Retiring Abroad: What L-Plate Retirees Can Learn from the Schengen Shuffle

Markets wobble again as growth surprises spook rate-cut hopes

The quick scan: The rally hit a speed bump as stocks tumbled for a third straight day, with uncertainty over future rate cuts weighing heavily.

S&P 500: Fell ~0.5% to 6,604.72, pressured by higher bond yields and profit-taking after recent highs
Dow Jones: Slipped ~0.4% to 45,947.32, with weakness in financials and industrials dragging the index lower
Nasdaq: Declined ~0.5% to 22,384.19, as growth and tech names bore the brunt of rate-sensitive selling

What’s driving it: Strong economic data — especially better-than-expected GDP and lower jobless claims — suggests the U.S. economy may be too resilient, which could delay further Fed rate cuts. Rising bond yields added pressure, especially on growth and tech stocks.

Bottom line: The market is testing whether the bullish run can last without fresh stimulus. For L-Plate Retirees, this is a good reminder to don’t overrotate into risk just on impulse. Stick to your strategy, rebalance as needed, and use volatility smartly, not emotionally.

The Reality of Retiring Abroad

The scoop: Living out retirement across the world’s most beautiful cities sounds like a dream — and for Norm Bour and his wife, it has been. Since 2019, they’ve visited more than 43 countries, embracing life as full-time nomads. But in his Business Insider essay, Norm reveals that their biggest challenge hasn’t been packing light or finding good Wi-Fi — it’s navigating the fine print of international visas.

The Schengen zone, which covers 29 European countries including France, Italy, Germany, and Spain, only allows non-EU citizens to stay for 90 days in any 180-day period. For retirees dreaming of slow travel through Europe, this creates an unexpected roadblock. Simply hopping from one EU country to the next isn’t a loophole — it all counts toward the same 90-day limit.

Norm learned this the hard way. After a costly and unsuccessful attempt to secure retirement visas in Spain, he and his wife adopted the “Schengen shuffle”: spending three months inside the zone, then moving to non-Schengen countries like Malaysia or Bosnia until the clock resets. While it keeps them traveling, it’s hardly stress-free. The penalties for overstaying can be severe — fines, bans, even deportation.

For retirees considering an international lifestyle, this story carries important lessons:

• Visas matter. Research long-term options such as retirement visas, digital nomad visas, or residency permits before you go.

• Flexibility is key. Being able to shift plans, as the Bour family did, makes global retirement more feasible.

• Rules change. Visa policies evolve, sometimes quickly. Always check the latest before booking long stays.

• It’s not just Europe. Many countries, from Thailand to Mexico, have specific retirement visa requirements — some simple, some complex.

The idea of retiring abroad remains deeply appealing. Lower living costs, cultural adventures, and milder climates all tempt retirees. But Norm’s journey shows that the fantasy needs a reality check: behind the sunsets and piazzas lies a world of paperwork, planning, and persistence.

Actionable Takeaways for L-Plate Retirees:

• Research visa rules before setting your heart on a destination.

• Budget time and money for paperwork — approvals can take months.

• Build flexibility into your travel plans — don’t overstay your welcome.

• Consider mixing regions (Schengen + non-Schengen) to extend your travels.

• Always have a “Plan B” destination in case rules change unexpectedly.

Your Turn:
Would you ever consider the “Schengen shuffle” to extend time in Europe?
Which country outside your own would top your list for a retirement base?
How much red tape would you be willing to put up with to live your dream lifestyle abroad?

👉 Hit reply and share your thoughts — your answers could inspire fellow readers in future issues.