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Discovering Your Dream Retirement: Top 4 International Destinations for Nationwide Employees

Nationwide employees planning to retire abroad should also take the time to find out how happy people are and how well they are treated in the healthcare systems of the countries they plan to retire in,' recommends Tyson Mavar, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

Wesley Boudreaux from The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group, recommends that Nationwide retirees should look for better opportunities for health and happiness abroad than traditional retirement destinations, especially in Portugal and Spain, which have favorable taxes and climates.

In this article we will discuss:

1. Increase in the Number of U.S. Retirees Leaving the Country: Emphasizing the rising trend of American retirees leaving the country and concentrating on Europe.

2. The Best Countries to Live in Terms of Quality of Life: Why Spain, Portugal, and other countries are chosen for their climate, healthcare, and cost of living.

3. Financial Implications for Retirees: Explains the costs and benefits of retiring abroad in terms of taxes and other factors.

The trend of American retirees exploring the option of international retirement destinations is on the rise. The Social Security Administration reports that the number of U.S. retirees collecting benefits from abroad has jumped from 413,000 to 760,000 in the last three years, many of whom have chosen Europe as their destination.

The Nationwide retirees may find better healthcare, standard of living and safety in various parts of the world as identified by the recent study by Global Citizen Solutions. Among the best places for retirement, Spain and Portugal are the most popular.

The capital of Spain is the city that was ranked highest in the quality of life with a score of 100 based on factors such as wind speed, temperature, and health care. Researcher Laura Madrid of Global Citizen Solutions argues that the public health sector in Spain and affordable private insurance services are key in enhancing the quality of life of its citizens. Moreover, Nationwide retirees who do not want to use their private vehicles as a means of transport during retirement find the Spanish transport system to be very efficient and relatively cheap.

The neighboring country, Portugal comes close behind with a nearly perfect score of 99.79. The climate and low costs of healthcare have attracted an increasing number of American retirees to the region. Both Spain and Portugal are generally cheaper than many European countries and the United States and have good tax exemptions for new exotic residents for the initial years of their stay.

Costa Rica is the third place, Uruguay and Mexico are the second and the first, respectively. That is why Mexico is better than Portugal in terms of the quality of life. In the economic category, Malaysia is the best as there is no tax on income earned outside the country. It should be noted that all the citizens of the United States living abroad must meet the tax reporting requirements to the United States.

The average New Zealand is hard to beat when it comes to retirement, especially with regard to social adaptation and the attitude towards immigrants. The main criteria that influence the choice of retirees when moving overseas are tax benefits, good healthcare, and affordable housing. This study establishes a pattern of older Americans who are looking for better financial situations, tax exemptions, and cultural experiences through retirement abroad.

For Nationwide retirees who are planning to retire abroad, Portugal is a country that deserves attention since this nation offers not only a high standard of living but also some tax benefits. As for International Living, Portugal is one of the best countries for expat retirees due to its beautiful scenery, friendly people, and excellent but affordable healthcare (International Living, 2024).

Retiring from Nationwide abroad can be a bit like finding a secret paradise after a long journey: walking into a country with sun, healthcare, low taxes, and so many new experiences. Just as travelers look for comfortable and interesting places to visit, seniors choose countries like Spain and Portugal for their decent public healthcare, affordable living, and special tax benefits. It is a chance to enjoy life’s good things in an environment which is designed for peace, relaxation, and community.

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Disclosure:

This information is not intended as recommendation. The opinions are subject to change at any time and no forecasts can be guaranteed. Investment decisions should always be made based on investor's specific circumstances. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal.

Sources:

1. Social Security Administration.
SSA Payments Outside US | International Programs,' Social Security Administration, 2025, https://www.ssa.gov/international/payments_outsideUS.html

2. Rader, Jameson.
Social Security Abroad for U.S. Expats and Retirees [Guide].'' Savvy Nomad, 2024, https://blog.savvynomad.io/social-security-abroad-for-us-expats-and-retirees-guide

3. 'How to Retire Abroad as a US Citizen: The Complete Guide.' ExpatDen, 2024, https://www.expatden.com/us/how-to-retire-abroad-as-a-us-citizen-the-complete-guide.

4. Behrens, Frederic.
American Expat Social Security and Retiring Abroad.' Cerity Partners, 2024, https://www.ceritypartners.com/american-expat-social-security-and-retiring-abroad

5. 'Expat Retiring Abroad? Rules on Taxes, Social Security, and Benefits.' PlanWell Financial Planners, 2024, https://www.planwellfp.com/expat-retiring-abroad-rules-on-taxes-social-security-and-benefits.

What are the unique benefits provided by the Nationwide Retirement Plan that differentiate it from other retirement plans? How does Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company ensure the plan meets the regulatory requirements while still addressing the needs of its employees?

Unique Benefits of Nationwide Retirement Plan: Nationwide’s Retirement Plan provides both a Final Average Pay (FAP) Benefit and an Account Balance Benefit, which allows flexibility for employees hired at different times. The plan is qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, ensuring compliance with federal tax laws. Nationwide ensures regulatory compliance while addressing employee needs through ongoing contributions, actuarial evaluations, and options like lifetime income for retirees and survivors.

How can employee participation in the Nationwide Retirement Plan impact their overall retirement savings strategy? What role does the defined benefit pension plan play in conjunction with Social Security and personal savings for employees of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company?

Employee Participation Impact: Participation in the Nationwide Retirement Plan enhances employees' overall retirement savings strategy by integrating Social Security, personal savings, and the defined benefit plan. The FAP benefit, based on final average compensation, works alongside Social Security to offer a stable income, while the Account Balance Benefit adds flexibility in retirement income options.

What options do employees of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company have when they retire before the age of 55, and how do these options compare to those available for employees who retire after reaching that age? What factors influence the choices employees make regarding timing and type of benefit commencement?

Retirement Options Before and After Age 55: Employees retiring before age 55 can start receiving their benefits immediately, but they face early retirement reductions. Those retiring after age 55 may choose from more benefit options like annuities and receive higher, less-reduced payments. The choice to retire before or after age 55 depends on factors like financial need and health, and affects the timing and size of the benefit commencement(Nationwide Mutual Insur…).

In what ways does the structure of the benefit formulasâ€”Final Average Pay (FAP) Benefit and Account Balance Benefitâ€”affect the retirement income of employees at Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company? What are the implications for employees considering different retirement timings?

Effect of Benefit Formulas on Income: The FAP Benefit is based on Final Average Pay and Social Security coordination, offering a larger benefit for those with higher incomes, while the Account Balance Benefit is based on accumulated contributions and interest. The timing of retirement plays a crucial role in determining income, as early retirement results in reduced benefits, while late retirement allows for continued service accrual and potentially higher payouts.

How does the Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company address spousal benefits under the retirement plan, particularly regarding the Qualified Preretirement Survivor Annuity (QPSA)? What are the actions that employees need to take to ensure their spouses receive these benefits?

Spousal Benefits and QPSA: Nationwide offers a Qualified Preretirement Survivor Annuity (QPSA) to ensure that a spouse receives benefits if the participant dies before retirement. Employees must name their spouse as a beneficiary or obtain notarized consent if they wish to designate someone else. To ensure the spouse receives the QPSA, employees must take the appropriate legal steps outlined in the plan.

What steps must employees of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company take to successfully file a claim for retirement benefits, and what is the timeframe for processing these claims? How does the company ensure that employees understand their rights under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA)?

Steps to File a Claim for Retirement Benefits: To file a claim, employees must notify the Nationwide Retirement Center at Fidelity and submit the required paperwork. Claims are typically processed within 60 days, and Nationwide ensures that employees understand their rights under ERISA through detailed communications and support from Fidelity Investments.

What are the situations that might cause delays or loss of benefits for employees retiring from Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company? How can employees proactively manage these risks to ensure they receive their entitled benefits?

Situations Leading to Delays or Loss of Benefits: Delays can occur if employees fail to submit necessary paperwork, keep their contact information updated, or if they are not vested at the time of severance. Employees should proactively manage these risks by completing forms timely and maintaining communication with the Plan Administrator to avoid disruptions in benefits.

Can employees at Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company alter their distribution choices after commencing their retirement benefits? What regulatory frameworks influence their ability to change benefit elections, and under what circumstances might these changes be permitted?

Changing Distribution Choices After Retirement: Once retirement benefits commence, changes to distribution elections are limited. For example, lump-sum payments and annuity selections are typically irrevocable after commencement, and spousal consent is required for certain changes. Federal regulations, such as IRS rules, further restrict post-retirement changes in benefit elections(Nationwide Mutual Insur…).

How does the Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company plan for automatic post-retirement benefit increases, and what factors determine the percentage increase? How do these increases impact the long-term financial security of retirees?

Post-Retirement Benefit Increases: Nationwide offers automatic post-retirement benefit increases for participants with service before 1996, with annual increases between 0% and 3% based on fund performance. These increases help to protect retirees’ long-term financial security by adjusting their pension income for inflation.

How can employees contact NDPERS for more information regarding their retirement options, and what specific resources are available for personalized assistance? Clear communication channels and support services are essential for helping employees navigate their retirement planning effectively with NDPERS.

Contacting the Nationwide Retirement Center: Employees can reach the Nationwide Retirement Center at Fidelity by calling 1-800-238-4015 for inquiries about their retirement plan. Fidelity provides detailed support, including benefit estimates, plan information, and assistance with filing claims and selecting benefit distribution options(Nationwide Mutual Insur…).