Continued from page 36
it’s important to clearly understand the applicable state legislation and rules before buying a property in the U.S., and to look into purchasing additional protection from your insurer. “I’m a broker myself, and I have to admit, I would have found it very difficult to finalize this transaction without the help of my broker!” says Noël. He also suggests making several trips,
to thoroughly explore the community where you’re thinking of buying, to find out where essential services are and even to make sure you’ll like it there for the long term – but mostly because a transaction like this takes more than a few days to complete.
Immigration laws You need a passport to cross the border. Citizens and permanent residents of Canada don’t need a visa for pleasure trips but if you’re staying longer than six months, you’ll need special authorization from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration. (And if you decide to retire there permanently, you will need to qualify as an immigrant.)
Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade has published a brochure titled Crossing the 49th that contains a wealth of helpful details. For more information, see the very useful Canadian government travel website Retirement Abroad – Seeing the Sunsets, and visit the Embassy of the United States.
Health care Health care is another very important concern for snowbirds. A minor health issue can quickly turn into a major expense when visiting a medical centre in the U.S. If you have questions about your health, it’s a good idea to see your doctor six to eight weeks before your departure. Also, take the time to look into the health resources available in your new location, so that you can be sure you’ll be in good hands if anything happens. And touch base with your insurer to check on the terms and conditions of your individual plan or your group insurance coverage, and make any necessary changes. If you spend too much time outside your home province (even elsewhere in Canada),
your provincial health care coverage may lapse. Residency rules vary among provinces, so make sure to check it out well before you go.
Finances Financial questions can continue to crop up even aſter you’ve retired. Be sure to find out everything you can about applicable taxes and duties (both in Canada and in the U.S.), and calculate how much it will cost to live in the U.S. What will your income be? Depending on your circumstances, you may still draw Canada or Quebec pension benefits. Find out more through CanadaBenefits. While becoming a snowbird requires
more than just packing a toothbrush and bathing suit, it can be a rewarding adventure, provided you plan with care.
Original source: Hoping to be a Snowbird in Retirement?
By Dave Dineen
BrighterLife.ca© Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2013
Where Snowbirds Have More Fun
• 2 large pool areas • Views from every site • Artesian Mineral Water • Hot Spas • Steam Rooms • Massage Therapy • Hair & Nail Salon • Freddy’s Fountain Cafe (Nov-March)
BRING THIS AD TO RECEIVE
Your First Month Just
$95 SNOWBIRDS & RV TRAVELERS *
(*Includes electric, arrive by 10/15, new customers only)
www.foyspa.com 1500 Spa Rd., Niland CA, 92257 • 1.888.8000-SPA (772) 44
SUNCRUISERMEDIA.COM
• Cable Internet • Fresh Produce Market • Friendly Faces & Service • Tennis • Pickle Ball • Bocce • Horseshoes • Fitness Room & Course • Water Exercise Classes • Activities • Trips & Tours • Hiking & Biking • Disc Golf • Cards, Pool, Crafts • Dances • Entertainment • Church Services • and Much More!
TL Rated 10/9.5*/9
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96