Finances in Mexico Archives - Page 3 of 5

Can You Afford It?

Living costs are a moving target everywhere in the world and Lakeside is no exception. Jerry Brown and his wife, Lori, are local expats with their own YouTube Channel, Jerry Brown Travels. Recently they reviewed their current monthly household costs for living in Ajijic. Check it out for yourself and see if Lakeside living might be in your future. Also see our comprehensive article on the local cost of living and come to one of our week long learning seminars to plan your own budget and get your specific budget planning questions answered. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqRgjzfp0LI … [Read more...]

Guide to Paying Christmas Bonuses in Mexico

The Aguinaldo – How to calculate By Karen McConnaughey Under Mexican law, all employees (including maids, gardeners, cooks) deserve a Christmas bonus. It also creates and keeps a good, healthy relationship with your employees. Employees are entitled by law to receive 15 days pay for their Christmas bonus. Therefore, if an employee normally makes 1500 pesos in a 15-day period, then this amount would also be their Christmas bonus. Some calculations may be required, but this is what they are entitled to. If the employee has been in your employ for less than a year, these amounts are … [Read more...]

Getting Used to Mexican Currency

The first time I ever laid eyes on Mexican money I said, "Oh look! It's like Monopoly money!" I can assure you, while it is pretty, it spends just like real money! If you're not used to dealing in more than one currency, it can feel daunting at first to convert from your home currency to pesos quickly and confidently. I've seen many flustered people thrust a handful of cash and coins at cashiers in Mexico so that vendors could pick out the appropriate amount from their hands. That's NOT the recommended way of doing things, even though there are many honest people in Mexico, just … [Read more...]

The Climate in Lake Chapala Mexico

by Karen McConnaughey Bill and I had three main reasons for picking the Lake Chapala area as our retirement destination of choice. We wanted… - A temperate climate - A lower cost of living - To leave the rat race We had both worked since we were 16, and we were just tired of it. I thought Bill would want to retire to Florida (where he lived previously) or Phoenix (where his daughter lived). We were both tired of Kansas City winters and never wanted to shovel snow again. I knew if he chose either of those places, he would be saying ‘bye’ to me in his rear-view mirror. I just couldn’t … [Read more...]

Ajijic and Lake Chapala Real Estate

Buying Ajijic and Lake Chapala Real Estate - What you can Expect Homes at Lake Chapala are built similarly to commercial construction in the U.S. and Canada, using brick, rebar and concrete. Ceilings tend to be high, floors are tile and walls are thick stucco. Homes often have a Spanish flair with lovely wrought-iron scroll work over the windows that are both decorative and secure. "You're not in Kansas anymore, Dorothy!" If you have ever wanted to paint a wall teal, lime or fuchsia, this is the place to go for it! In fact, you'll fit right in. Of course, if you choose to leave the … [Read more...]