[MICHAEL GALLAGHER]

Corrected link address is http://cancilleria.gob.ec scrub the “&gt”

[MICHAEL GALLAGHER]

For anyone else doing this with a DOD retirement income, I just finished the process, and here’s how it worked out. The most current DFAS (Defense Finance Accounting Service) RAS (Retirement Account Statement) available on-line from a retiree’s myPay account is the exact same thing that DFAS can mail to you, so you’d just as well make a PDF of the RAS download, then get it notarized at your bank/credit union. Saves mailing time. The notarization should have the appropriate notary verbage on it. Then it must be sent or taken to your Secretary of State in your state of residence for an apostille. Finally, send it to the Consular Office of Ecuador (for certification) that covers your specific state. To find the appropriate consulate, consult <http://cancilleria.gob.ec&gt;. Strong recommendation #1: check out the various websites (e.g., Secretary of State) before each mailing and include THEIR form detailing what you need them to do, etc. Include also their checklist and a postal money order. Strong recommendation #2: mail everything via trackable means, including a return pre-paid trackable envelop. Point of interest: When I sent my notarized, apostilled package to the Ecuadorian Consulate in Los Angeles, they actually called me within hours of receipt, to verify info and returned the package with their certification that day! Conversely, it took me 2 1/2 months to get a background check apostilled at the U.S. Deoartment of State. Any gringo complaining about Ecuador’s residency process should take note!

[MICHAEL GALLAGHER]

I’m retired on a military pension and not yet eligible for SS or using my IRA. After a year and a half of research and preparation, I’m still moving to Ecuador BECAUSE I’m fearful of the US economy going belly-up. Also, Congress and the current administration are already nibbling at my DOD retirement! I think work opportunities are far better for an expat in Ecuador with life experiences that would be an asset and are valued far more in Latin America than currently here in the US (where I’m considered another old fart wandering around with a resume, begging for a job, but not viable to join someone’s clone army). Am I taking a monetary risk? You betcha, but the opportunity to make a contribution and the adventure at this time in my life make that risk far less worrisome. I’ve made that decision and I’m jazzed about it! If I stay here and the economy does tank, then I really am financially screwed. The paperwork is in order and I’ve just booked my flight. See ya!

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