Ten steps you can take now at home -- Step 1: know yourself -- Step 2: budget your new life overseas -- Step 3: take out a map -- Step 4: research residency options -- Step 5: get good tax advice -- Step 6: shop for health insurance -- Step 7: learn the local real estate market (for both sales and rentals) -- Step 8: figure out what to do with all your stuff -- Step 9: set up a virtual home office -- Step 10: consider part-time retirement overseas -- Looking for something specific -- Cheap living -- Luxury living on a budget -- Retire to the beach -- Escape to the mountains -- Top choices with school-aged children -- Entrepreneurs welcome -- Best health care -- Great weather -- No language barrier -- Part-time retirement overseas -- Easy access to home -- Tax-friendly jurisdiction -- Established expat community -- Fully wired location -- Special benefits for foreign retirees -- The world's fourteen top retirement havens -- Argentina -- Belize -- Croatia -- Dominican Republic -- Ecuador -- France -- Ireland -- Italy -- Malaysia -- Mexico -- Nicaragua -- Panama -- Thailand -- Uruguay -- Settling in -- Renting, renovating, or building your new home -- Setting up : furnishing your home and finding household help -- Establishing an administrative infrastructure: opening bank accounts, arranging utilities, paying bills, and filing tax returns -- Getting around: owning a vehicle and obtaining a driver's license -- Becoming part of your new community: learning the language and making friends -- How to make the most of your new life -- Overcoming challenges and cultural differences -- Margarita madness -- The language barrier -- The hassle factor -- Managing your expectations -- The mañana factor -- Handling panic -- Frequently asked (and not so crazy) questions -- Conclusion: the two most valuable things I've learned as an American abroad.