Hola Amigos! I'm an almost-60 year old female living in British Columbia. Having lived & worked in Mexico on an FM3 (now expired) for just under five years, I have decided to retire there, near Puerto Vallarta. Because all my friends down there are Americans, I need some help regarding Canadian regulations. My questions involve the steps in preparation for the move:

1. When should I apply for FM2 (I will eventually be buying property, so I understand an FM2 is required). Should I do it from the MX consulate in Vancouver, or once I get to MX?
2. When should I apply for a pension: Just before or after my 60th birthday in late September/08?
3. Should I tell gov't personnel that I plan on living there year round, or should I just keep mum? I hear that, unless I have a CDN address (my son's?), I will not get the GIS (Guaranteed Income Supplement) I'm entitled to due to my low income, if I'm living in another country. Is this true?
4. Any other advice you may have? I appreciate every little tid-bit I can gather about gov't processes, etc.

Thank you so much for your help.