I have every desire to live life as you do, maybe not in Bali, but folks who say you're faking retirement seriously have no idea that you have "retired" from societies conditioned definition of what retirement or living in general should be. Time is our most valuable asset and no one outside of you could define what that should look or feel like. The people around the world has been tricked into selling their time for money for survival when time is the one commodity you cant put a price tag on. This will be my life very soon, thank you for your inspiration and bravery in sharing your experience with a world full of those passing judgement because you were brave enough to carve your own path and not follow what society deemed the only choice available. You guys are rock stars to me😀
I am retired in Bali also! My definition of retired is: “No longer working for money, but money works for you”. Our gifts that each of us has should bring us comfortable lives. Sadly, we’re all taught that toiling for years at jobs, careers bring happiness, money, which many don’t even get a chance to enjoy. But, the sad reality is people stress themselves daily going to places they despise and not using the gifts God has given all of us. Some may disagree with this if they are not of my faith. However, in my faith, our gifts are what we are to use to edify/uplift others & what gives glory to God who provides for us. Psalms 37 says, “Commit your ways to the Lord and He will establish them”. Meaning, when we walk in the way Christ wants us to, there isn’t anything we put our minds to that can’t be accomplished because it’s the will of God and He will not lead us astray. As I said, some will not agree, and many may not be of any faith or a different faith, although, God has given each of us gifts. Life shouldn’t be a struggle, survival, stress (Matthew 6: 33-34)-(Philippians 4:19). I didn’t always think this way and my life reflected it by constant upheaval, stress, survival mode and anxiety. I believe God wants all of us to experience a joyous and stress free life and it shouldn’t be looked at as an “unreachable goal or luxury”. Life is made to live abundantly. Thank you Jean for your weekly videos and I pray that you both continue to enjoy life to the fullest with health and happiness!🙏🏽🥰
Thank you for this wonderful note. I am not of your faith but the quotes and lessons you share totally resonate and are really beautiful. It’s reassuring to think of our life choices this way
Main points of this video: 1. We’re technically retired cos we do have FF but we choose to keep busy w stuff to live with fulfilment, including stuff that incidentally generates income, hence the “fake retirement” as characterised by the Financial Samurai Sam Dogen, 2. waiting till traditional retirement to start living your life may be too late 🤔, 3. The concept of traditional retirement seems to work poorly for many people who worked their entire lives and know nothing else but work. In traditional total retirement They often end up lost, blue and some even wind up in a retirement job as they never learnt to enjoy free time. It appears to be a suboptimal lifestyle design, 4. You can make choices and live a different life design for yourself, like we did. Agree? To check out how you can invest in Banksy or Picasso's paintings like investing in stocks ► masterworks.art/jeanvoronkova
On point 1: Creating content on RUclips clearly keeps you busy, allows for creative expression and some residual income through product promotion. However, such content creation is a defacto job since you need to create content regularly to keep an audience, attract sponsors like Masterworks and stay relevant. So in a manner of speaking your retirement is fake, you simply enjoy the work you do now instead of your previous profession. Keeping busy is not the same as living a fulfilling life, there is a distinction to made there. Also, you will find that what's "fullfilling" in your 30s may change significantly much later in life. Point 2: Agreed, many wait too long to "retire" because much of their identity and sense of purpose is derived from their occupation. Point 3: If you love what you do, why retire? To me, retirement is not about choosing another occupation to avoid boredom. You do seem to enjoy your free time but also have a "retirement job" as a content creator. If you don't need the income, you simply have the freedom to make different choices in life and what constitutes a suboptimal lifestyle design is very subjective in nature. Point 4: Financial independence/security ultimately enables more lifestyle choices. The more financial resources you have, the more options to choose where you live and how you live. Living in Bali because it's a less expensive place to retire is fine. Begs the question though, if you had more passive income and financial assets would you still choose to live there?
Very inspiring! No need to justify what you do when you "retire". It's about time freedom and financial freedom. You guys did it and i'm very inspired! Ignore the naysayers! You guys are doing great and inspiring many people!
I love your kind of lifestyle & where you chose to 'retire'. Small & simple, less is better taught me how to focus & find the happiness we have within. We look for outer, materialistic stuff to make us happy. We can never find that ultimate happiness with that fakeness. I gave up a million dollar lifestyle to explore a more simple life. I love it & am the happiest, calmest & most balanced Ive ever been❣️❣️
Hello Jean and Vitaly! I moved to Bali from the US in August … because of YOU! Thank you for inspiring me. ☺️ I’ve been in Pereranan and Umalas. Recently moved to a quieter area in Berawa.
wow! thank you for leaving us this note to say hi! nice one there, i'm sure we can't take all the credit, but i'm also sure you're probably very happy you made the big move! after a few years we'll prob see u in ulus i think! Canggu too busy for my tastes generally but the food options are great :)
the older I get (or let's say mature😄) the clearer it becomes that less is more. If our luggage is light & small, we can pass through all gates that open in front of us. Thank you and Vitali so much for putting so much effort, time and care into creating such inspiring content 🙏
Jean your videos are amazing! They motivate me to pursue goals for my wife and I that are very similar to you and your husband! Thank you and keep the great videos coming!
Thanks Jean. Another great video and perspective. People misconstrue what retirement really is. It is not sitting around waiting to die. It is the ability to have the freedom to go where you want, do what you want and not have someone else (boss/corporation) dictate your life with the threat of financial instability. I am currently living on a small island in Thailand and now I focus on improving my health and emotional well being. But I am a lifetime student and will never stop learning. So, I chose to read a book a week on the subject of my choice, use what I've learned and try to improve my financial situation. Being free from the rat race has changed the way I process thoughts and live. Although I am busy almost every day, I do not consider this to be "FAKE" retirement. Because I can chose to not do these thing if I care not to. Now I control my own destiny. For me, that is retirement.
Hey thanks for leaving this note I loved reading it. Totally vibe with your thoughts. What we term it is just semantics, fake retirement or not, the core principles are financial freedom and living on our own terms 🤓🌻🦋 I’m not rich materially but we do feel blessed in life to be able to live like this at our age :)
Love the vlog Jean and it's so important to not only be living your best life but also loving life! Hubby and I retired to Bali last July and are loving it 🥰
Jean, I have just found your channel and oh my, it is so inspiring. Life is about being happy and fulfilled, about pursuing the dreams. I have a corporate good paying job, but more and more I realize it is not the life I wanna lead till my retirement. Every time I mention that, people are so much surprised „ you must be happy, you have a great job, you are paid well, you have everything“. Freedom to chose is a real happiness. Thank you for your your motivating and informative videos. ❤
You folks are living a dream life. That's exactly I want to do. I lived in Indonesia when I was growing up, that too in Jakarta. But been to Bali and love the place. I will be working for few more years and plan to buy a lease villa for 30 years and hopefully live there for rest of my life. But before I do that, I want to make sure I have 2mil $ in my account as my retirement saving. :)
Love it! Living a very similar life in the same neighbourhood going to all the same cafes, markets and beaches. It is something very special. I always enjoy your content, it's very relatable :)
it's like that story about a rich man talking to a fisherman, and saying he could buy more boats make more money ... and the fisherman asks then what. finally the rich man says after you are super rich you can retire and fish all day. and the fisherman said i'm already doing that.
I love your lifestyle and simple approach to life, at your own pace, while doing what you truly enjoy that happens to provide extra money for your family. I think it's a beautiful balance you live.... that I've been dreaming/thinking about for years....ever since I did a solo backpacking trip around the world in 1993, but haven't been able to achieve it, as a traditional engineer. I started investing in my early 30's and have done well over 20 years so I can retire in 2 years. Living in the US, the mindset is completely backwards, work all your life while you're healthy and retire with health problems and you may have ability to retire if you're smart with your money.
Don’t just only dream! If I can reach this so can you! One step at a time. It uh only took me ten years lol, but seriously, I never thought my life cd be like how it is now too. It’s also a dream come true for me that I too still can’t quite believe. Act now!
You guys are the beacon of light that I look out to, that yes, there is an alternative to the rat race. Thanks for sharing your love of life. Keep inspiring others with your gift!
Maybe ppl can retire if they win the lottery. Most ppl have kids, college payments, mortgage, vehicle payment, medical bills. Most ppl have to work well beyond their retirement age. With inflation it’s difficult to keep food on the table in much of America. Most ppl are one to two paychecks from being homeless. Not having kids is the biggest factor of being able to save money. Secondly, getting out of debt is the second best thing to dig yourself out of debt: credit card, student loan, mortgage money, vehicle and medical debt. My advise: don’t have kids, don’t get sick, and don’t buy meaningless items.
A long time friend of mine recently mentioned, since having kids and being married for thirty years, she and her husband has never been on a vacation together.
Just found your channel Jean and I'm happy I did. Getting ready retire this month and your videos have given me much to think about in terms of how enjoy my retirement.
Hi Steve, congrats on the retirement that’s a huge milestone in life! Yep def to make the best out of your time in the big R requires some forward planning and thought and self discovery but it’s a wonderful journey! Enjoy!
wot a great vlog as always so inspiring, honestly I always feel so much positivity after watching your vlogs. Thanks Jean, can’t wait to get back to Bali
@@JeanVoronkova hopefully early next year. I love surfing but have never tried it,too scared of sharks here in Australia ha ha but I love the ocean, the energy that it gives just being near or in it, truly amazing
Oh hey early next year isn’t too far away! Totally w u about the sharks thing. I wdnt surf in Sharky waters that’s why bali is great cos mostly shark free, although just recently V & I saw a big gigantic fish n he saw a fin when we were out at Green Bowl…. Totally freaked and got out in a hurry! Was just us n one more guy out that day. We think it was a passing orca maybe? But largely relieved this isn’t a normal thing here hehe. But yes. Energy from the ocean is incredible!
I lived in Irian Jaya for 10 years. Like your food videos. I'm now retired for 20 years,living in a mobile home in Yucaipa, California. Mobile home frees money for low total living expenses. Close to your Bali rate in the moderate California weather.
Makes perfect sense. Working when you want and on what you choose to support your lifestyle is a great way to live. When comparing this option to working when you're told and on what your told to work on (moat peoples day to day) it certainly seems like retirement.....
Sam Dogen (the Financial Samurai guy) commented that if one stops to think about it, it’s kinda weird taking instruction from a fellow adult (ergo, work place boss) 40 hours a week - that really struck me as quite funny n true when I first came across that lol
Absolutely love this idea👍 You both are such an insipiration that life in simple, freelance way in beautiful island is possible 🙂 Just doing what you truly love, enjoy and what makes you happy without place obligation or specific time like 9-5. I wish to have your lifestyle in couple of years you🍀 Thanks for sharing guys and keep up the great job 👋
Yes.. i agree stay in Bali is really “something” the security, the Cost of living, etc2 make us comfortable and really relaxing, enjoy my Bali my friend, best luck from Indonesia.
Thanks Jean, We really enjoy your videos 😊 and love that you are doing what makes you happy! We live a similar lifestyle on the other side of the island 🏝. We’re guessing we must be “fake retired” too
Jean, I thought that you and Vitaly were living just off of savings. I never knew you had rental properties and rental income. This explains why you appear to be living so well. 👍 Good work! 👍
Thanks Abbie 🤓 oh no I wd never just live off savings. I think the entire Singaporean mentality as a whole is quite saddled w insecurity so drawing down on savings wd mean they would run out some day. Not an idea I’m comfortable w lol
Jean, I do not see the video from last Saturday here. It was your daily life in Bali, step by step. Did you delete it? I love your content, so much. I hate to see it disappear.
Thanks! Glad the video made sense to you! Seems like there are some who still don’t get the point 😂 but I guess they prob skipped the bits at the end w the explanations
It's a dream for most of people to retire early and to do the same thing you are doing. I really don't want to be old and not able to do anything when retired. I wish I could do that as well.
Are you able make a detailed and breakdown video about your rental properties, where and how you were able to purchase and set them up? I feel like that may be the most realistic option for RE rather than starting businesses. Thank you :)
Hi Abbie! I wd tell u if I knew but unfortunately I don’t 😅 it was a cowork space office we had rented for an hour to shoot this portion of the video but i admired the painting too - prob some local bali artist. Nice colors eh
Thanks Bruce 🤗 always nice to have a vote of confidence heh. Hopefully we make it till the end of our lives comfortably and happily - that’ll be the true test. So uh… check back here in 35 years time! Lol
@@JeanVoronkova you are an inspiration.. I am in the corporate and Singapore rat race and I find it hard to drop everything to pursue against societal norms in Singapore (do well to get into elite schools, best university course, the top job, etc), and to lead the life you want to lead.. anyhow, I heard your story about the long hours in the law firms, just wondering if you had considered being an in house counsel? the work life balance is much better and salary scale is comparable.. I feel the legal industry needs more people like you.. breaking conventional paths and daring to take risks
Hey guys, i'm doing pretty much the same thing here in lombok, so I understand how you feel and i totally agree with your point of view! Would be happy to get together when i'm in bali!
Ooh love that you’re in Lombok! We have been dying to go over and check it out. I think in the distant future (we’re committed to a long lease here) when Bali is much more busy I will yearn for a more quiet lifestyle and maybe we’ll end up there too
@@JeanVoronkova 2 weeks with the perspective of staying here for 2 months or at least until i get all bored here. i miss the close proximity to the surf spots and a bit of a night life but otherwise can't complain.
I have only just discovered your channel and absolutely love it!! I have just binged all of your videos and I am amazed at how attainable it is, as I already live a reasonably simple lifestyle like you (I probably have to add a few 100 rupiah for a couple of beers here in there). But my question, and I ask this as I am a few years older you guys, but do you have a savings bucket for emergencies? such as either you having to retire back to your home countries for personal reason, eg take care of sick parents or something like that? That is what scares me about making the leap.
Who cares what the title is in this situation. Great video. As long as you have an income coming in that you think can sustain you wherever you live then get your butt there and live your life!! 🎉🎉
yeah man high five i totally agree wth your very pragmatic perspective. We are the same Guess there's never any guarantee we can stay retired till our ends cos of the world's changing circumstances but hey man life is now.
TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOUR IDEA OF EARLY RETIREMENT. ITS FREEDOM TO FOLLOW YR PASSION AND INTEREST , IN THE PROCESS IF IT RAKES SOME MULAH, THEN NOTHING LIKE IT. THE WRONG IDEA ABT RETIREMENT, PPL SHOULD RECTIFY, TO ENJOY LIFE TO THE FULLEST WHILE STILL BEING RELATIVELY YOUNG. I GUESS JEAN N VITALI WILL AGREE....
I love this video, Jean. I love knowing allll about Bali, and your life there. 🙂 I would know how you and your loving husband met, and what made you decide that he was "the one". 🙂
Hey Abs! We met in Vietnam whilst we were both working on the same beach as Kitesurf instructors! We knew each other as friends first and in fact at first we were both attached to others, he was in a ten year relationship in fact. Then we lost touch for 2 years n then met up again in Bali when we both were here for surfing alone, n both single then, n things went quite quickly from there. He was quite different when we first met hehe, 2 years later he had shifted more towards my lifestyle and mentality 😍😅
My husband and I are 62. We originally planned to retire at the Full Retirement Age set by US law. But since last year, many of my husband's coworkers started dying off or coming down with "rare" illnesses. This makes me begin to wonder if we will actually be strong enough to enjoy our retirement or even alive when our retirement time comes. I start exploring the idea of early retirement and came across your videos. We enjoy tropical weather and food, we also enjoy spending time outdoor, so we plan to retire to Hawaii but I have reservation about the high cost of living ( we are currently living in Florida). After watching many RUclips videos, I like Bali's lifestyle. For someone new at this, what would be my first of many "first steps"? As tourists, how would we know which area is right for us? As we are getting older, we like to live somewhere that we can walk to the market, not drive to it. And also as we are getting older, we value safe neighborhood more than hip and trendy neighborhood. Aside from watching lots and lots of RUclips, is there company that would provide some guidance to us? Thank you very much.
Lol! It is to some people! I’ve had visitors to my home who’ve obviously thought it rather drab, but the important thing is that we’re happy in it! It’s fun to make these videos it’s a great memory of the happy times now
"Retirement" is actually a misnomer but we keep using that word because it's a convenient and concise explanation to describe an alternative lifestye or perma-vacation. Even "vacation" is a misnomer because unless you're recovering from something and need complete rest, there's really nothing empty/vacant about holidaying since we fill it up with activities, sites and sounds we want. Yet another misnomer is "entertainment". The French, instead, expressed it truer -- "distraction".
Not a bad idea to retire early if you can afford it. I mean activities like surfing, you would have more energy to do it while you are still young. Not that old can't do it but usually, elderlies might not be keen to take the risk. Your life is very fulfilling!
Hi again, Jean and Vitaly. Thank you for this great video - it answers a lot of questions for me. I noted the point you make when you've been approached about your life not being, "real retirement", due to the fact that you are still doing things to generate income, and funnily enough I was already wanting to ask you about it before the video reached that point. I too have begun investing in rental property to generate passive income so my question is, to live a simple life as you and Vitaly do, what would be the net passive income I'd need (or we'd need if I had a wife), to live as you do please? By the way, I totally understand the need to remain productive and 'give back' to others during one's whole life up until death. Retiring without giving back in some way or without a purposeful pursuit, even if only small, would be to allow a life to slowly spiral into a miserable existence. Thanks again... have a wonderful day.
heehee yes i can! i have always had a bike licence since Vietnam years but I'm not comfortable to ride in heavy traffic but now i can manage south bali by myself! still haven't ventured down to denpasar or kuta by myself tho!
I've told people since my early 20s (now turning 40) I wanted to retire early.They'd say, "you're too young! What would you do all day?" I always reply with "there are a million and one better things I could be doing than going to work all day. There's not enough time in the day to do all the things I want to do!"
Awesome vid, Jean!...I'm always rather astonished at the number of people who take issue with your lifestyle... 🙄 ...Seems to me crab mentality at its most ridiculous...I too, always wanted to surf. I lived in California for over 15 years, but couldn't get out of the rat race long enough to seriously take it up. And sad to say that at the age you are now, being a digital nomad wasn't a thing yet in my day - we still had dial-up modems... 🤣 ...I'm very happy that you and Vitaly have that option, and that you have found your way to live comfortably detached from all that makes most people miserable (even as they try to convince themselves they're happy)...Cheers!...
Well sent message in the video, Jean. Different individual has different preferences. I will rather retire when achieving FI. No right or wrong as per each perspective. WTK
Hi Jean, just curious if you have already shared what is required and how to make finance work in Bali? if you already have van you share the link to that video. If not I’m sure others wonder what it would required and what are major assumptions you are using to assume financially secure for the future.
Hi! Did you buy a house there or are you renting? If you're renting, about how much is the rent for 1-2 bedrooms, is there a visa required to live there?
First, thanks for your videos, you are an inspiration to me 🙏😉. I'll like to know if possible what is your Bali residency strategy, because from what I've researched it looks quite difficult (expensive) to stay for more than 2 months 😅
Hey! I get this a lot so it’s actually in this video ruclips.net/video/VfnimhdYu3k/видео.html at around 11:42! So u can check that out - u can stay 6 months on the b211 or 2 years on investor Kitas these 2 r what most ppl do. Actually right now on the b211 u can actually stay on indefinitely cos they allow onshore renewals for this visa so we know ppl who’ve been here 1.5 years now on that ….
which app to use for the surf condition? can you do a video on how to hunt villa in bali. like in a safe way and what is to look out on the terms and payment like? thank you love ur video helped me alot of thinking to move over in 2023 as well.
Well it’s really differing from individual to individual isn’t it? I’m perfectly happy with my little house and little life but I’ve had visitors from back home who’ve come to my place and uhm were really not impressed. Plus they seemed to think bali was slow and a little backward and less clean. It’s surprising for me, but I guess we all look at life thru different lens. But trust me, my life def looks more than a tad poor to some out there 😅
@@JeanVoronkova Tbh the ones that look at your life style as "a tad poor" are the ones who have a lot of financial wealth, and that is a very small percetange of the people. For 80% of the population on Earth looking at this lifestyle would see it as luxury because most people on the planet live in or close to financial misery.
@@LoraStaneva i agree. i feel very privileged and fortunate and am grateful everyday. But i also think being contented and daring to stop striving is also truly a matter of mentality, not of actual wealth. That's why you see all my fellow Singaporeans working so hard even tho most of them are actually millionaires if u factor in the real estate they live in.
@@LoraStaneva me too. A lot of it is choice for those of us living in more first world type countries i guess. If we're lucky enough, we can maybe choose to liberate ourselves.
@@JeanVoronkova Good. I am coast fire and I am planning on relocating to Thailand and work as an esl teacher until I am 60 in 22 years. I never plan to sell my house in the u.s.a., because I would never be able to afford to buy a house again. My house went up 6 times in value in 6 years.
Jean, I wish you had left up your responses to me, even though I do not have what's app and cannot do it. I still like seeing and reading what you have to say. ☮ ✌
I have every desire to live life as you do, maybe not in Bali, but folks who say you're faking retirement seriously have no idea that you have "retired" from societies conditioned definition of what retirement or living in general should be. Time is our most valuable asset and no one outside of you could define what that should look or feel like. The people around the world has been tricked into selling their time for money for survival when time is the one commodity you cant put a price tag on. This will be my life very soon, thank you for your inspiration and bravery in sharing your experience with a world full of those passing judgement because you were brave enough to carve your own path and not follow what society deemed the only choice available. You guys are rock stars to me😀
thanks for this kind note I'm sure you will get there too very soon. All the best 🌻
I am retired in Bali also! My definition of retired is: “No longer working for money, but money works for you”. Our gifts that each of us has should bring us comfortable lives. Sadly, we’re all taught that toiling for years at jobs, careers bring happiness, money, which many don’t even get a chance to enjoy. But, the sad reality is people stress themselves daily going to places they despise and not using the gifts God has given all of us. Some may disagree with this if they are not of my faith. However, in my faith, our gifts are what we are to use to edify/uplift others & what gives glory to God who provides for us. Psalms 37 says, “Commit your ways to the Lord and He will establish them”. Meaning, when we walk in the way Christ wants us to, there isn’t anything we put our minds to that can’t be accomplished because it’s the will of God and He will not lead us astray.
As I said, some will not agree, and many may not be of any faith or a different faith, although, God has given each of us gifts. Life shouldn’t be a struggle, survival, stress (Matthew 6: 33-34)-(Philippians 4:19). I didn’t always think this way and my life reflected it by constant upheaval, stress, survival mode and anxiety. I believe God wants all of us to experience a joyous and stress free life and it shouldn’t be looked at as an “unreachable goal or luxury”. Life is made to live abundantly. Thank you Jean for your weekly videos and I pray that you both continue to enjoy life to the fullest with health and happiness!🙏🏽🥰
Check out kevin zadai. 🙂✝️🙏🏻
Thank you for this wonderful note. I am not of your faith but the quotes and lessons you share totally resonate and are really beautiful. It’s reassuring to think of our life choices this way
retired is lovely when we young still hv our partner. but when we old n our partner died we must go to nurse home if we donot hv a child
Main points of this video: 1. We’re technically retired cos we do have FF but we choose to keep busy w stuff to live with fulfilment, including stuff that incidentally generates income, hence the “fake retirement” as characterised by the Financial Samurai Sam Dogen, 2. waiting till traditional retirement to start living your life may be too late 🤔, 3. The concept of traditional retirement seems to work poorly for many people who worked their entire lives and know nothing else but work. In traditional total retirement They often end up lost, blue and some even wind up in a retirement job as they never learnt to enjoy free time. It appears to be a suboptimal lifestyle design, 4. You can make choices and live a different life design for yourself, like we did. Agree? To check out how you can invest in Banksy or Picasso's paintings like investing in stocks ► masterworks.art/jeanvoronkova
Agree fully with #2 🎈
On point 1: Creating content on RUclips clearly keeps you busy, allows for creative expression and some residual income through product promotion. However, such content creation is a defacto job since you need to create content regularly to keep an audience, attract sponsors like Masterworks and stay relevant. So in a manner of speaking your retirement is fake, you simply enjoy the work you do now instead of your previous profession. Keeping busy is not the same as living a fulfilling life, there is a distinction to made there. Also, you will find that what's "fullfilling" in your 30s may change significantly much later in life.
Point 2: Agreed, many wait too long to "retire" because much of their identity and sense of purpose is derived from their occupation.
Point 3: If you love what you do, why retire? To me, retirement is not about choosing another occupation to avoid boredom. You do seem to enjoy your free time but also have a "retirement job" as a content creator. If you don't need the income, you simply have the freedom to make different choices in life and what constitutes a suboptimal lifestyle design is very subjective in nature.
Point 4: Financial independence/security ultimately enables more lifestyle choices. The more financial resources you have, the more options to choose where you live and how you live.
Living in Bali because it's a less expensive place to retire is fine. Begs the question though, if you had more passive income and financial assets would you still choose to live there?
that’s it !!! 👏👏👏👏👏
Agree with your opinion... Thanks Jean
Btw... I subscribed!!! LOVE
Very inspiring! No need to justify what you do when you "retire". It's about time freedom and financial freedom. You guys did it and i'm very inspired! Ignore the naysayers! You guys are doing great and inspiring many people!
I love your kind of lifestyle & where you chose to 'retire'. Small & simple, less is better taught me how to focus & find the happiness we have within. We look for outer, materialistic stuff to make us happy. We can never find that ultimate happiness with that fakeness. I gave up a million dollar lifestyle to explore a more simple life. I love it & am the happiest, calmest & most balanced Ive ever been❣️❣️
totally vibe with this. Choosing simplicity has brought a lot more happiness into my life. It's all a choice.
Hello Jean and Vitaly! I moved to Bali from the US in August … because of YOU! Thank you for inspiring me. ☺️ I’ve been in Pereranan and Umalas. Recently moved to a quieter area in Berawa.
wow! thank you for leaving us this note to say hi! nice one there, i'm sure we can't take all the credit, but i'm also sure you're probably very happy you made the big move! after a few years we'll prob see u in ulus i think! Canggu too busy for my tastes generally but the food options are great :)
Nice 👍 good luck i hope you have good retirement there
Even as Indonesian i wanna do the same 😂
the older I get (or let's say mature😄) the clearer it becomes that less is more. If our luggage is light & small, we can pass through all gates that open in front of us. Thank you and Vitali so much for putting so much effort, time and care into creating such inspiring content 🙏
The trap of stuff has people in binds.
Jean your videos are amazing! They motivate me to pursue goals for my wife and I that are very similar to you and your husband! Thank you and keep the great videos coming!
I wish I could retire but I just went through breast cancer treatment and it’s quite expensive. My advice, don’t get sick!
Thanks Jean. Another great video and perspective. People misconstrue what retirement really is. It is not sitting around waiting to die. It is the ability to have the freedom to go where you want, do what you want and not have someone else (boss/corporation) dictate your life with the threat of financial instability. I am currently living on a small island in Thailand and now I focus on improving my health and emotional well being. But I am a lifetime student and will never stop learning. So, I chose to read a book a week on the subject of my choice, use what I've learned and try to improve my financial situation. Being free from the rat race has changed the way I process thoughts and live. Although I am busy almost every day, I do not consider this to be "FAKE" retirement. Because I can chose to not do these thing if I care not to. Now I control my own destiny. For me, that is retirement.
Hey thanks for leaving this note I loved reading it. Totally vibe with your thoughts. What we term it is just semantics, fake retirement or not, the core principles are financial freedom and living on our own terms 🤓🌻🦋 I’m not rich materially but we do feel blessed in life to be able to live like this at our age :)
Love the vlog Jean and it's so important to not only be living your best life but also loving life! Hubby and I retired to Bali last July and are loving it 🥰
Thanks Lindy maybe bump into you some day it’s not a big place lol 🙏🌻🤓
Jean, I have just found your channel and oh my, it is so inspiring. Life is about being happy and fulfilled, about pursuing the dreams. I have a corporate good paying job, but more and more I realize it is not the life I wanna lead till my retirement. Every time I mention that, people are so much surprised „ you must be happy, you have a great job, you are paid well, you have everything“. Freedom to chose is a real happiness. Thank you for your your motivating and informative videos. ❤
You folks are living a dream life. That's exactly I want to do. I lived in Indonesia when I was growing up, that too in Jakarta. But been to Bali and love the place. I will be working for few more years and plan to buy a lease villa for 30 years and hopefully live there for rest of my life. But before I do that, I want to make sure I have 2mil $ in my account as my retirement saving. :)
sounds like a nice plan! all the best! We are very happy and feel very blessed to be able to live in Bali :)
Love it! Living a very similar life in the same neighbourhood going to all the same cafes, markets and beaches. It is something very special. I always enjoy your content, it's very relatable :)
it's like that story about a rich man talking to a fisherman, and saying he could buy more boats make more money ... and the fisherman asks then what. finally the rich man says after you are super rich you can retire and fish all day. and the fisherman said i'm already doing that.
... the narrative is missing four words at the end: "... if you want to"
as if i am wandering in the depths of happiness and refreshing the soul when i carefully watch this vidéos . i appreciate all your valuable work .
Love you videos. I think living a life where you get to choose what you do and when you do it is awesome.
I love your lifestyle and simple approach to life, at your own pace, while doing what you truly enjoy that happens to provide extra money for your family. I think it's a beautiful balance you live.... that I've been dreaming/thinking about for years....ever since I did a solo backpacking trip around the world in 1993, but haven't been able to achieve it, as a traditional engineer. I started investing in my early 30's and have done well over 20 years so I can retire in 2 years. Living in the US, the mindset is completely backwards, work all your life while you're healthy and retire with health problems and you may have ability to retire if you're smart with your money.
You are living the life what most of us in Singapore hope to achieve. I can only dream by watching your channel.
Don’t just only dream! If I can reach this so can you! One step at a time. It uh only took me ten years lol, but seriously, I never thought my life cd be like how it is now too. It’s also a dream come true for me that I too still can’t quite believe. Act now!
Reitred from 9-5 for another company ❤❤ glad youre self employed, control your time, and doing what makes you happy
Forward to 12:20 duh
You guys are the beacon of light that I look out to, that yes, there is an alternative to the rat race.
Thanks for sharing your love of life. Keep inspiring others with your gift!
Maybe ppl can retire if they win the lottery. Most ppl have kids, college payments, mortgage, vehicle payment, medical bills. Most ppl have to work well beyond their retirement age. With inflation it’s difficult to keep food on the table in much of America. Most ppl are one to two paychecks from being homeless.
Not having kids is the biggest factor of being able to save money. Secondly, getting out of debt is the second best thing to dig yourself out of debt: credit card, student loan, mortgage money, vehicle and medical debt.
My advise: don’t have kids, don’t get sick, and don’t buy meaningless items.
A long time friend of mine recently mentioned, since having kids and being married for thirty years, she and her husband has never been on a vacation together.
Ack, that sounds really hard! Sorry to hear about that
Just found your channel Jean and I'm happy I did. Getting ready retire this month and your videos have given me much to think about in terms of how enjoy my retirement.
Hi Steve, congrats on the retirement that’s a huge milestone in life! Yep def to make the best out of your time in the big R requires some forward planning and thought and self discovery but it’s a wonderful journey! Enjoy!
wot a great vlog as always so inspiring, honestly I always feel so much positivity after watching your vlogs. Thanks Jean, can’t wait to get back to Bali
Hey Teejay! Oh you’re back home already eh - when’s the next time you think you’re headed back? Do u surf?
@@JeanVoronkova hopefully early next year. I love surfing but have never tried it,too scared of sharks here in Australia ha ha but I love the ocean, the energy that it gives just being near or in it, truly amazing
Oh hey early next year isn’t too far away! Totally w u about the sharks thing. I wdnt surf in Sharky waters that’s why bali is great cos mostly shark free, although just recently V & I saw a big gigantic fish n he saw a fin when we were out at Green Bowl…. Totally freaked and got out in a hurry! Was just us n one more guy out that day. We think it was a passing orca maybe? But largely relieved this isn’t a normal thing here hehe. But yes. Energy from the ocean is incredible!
I lived in Irian Jaya for 10 years. Like your food videos.
I'm now retired for 20 years,living in a mobile home in Yucaipa, California. Mobile home frees money for low total living expenses. Close to your Bali rate in the moderate California weather.
Hello Jean!Привет Виталий! You`re doing great content, it`s inspiring me every day. Thank you:)
Makes perfect sense. Working when you want and on what you choose to support your lifestyle is a great way to live. When comparing this option to working when you're told and on what your told to work on (moat peoples day to day) it certainly seems like retirement.....
Sam Dogen (the Financial Samurai guy) commented that if one stops to think about it, it’s kinda weird taking instruction from a fellow adult (ergo, work place boss) 40 hours a week - that really struck me as quite funny n true when I first came across that lol
Absolutely love this idea👍 You both are such an insipiration that life in simple, freelance way in beautiful island is possible 🙂 Just doing what you truly love, enjoy and what makes you happy without place obligation or specific time like 9-5. I wish to have your lifestyle in couple of years you🍀 Thanks for sharing guys and keep up the great job 👋
Yes.. i agree stay in Bali is really “something” the security, the Cost of living, etc2 make us comfortable and really relaxing, enjoy my Bali my friend, best luck from Indonesia.
Thanks Jean, We really enjoy your videos 😊 and love that you are doing what makes you happy!
We live a similar lifestyle on the other side of the island 🏝.
We’re guessing we must be “fake retired” too
nice! does that mean you're in North Bali? which part? Lots of fake retirees in Bali i bet - i think its a really nice way to live :)
@@JeanVoronkova We love our life amongst the retirees in Sanur! Early retirement is the best thing we’ve done for ourselves. What a fantastic life 🤩
Jean, you are amazing and very inspiring! Very insightful and soulful :)
Jean, I thought that you and Vitaly were living just off of savings.
I never knew you had rental properties and rental income.
This explains why you appear to be living so well.
👍 Good work! 👍
Thanks Abbie 🤓 oh no I wd never just live off savings. I think the entire Singaporean mentality as a whole is quite saddled w insecurity so drawing down on savings wd mean they would run out some day. Not an idea I’m comfortable w lol
@@JeanVoronkova Thank you for any responses you care to give to me. I appreciate them. I appreciate you.
very well done. speaking the truth! congrats on getting to where you guys are, better now than later.
Thanks Milton 🙏🌻
FOOD LOOKS YAMMY AND YOU GUYS LOOK VERY HEALTHY!
Hi Jean, your video is very inspiring ...enjoy your life while in Bali. 😁
Jean, I do not see the video from last Saturday here.
It was your daily life in Bali, step by step.
Did you delete it?
I love your content, so much.
I hate to see it disappear.
Great video and script - as always, no doubt you’re keen to write a book in time
Thanks Shane! I wd love to publish a book one day for sure! Bucket list kinda thing!
Thanks for great inspiration about retirement
Thanks! Glad the video made sense to you! Seems like there are some who still don’t get the point 😂 but I guess they prob skipped the bits at the end w the explanations
It's a dream for most of people to retire early and to do the same thing you are doing. I really don't want to be old and not able to do anything when retired. I wish I could do that as well.
Fantastic 😃 Greetings from England. Have a great day everyone 🌻
Thanks u too good weekend!
Very nice and it’s another perspective on life, enjoying all your content it’s relaxing and educating stay well and enjoy the paradise 👍
You are the boss in the marriage. That's my opinion. Don't you miss Japan? When I retire in 5 years, I will not need a side hustle.
Are you able make a detailed and breakdown video about your rental properties, where and how you were able to purchase and set them up? I feel like that may be the most realistic option for RE rather than starting businesses. Thank you :)
Different strokes...yet you have done well in carving out something for yourselves. I say kudos and well played.
Less is more is my motto....
Thank you for inspiration. ❤
Thank you for your time to watch 🌻🤗
The Painting, int he background, at 10:00 is GORGEOUS! I love it. Who is the artist, please?
Hi Abbie! I wd tell u if I knew but unfortunately I don’t 😅 it was a cowork space office we had rented for an hour to shoot this portion of the video but i admired the painting too - prob some local bali artist. Nice colors eh
@@JeanVoronkova The setting for the video was very nice, yes.
JEAN YOU ARE A BEAUTIFULL IN AND OUT! AND YOU GUYS ARE LEAST 35 YEARS A HEAD OF EVERYONE!
It looks like you have figured out what true retirement looks like. I like your version best.
Thanks Bruce 🤗 always nice to have a vote of confidence heh. Hopefully we make it till the end of our lives comfortably and happily - that’ll be the true test. So uh… check back here in 35 years time! Lol
Congratulation and have a nice day always🙏
Thank u, that’s so kind 🙏🤗
Interesting and entertaining view of your life in Bali.
thanks Chuan cheers!
@@JeanVoronkova you are an inspiration.. I am in the corporate and Singapore rat race and I find it hard to drop everything to pursue against societal norms in Singapore (do well to get into elite schools, best university course, the top job, etc), and to lead the life you want to lead.. anyhow, I heard your story about the long hours in the law firms, just wondering if you had considered being an in house counsel? the work life balance is much better and salary scale is comparable.. I feel the legal industry needs more people like you.. breaking conventional paths and daring to take risks
Nice to see you riding.
Great video, new life goals 🙌 👌
Love your channel, like today's topic, here in CA USA,
can you do one of your typical day prior to retirement?
hey there, thanks for the note. Do you mean our typical day before we started living in Bali? When we were still in Vietnam running the surf school?
Inspirational as always ! ♥️
High quality video as usual. Thank you.
Hey guys, i'm doing pretty much the same thing here in lombok, so I understand how you feel and i totally agree with your point of view! Would be happy to get together when i'm in bali!
Ooh love that you’re in Lombok! We have been dying to go over and check it out. I think in the distant future (we’re committed to a long lease here) when Bali is much more busy I will yearn for a more quiet lifestyle and maybe we’ll end up there too
How long have you been in lombok by the way? do u miss some aspects of developed life that bali offers?
@@JeanVoronkova 2 weeks with the perspective of staying here for 2 months or at least until i get all bored here.
i miss the close proximity to the surf spots and a bit of a night life but otherwise can't complain.
This is great sharing thanks so much
I have only just discovered your channel and absolutely love it!! I have just binged all of your videos and I am amazed at how attainable it is, as I already live a reasonably simple lifestyle like you (I probably have to add a few 100 rupiah for a couple of beers here in there). But my question, and I ask this as I am a few years older you guys, but do you have a savings bucket for emergencies? such as either you having to retire back to your home countries for personal reason, eg take care of sick parents or something like that? That is what scares me about making the leap.
Who cares what the title is in this situation. Great video. As long as you have an income coming in that you think can sustain you wherever you live then get your butt there and live your life!! 🎉🎉
yeah man high five i totally agree wth your very pragmatic perspective. We are the same Guess there's never any guarantee we can stay retired till our ends cos of the world's changing circumstances but hey man life is now.
TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOUR IDEA OF EARLY RETIREMENT. ITS FREEDOM TO FOLLOW YR PASSION AND INTEREST , IN THE PROCESS IF IT RAKES SOME MULAH, THEN NOTHING LIKE IT. THE WRONG IDEA ABT RETIREMENT, PPL SHOULD RECTIFY, TO ENJOY LIFE TO THE FULLEST WHILE STILL BEING RELATIVELY YOUNG. I GUESS JEAN N VITALI WILL AGREE....
I love this video, Jean. I love knowing allll about Bali, and your life there.
🙂 I would know how you and your loving husband met, and what made you decide that he was "the one". 🙂
Hey Abs! We met in Vietnam whilst we were both working on the same beach as Kitesurf instructors! We knew each other as friends first and in fact at first we were both attached to others, he was in a ten year relationship in fact. Then we lost touch for 2 years n then met up again in Bali when we both were here for surfing alone, n both single then, n things went quite quickly from there. He was quite different when we first met hehe, 2 years later he had shifted more towards my lifestyle and mentality 😍😅
@@JeanVoronkova This is a lovely love story. Thank you so much for replying.
YOU GUYS ARE TRULY LIVING A LIFE IN PARADICE, LOOKS SO MUCH FUN, FUN! INSTEAD OF SURVIVING IN THR USA!
Interesting Iwould like to know , Thanks jean
another gem of a video
I loved it 😍 you are a great artist 🎨 🤗✨
ill get there jean, ill be there. thanks jean
My husband and I are 62. We originally planned to retire at the Full Retirement Age set by US law. But since last year, many of my husband's coworkers started dying off or coming down with "rare" illnesses. This makes me begin to wonder if we will actually be strong enough to enjoy our retirement or even alive when our retirement time comes. I start exploring the idea of early retirement and came across your videos. We enjoy tropical weather and food, we also enjoy spending time outdoor, so we plan to retire to Hawaii but I have reservation about the high cost of living ( we are currently living in Florida). After watching many RUclips videos, I like Bali's lifestyle. For someone new at this, what would be my first of many "first steps"? As tourists, how would we know which area is right for us? As we are getting older, we like to live somewhere that we can walk to the market, not drive to it. And also as we are getting older, we value safe neighborhood more than hip and trendy neighborhood. Aside from watching lots and lots of RUclips, is there company that would provide some guidance to us? Thank you very much.
I live on Bali and am 62 years old. Send me a message.
You guys are super awesome and down to earth👍❤
Terima kasih teman 🌻🙏🤓
being from Malasia i want to come home from Canada and enjoy the sun...and friends
Oh my God Jean , pure hell lol 😂 loving you videos.
Lol! It is to some people! I’ve had visitors to my home who’ve obviously thought it rather drab, but the important thing is that we’re happy in it! It’s fun to make these videos it’s a great memory of the happy times now
Great video!
I really think you & Vitaly will make cute and awesome babies! 🤗💙
That’s so sweet of u! Thank u so much 🌻🦋🤗
"Retirement" is actually a misnomer but we keep using that word because it's a convenient and concise explanation to describe an alternative lifestye or perma-vacation. Even "vacation" is a misnomer because unless you're recovering from something and need complete rest, there's really nothing empty/vacant about holidaying since we fill it up with activities, sites and sounds we want. Yet another misnomer is "entertainment". The French, instead, expressed it truer -- "distraction".
Not a bad idea to retire early if you can afford it. I mean activities like surfing, you would have more energy to do it while you are still young. Not that old can't do it but usually, elderlies might not be keen to take the risk. Your life is very fulfilling!
Such lifestyle choices are definitely age enabled. Surfing every day is very unlikely to be a lifelong sport.
Hi again, Jean and Vitaly. Thank you for this great video - it answers a lot of questions for me. I noted the point you make when you've been approached about your life not being, "real retirement", due to the fact that you are still doing things to generate income, and funnily enough I was already wanting to ask you about it before the video reached that point. I too have begun investing in rental property to generate passive income so my question is, to live a simple life as you and Vitaly do, what would be the net passive income I'd need (or we'd need if I had a wife), to live as you do please? By the way, I totally understand the need to remain productive and 'give back' to others during one's whole life up until death. Retiring without giving back in some way or without a purposeful pursuit, even if only small, would be to allow a life to slowly spiral into a miserable existence. Thanks again... have a wonderful day.
I agree!
Jean im so proud to see u r able to ride in bali..
heehee yes i can! i have always had a bike licence since Vietnam years but I'm not comfortable to ride in heavy traffic but now i can manage south bali by myself! still haven't ventured down to denpasar or kuta by myself tho!
nice to see you Ez, thanks for leaving a note. U hv a nice weekend!
I’m ready to retire me ❤❤thank you ❤❤❤❤
Have a great weekend for both of you
Hey lionus good to see you! U hv a good weekend too!
I've told people since my early 20s (now turning 40) I wanted to retire early.They'd say, "you're too young! What would you do all day?" I always reply with "there are a million and one better things I could be doing than going to work all day. There's not enough time in the day to do all the things I want to do!"
Hello Jean, you showed you went to an art/stationary shop. We are currently in Uluwatu. Where is the shop located? Many thx! best regards, Joschi
Hi! It’s Bali Art Supplies! Or Bali Artemedia! Near McDonald’s Jimbaran!
@@JeanVoronkova many thx! We will go there today…
your videos are great !!!
Hello! I just subscribed to you. You are an inspiration
Thank u LS 🤩
Did you paint the picture behind you? It’s really nice :)
Awesome vid, Jean!...I'm always rather astonished at the number of people who take issue with your lifestyle... 🙄 ...Seems to me crab mentality at its most ridiculous...I too, always wanted to surf. I lived in California for over 15 years, but couldn't get out of the rat race long enough to seriously take it up. And sad to say that at the age you are now, being a digital nomad wasn't a thing yet in my day - we still had dial-up modems... 🤣 ...I'm very happy that you and Vitaly have that option, and that you have found your way to live comfortably detached from all that makes most people miserable (even as they try to convince themselves they're happy)...Cheers!...
Well sent message in the video, Jean. Different individual has different preferences. I will rather retire when achieving FI. No right or wrong as per each perspective.
WTK
Hi Jean, just curious if you have already shared what is required and how to make finance work in Bali? if you already have van you share the link to that video. If not I’m sure others wonder what it would required and what are major assumptions you are using to assume financially secure for the future.
Hi Patrick, 4% rule and passive income assets! Here ruclips.net/video/8JLn2d43Wfw/видео.html
Hi! Did you buy a house there or are you renting? If you're renting, about how much is the rent for 1-2 bedrooms, is there a visa required to live there?
First, thanks for your videos, you are an inspiration to me 🙏😉. I'll like to know if possible what is your Bali residency strategy, because from what I've researched it looks quite difficult (expensive) to stay for more than 2 months 😅
Hey! I get this a lot so it’s actually in this video ruclips.net/video/VfnimhdYu3k/видео.html at around 11:42! So u can check that out - u can stay 6 months on the b211 or 2 years on investor Kitas these 2 r what most ppl do. Actually right now on the b211 u can actually stay on indefinitely cos they allow onshore renewals for this visa so we know ppl who’ve been here 1.5 years now on that ….
@@JeanVoronkova Thanks a lot. Do you happen to know anything about some rumours regarding a new 5 year visa?
Yep it’s the new second home visa they call it. More details on exact requirements set to be released in dec!
which app to use for the surf condition? can you do a video on how to hunt villa in bali. like in a safe way and what is to look out on the terms and payment like? thank you love ur video helped me alot of thinking to move over in 2023 as well.
we use a combi of Bali Belly, Surf Forecast.com and Surfline lolol
Where About’s in Bali did you choose to base yourself ?
Nice chic yet simple lifestyle...freedom of mind 😀
Yes the mind does feel a lot lighter when living on one’s own terms 😅🤓
Can you reccommend an accommodation for us near the beach and restaurants. We are retired couple. Thanks.
Where did you setup surf school in Vietnam ,?, Munie ?
How are you "a little poor"? 😊You live in "luxury" that most of us can only dream of.
Well it’s really differing from individual to individual isn’t it? I’m perfectly happy with my little house and little life but I’ve had visitors from back home who’ve come to my place and uhm were really not impressed. Plus they seemed to think bali was slow and a little backward and less clean. It’s surprising for me, but I guess we all look at life thru different lens. But trust me, my life def looks more than a tad poor to some out there 😅
@@JeanVoronkova Tbh the ones that look at your life style as "a tad poor" are the ones who have a lot of financial wealth, and that is a very small percetange of the people. For 80% of the population on Earth looking at this lifestyle would see it as luxury because most people on the planet live in or close to financial misery.
@@LoraStaneva i agree. i feel very privileged and fortunate and am grateful everyday. But i also think being contented and daring to stop striving is also truly a matter of mentality, not of actual wealth. That's why you see all my fellow Singaporeans working so hard even tho most of them are actually millionaires if u factor in the real estate they live in.
@@JeanVoronkova I hope more people on Earth can reach the freedom you guys have! :)
@@LoraStaneva me too. A lot of it is choice for those of us living in more first world type countries i guess. If we're lucky enough, we can maybe choose to liberate ourselves.
Hi Jean, could you tell me the nasi campur place in the video? Name or address? Thanks a lot!
Did you two keep your home in the U.S.A. as rental income, or did you sell it?
Rental! We also bought investment properties, not in the US but in our part of the world
@@JeanVoronkova Good. I am coast fire and I am planning on relocating to Thailand and work as an esl teacher until I am 60 in 22 years. I never plan to sell my house in the u.s.a., because I would never be able to afford to buy a house again. My house went up 6 times in value in 6 years.
I wanted to retire, but I don't know how to apply a long term visa in Indonesia
Jean, I wish you had left up your responses to me, even though I do not have what's app and cannot do it. I still like seeing and reading what you have to say. ☮ ✌
Gosh Abbie I have never been so glad to hear u don’t do WA!!
@@JeanVoronkova Yes, I never can do what's app here on YT.
I agree with you -- too many scammers!
Отличная пара 😇