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James Swaby is the founder of Asia Retirement & Relocation Consulting. He writes about retirement in Southeast Asia, helping people think through the practical realities of living overseas. Drawing on more than two decades in wealth management and a longstanding connection to the region, he focuses on lifestyle, healthcare and affordability.

Latest Posts By James Swaby

2 hours ago

The Questions I Wish More People Asked Before Retiring Abroad

When people start thinking seriously about retiring abroad, the questions tend to come in a fairly predictable order. How much does it cost to live there? Can I get a retirement visa? What is the healthcare like? Can foreigners buy property? How much tax will I pay? They are all perfectly sensible questions. In fact, you would be unwise not to ask them…

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2 weeks ago

5 Southeast Asia Retirement Myths That Are Almost True

In my last article for Sixty and Me, I admitted that I rather enjoy reading hotel reviews. Yes, I know, I need to get out more. Well, I also find myself reading the questions people ask on forums about retiring overseas, and perhaps even more interestingly, the answers they receive. There is no shortage of enthusiasm…

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3 weeks ago

Why Some People Retire Abroad and Thrive While Others Come Home

I know it’s a bit odd, but I actually enjoy reading hotel reviews. Whenever I book somewhere for a holiday, I do the usual research beforehand. But even after the hotel is booked, I often find myself going back to read the latest reviews before I travel. Partly it’s anticipation, but mostly it’s curiosity…

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1 month ago

How Do You Know Whether a Retirement Destination Really Fits You?

You’ve done the research. You know the visa requirements by heart. You have compared property prices across three countries, watched more YouTube videos than you can count, and perhaps even saved a listing or two for a home that made you catch your breath…

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2 months ago

What If the Problem Isn’t Your Pension, But Where It Has to Work?

The Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA) estimates that a “comfortable” retirement in the United Kingdom now costs £45,400 (US$60,000) a year for a single person and £62,700 (US$83,000) for a couple. For many people approaching retirement, those figures are sobering…

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3 months ago

Could You Really Start a New Life in Southeast Asia on Your Own?

When people imagine retiring abroad, they often picture a couple setting off together to start a new chapter. But many women considering a move overseas are not in that position. Some are widowed. Some are divorced. Some have partners who have no interest in moving. Others simply find themselves wondering whether they are too old to make such a significant change on their own…

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