story. We hope your article helps others to realize their retirement dreams.
By Edd and Cynthia Staton
We spent a month scouting Lancaster, Pennsylvania, as a potential retirement destination.
This city has been repeatedly ranked as a top place to retire in the U.S. We were surprised and share the reasons why.
By Edd and Cynthia Staton
To keep within our Social Security budget when traveling, we most often book private rooms through Airbnb.
Our experiences have been varied and sometimes unexpected. Here we share tips on how to navigate this accommodation option and some interesting Airbnb stories.
By Edd and Cynthia Staton
Penthouse apartment. Weekly housekeeper. Fresh flowers. Regular massages and spa treatments.
That’s a thumbnail description of what our life in Cuenca, Ecuador was like for over 10 years. On a Social Security budget. Sound to good to be true? We share all the details is this article.
By Edd and Cynthia Staton
If you are one of the 71 percent of Americans making purchases with either cash or debit cards, you're unwittingly leaving money on the table.
In this article we show you how to enhance your lifestyle and stretch your budget by using the right cash-back and travel rewards cards.
By Edd and Cynthia Staton
What if you could live to triple digits healthy and active right up until your expiration date?
Recent research indicates we have more control over our destiny than we realize. Here are lifestyle choices we're making now to influence our genetic "switches" and impact our outcome.
By Edd Staton
After traveling nonstop for months, we needed some serious downtime. Where could we go to renew ourselves that would be easy and familiar?
Our original expat destination more than a decade ago seemed to be just the right place. Coming back to Cuenca felt like seeing an old friend through new eyes.
By Edd and Cynthia Staton
Mexico is the runaway #1 choice for North Americans who want to retire abroad. More than a million expats call it home!
Two top destinations have received impressive accolades: San Miguel de Allende and Mérida. After visiting both, we share key differences between these beautiful Mexican cities.
By Edd and Cynthia Staton
Cuenca has been a top expat destination for more than a decade. From our perspective, it just keeps getting better and better!
Here are the reasons why we continue to love this charming colonial city in the southern highlands of Ecuador.
By Edd and Cynthia Staton
We’ve recently returned from 2.5 months in Europe, visiting Lisbon, Madrid, Bordeaux, Paris, and London. What a glorious adventure!
In this article we share 6 simple steps, which include the benefits of Global Entry and Priority Pass, to make your next international flight more enjoyable.
By Rachel Hartman
Approaching your retirement plan with goals can help motivate you to stay focused on your objectives. This article suggests a well-rounded plan is about more than just your budget.
Rachel, thank you for including our thoughts on the benefits of prioritizing wellness in retirement.
By Edd and Cynthia Staton
In this article we share important financial tips that will help you save money and avoid frustrating surprises on your trip abroad.
We provide helpful information about what credit cards to take, ATM withdrawals, and how to pay yourself while traveling.
By Edd and Cynthia Staton
Sixty and Me is a website community of over 500,000 women dedicated to helping "you live your life to the fullest."
In our debut article on the site we inspire readers by sharing 6 essential steps to keep their retirement dreams on track.
By Ashley Rogers
Living through a pandemic has given people across a wide demographic range cause to rethink their priorities. For some, that means moving abroad for a better quality of life.
This comprehensive feature is filled with great advice from experienced expats. We appreciate the opportunity to share our knowledge with the LGBTQ+ community.
By Edd and Cynthia Staton
After spending most of 2020 in lockdown, a change of scenery was needed. We share our personal experiences navigating international travel in today's landscape of ever-changing rules and restrictions.
Our in-depth article points out why to consider traveling now, and offers tips on how to do it smartly and safely.
Host Susan Williams
"Booming Encore is a digital media hub filled with information and inspiration for baby boomers to design and live their very best encore."
Susan, it was fun to connect with you from Mexico in this video interview. Thanks for the opportunity to share how we're reimagining our retirement life on the road!
By Richard Eisenberg
Does it still make sense to retire in another country when the pandemic remains on our doorstep? The experts agree, now is the perfect time to do your research!
Here are the new annual lists, plus how top destinations have fared with COVID-19. Rich, thanks for including our list and advice on planning a successful move abroad.
Articles, Interviews & Podcasts Published in 2020
By Liz Knueven
Over a decade of expat life has given us a dream retirement! In addition to a lower cost of living, we have affordable health care, less stress, and a slower pace of life.
Liz, we appreciate being included in your piece and hope our experience inspires others!
By Rosemary Bointon
In this article you'll get to know three couples living their dream retirement abroad. One in Poland, another in Mexico, and us in Ecuador.
Mary covers the why & where, health care, life & culture, and cost of living. We appreciate being included, and hope these stories inspire you to consider moving abroad.
By Liz Knueven
This in-depth article about what our life is really like living abroad in Ecuador may surprise you. We hope it helps you imagine what your retirement might look like in another country.
Liz, thank you for sharing our story and how we've adapted to an expat lifestyle!
By Michelle Fox
Amid coronavirus restrictions on travel, people are continuing to plan for the option of retiring abroad. The need to lower your cost of living in retirement is a driving factor.
This thorough article covers other considerations such as banking, health care, and taxes. Michelle, thank you for including our expertise!
By Rachel Hartman
An excellent article highlighting the unique challenges facing retired expats during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We spoke with Rachel about receiving stimulus checks abroad, financial volatility, travel restrictions, and coping with lockdown. We appreciate the opportunity to offer our perspective!
By Edd and Cynthia Staton
The events of 2020 turned everyone's world upside down. We share with you how Ecuador addressed COVID-19, and how we cope with the pandemic while living abroad.
Our in-depth piece covers Ecuador's initial response; what came next; Ecuador today; and our life during the pandemic.
"Expat Arrivals was launched in 2009 and has built a reputation as a leading source of country and city information for expatriates and international assignees."
We enjoyed sharing our experience of living in Cuenca for over 10 years!
Host Howard Whiteson
We talk about how moving abroad can be a trifecta of reducing your cost of living, upscaling your lifestyle, and growing your nest egg.
In this lightning round style of interview we cover so much more. Howard, thanks for the opportunity to share valuable information in such a fun way!
LINK UNAVAILABLE
By Liz Knueven
Liz, thanks for checking back to get an update on how we're weathering the current financial storm. The crash in 2008 forced us into early retirement a decade ago. Happy to report we're in a much better place this time around.
Our affordable lifestyle in Cuenca, Ecuador allows us to live comfortably on our Social Security benefits. And, because our savings here earn a healthy interest rate, we have peace of mind.
By Liz Knueven
Although the circumstances are different, the uncertainty of the financial crisis today feels eerily similar to the crushing devastation we experienced in 2008. If you're close to retirement and your savings are in free fall, your safety net is a Plan B.
Liz, we appreciate you highlighting our solution for financial stability that's just as viable now as it was 10 years ago!
By Sarah O'Brien
This in-depth piece takes a look at current statistics on COVID-19 according to the World Health Organization, and gives an update on the influenza virus.
When considering retiring overseas, it's really important to understand your health care options. Sarah, thank you for asking us to provide expertise about medical matters abroad!
This "online resource for transformational travel" is one of the most comprehensive we've seen! If you're looking for what to see and do in Cuenca, you'll find it all here.
We appreciate being asked to be contributors for the 2020 update.
By Edd and Cynthia Staton
Because of our keen interest in health and wellness we've begun writing about the topic. As we get older, exercise becomes an even more critical component of healthy aging.
Here's an easy, inexpensive way that we use ourselves to build and maintain muscle without ever leaving home!
These are links to two top quality brands we recommend: Fit Simplify & ProsourceFit
By Kathe Kline
We appreciate being invited to join Rock Your Retirement in a series of podcasts about living overseas. There are a number of reasons why you might consider this choice.
Kathe, we enjoyed sharing our story and expertise on retiring abroad with your listeners. Click the link to join us!
By Liz Knueven.
Again, thank you Liz for including our retirement abroad option in another solution-oriented article for Business Insider's Real Retirement series.
By Liz Knueven
"Renting isn't all that uncommon for retirees these days." Affordability and changing lifestyles are contributing factors.
When retiring abroad, renting where the cost of living is lower gives you much more financial flexibility. Liz, we appreciate being featured in Business Insider's Real Retirement series.
Articles, Interviews & Podcasts Published in 2019
By Jill Cornfield
Another comprehensive article filled with resourceful links for planning your retirement abroad.
Jill, thank you for featuring our experience and expertise on the subject. We hope to inspire others to consider this "save-your-retirement" option!
By Liz Knueven
The conclusion from the retirees interviewed here: "Life gets better when you're retired."
The stories in this piece show us many different ways retirement life can unfold. Liz, thank you for including our outside-the-box solution of retiring abroad.
By Edd and Cynthia Staton
Having retired abroad almost a decade ago, we can attest to the many benefits of life overseas, from lower living costs to better weather to less stress. But many people fear retiring abroad because they believe four myths.
Here we explain the realities, and clear up those common myths.
By Liz Knueven
Liz, we're grateful for the relatable way you told our story in Business Insider. The decision to move abroad has been a terrific retirement solution for us.
Our hope for others facing an uncertain financial future is to realize there is an affordable way to retire without sacrificing your quality of life.
By Susan Williams
"Booming Encore is a digital media hub filled with information and inspiration for baby boomers to design and live their very best encore."
Susan, we appreciate being invited back for another video interview where we share important steps to take before packing your bags to move abroad.
By Edd and Cynthia Staton
In our fourth article for 50Plus-Today we reveal some surprises about what daily life is really like living abroad.
This concludes our 4-Part Series. However, we're excited to announce we will continue contributing to this premier online senior magazine.
By Edd and Cynthia Staton
We're thrilled to have another feature article with Next Avenue. This website is part of the PBS system, and is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of older Americans.
Thinking of retiring abroad? The first step may be more difficult than it sounds. Keep in mind these key elements when creating your Retire Abroad Wish List:
By Aimee Picchi
According to the Social Security Administration, the number of retirees receiving their benefits outside U.S. borders has increased dramatically since 2007. A lower cost of living and affordable health care are top motivating factors.
Aimee, we appreciate your thorough coverage of retiring abroad, and we're honored to be a valuable resource on the topic.
By Edd and Cynthia Staton
50Plus-Today "strives to provide reliable information about difficult issues you might be facing now or in the near future. Life is a journey; we are here to help and inspire you every step of the way."
In our third article of a 4-Part Series on retiring abroad you’ll find out what it’s like to go to the doctor and, YIKES, a hospital abroad.
By Edd and Cynthia Staton
We appreciate being invited to join the elite team of contributors at 50Plus-Today! This is a premier online senior lifestyle magazine providing a reliable perspective on issues facing the 50Plus generation.
In our second article of a 4-Part Series on retiring abroad we share tips for coping with a new culture.
By Catey Hill, Editor
You'll certainly be shocked by the list revealed in this article! The author rightly points out the many factors possibly distorting the numbers.
The decision to move abroad has been a terrific retirement option for us. Catey, we appreciate you featuring our experience and expertise on the subject of retiring abroad.
By Sarah O'Brien
Millions of U.S. retirees have taken up residency on foreign soil. If you're thinking of moving abroad in retirement, this extremely thorough article examining Medicare benefits is a must read.
Sarah, thanks for calling on us for our expertise and personal perspective on medical matters as expats!
By Aimee Picchi
This comprehensive piece reveals retirement budget flaws; why working forever might not work; and covers considering the unknown factor of life expectancy. Even with the best of planning, it's pointed out that sometimes things go wrong.
Aimee, glad we could be a valuable resource, and appreciate you including our retirement solution!
With David J. Scranton
Dave, thanks for inviting us back to The Income Generation Show! In this episode titled "Living Your Best Retirement" we discuss setting goals, the importance of relationships, and working part-time in your golden years. Please join us!
By Susan Williams
Booming Encore is "jammed packed with valuable information and inspiration to help you live your best encore!" Join us in this video interview with Susan discussing our journey to retirement abroad.
By Edd and Cynthia Staton
We appreciate being invited to join the elite team of contributors at 50Plus-Today! This is a premier online senior lifestyle magazine providing a reliable perspective on issues facing the 50Plus generation. In our first article of a 4-Part Series on retiring abroad we share tips for coping with a new language.
By Liza Horvath, Senior Advocate & President, Monterey Trust Management
Liza discusses important factors to consider if you're thinking of relocating to a lower cost of living in retirement. She points out retiring abroad can be an attractive choice, and we appreciate having Retirement Reimagined! mentioned as a resource for this option.
By Alessandra Malito
Interesting information about living choices Baby Boomers are making in retirement. Ali, thanks for mentioning that we retired abroad and how digital tools keep us connected to family, especially the grandchildren!
By Gil Weinreich, Senior Editor, FA Content
This insightful podcast for Financial Advisors spotlights our story and overlooked retirement strategy. The editor states, "It's just arithmetic... There's a certain logic to expatriating yourself overseas." Gil, we appreciate your excellent delivery of a highly relevant message!
By Edd and Cynthia Staton
We're excited to have our first feature article with Next Avenue! If you're struggling to save for retirement, here's an overlooked solution: Retire where the money you do have goes farther.
There are four topics we suggest you think about when deciding whether to consider expat life.
By Alessandra Malito
In April we met with Ali Malito in NYC to collaborate on retiring abroad. This informative article focuses on factors to consider when thinking of retirement beyond U.S. borders, especially regarding Social Security and Medicare benefits. Thanks Ali...great to meet you!
By Roger Musbaum
It's all about the math in this interesting post. Roger, thanks so much for your kind words about our website and program, Retirement Reimagined! And yes, after almost a decade of expat life, we do know what we're doing.
By Richard Eisenberg
During our recent trip to the U.S. we met with Rich Eisenberg, Managing Editor and Senior Web Editor for Next Avenue, to discuss future story ideas. Happy to be included in this one!
By Jill Cornfield
Comprehensive piece with actionable strategies for rescuing your retirement. Thanks Jill for highlighting our outside-the-box solution!
Informative article spotlighting the many benefits of retirement overseas. Details of the wonderful lifestyle we've created on a Social Security budget are featured. We appreciate being included!
With David J. Scranton
We were excited to share important advice for those thinking about retiring abroad. Thanks Dave for the opportunity to appear on your show!
By Alessandra Malito
Informative article filled with many helpful suggestions for retired couples. Ali, we appreciate being included!
By Rachel Hartman
The golden years can bring some unexpected surprises. Rachel's article reveals examples that may help those preparing for and navigating retirement. Thanks for including us!
Articles Published in 2018
By Mary Kane, Associate Editor
An inside look into how some seniors have cut living expenses in retirement. Thanks Mary for including our solution: moving abroad to a lower cost of living without sacrificing lifestyle!
By Jill Cornfield
This thorough article in packed full of good advice for retirement abroad. You'll find lots of helpful links as well. Jill, we appreciate be given the opportunity to contribute our valuable insight!
By Jill Cornfield
Money worries aren't part of anyone's dream retirement. When Jill discovered we eliminated the financial stress by moving abroad, she wanted the details. Glad we could be a solid resource for her piece highlighting a great option for those facing an uncertain retirement.
By Jill Cornfield
Quito, Ecuador made the list! Check out these cities outside the U.S. where a great retirement lifestyle is possible on a Social Security budget. Jill, thanks for seeking our expertise when it comes to living and retiring abroad.
By Jill Cornfield
Understanding FATCA, Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, is necessary when holding assets outside the U.S. This thorough explanation is a good resource for anyone living abroad, especially retirees. Jill, glad we could provide some insight!
From Shelley Levitt
Interviews with this group of senior citizens about the meaning of vitality may surprise you. In this "Third Age" connectivity and engagement seem to be common threads. Shelley, thanks for giving us the opportunity to share our secrets!
By Meredith Rosenberg
Ecuador makes the cut as one of the countries where expats can retire comfortably on a modest budget. Meredith, we appreciate the opportunity to provide helpful lifestyle details!
By Kevin Graham
This comprehensive look at factors to be considered when thinking of early retirement is packed with practical advice. Dave, thanks for sharing some of our experiences from retiring early abroad.
