In part four of our Expert Expat series we interviewed Kerry Baker, author of Ventanas Mexico. Kerry has lived in Valencia, Spain, New Orleans, Virginia Beach, New York, San Diego, and Denver. All of this travelling motivated her to establish Ventanas Mexico, helping singles relocate to Mexico. She is currently living in Mazatlan, Mexico, and is undecided whether she wants to move back to the U.S. The combination of great friends she has made living in Mexico and the low cost of living has made it her own paradise.
Kerry has accrued vast financial knowledge and wants singles to understand the financial and social benefits of being an expat living in Mexico. A distinguished and active blogger, she has been published in Forbes, The Huffington Post, as well as other sites.
Read Kerry’s interview:
What did you find to be the most difficult thing about moving to a new country?
Day-to-day technology issues we take for granted in the United States, such as like computer repair.
Do you speak Spanish? If so, when did you learn it? If not, does that present difficulties?
Yes I do, but I am only an intermediate. It’s very important to have at least some Spanish when living in Mexico.
Where have you noticed stark cultural differences?
Punctuality in social situations as well as the aforementioned difficulty in finding technical expertise.
Do you have a favorite website or blog about your country?
Not in particular, but I read the Washington Post and New York Times along and stay current in other ways.
What is your best tip for people moving to or visiting Mexico?
Learn the language.
How has the lower cost of living made a difference in your life?
It subsidizes my more-expensive lifestyle in the U.S, where I still live part-time.
Have you run into any bureaucratic, insurance, tax or medical issues as an expat?
Not yet.
What advice would you give expats to help them fit into their new community?
Again, learn the language. Having native friends is very important. The best way to start is with English/their language practice groups. Many people in Mexico want to learn English so the give-and-take of these groups is very conducive to learning and making friends because you have a shared interest. Having native friends makes life easier and more fun. With a good sense of humor and good attitude, you really don’t need to be very fluent to make friends and have company.
When and why did you start your blog?
I started it over a year ago to try to address some of the fears that women in particular have about Mexico. The recession took a big hit on our portfolios and I feel many women would benefit financially from living in a cheaper country, at least part-time and/or temporarily. I will probably save over $100,000 in less than three years by living in Mexico part-time. That translates to around $500/month extra income if I put that money into an annuity when I retire. Plus, those months I live in Mexico, I live in a beautiful condo on the beach, whereas in Denver, the same amount of rent would not cover the cost of even a livable apartment. I sublet my luxury apartment in Denver and subsidize the months I spend there with the money I save living in Mexico part-time.
With so many people working remotely now, this is a strategy I want single people, particularly women who are struggling, to know about. Plus, with fewer distractions, I am extremely productive while in Mexico.
You can have the best of both worlds and save money at the same time. It can be a great life!
