We’re Australian, for the first few years of retirement we took our bikes to Europe every year and toured a different country each trip. Eventually moved to France and then Switzerland. We rent, we have no plans to move back or anywhere else, I’m 79 years old. It has been a fantastic retirement, moreover the cycling, hiking and skiing keeps us fit and healthy.
Ah Yes! My wife came up with us moving last year to Portugal and it has turned out to be an amazing decision. We have Lost nothing and created a second half of life that is amazing. We travel when and where we want, are buying a house soon here and are making plans to visit many other places around the world. It's amazing. we can always return to the USA if we like. Remember, life doesn't last forever ...seize the day and risk a little as the rewards and fresh beginnings may turn out to be amazing.
YES!! We lived in Panama for years and later decided to return to the US. Now we are planning of selling 99% of what we are burdened with and moving overseas again. Where shall we go? A great situation to be in.
You guys are so right. First, it certainly is cheaper traveling, or living somewhere else, than in the US. And, secondly, once you've widened your horizons, you find that it's pretty easy to change bases if you like. We are 76 and 66 and have always traveled even while having our home in Portland, Oregon. Then we sold everything and moved to Asia, where we lived for 4 years, then to Germany for 7 years. Then, decided to have a home base back in the US, first in Las Vegas for 3 years and now in east Tennessee for the last 2. We're still on the road 6-8 months a year. So, there's no big deal. We just keep getting older and keep moving.
Well, we are 71 and 76 and have been traveling full time for 4 years now. Our end-game is a 2-bedroom apartment (we’ll never own a home again) in the small Washington town where our doctors and storage shed are. When will that be? When one of us wakes up and turns to the other and says I’m ready to settle down again. It could be physical frailties or a change of attitude. Hard to say. We’ve talked about that life with the same anticipation we talk about travel. Nick will paint with oil again. I’ll join a couple of boards. We will have cats or dogs or both. And we’ll still travel if we can-just not full-time. We don’t really worry about it. Life (and our finances) can change on a dime.
We love what you two are doing in life! It takes courage. The courage to disregard what people think, the courage not to settle, and the courage not to quit on life. You two are probably too young to remember the great folk singer Jim Croce. One of my favorite songs is "I've Got a Name" by Jim. The chorus on this tune reminds me of your philosophy on life. It goes..." Moving me Down the Highway, Rolling Me Down Highway, Moving Me Down Highway, So LIFE Dont Pass Me By." My wife and I are now in our 60's and we plan to take a chance. You only get one chance to live. We dont want LIFE to pass us by. Thanks so much for sharing your experinces!!!
You guys are our inspiration right now. We plan on early retiring in 7 years when we're 51 and doing this! We've done it before in our 30's but always moved around with the intent of going home and getting "real jobs" when we ran out of money, which ended up being 3.5 years. Now we want to do it and not run out ever. This is proving how possible that is. Thank you!
THERE ARE MANY 70 YEAR OLD PEOPLE WHO STILL LOVE TO TRAVEL. I THINK IF YOU DO IT IN A SLOW PACE YOU CAN STILL DO IT. BOTH OF YOU WILL BE SUCH EXPERTS BY THEN YOU WILL KNOW ALL THE IN'S & OUT's OF TRAVELING :) YOU HAVE A VERY BLESSED LIFE! THANK GOD EVERYDAY FOR IT. 🙏🙏🙏
My wife and I have been talking about doing this as well. We have done a lot of travel in our 20‘s. Now we are ready to retire and get back out on the road and seeing the world. Keep making these wonderful videos. I appreciate you sharing your experiences with us.
Truly inspirational! Thanks for spreading so much positivity and for sharing so much of your experience. I tell my teens that you are MY favorite RUclipsrs!! 😉 REALLY hope your idea to host a cruise pans out!! Would love to meet you. Nancy (Philly suburbs).
I'm so happy I made productive decisions about my finances that changed my life forever,hoping to retire next year.. Investment should always be on any creative man's heart for success in life
YES! that's exactly her name (Stacey Macken) I watched her interview on CNN News and so many people recommended highly about her and her trading skills, she's an expert and I'm just starting with her....From Brisbane Australia
I have been on the wrong side for far long and I'm willing to make consultations to improve my situation. What is the most reliable medium to reach her please?
I’m in my late 60s, retired early, and faced answering the questions you raised. Although I wasn’t interested in full time traveling, having the options/freedoms to make different choices by not being tied to the materialistic lifestyle was one of the best gifts to myself. Thank you for this video - great thought provoker.
Words of Wisdom that I have been sharing over the past year of slow travel. We are planning to settle down in about a year, probably KL, just waiting for MM2H. We have not touched our nest-egg during travel, our retirement income is more then what we need for this travel and in fact enjoying some hi-end accommodations, especially in SE Asia. We are both retired Americans (Tampa), almost 70.
I lived overseas as an expat for 11 years. And what I will tell you is that, in the moment, I had only gone for a few months, a year or two, and then extended for this or that. New opportunities come along and then I (you) stay a bit longer. But mentally, spiritually, you didn't leave home for good. It just happens organically. Just go for awhile and let it happen. Won't be long, and it will be time to do it again, somewhere else this time.
We are both in our early 70's and we are full time RVers for 8 years. We only wish we had started when we were a lot younger! Bravo for you two. Home bases can be replaced, memories last a lifetime and can not be replaced! I have to go over to your other channel for infor and advice as we want to try traveling via Amtrak and I find their web site very confusing!
Hey guys. I've commented before as someone who was stationed in six different countries and you hit the nail on the head. In 13 and 1/2 months I will be joining you on the road. I have been getting a lot of the same questions and concerns from friends and family. My personal opinion is some people enjoy the comfort level and what they know. Doing what you're doing is not for everyone. That is not to say that the people who cannot do it are wrong, but they are on their own journey and you are on your own journey. Don't let anyone second guess you.
It's funny to me that you've been asked those questions. We all strive to be happy and free to make the choice of where we want to be and do. Why do some feel that you HAVE to live a societal way of life and not be happy?? Keep living your amazing blessed lives as you see fit, where you want and for as long as YOU want! ❤
I like what you are doing. The part I could not do is miss out on my aging parents & retiring in the US is very expensive. Also I would miss seeing my kids more often. No experience in my opinion replaces family time.
My wife and I both just retired (or Graduated. lol) from our careers and plan to start travel this Fall. We have family in KL and will start there and also travel to other areas for 1-2 years. We have sold everything here in US. We will explore, experience wonderful places and figure it out. We are ready for an adventure!!! Curious to know the 2-3 places you are considering (right now) settling down one day. Obviously that is subject to change.
I really appreciate your videos. I only found your channel in the past few weeks and I basically have been binge watching them. My husband and are I are 53 and 51 respectively and with the way the price of everything is skyrocketing in the US, becoming expats when we retire is looking more appealing. We hadn't even considered just traveling the world like you two are, but now I'm thinking about it.
When you leave your home base that includes selling your home, sometimes financially it maybe be not viable to move back. Like rent and house costs are crazy in San Diego now
Couldn't agree more!! We sold up at 50 to travel and haven't looked back. We initially thought we'd just take the gap years we never had. We realised quickly that we wanted to carry on, and importantly, it wasn't as expensive as we imagined.
I guess people were expecting you two mention : how do you manage tax season ( just live off investment and nothing to declare 😂?, how do you renew your state ID , your bank account info ?, you couple don’t have physical address in the US, those things 😅 I will appreciate the specific answers . Love what you couple do 😃❤
I would LOVE TO SEE INDEPENDENT / Assisted living facilities in Asia - that would be a GREAT video!! I have friends that love traveling to Thailand, and have told me that it is not a suitable place to be as an elder person, because the culture expects the grown children to take care of the elderly parents. From the sounds of your video, that is not the case so it would be fascinating to see some of the independent living facilities in Thailand or Vietnam . Thanks for everything you guys do for all of us! There is no limit to the amount of good in peoples lives that you are doing
Can you make a video of the different retirement options you saw retirees take in each respective country you see yourselves in? What were the difference of care retirees receive in each country? What is possible in one country that is not in another?
This is great topic and along the lines of how I think. I do love my home now but travel is what I am most interested in and want to do more of now. Which is why I am deciding to do some slow travel next year
Our plan as well. We sold the big house. Currently we are taking care of medical needs and subletting an apartment in San Francisco. We have our Panama Pensionado Visa and will use Panama City as our "home base." In the meantime we will be splitting our time with family in Italy, kids in the states and R&R in SE Asia. Wife retired from an airline career. Our escape is by design. We are in our 60s, so our window is more narrow. That is why getting the Panama retirement visa was a high priority. Her airline has daily flights to/from Panama, so getting back and forth is possible. And we have enjoyed Panama each time we have been there. We believe we could age in place in Panama. Renting is a nice break from being a homeowner for the last 35 years.
I had asked that question :) and I have to say I get inspired by you two every day! Right at the end of 2019, we had been ready to take the plunge and the big C happened and we got stuck again. Hoping to make the jump soon.
Hubby and I loved your frank and practical video. You have what matters as your foundation, each other and your dreams. The rest is just stuff. Thank you for your wonderful information. Inspired. ❤
Thank you for this. Perfect timing! I can totally get on board with letting go of things, but the thought of letting go of my home was a little harder. Now I see your perspective. Lots of options! Now I need to go exploring. Thanks again!
You mentioned meeting a lot of Australian retirees around the world. Have you two spent in time traveling in Australia, New Zealand, or the South Pacific in general? Love you videos, keep it up and safe travels!
You guys are spot in. Explore the world before retirement. You will see many possibilities that would remain hidden unless you experience it yourself. I'm about to turn 60 and am establishing a new "home base" in Mérida Mexico. I can actually afford health care here, and there are many very affordable options for retirement and assisted living for people who are more comfortable with English. I'm enjoying your videos. Thank you!
I love the channel the information here about traveling the world for lifestyle options. However, I think it is it is more correct to say that moving to a country with a lower cost of living (geographic arbitrage) is what makes this lifestyle possible, not the travel part of it. If travel is moving very frequently, it gets expensive. Geographic arbitrage, as well as strategically doing it as you do so well, is the key. A second part of the strategy, which you mention in other videos, is the lowered cost of not owning anything that is costly (house, car, etc). Who would think that living in high-end hotel chains would be cheaper than living in the USA? Well done, guys!
Good to hear you are thinking about this. My parents are in their early 80's now, and travel (which they loved, and did a lot) is getting incredibly hard. As far as starting over goes--I left an abusive marriage a decade ago and started over with almost nothing. It's kind of a pain to buy al lnew stuff, but it's hardly impossible. I could see myself selling everything at retirement (except maybe a few sentimental things in a small storage unit) and traveling until it gets too hard to do so--although I might rent out my current house while I'm away instead of selling.
Great video as always. I agree with most of what you said, but there is one scenario where you may not be able to come back to live in the US. If we have an inflationary period like the 1970's where housing prices and mortgage rates are sky high when you decide to return, then your options will be limited. If you think your investments will protect you... think again. Just take a look at how the stock market performed from 1969 to 1980.
While I still have my aging parents and (partially dependent) older brothers to support, my dream is to eventually move to Mexico (or somewhere), do I can live my senior years with dignity and with joy and adventure and not all this rushing around expensive US. Thanks for all the information, perspective, and example!
Thank you for taking the time to respond to our question we asked a long time ago. We appreciate your insights and agree that after traveling extensively, it may be easier to settle back in the United States, provided we maintain Medicare coverage. We understand that medical expenses and taxes can pose significant challenges as we age, and one should consider these factors in the move back planning.🤑
Who is the bear friend in the background? Great thoughts shared as always. You know we love your content. Hoping to do some USA train travel once work slows down.
The question for me is more towards the end game? My wife and I are Canadian but have family in Italy and Holland. We want to 'retire' soon and slow travel or live in Europe, with the end goal of ending up in Italy or somewhere similar. Canada and the US are not great culturally for the elderly and we don't want to end up here. Whereas places in Europe treat elderly better and have a better climate. The same could be said for SE Asia perhaps.
Hi. I am Canadian , too. I have been living outside of Canada for some years. Europe, Asia really treat have much more respect for the elderly. I am in my 70s and in Mexico where there is respect for elderly people. Southeast Asia is even more respectful of us. Canadians are numerous an often thought of as more interesting because we are somewhat less known. Do some exploratory trips and see for yourselves.. I like doing volunteer work where ever I travel I find this very rewarding and it gives me a view that is different. IHG points go much further in Asia, too. Just thought I would share that. Happy travels...
The proof is in going out in most countries other than the US. People of all ages in restaurants, shows, bars. In the US you reach certain age and you are expected to move to an over 55 community and go to eat in Palm Beach in an overpriced Italian at 5:30 pm not to miss the early bird special. Not a surprise that they are all cranky and angry all the time.
Great video. It's something that has to be considered as we get older. It's true there are so many options. I think many travelers like us think the day will come when we put away the suitcase and head back to the US (or their country of origin) to settle into the typical life we expect people to live in the later years of their retirement. But there are so many other ways to spend those years. I'm glad you mentioned the fact that many Australians are spending their later years in places like Thailand and loving it. In addition, there are assisted living facilities in Thailand and other places that are a fraction of what you would pay in the US. So there really may be no need to return, especially if, like you said, you've spent the earlier years of your retirement seeing the world and enjoying it more than back home. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this topic!
I'm hoping to find a country with good healthcare at reasonable prices as it becomes too expensive in the US even with Medicare. I still have a year before I turn 65 but right now, I'd either need to pay for a) Medicare supplemental programs or b) international health insurance, both of which are likely to run $200+ month. I'm leaning towards living outside the US because I think the out-of-pocket medical expenses will be lower. But if I come back to America later, the late enrollment penalty will be stiff!
Hi guys,I am an Australian living in Sydney. I came across your channel not long ago and enjoy every one of your videos. I watch a lot of similar videos because I’ve been contemplating retiring overseas for a while. I’ve attended an International Living Conference in Portugal in 2018,I’ve checked a Senior Living Complex in Spain that provided me with a lot information on retiring outside Australia. There are also Retirement Complexes in Thailand that resemble 5 Star Resorts with all the necessary care you need. You probably ask yourselves “ then why didn’t you take the plunge and make a move?” The reason being that my wife is not interested in leaving Australia and especially our daughter and granddaughter behind. Thus creating a dilemma for me and a sense of guilt If I were to leave them behind and just choof off. I LOVE travelling and by positioning myself in Southeast Asia but especially Europe,the opportunities are endless in exploring the world and not costing an arm and a leg coming all the way from Australia.I feel sometimes that one has to become a bit selfish and do what YOU want to do,knowingly that it will make you happy. Thank You Both for the wonderful work you do to keep us informed and entertained.
@@marvinjenkins4901 I subscribed to INTERNATIONAL LIVING ,which is an American company,and they can virtually provide you Retirement information for a number of countries which they believe are worthwhile settling in. As far as Thailand is concerned,google “ SUNSHINE INTERNATIONAL PLUS” in Hua Hin. You would be surprised of what they have to offer for retirees. I hope i have helped you in some way.
I think the concern for many of us is how to FUND a return (if we wanted/needed to). If I retire on $4000/mo to live on I likely won't have many options in the States. You two are uniquely positioned as very financially comfortable due to your channels - which is well deserved!! But not the norm for the rest of us.
@@Cenlalowell - this isn't about comparison. It's about real life vs. RUclips life. So many people will follow their dreams and sell everything because it seemed "so easy" then realize they didn't have the hidden advantages that MADE it easy. Asking these questions is important to help real people chart their own course in a realistic way.
We always enjoy your videos. The senior expats you met in Thailand, do they plan to live out their lives there in nursing homes or return to their home countries for long-term care needs?
Not related to this subject, but how do you file your tax while traveling? How do you apply for a credit card if you don't have a physical address in US?
Who is to say they don’t have a US address? They co-signed on an apartment for one kid, they could be using that address. There are ways to maintain a US address for these purposes.
This was so interesting. Any definitely opened my eyes and what my possible retirement could look like at least for a few years. I also would love to see an episode on what are your necessities? What do you take with you when you’re traveling obviously you had to downsize quite a bit to be so mobile.
If it is extremely affordable to live somewhere, could it be that is because the economy is relying on things like non-living wages, etc? I am not knowledgeable enough to know if this really a concern.
@@GroundedLifeRetirementTravel We’ve been living in the USA for over 20 years, originally from Brazil. Now, we’re contemplating embarking on our slow travel journey, starting there. It would be fantastic to see you all diving into adventures in Brazil and broadening our horizons. We’ll be keeping a close eye on your journey! 😃
We did something similar when searching for where we wanted to land in the US for our early retirement. (We talk about it on our RUclips channel). Thanks for another great video.
How about taxes do you pay federal and state taxes? If not then you don’t have Medicare benefits. What health insurance do you have? I have medications that I have to take daily. And doctor appointments. I can’t do what you are doing 😢
Thank you for this topic. I am looking forward to retirement and doing slow travel, but fearful about selling the home in California. House price is so high here, if I sell, I can't afford to buy back a similar house 1 year later and property tax will sky rocket (prop 13). But keeping the house will use up the "$4000" a month budget, turning it into a $8000 budget. Slow travel sounds very exciting, but I am not sure we can continue to do that at our 70's and 80's. Housing in the US will be a lot expensive at that time. Summer weather in south east Asia is very hot and humid, where you usually go at that time, Europe, US? Thanks!
How about keeping your house and renting it while you travel/explore? As a fellow CA homeowner, I would not advocate selling. Renting would likely provide positive cash flow, and you still have your home to come home to.
@@christinethompson3774 Yes, I have thought of renting out the house too. The unknown is how much time I will be away from home base. South east Asia is affordable, but summer time it is very hot and humid, winter time is quite nice. If I only stay in US for 1-2 months then I can treat is as one of the "destination", but if I stay in the US for 3-6 months at a time, a home base make sense, but the maintenance cost is high. I am thinking of trying South East Asia in the summer months to check if I can stand the weather to decide if this lifestyle will work. Anyone has other suggestions? Thanks!
@@Cenlalowell True, but all my family and friends are in California and the weather is nice all year round :). Buying another home years down the road may make sense in other states, but not realistic in CA. House prices here have gone up a lot, but Prop 13 kept my property tax low, if sell now and buy a similar house a year later, my property tax will be over $20k a year. So in order to keep the cost down, I will need to significantly downsize on the new home. Keeping existing home sounds like a good choice, but the upkeep is high and renting it out won't cover the cost either. And went I return to the US for a few months, I don't have a "home" and need to rent something short term. So I don't have a good solution yet.
100% agree with the video. In South East Asia with a middle class retirement nest egg you can afford a quality of life that in the US would be impossible. Condo by the beach, help, dining out every night, travel. Latin America and Europe more expensive but still way cheaper than the US. Obviously it is not for everybody, somebody that never travelled outside the US might find it difficult, and without the right attitude the cultural shock might be overwhelming no matter how advance the country.
That last piece, what was the option you hadn't thought of? 😆😄 I hope you guys choose Thailand as you final destination!! If so, we have to have a cocktail. We're headed that way in a few months!!
Your videos are excellent, and I enjoy them. I agree with most of what you are saying, having visited some seventy countries (many repeat too) over time. However, I think that taking into consideration a myriad of varying factors, your suggestions are really directed to a minority cross section. Additionally, and in my humble opinion, one should ensure that there is a reliable income stream, regardless because not everyone is going to set up a youtube fueled business. Roger
Very interesting video, thank you. The only thing is that travelers like this seldom fully integrate the culture of whichever country: do they speak the language, for example? Often not. I'm Jamaican and have been living in France for decades, and I see communities of Anglo expats (yes, lots of Australians who are truly free spirits from their youth and I find that admirable) who don't even speak the language of the country in which they've decided to settle. It's a pity. A country is not just the beautiful landscapes and the benefits that you can get living there. It's the culture. If you don't speak the language, for example (I'm not saying YOU don't because I don't know your story...), you can't have true access to the country where you are. I've seen it over and over: just expats living in their own bubble. Young Australians who live in Paris often get a job for two years in an Anglo pub, hang out with Anglos only, and leave without speaking any worthwhile French. I know Jamaicans who have been here for 20 and more years who still barely speak French because they came to work at the UN in Switzerland, settled in bordering France because it's cheaper to live here than there, and lived out their career and social lives in English. You can't truly access France if you don't make the effort to speak French and I think it's true of anywhere. They can't truly access French Switzerland, either, even if they worked there for a great part of their lives. What's your take on that? I'd be sincerely interested to hear your thoughts. Thank you!
Good perspective. I personally would prefer to be near my children in case there is hospice and funeral expenses etc. After caring for ailing parents I prefer to be near kids after the age of 75 years. Having family near is something my parents and grandparents valued most.
I feel the same way. My adult daughter is married with a baby and they live close by. My son does as well and it's wonderful to see them at least once a month. That couldn't happen if we lived in another country. I like to travel and visit other places but family is the most important to me.
Keep in mind that if you're not generating regular income each month there will be challenges to renting in the USA...or your kids could pay it forward and co sign an apartment for you! Ha! And when it comes to purchasing a home in the US with no regular income u could always pay cash. But these are things to think about and plan for.
Retirement income is income. You don’t have to be actively working to generate income. Investing generates income. Pensions are also income. Some of us still actually have them.
Hello God Forbid, But what if you don't have pne another. I have thought about this reguarding both of you! If one of you pass away. Then what It would really be different and hard youi mate for over 50 years!!!!!!!
Hi, I've just recently joined this channel and think you have a lot of good experiences and knowledge to share. However, i am a little confused! You say you are retired and are giving retirement tips, but technically you are not retired! Retirement is where one ceases to work and earn money. You are RUclipsrs and earn a nice amount of money per month to fund your travel, which i think is great. Yes, some of what you say includes those living solely on an aged pension or IRA/4019k0 (Australian superannuation), but they can't be so blasé as yourselves as they have no other money/side hustles. The way you live and plan your weekly/monthly and yearly budget is completely different to how a real retired person lives and plans.. Im not trying to be rude and i know you're open and honest, but i think being bombarded with the word 'retirement', is all that people seem to retain in their mind and they might get the wrong impression of what to expect. I think its great that you live the way you do and you are an inspiration to many and i learn so much from your channel, but i just wanted to share my observations and thoughts.
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We’re Australian, for the first few years of retirement we took our bikes to Europe every year and toured a different country each trip. Eventually moved to France and then Switzerland. We rent, we have no plans to move back or anywhere else, I’m 79 years old. It has been a fantastic retirement, moreover the cycling, hiking and skiing keeps us fit and healthy.
Ah Yes! My wife came up with us moving last year to Portugal and it has turned out to be an amazing decision. We have Lost nothing and created a second half of life that is amazing. We travel when and where we want, are buying a house soon here and are making plans to visit many other places around the world. It's amazing. we can always return to the USA if we like. Remember, life doesn't last forever ...seize the day and risk a little as the rewards and fresh beginnings may turn out to be amazing.
YES!! We lived in Panama for years and later decided to return to the US. Now we are planning of selling 99% of what we are burdened with and moving overseas again. Where shall we go? A great situation to be in.
You guys are so right. First, it certainly is cheaper traveling, or living somewhere else, than in the US. And, secondly, once you've widened your horizons, you find that it's pretty easy to change bases if you like. We are 76 and 66 and have always traveled even while having our home in Portland, Oregon. Then we sold everything and moved to Asia, where we lived for 4 years, then to Germany for 7 years. Then, decided to have a home base back in the US, first in Las Vegas for 3 years and now in east Tennessee for the last 2. We're still on the road 6-8 months a year. So, there's no big deal. We just keep getting older and keep moving.
Well, we are 71 and 76 and have been traveling full time for 4 years now. Our end-game is a 2-bedroom apartment (we’ll never own a home again) in the small Washington town where our doctors and storage shed are. When will that be? When one of us wakes up and turns to the other and says I’m ready to settle down again. It could be physical frailties or a change of attitude. Hard to say. We’ve talked about that life with the same anticipation we talk about travel. Nick will paint with oil again. I’ll join a couple of boards. We will have cats or dogs or both. And we’ll still travel if we can-just not full-time. We don’t really worry about it. Life (and our finances) can change on a dime.
Options, options, options! Its a blessing to open ones mind and see the possibilities that the world offers! 🙂
We love what you two are doing in life! It takes courage. The courage to disregard what people think, the courage not to settle, and the courage not to quit on life. You two are probably too young to remember the great folk singer Jim Croce. One of my favorite songs is "I've Got a Name" by Jim. The chorus on this tune reminds me of your philosophy on life. It goes..." Moving me Down the Highway, Rolling Me Down Highway, Moving Me Down Highway, So LIFE Dont Pass Me By." My wife and I are now in our 60's and we plan to take a chance. You only get one chance to live. We dont want LIFE to pass us by. Thanks so much for sharing your experinces!!!
You guys are our inspiration right now. We plan on early retiring in 7 years when we're 51 and doing this! We've done it before in our 30's but always moved around with the intent of going home and getting "real jobs" when we ran out of money, which ended up being 3.5 years. Now we want to do it and not run out ever. This is proving how possible that is. Thank you!
THERE ARE MANY 70 YEAR OLD PEOPLE WHO STILL LOVE TO TRAVEL. I THINK IF YOU DO IT IN A SLOW PACE YOU CAN STILL DO IT. BOTH OF YOU WILL BE SUCH EXPERTS BY THEN YOU WILL KNOW ALL THE IN'S & OUT's OF TRAVELING :) YOU HAVE A VERY BLESSED LIFE! THANK GOD EVERYDAY FOR IT. 🙏🙏🙏
I agree about the slow pace it has made it more enjoyable for me - so I am willing to travel again at 75+ solo
Options = Freedom ❤
You’ve said it.
My wife and I have been talking about doing this as well. We have done a lot of travel in our 20‘s. Now we are ready to retire and get back out on the road and seeing the world. Keep making these wonderful videos. I appreciate you sharing your experiences with us.
Thank you
Truly inspirational! Thanks for spreading so much positivity and for sharing so much of your experience. I tell my teens that you are MY favorite RUclipsrs!! 😉 REALLY hope your idea to host a cruise pans out!! Would love to meet you. Nancy (Philly suburbs).
I'm so happy I made productive decisions about my finances that changed my life forever,hoping to retire next year.. Investment should always be on any creative man's heart for success in life
You're right, with my current crpyto portfolio made from my investments with my personal financial advisor Stacey Macken , I totally agree with you
YES! that's exactly her name (Stacey Macken) I watched her interview on CNN News and so many people recommended highly about her and her trading skills, she's an expert and I'm just starting with her....From Brisbane Australia
This Woman has really change the life of many people from different countries and am a testimony of her trading platform .
Retirement took a toll on my finances, but with my involvement in the digital market, 27thousand weekly returns has been life changing.
I have been on the wrong side for far long and I'm willing to make consultations to improve my situation. What is the most reliable medium to reach her please?
I’m in my late 60s, retired early, and faced answering the questions you raised. Although I wasn’t interested in full time traveling, having the options/freedoms to make different choices by not being tied to the materialistic lifestyle was one of the best gifts to myself. Thank you for this video - great thought provoker.
Words of Wisdom that I have been sharing over the past year of slow travel. We are planning to settle down in about a year, probably KL, just waiting for MM2H. We have not touched our nest-egg during travel, our retirement income is more then what we need for this travel and in fact enjoying some hi-end accommodations, especially in SE Asia. We are both retired Americans (Tampa), almost 70.
Some folks are scared to do what you do.
I lived overseas as an expat for 11 years. And what I will tell you is that, in the moment, I had only gone for a few months, a year or two, and then extended for this or that. New opportunities come along and then I (you) stay a bit longer. But mentally, spiritually, you didn't leave home for good. It just happens organically. Just go for awhile and let it happen. Won't be long, and it will be time to do it again, somewhere else this time.
We are both in our early 70's and we are full time RVers for 8 years. We only wish we had started when we were a lot younger! Bravo for you two. Home bases can be replaced, memories last a lifetime and can not be replaced! I have to go over to your other channel for infor and advice as we want to try traveling via Amtrak and I find their web site very confusing!
Hey guys. I've commented before as someone who was stationed in six different countries and you hit the nail on the head.
In 13 and 1/2 months I will be joining you on the road. I have been getting a lot of the same questions and concerns from friends and family. My personal opinion is some people enjoy the comfort level and what they know. Doing what you're doing is not for everyone. That is not to say that the people who cannot do it are wrong, but they are on their own journey and you are on your own journey. Don't let anyone second guess you.
It's funny to me that you've been asked those questions. We all strive to be happy and free to make the choice of where we want to be and do. Why do some feel that you HAVE to live a societal way of life and not be happy?? Keep living your amazing blessed lives as you see fit, where you want and for as long as YOU want! ❤
I like what you are doing. The part I could not do is miss out on my aging parents & retiring in the US is very expensive. Also I would miss seeing my kids more often. No experience in my opinion replaces family time.
My wife and I both just retired (or Graduated. lol) from our careers and plan to start travel this Fall. We have family in KL and will start there and also travel to other areas for 1-2 years. We have sold everything here in US. We will explore, experience wonderful places and figure it out. We are ready for an adventure!!!
Curious to know the 2-3 places you are considering (right now) settling down one day. Obviously that is subject to change.
I just love your thoughtful discussions. I have learned so much. Thank you for sharing your experiences! 😊
I really appreciate your videos. I only found your channel in the past few weeks and I basically have been binge watching them. My husband and are I are 53 and 51 respectively and with the way the price of everything is skyrocketing in the US, becoming expats when we retire is looking more appealing. We hadn't even considered just traveling the world like you two are, but now I'm thinking about it.
When you leave your home base that includes selling your home, sometimes financially it maybe be not viable to move back. Like rent and house costs are crazy in San Diego now
Couldn't agree more!! We sold up at 50 to travel and haven't looked back. We initially thought we'd just take the gap years we never had. We realised quickly that we wanted to carry on, and importantly, it wasn't as expensive as we imagined.
Haha 😂 like your thumb nail. Gray is ok.
I agree you have options if you have resources.
I guess people were expecting you two mention : how do you manage tax season ( just live off investment and nothing to declare 😂?, how do you renew your state ID , your bank account info ?, you couple don’t have physical address in the US, those things 😅 I will appreciate the specific answers . Love what you couple do 😃❤
They make a nice income off of RUclips.
I would LOVE TO SEE INDEPENDENT / Assisted living facilities in Asia - that would be a GREAT video!!
I have friends that love traveling to Thailand, and have told me that it is not a suitable place to be as an elder person, because the culture expects the grown children to take care of the elderly parents.
From the sounds of your video, that is not the case so it would be fascinating to see some of the independent living facilities in Thailand or Vietnam .
Thanks for everything you guys do for all of us! There is no limit to the amount of good in peoples lives that you are doing
There are some places in Thailand for assisted living and I've seen videos on assisted living in Mexico as well.
$1000 / mo can buy daily in home care in Thailand. Assisted living can be found for $2000/ mo in Chaing Mai.
Can you make a video of the different retirement options you saw retirees take in each respective country you see yourselves in? What were the difference of care retirees receive in each country? What is possible in one country that is not in another?
This is such a great topic. Having options is a must. The way you've broken this down makes so much sense. Thank you!
Love the out of box thinking!!
Being single seems to bring up a whole new set of problems, especially for someone with no sense of direction. I've dreamt of living in P
This is great topic and along the lines of how I think. I do love my home now but travel is what I am most interested in and want to do more of now. Which is why I am deciding to do some slow travel next year
Our plan as well. We sold the big house. Currently we are taking care of medical needs and subletting an apartment in San Francisco. We have our Panama Pensionado Visa and will use Panama City as our "home base." In the meantime we will be splitting our time with family in Italy, kids in the states and R&R in SE Asia. Wife retired from an airline career. Our escape is by design. We are in our 60s, so our window is more narrow. That is why getting the Panama retirement visa was a high priority. Her airline has daily flights to/from Panama, so getting back and forth is possible. And we have enjoyed Panama each time we have been there. We believe we could age in place in Panama. Renting is a nice break from being a homeowner for the last 35 years.
Sounds like an awesome well thought out plan! Panama has the time zone advantage too.
This is a thoughtful share
I had asked that question :) and I have to say I get inspired by you two every day! Right at the end of 2019, we had been ready to take the plunge and the big C happened and we got stuck again. Hoping to make the jump soon.
Hubby and I loved your frank and practical video. You have what matters as your foundation, each other and your dreams. The rest is just stuff. Thank you for your wonderful information. Inspired. ❤
Thank you for this. Perfect timing! I can totally get on board with letting go of things, but the thought of letting go of my home was a little harder. Now I see your perspective. Lots of options! Now I need to go exploring. Thanks again!
Thanks for showing the way forward. Robert in NYC.
You mentioned meeting a lot of Australian retirees around the world. Have you two spent in time traveling in Australia, New Zealand, or the South Pacific in general?
Love you videos, keep it up and safe travels!
You guys are spot in. Explore the world before retirement. You will see many possibilities that would remain hidden unless you experience it yourself. I'm about to turn 60 and am establishing a new "home base" in Mérida Mexico. I can actually afford health care here, and there are many very affordable options for retirement and assisted living for people who are more comfortable with English. I'm enjoying your videos. Thank you!
I enjoy your Amtrak travel channel. Curious to know what your work background was before you retired?
I love the channel the information here about traveling the world for lifestyle options. However, I think it is it is more correct to say that moving to a country with a lower cost of living (geographic arbitrage) is what makes this lifestyle possible, not the travel part of it. If travel is moving very frequently, it gets expensive. Geographic arbitrage, as well as strategically doing it as you do so well, is the key. A second part of the strategy, which you mention in other videos, is the lowered cost of not owning anything that is costly (house, car, etc). Who would think that living in high-end hotel chains would be cheaper than living in the USA? Well done, guys!
Good to hear you are thinking about this. My parents are in their early 80's now, and travel (which they loved, and did a lot) is getting incredibly hard.
As far as starting over goes--I left an abusive marriage a decade ago and started over with almost nothing. It's kind of a pain to buy al lnew stuff, but it's hardly impossible. I could see myself selling everything at retirement (except maybe a few sentimental things in a small storage unit) and traveling until it gets too hard to do so--although I might rent out my current house while I'm away instead of selling.
great stuff guys!!
Great video as always. I agree with most of what you said, but there is one scenario where you may not be able to come back to live in the US. If we have an inflationary period like the 1970's where housing prices and mortgage rates are sky high when you decide to return, then your options will be limited. If you think your investments will protect you... think again. Just take a look at how the stock market performed from 1969 to 1980.
While I still have my aging parents and (partially dependent) older brothers to support, my dream is to eventually move to Mexico (or somewhere), do I can live my senior years with dignity and with joy and adventure and not all this rushing around expensive US. Thanks for all the information, perspective, and example!
I’m in my 70s and I think about all the time!
If I just could figure out how to travel on Less than a $1000.00 a month, I’d be gone in a heartbeat
Love your videos! Very informative.❤
Thank you for taking the time to respond to our question we asked a long time ago. We appreciate your insights and agree that after traveling extensively, it may be easier to settle back in the United States, provided we maintain Medicare coverage. We understand that medical expenses and taxes can pose significant challenges as we age, and one should consider these factors in the move back planning.🤑
Who is the bear friend in the background? Great thoughts shared as always. You know we love your content. Hoping to do some USA train travel once work slows down.
The question for me is more towards the end game? My wife and I are Canadian but have family in Italy and Holland. We want to 'retire' soon and slow travel or live in Europe, with the end goal of ending up in Italy or somewhere similar. Canada and the US are not great culturally for the elderly and we don't want to end up here. Whereas places in Europe treat elderly better and have a better climate. The same could be said for SE Asia perhaps.
Hi. I am Canadian , too. I have been living outside of Canada for some years. Europe, Asia really treat have much more respect for the elderly. I am in my 70s and in Mexico where there is respect for elderly people. Southeast Asia is even more respectful of us. Canadians are numerous an often thought of as more interesting because we are somewhat less known. Do some exploratory trips and see for yourselves.. I like doing volunteer work where ever I travel I find this very rewarding and it gives me a view that is different. IHG points go much further in Asia, too. Just thought I would share that. Happy travels...
The proof is in going out in most countries other than the US. People of all ages in restaurants, shows, bars. In the US you reach certain age and you are expected to move to an over 55 community and go to eat in Palm Beach in an overpriced Italian at 5:30 pm not to miss the early bird special. Not a surprise that they are all cranky and angry all the time.
Great video. It's something that has to be considered as we get older. It's true there are so many options. I think many travelers like us think the day will come when we put away the suitcase and head back to the US (or their country of origin) to settle into the typical life we expect people to live in the later years of their retirement. But there are so many other ways to spend those years. I'm glad you mentioned the fact that many Australians are spending their later years in places like Thailand and loving it. In addition, there are assisted living facilities in Thailand and other places that are a fraction of what you would pay in the US. So there really may be no need to return, especially if, like you said, you've spent the earlier years of your retirement seeing the world and enjoying it more than back home. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this topic!
so much FEAR is indoctirnated into americans to LIVE. My goodness. at 70 you probably wouldnt want a 3-4000 sq ft home.
No one does you couldn't keep it clean anyhow
Great information to consider! I say yes to more options!
I'm hoping to find a country with good healthcare at reasonable prices as it becomes too expensive in the US even with Medicare. I still have a year before I turn 65 but right now, I'd either need to pay for a) Medicare supplemental programs or b) international health insurance, both of which are likely to run $200+ month. I'm leaning towards living outside the US because I think the out-of-pocket medical expenses will be lower. But if I come back to America later, the late enrollment penalty will be stiff!
The key is BUDGET, and you do a great job with that!
Thanks again for this video. You keep rocking with good info!
great video! I wonder if you can possibly cover different retirement places in other countries. Thanks!
Hi guys,I am an Australian living in Sydney. I came across your channel not long ago and enjoy every one of your videos. I watch a lot of similar videos because I’ve been contemplating retiring overseas for a while. I’ve attended an International Living Conference in Portugal in 2018,I’ve checked a Senior Living Complex in Spain that provided me with a lot information on retiring outside Australia. There are also Retirement Complexes in Thailand that resemble 5 Star Resorts with all the necessary care you need. You probably ask yourselves “ then why didn’t you take the plunge and make a move?” The reason being that my wife is not interested in leaving Australia and especially our daughter and granddaughter behind. Thus creating a dilemma for me and a sense of guilt If I were to leave them behind and just choof off. I LOVE travelling and by positioning myself in Southeast Asia but especially Europe,the opportunities are endless in exploring the world and not costing an arm and a leg coming all the way from Australia.I feel sometimes that one has to become a bit selfish and do what YOU want to do,knowingly that it will make you happy.
Thank You Both for the wonderful work you do to keep us informed and entertained.
Hello. How did you hear about those retirement communities in Thailand? Conferences? Ads?
@@marvinjenkins4901
I subscribed to INTERNATIONAL LIVING ,which is an American company,and they can virtually provide you Retirement information for a number of countries which they believe are worthwhile settling in. As far as Thailand is concerned,google “ SUNSHINE INTERNATIONAL PLUS” in Hua Hin. You would be surprised of what they have to offer for retirees. I hope i have helped you in some way.
What about taxes? and what state or country are you claiming residence in? Enjoying all your channels.
I think the concern for many of us is how to FUND a return (if we wanted/needed to). If I retire on $4000/mo to live on I likely won't have many options in the States. You two are uniquely positioned as very financially comfortable due to your channels - which is well deserved!! But not the norm for the rest of us.
Constantly invest never stop. That way you have money to make moves. 4k puts in a lot of places in America
@@Cenlalowell - with what money? Again, that's easy to say if you have alternative income or continue working. But not everyone does.
@@Angela-ne9cy you say in your post 4k and I gave an answer that's all. Chart your own path as comparison is the thief of joy.
@@Cenlalowell - this isn't about comparison. It's about real life vs. RUclips life. So many people will follow their dreams and sell everything because it seemed "so easy" then realize they didn't have the hidden advantages that MADE it easy. Asking these questions is important to help real people chart their own course in a realistic way.
They are real people giving us options.😂
We always enjoy your videos. The senior expats you met in Thailand, do they plan to live out their lives there in nursing homes or return to their home countries for long-term care needs?
Very insightful, thank you.
Not related to this subject, but how do you file your tax while traveling? How do you apply for a credit card if you don't have a physical address in US?
Who is to say they don’t have a US address? They co-signed on an apartment for one kid, they could be using that address. There are ways to maintain a US address for these purposes.
@@hrw3mom103Trying to find out what option is available as I would like to shake off mortgage/rent if I don’t have relatives to ask for help.
This was so interesting. Any definitely opened my eyes and what my possible retirement could look like at least for a few years. I also would love to see an episode on what are your necessities? What do you take with you when you’re traveling obviously you had to downsize quite a bit to be so mobile.
Hmmm San Diego is very very expensive now. I live here . However, there are places inland that are affordable possibly.
Yes, there are many places cheaper than San Diego. Try to move east.
If it is extremely affordable to live somewhere, could it be that is because the economy is relying on things like non-living wages, etc? I am not knowledgeable enough to know if this really a concern.
I'm looking at retiring in thailand. I have a mom who is 85. If she wants to come there is facilities for the aging.
I am curious to know how you will handle your health insurance coverage and costs when you are eligible for medicare.
Have you guys been in Brazil? Is there a destination you have in mind?
We've actually never been to Brazil, but always considering it
@@GroundedLifeRetirementTravel We’ve been living in the USA for over 20 years, originally from Brazil. Now, we’re contemplating embarking on our slow travel journey, starting there. It would be fantastic to see you all diving into adventures in Brazil and broadening our horizons. We’ll be keeping a close eye on your journey! 😃
We did something similar when searching for where we wanted to land in the US for our early retirement. (We talk about it on our RUclips channel). Thanks for another great video.
so where did you end up? we moved abroad but think to move back to usa, not sure where though...
We chose Alabama and will be building a lakefront home. We are very excited 😊
@@traceyasher4849 we wish you all the best!!!
Love it!!❤
Do you still have driver's licenses or any state id other than a passport?
How about taxes do you pay federal and state taxes? If not then you don’t have Medicare benefits. What health insurance do you have? I have medications that I have to take daily. And doctor appointments. I can’t do what you are doing 😢
Thank you for this topic. I am looking forward to retirement and doing slow travel, but fearful about selling the home in California. House price is so high here, if I sell, I can't afford to buy back a similar house 1 year later and property tax will sky rocket (prop 13). But keeping the house will use up the "$4000" a month budget, turning it into a $8000 budget.
Slow travel sounds very exciting, but I am not sure we can continue to do that at our 70's and 80's. Housing in the US will be a lot expensive at that time.
Summer weather in south east Asia is very hot and humid, where you usually go at that time, Europe, US? Thanks!
How about keeping your house and renting it while you travel/explore? As a fellow CA homeowner, I would not advocate selling. Renting would likely provide positive cash flow, and you still have your home to come home to.
You don't have to be tied to California move somewhere else.
@@christinethompson3774 Yes, I have thought of renting out the house too. The unknown is how much time I will be away from home base. South east Asia is affordable, but summer time it is very hot and humid, winter time is quite nice. If I only stay in US for 1-2 months then I can treat is as one of the "destination", but if I stay in the US for 3-6 months at a time, a home base make sense, but the maintenance cost is high. I am thinking of trying South East Asia in the summer months to check if I can stand the weather to decide if this lifestyle will work. Anyone has other suggestions? Thanks!
@@Cenlalowell True, but all my family and friends are in California and the weather is nice all year round :). Buying another home years down the road may make sense in other states, but not realistic in CA. House prices here have gone up a lot, but Prop 13 kept my property tax low, if sell now and buy a similar house a year later, my property tax will be over $20k a year. So in order to keep the cost down, I will need to significantly downsize on the new home. Keeping existing home sounds like a good choice, but the upkeep is high and renting it out won't cover the cost either. And went I return to the US for a few months, I don't have a "home" and need to rent something short term. So I don't have a good solution yet.
Great points. Common sense couple.
Another excellent video!
Have you visited or considered Panama in your travels?
What do you need other than your passport in order to travel so much outside of the US?
What about building up your social security or pension?
100% agree with the video. In South East Asia with a middle class retirement nest egg you can afford a quality of life that in the US would be impossible. Condo by the beach, help, dining out every night, travel. Latin America and Europe more expensive but still way cheaper than the US. Obviously it is not for everybody, somebody that never travelled outside the US might find it difficult, and without the right attitude the cultural shock might be overwhelming no matter how advance the country.
I think the concern is how to fund it and stay retired. Would $4000/mo do it? Maybe in some places.
4k would do it in a lot of places in America
How you do you handle. The language?
That last piece, what was the option you hadn't thought of? 😆😄 I hope you guys choose Thailand as you final destination!! If so, we have to have a cocktail. We're headed that way in a few months!!
It’s fine if you have a property to sell and can rely on family members. Money equals flexibility 😊
Were you both on board with this lifestyle from the beginning? Or did it take a little time and experience to do this full-time?
What do you do about voting while living away?
Absentee ballot like anyone who is away during elections, military, students, etc.
Your videos are excellent, and I enjoy them. I agree with most of what you are saying, having visited some seventy countries (many repeat too) over time.
However, I think that taking into consideration a myriad of varying factors, your suggestions are really directed to a minority cross section. Additionally, and in my humble opinion, one should ensure that there is a reliable income stream, regardless because not everyone is going to set up a youtube fueled business.
Roger
Very interesting video, thank you. The only thing is that travelers like this seldom fully integrate the culture of whichever country: do they speak the language, for example? Often not. I'm Jamaican and have been living in France for decades, and I see communities of Anglo expats (yes, lots of Australians who are truly free spirits from their youth and I find that admirable) who don't even speak the language of the country in which they've decided to settle. It's a pity. A country is not just the beautiful landscapes and the benefits that you can get living there. It's the culture. If you don't speak the language, for example (I'm not saying YOU don't because I don't know your story...), you can't have true access to the country where you are.
I've seen it over and over: just expats living in their own bubble. Young Australians who live in Paris often get a job for two years in an Anglo pub, hang out with Anglos only, and leave without speaking any worthwhile French. I know Jamaicans who have been here for 20 and more years who still barely speak French because they came to work at the UN in Switzerland, settled in bordering France because it's cheaper to live here than there, and lived out their career and social lives in English. You can't truly access France if you don't make the effort to speak French and I think it's true of anywhere. They can't truly access French Switzerland, either, even if they worked there for a great part of their lives.
What's your take on that? I'd be sincerely interested to hear your thoughts.
Thank you!
I think people think you are blowing thru your savings and what you made on the house and put away.
Good perspective. I personally would prefer to be near my children in case there is hospice and funeral expenses etc. After caring for ailing parents I prefer to be near kids after the age of 75 years. Having family near is something my parents and grandparents valued most.
I feel the same way. My adult daughter is married with a baby and they live close by. My son does as well and it's wonderful to see them at least once a month. That couldn't happen if we lived in another country. I like to travel and visit other places but family is the most important to me.
Have you been to Albania? I have heard both good and bad things.
There's a bunch of videos on this country. I think it would be a interesting place to visit
would you be ok staying in care facility abroad far away from your kids? Sounds pretty lonely...
Keep in mind that if you're not generating regular income each month there will be challenges to renting in the USA...or your kids could pay it forward and co sign an apartment for you! Ha! And when it comes to purchasing a home in the US with no regular income u could always pay cash. But these are things to think about and plan for.
Retirement income is income. You don’t have to be actively working to generate income. Investing generates income. Pensions are also income. Some of us still actually have them.
Hello God Forbid, But what if you don't have pne another. I have thought about this reguarding both of you! If one of you pass away. Then what It would really be different and hard youi mate for over 50 years!!!!!!!
I like stuff
Hugs
Hi, I've just recently joined this channel and think you have a lot of good experiences and knowledge to share. However, i am a little confused! You say you are retired and are giving retirement tips, but technically you are not retired! Retirement is where one ceases to work and earn money. You are RUclipsrs and earn a nice amount of money per month to fund your travel, which i think is great. Yes, some of what you say includes those living solely on an aged pension or IRA/4019k0 (Australian superannuation), but they can't be so blasé as yourselves as they have no other money/side hustles. The way you live and plan your weekly/monthly and yearly budget is completely different to how a real retired person lives and plans.. Im not trying to be rude and i know you're open and honest, but i think being bombarded with the word 'retirement', is all that people seem to retain in their mind and they might get the wrong impression of what to expect. I think its great that you live the way you do and you are an inspiration to many and i learn so much from your channel, but i just wanted to share my observations and thoughts.
Great video. Regarding Thailand, was the language there a big barrier?
I think the heat and humidity would be worse barriers, if you lived there year round.