Planning for Retirement in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Have you drawn up your plan to move to Mexico? Gary Bennett is a CEO 13 times over and an expert at planning. See what a detailed plan (and the financial well-being of a CEO) can do when it comes to moving to Mexico.
Gary has lived around the world during his business career and as he’s entering his “third inning” he has made San Miguel de Allende his home base and travels overseas to his homes in Bali, Australia and South Africa.
You might not have the same resources as Gary, but you can move to Mexico and live a more extravagant life than you could afford in the United States or Canada.
Resources:
North Star northstarconsul...
Gary’s coach Ann Carr www.intrueques...
A directory of certified coaches coachingfedera...
My video with Greg Custer about choosing where to retire in Mexico • Move to Mexico: Beyond...
Did you enjoy this expat story? Share yours in the comments below!
Support this channel by buying me a margarita over at www.buymeacoff...
The Mexico Relocation Guide is the perfect resource for moving to Mexico. We've partnered with them and you can get the guide here: mexicorelocati...

[@lowell62]

And Beyond Ngala in north part of Kruger. Had the great fortune to have two trips there. Planning on going back to S Africa this year.

[@ellacroney691]

Absolutely wonderful information. Thank you,

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Glad it was helpful!

[@osvaldojl]

The same thng happen to me when I first visited SanMiguel. I knew I wanted to live here.

[@enriquegutierrez1902]

Brighton and Kat: Question Did you fill the same as this Gentle man Love at first sight Regarding San Miguel de Allende?? Or like it just to visit when is to HOT in La Paz?? Enrique/ Yuma / traveling Veteran.

[@anchorage-regenerative]

Thank you for this Brighton! I think it would be missing the point if people think this is about the "privileged". We who have lots of less resources may not be able to have different dwellings in different parts of the planet but we still can take "lessons" on how careful planning and most importantly, "know thy self" - what are the crucial elements in life for each of us - may benefit all of us. Not just how to plan to move to Mexico, which is what I'm currently doing. I say this from the perspective of "failures". About a decade ago, I decided that it was time for e to pack up my psychiatry/psychotherapy practice, send away my patients in Montreal, and move to rural Nova Scotia to start a micro regenerative organic farm. Except there were lots of things I didn't know about the environment other than the "basics": how unreliable the organic hay/grain suppliers are, how often the grid power goes out, how expensive the heating is, how strong the wind is and the deep freeze and thaw that occurs every few days in the winter, which makes the pasture fields waterlogged and slippery for the livestock.... Of course despte all the above, I learned a ton about chicken genetics and have hatched amazing sex linked birds, made cheese, ice cream and all other items from my dairy sheep. started a taint free line of organic free range heritage pigs, trained llamas to guard, pack and trek.... BUT if I had planned better, I wouldn't have to work 20+ hours in an "unfriendly" environment in terms of the kind of experimental farm I wanted to accomplish. So I'm going to research, plan, set my boots on the ground and make sure I know the natural environment before I move to a specific location in Mexico. So I'm hoping others can learn from my mistakes. Gracias muchas Brighton!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thanks for sharing your experience! And your takeaway from this video is spot on. I'm sure you'll do well in Mexico. Just remember that things are unreliable in Mexico. But if you expect the unexpected, you'll be happy no matter what happens.

[@davidwhumke3406]

Seems like a nice guy with a charmed life. Hard to relate to his experiences given how exceptional they are. I’m having flashbacks to “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous” from the 80s. Regardless thank you for creating Brighton.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I was thinking the same thing about “lifestyles of the rich and famous!” Not similar to my life but glad someone is living it.

[@davidwhumke3406]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico totally. Good to see different perspectives and it is nice of him to share. Also appreciate your effort to create a video.

[@Mongoose-ct6us]

I'd like to see a comparison video of Oaxaca, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato and La paz Baja California and how they compare in different areas. Thanks in advance. For example how does Guanajuato compare to San Miguel de Allende as far as culture and swimming and out door stuff and food.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I’m going to Oaxaca soon, but I’ve not been to Guanajuato yet…

[@Mongoose-ct6us]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico Awesome! I can't wait to see your Oaxaca video. Try and squeeze in Puerto Escondido to see how it compares to La Paz as far as beach scene. Oaxaca has great food and Shamans. Great Yoga too in Oaxaca I heard. Saludos

[@Mongoose-ct6us]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico I don't believe you've answered the question on whether or not Mexico has gone woke yet? I know Oaxaca hasn't gone woke neither has Chiapas. I just hope Baja California, Mexico City and , Guadalajara don't go woke. Has it gone woke?

[@aliciapimentel5228]

Woah!. What a refreshing video.. Gary is a guy with a brilliant mind!. It is very inspiring how he manages his ideas and takes action.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thanks Alicia!

[@LJ-jq8og]

LOVE how cheerful and uplifting Gary's taste is... beautiful and THANK YOU GARY ❗🙏

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Yes! His wife Jill is fabulous, but didn’t want to be in camera.

[@SandyKaye-dw1wn]

Hi so one funny question. In San Miguel do they have dancing in the parks in the evening like in Merida? In Merida they have many many open parks and sometimes you go to them and there’s like 200 to 500 people dancing and it is so wonderful. It sounds like San Miguel has a lot of Entertainment but do they have this dancing in the parks in the evening with the Mexican or American music in the background ? It is so much fun !!! Please let me know. Thanks.

[@hivolco151]

I really Love Garry's story and all the amazing places he has lived. Choosing to surround one's self with Beauty is such an important factor for the mere value of INSPIRATION . I love that he dances and admires beauty all around. Certainly helps to keep an older human MORE vibrant... THANKS Brighton! YOU did it again... GREAT VIDEO!! :)

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thank you! Gary has wonderful energy!

[@missdragonflies81]

Thank you Garry for so many wonderful tips during this interview. I have been planing my Mexico move for two years now but side-tract with life and work. You reminded me to have a plan and re-visit that plan.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

You can do it!

[@alejandraaullet3967]

I want he coah us to move there!!😅

[@brucemontrose]

What an amazing speaker he is!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I agree Bruce

[@DestinationRetirement]

What a lovely human being (with great taste in artwork)! I have a 5 year plan to move to Merida. Having a plan is so important. Great content Brighton and Kat! You rock.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thanks! I loved their artwork! They kinda designed their house to showcase all the art they’ve collected.

[@davebaker489]

Gary is a perfect example of use it or lose it. So many folk retire period. They work, stop, then turn up their toes and wait to die. The man isn't waiting for anything. I wonder what his next 5 year plan is ? P n D

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

He is a crazy busy guy - an he loves it. I have another upcoming interview with another guy from San Miguel de Allende who said he's been told he's "doing retirement all wrong" because he's busier now that he was before "retiring." Like Gary, Michael is still working a little - and loving life!

[@davebaker489]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico I read that some do not understand or can not relate. Sure he may have been lucky but that luck came with a willingness to work hard.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Willingness to work hard and to uproot his life at a moments notice to jump at a new opportunity.

[@davebaker489]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico Isn't that also a willingness to work? lol

[@Mongoose-ct6us]

Que viva Los Estados Unidos Mexicanos!

[@enessexploresart]

Love your videos!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thank you so much Nicole

[@ralphlinville6646]

Thank you Gary ! Thank you for loving your spouse, your life and loving Mexico ! Im taking an early retirement at 62 to SMA in July and hope you meet you one day ! ( i’ll tell you about my times in Cape Town !). While my resourses will be somewhat limited, I trust i will carve out a beautiful Mexican existence all my own in due course. I wonder if Anne will do some near Pro Bono work for ne, ha ha ! I think its marvelous to have a coach to set one on acyrue path at this stage in life. Thank you for what you’ve shared. R. Lane Linville

[@klharndt]

What a stunning home and a beautiful life. Your station in life doesn’t have to mimic his-I think his message is appropriate for anyone who is open to receiving it: a life of happiness & fulfillment in your “3rd inning’ MAY not just happen. It could require you giving it a minute or two of thought & planning. Take away from Gary the nuggets that you can apply to your own life. I am.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Yes! This is the perfect takeaway. Thanks for commenting.

[@martbright]

Wow what a renaissance man! Beautiful home and they have CATS! Wondering if the cats travel with them? San Miguel is gorgeous--headed back very soon to pet sit. Thank you for the informative video!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

The cats live in Mexico with the caretaker who lives there when they travel.

[@yoyowilltravel]

This was an awesome video of 3rd innings. I hope mine is just as fabulous as his and can have the energy he has at his age.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Me too!

[@MadeNCda]

I really enjoyed this video Brighton and found Gary very generous with sharing his tips and suggestions. I've been an exec assistant to CEOs and Chairmans for 20+ yrs and can say without a doubt, the most successful of them are excellent planners and builders. They also know how to manage themselves as a resource, meaning their health and development. I think having a plan is beneficial as it forces us to measure and allocate our resources and be purposeful in where we spend same.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

My mom was in the same role for her career. She’s given be great tips! You’re right about the plan - measure, allocate with purpose!

[@MadeNCda]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico Hi Brighton, that's cool to hear your mom was also an EA 🤗 I bet she is very organized.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

@@MadeNCda She definitely is! And I need to remember how anxious she gets if things aren't organized. Like if I'm coming to visit her, she needs an itinerary printed out with my flight information, arrival times, etc. It's great when we go on a family trip though - she organizes EVERYTHING! I'm assuming your family has the same benefits ;-) Her best tip to me: if you get bad customer service, contact the CEO directly. The CEO never sees it, but their assistant sends it to the proper department and no one ignores something that comes from the CEO's office. I recently had a problem with Experian (which meant I couldn't unlock my credit report.) I spent a week trying to solve it with their customer service people, then emailed the CEO. Immediately I had a high-level tech fix the issue and then had 3 people follow up to make sure I was happy and to document the problem and resolution.

[@jeanneleongmitchell1375]

you can live anywhere if you had the substantial financial backing & costs doesn't even factor into the formula.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Yes, Gary is definitely well off. But due to a lot of planning and sacrifice. He's set himself up for his golden years.

[@GringosRUs]

That house is beautiful! Whoever the interior decorator is - they are amazing. Love the art too.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Yes - and it sounds like it was all designed by his wife. Gorgeous!

[@xaviair27]

Love his description of how he felt when he was dropped off in San Miguel and got goosebumps. I love that town. My mother, her twin and my abuela are from Celaya about 40 mins away from there. How is your internet in San Miguel de Allende?

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I had great Internet while I was there. I just hit my hair cut and my stylist is going to SMA tomorrow for vacation.

[@lanceandshelleypeters-en465]

Great video. Not planners here. Except for retire and go south in 2 years.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Sometimes “go south” is all the plan you need!

[@LJ-jq8og]

Cant wait to watch this 👍 and 🙏

[@DreamGirl650]

How can they not pronounce the name of the place where they live?????

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I didn’t notice. Did they say L instead of Y in Allende?

[@NomadicRVLiving]

Sometimes I think I do too much planning, but maybe I need to plan beyond the next six months to a year. I will be checking out SMA in March, after I hit GDL, Chapala, and QRO. Currently in Cabo and SJD, but I don't like the humidity. My home base is in central Colorado and think/hope I will fall in love with one of the Mexico highlands.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I loved QRO. I'll have a little video about it coming out soon. Definitely figure out what makes you feel alive and build it in wherever you may end up!

[@tommynikon2283]

The Abbreviated Version: Gary's Tips to Success: BE a CEO!: I was 12 times!- YOU can Too! C'mon dude, you're preaching to the 1%'ers- like yourself. NOT the rest of us. You were in the Boardroom, not the trenches. Congrats, I'm nominating you for "Most Relatable".

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I see his takeaway as make a plan and chase every opportunity you get.

[@lynnmckenzie4841]

Inspiring video, and a lovely home! Gary is fabulous. A couple of years ago I heard from a woman who lives there that there were increasing home invasions in San Miguel de Allende, is that still the case? What is the average cost for a decent home there? I understand Gary's home is not average :-).

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I haven't heard much about violence in San Miguel de Allende. There's been a lot of crime (mayor was killed recently) in a different San Miguel in Mexico. There's also been crime in nearby towns. I suggest joining the a Facebook group for Expats in San Miguel de Allende. Usually if there is crime, it shows up in these Facebook groups. I spoke with a couple people about renting a 2 bedroom, 2 bath home. Cost about $1100-1200 USD a little out from the center of town. I hope that helps!

[@borz55]

how are you guys not afraid of kidnapping? is it really that low of a risk?

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Yes - it really is that low of a risk. Foreigners being kidnapped in Mexico is really uncommon.

[@tcb1017]

Also I wanted to say that I had ok I needed to say I had because he is dead now but he was just like Gerry here maybe even more rich when we are talking money...............he owned like 5 different places around the world like a grande big ski cabin the hills of Lake Tahoe Nevada USA and also a fancy high up there condo in Honolulu Hawaii right there on Waikiki beach like on the top floor ok is it on the 50th floor or something over looking everything. I even think Elvis Presley stayed at that same building when he was there then doing his Aloha concert in 1973 so ok, also a condo in New York and a place in Europe ok, so my point here is that ke this man here Gerry, he enjoyed living and owning lot's of places since he had mkney just like Gerry here has so anyway, he is dead now so his place is only a ok a small box just like all those small boxes are where the dead people are so again. my point here is that live your life, enjoy if you can and are blessed by having health, money and spirit so as it will be someday, you will leave this earth and life having nothing with you so ok, BB King did have his guitar 🎸with him but you all get my point so again. be smart and learn how to live if possible life is short.

[@happyhollee596]

Exactly

[@davebaker489]

Maybe just maybe I might be wrong ... but it seems you always arrive umm. un early. You too need a personal coordinator . LOL. Plan... We don't need no stinkin plan. Well ok we do but it's more fun to jump in with both feet. Unless it's wet cement or a snake pit. Good info man. P n D

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Pam has the plan. You just don’t know it yet.

[@davebaker489]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico Probably.

[@tcb1017]

On another note......................................how would Mr. Trump feel about this man Gerry and Mr. Trump is a great business man and very rich man as we all know, would Mr. Trump like him ?

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I'm not sure Gary would care if Trump liked him or not. I really don't think that Gary cares much about "being liked." He's set up a plan to live the life he wants to live and he's living his best life. That's what this channel is about. Living your best life - whatever that looks like.

[@thereseschab5042]

Well, guess you have to be glad for the guy, but to me, this just proves how evil the insurance industry really is. I mean...people can't get approved for the things they need and this guy is like super rich.......it kind of turns my stomach really.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Yeah, the discrepancy between the wealthy and the poor is crazy. At least he's supporting a lot of artists from around the world...

[@tcb1017]

Wow, your country man Mr. Danny MILLION DOLLAR BOGAN and he is also from Austarlia but wow, he should watch and learn from you. Gosh, he is a rich man ok worth millions but he is out there stressing himself riding his HD all over the mundo. So here it shows how we are all different, some smart LOL and some not LOL. This man Mr. Danny he could easy live high class and fancy like this Mr. Gerry does but those to not do that. Ok, like I said people are different so live and enjoy for what it means because life will end as we all know or should know so again, enjoy life and live. Not to long ago, another great artist also being from Austarlia Olivia Newton who was a movie star ok and had a lot of money and fame ok, where is she now.......................................................dead, just like all the dead people so again, be smart don't be a hero because nobody cares so live and enjoy as long as possible.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Yes - we all end up in a box in the end.

[@PurpleUSA]

🥹😳🥺👍👍👍🥹😳🥺

[@matthewfoulger4682]

Why did you make this video?

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Why not? I try to share stories from all walks of life who move to Mexico. Plus, he’s really for sharing the need to plan for your “3rd innings.”

[@matthewfoulger4682]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico For me, this video was not relatable at all - it came across as “I’m great and wealthy”. Very little about SMA or planning tips.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

@matthewfoulger4682 - sorry it wasn't a good video for you. I have other videos coming up from much less well off people living in SMA

[@tcb1017]

@@matthewfoulger4682 I'm so with you 1000 %. We, the so called working ordinary people who are dreaming and planning on retiring we don't need to watch someone at this level of class or whatever. it's almost like trying to relate to try to live or plan as Mr. Trump did. Ok, good for this man about his whatever life he lives but this is not for us ok hard working poor people who dream of moving to Mexico and also see what kind of a house he lives in wow, almost to much and I have no envy at all for this man ok, I don't know how he sleeps and eat or whatever so who knows, it's only material things.

[@ddolde]

Boring

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@reneraxo]

Excellent information 👍👍👍👍

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thanks for watching!

[@coach_alpha_elite]

Who is this man?

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Random guy I met who was willing to tell his story on camera.

[@ralphlinville6646]

Oh, and im sorry!: I meant the pro bono/Ann comment tongue-in-creek. Appologies

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I figured that much ;-)

[@jaimehaynes428]

I love your videos! Fast results only = Promo SM!