If not for savings, then first couple years here, I could not stay, as had no income. Just did the lump sum in bank when married. Soc Sec was finally approved, but only good enough for marriage extensions, which I wasn't most of the time here till 2014. Only married for the first year 2000 to 2001. Only kept the bare minimum in bank here, and didn't bring anything over from USA till about 2012. Soc Sec only surpassed the retirement monthly income requirement about 5 yrs ago. With the monthly income met, I don't keep anything in my name here. More convenience for the wife & daughter, when I crap out, they already have and no hassle or tax, with probate. At worse, there would be 300k in bank, as not much more is ever in there, or I'd have to file a FBAR. Hard to believe, people at retirement age can't meet the minimum, lump or income to stay here. Seriously have to rethink living overseas on such low funds. Especially if not qualifying for their healthcare and not having private insurance. Surely after 40-45 yrs working, you'd have some equity in your house, if sold, or rent out, for lump sum or supplement income requirements with pension.
