Decision to Retire Early
Choosing Mexico

Part 2 – Will You Be Happy in Mexico?

Climate
Affordable Luxuries
Healthier Environment
Never a Dull Moment
Holidays Celebrated Mexico-Style
Assisted Living Facilities Excellent and Inexpensive
Fascinating Places to Visit 
Misconceptions About Mexicans

Part 3 – Aspects that Might Take Adjustment Time 

Mexico Seldom Quiet
Dogs, Dogs, Everywhere
Cobblestone Streets and Parking
Scorpions
Armed Guards

Part 4 – Location Possibilities

Mazatlan – Pacific Coast Beach Town
Puerto Vallarta – Pacific Coast Beach Town
Baja – The Desert with an Ocean
Guadalajara – Second Largest City in Mexico
San Miguel de Allende – Colonial Charmer
Oaxaca – Southern Mexico 
Ajijic-Lake Chapala – Largest Lake in Mexico

Part 5 – Choosing Your Location

Getting Around by Taxi and Bus
Women Traveling Solo
Finding Accommodations
Items to Tuck in Your Suitcase
How to Handle Money
Where to Get Information

Part 6 – Learning More About Mexico 

Annotated List of 26 Websites

Part 7 – Mexican Paperwork

Tourist Visa
FM-3
FM-3 Application Process
FM-3 Renewal Process
Car Insurance
License Plate Confusion
Banking
Necessary Papers for Crossing the Border

Part 8 – Packing

What to Pack
Packing Dos and Don’ts
Preparing the Menaje de Casa 
What to Expect at the Border
 

Advance Preparations
Map Assistance
Border Crossing Points – Hours of Operation
Three Steps to Get Across 

Part 10 – Driving in Mexico

Driving Suggestions
Kilometers vs. Miles
Don’t Drive at Night
Buying Gas
Mordidas/Bribes
Accident Protocol

Part 11 – Choosing a Rental

Real Estate Agents
Word of Mouth
Village or Country Life
Lease – Important Questions to Ask 
Before You Move In
My Renting History
Other Options
Pros and Cons of Buying Real Estate

Part 12 – Settling In

Domestic Help
How to Find a Housekeeper or Gardener
Instructing Your Maid
Sample Housekeeper’s Workload
Necessary Cleaning Supplies
A Few Precautions
My Cost of Living Figures
Internet Sites for Cost of Living Examples
Internet Sites for Rentals in Mexico

Part 13 – Ways to Save Money

Handling the Mail
Fresh Produce Bargains
Finding Fresh Bread and Rolls
Where to Go for Meat and Poultry
Cleaning Supplies
Building Supplies
Saving on Utility Costs
Don’t Drink the Water
Medical Insurance
Dental Care
House Insurance
Security Concerns
Internet Service
Cable, Satellite and Star Choice Television
Automobile Costs
Personal Care Luxuries

Part 14 – Quality of Life

Personal Narratives
“Perpetual Spring” Climate
Freshest Food
Time for Hobbies
Less Stress