Funny thing is, I am Laotian American and never left the US outside of Canada and Mexico but mainly speak English so it will be a journey to learn my roots in person as I would have the opportunity to visit Laos while living on Thailand. Its still a plan but your videos help!!
More and more people might face a tough time in retirement. Low-paying jobs, inflation, and high rents make it hard to save. Now, middle-class Americans find it tough to own a home too, leaving them without a place to retire.
The increasing prices have impacted my plan to retire at 62, work part-time, and save for the future. I'm concerned about whether those who navigated the 2008 financial crisis had an easier time than I am currently experiencing. The combination of stock market volatility and a decrease in income is causing anxiety about whether I'll have sufficient funds for retirement.
This is precisely why I like having a portfolio coach guide my day-to-day market decisions: with their extensive knowledge of going long and short at the same time, using risk for its asymmetrical upside and laying it off as a hedge against the inevitable downward turns, their skillset makes it nearly impossible for them to underperform. I've been utilizing a portfolio coach for more than two years, and I've made over $800,000.
Insightful... I was curious about her, so I looked her up online. I discovered her website, and I must say that she seems knowledgeable. I sent her an email outlining my goals. I appreciate you sharing.
The advice is spot on. I retired 2 years ago and moved from the US to the awesomeness that is Bangkok. I am typing this from my living room looking out across the beautiful Chao Phraya and enjoying every minute doing whatever I want every day.
@@LBinBKK Did you have to deal with children's education? How do you manage taxes and benefits in the US? Perhaps something we can talk on a separate line? I am very serious about moving and going to Thailand in August to check it out as well as to have some fun and learn about the culture.
@@ScooterOnHisWay2024 I will arrive with an open heart and open mind, hopefully by Christmas. Leaving the UK end of august, 3 months in Penang, unwind, adjust, then extended malaysian family taking me From Penang up to Hat Yai to find a condo and bank account.
Don't forget to take a few weeks to get the "vacation" mindset out of your system. I burnt myself out before I figured out how to keep busy and find something to pursue and that you've always wanted learn or try. Careful with the bar scene good luck!
Chris might be retired, but the Thailand Tourism Bureau should hire him pronto. He sells the Country with more gusto than most ads out there. 😂 Total compliment Brother.
Chris you don’t have to convince me. I have been traveling to Thailand for 50 years . Always told myself I am going to retire there. Is happening. At 72 years old. I am doing it. Leaving in a few weeks to look for an apartment, come home pack/ ship and be there. Life is too short and we only live once. Enjoy your videos. Thank you. Hope I will run into you and Hailey to say Hello.
New sub from Australia. Absolutely enjoy your channel and am considering retiring to Bangkok. This vlog speaks straight to my heart! Toxic materialism of the western world. ugh. The more you have the more you want. An endless unfulfilling cycle.
I first considered retirement when I realized my job was no longer fun. My workplace was undergoing big technological changes and I was going to be obsolete or at least doing something I wasn’t excited about doing. I checked my retirement benefits at that time. I realized I was essentially working for free. I could retire right then and there and maintain my lifestyle. Really though . . . I made the retirement spreadsheet. I worked on it for a month and saw that the numbers looked even better. I retired at 55. That was 13 years ago. Seven years ago I moved to Thailand. I didn’t move because of the lower cost of living in Thailand though that is a nice benefit. I moved because I like Thailand and it seemed like the best thing to do at this phase of my life. No regrets. 😊
I plan on cutting ties to the conventional workforce in 2 years to travel around the world to find my final resting place to enjoy reminiscing of days past
Damm…this is spot on… the trip around the sun thing mate me think..I am 56 years now living in Copenhagen Denmark and the number in my head for retire that’s came to my mind is max 10 years. My girlfriend and I is in Thailand 4-6 times a year and absolutely love the place. Living there all year round is moving closer after I discovered your Chanel 🙏🏽🇹🇭❤️thanks…
@@Antandthegrasshopper it's like my post makes no effect. check the air quality pm 2.5 is toxic but you still go there. . . I guess it s human nature to wait to get sick to do something about it.
I have been retired for some time and have more than enough to relocate and live in Thailand very comfortably however I have a senior dog almost 13 yrs of age who I consider my mightiest of companions that I am stewarding out and simply won’t abandon her at this stage so I keep watching you ( in much gratitude) and am aware when I am alone will make the move as it’s a no brainer and totally biting at the bit as I have had enough of what feels like the equivalent of remaining in an extremely unhealthy relationship living in the states.
I was in the same way. Rebecca. My German Shepherd was 8 years old. I was waiting for him to pass. I made a comment about it on one of these videos on RUclips and somebody said why don't you take him? I thought I can't take my dog to Thailand. Can I? I found that I could. There's a Facebook group for pets in Thailand and Bangkok. I started reading and realized that yeah I could. I went to Thailand on 2 week holiday leaving my dog in my RV in Arizona with my friends watching him and 3 days before returning he died. A healthy 8-year-old German Shepherd dog. Never even got to say goodbye to him or touch him. He was my constant companion for 8 years. Was my son's dog but when my son went in the army he became mine. I miss him everyday. I would have put him through the terrors of a flight to Thailand knowing that he would have loved it there. He always liked the beach. So you can., it cost me a more than I thought.
@@RobFomenko Thanks So much for sharing this all with me. Firstly, I am sorry for your loss and am aware how deeply it runs. At almost 13 yrs of age, I really hadn’t considered transporting Grace due to limitations with her health already. I can imagine how heartbreaking the manner in which you lost your 8 yr old German Shepard is/was as you relay such a touching account here. Living in the states feels unbearable at times as it’s very different than the past wherein I felt at peace. I consider myself to be a fairly open soul so will consider what you have shared. I honestly hadn’t thought or considered I might be able to get her abroad too. Appreciate your sharing all this very much🙏🏻
I recently lost my beautiful Lucy (the red head chihuahua) after 16 years as my faithful companion. I bawled like a baby and miss her terribly. I admire your dedication. It speaks volumes of your character.
@@WallaceDunn prayers for loving gentleness while you make this transition. I pray peace arises out of the spaciousness she left and that her essence rests in the eternal from whence she came 🙏🏻❤️
Hi Chris my husband and I are planing to move to Thailand next year and seeing your videos makes us want to go already. We lived in Phuket Thailand from 1995 to 2002 and came back to Montreal for our children education. Now our children are adults and it is our time to live our life. We haven’t been back in Thailand since Covid started and seeing your videos it seems still very affordable to retire with a certain level of comfort. Thank you for all those informational video retiring in Thailand. I am sure you are helping a lot of people wanting to move to Thailand. Keep up the good work. ❤😀
My goal is to reach financial independence, when I retire is a different story. I do want the flexibility in choice of work, which includes working for myself.
Thanks Uncle Chris! When all the kids are out of high school, moving on with their own lives, and when I can convince the Mrs that at least 4 months out of the year in Thailand are good. Not all 12 months, gotta cheer on my Padres!
love your videos. very informative and eye opening. i am 39 years old. been saving for 3,5 years. goal is to retire in thailand when i hit 50 by getting a retirement visa. it's long jouney. hope i will be able to achieve. wish me luck.
You can do it! Just takes long term fiscal discipline which seems like you have. I'm 51 and will be applying for 1yr retirement VISA in 2025 to hopefully make a semi-permanent transition there.
I am 57 in Canada. Retiring next year. Tired of giving away my good years to my job. Travel lots. Was in TH in Feb...luv it. Plan is to keep house and spend 6mos in a different country spending summers at home. If I fall in luv w a place...might cash it all in ❤
Chris... Like I told you one or two years ago, you inspired me.... And actually I make it come true. I retired last month in the age of 55. And it feels great, every day starts with a big smile in the mirror 😊 Now I can extend my time staying in Thailand and perhaps moving completely to this wonderful country in a couple of years. Regards from Germany,😊
Hello Chris. I am not trying to be snarky, but how do you consider that you are retired with all the irons in the fire that you have. You can definitely say that you have changed careers. You can say that you moved your life to a new part of the world. You started a new chapter in your life. I would never say that YOU are currently retired, unless you have a different definition for retirement. Prior to 10 years ago, I was working paycheck to paycheck in the USA. That was work. So frustrating. Ten years ago, I became an ESL teacher in China. I fell in love with my new career. I was living like a king and my life had purpose and meaning. It definitely felt like retirement, but in reality, it was a working existence. When my dad died a year and half ago, my financial future was secured in which I can actually retire at the age of 56. The problem for me is that I love teaching. Because of my newly found financial freedom, I will teach for the love of it, and not to try to build up a "nest egg". The reason I bring this story to light is, in your concept of retirement, am I retired or am I still working? This was the premise for the first paragraph to you.
There are two overlapping concepts. There is the traditional concept of retirement and there is financial independence. They are both more or less the same. You have control over your time and life. You can what you want when you want and get paid for it or not.
I definte retirement as doing what i want, when i want. i did retire. the only reason i started this youtube stuff is cuz i got bored during the lockdown. then i realized i loved doing it. as soon as i don't....i'll stop. to me, that is retirement.
@@RW4U If you consider all of the things you are into, as well as the nice financial opportunities you have developed as retirement, I am sure many would hope for such a retirement. It may not be a 9-5, but there are many non-traditional jobs people are getting into now days. As I do not know you personal, or even your real work life, I can only accept your claim of retirement. As a RUclipsr, an ESL teacher, and financially independent, I could never claim I am retired since I am actually "working" at those endeavors. I will know I am retired when I see a "retirement visa" stamp in my passport saying that I can no longer work. Perhaps that is the real indicator that a person is retired in Thailand.
@@billg7531if you need a stamp to define your retirement then thats a oersonal goal and 100% awesome. You get a bit presumptuous to think thats a standard others should be held to because they have hobbies that generate income which requires a work visa to be in compliance with Thai law.
Hi Chris, we are completing our last tour here in Dakar, Senegal. My family and I have been moving around the world for the past 23 years working for Department of State but chose Chiang Mai, Thailand for our retirement. We will be there once my daughter’s school is out. Trying to scale down our things and organizing all the logistics, it’s a lot of work but we are excited for this new chapter. Thanks for the video, been thinking about this move for the past few years, finally it’s coming around. Hope we can meet someday!
Thank you for all of your fun and informative videos. We are coming to visit in a few months to consider a semi-retired move to Bangkok and your videos are the most helpful I’ve found. You have great energy, thanks again.
Chris, I had been planning retirement for a decade or more. Not planning but yearning. 39 years in the medical field in the US and while I loved my job and was good at it, I was ready was so ready. I retired in 2020. Soon after covid hit my hospital in Texas. I was 62. In fact, I worked 3 weeks past my birthday. I had a plan. A few months before my wife of 27 years decided she wasn't happy and would file for divorce. It was only the second time in my life. I had to go through that so not so bad right? Yeah maybe maybe not. It took a while to get over that. Now here it is. 2024, I'm approaching my fourth year full-timing as an rver in my 40-ft motorhome and have been all over the US. What a retirement, what a blast! In the last year I started watching RUclips as my primary source of entertainment and along in my feed came a video on Thailand. I was hooked. I thought that's where I need to live. So in November I made plans and in February I visited Thailand for 2 weeks. Bangkok, Hua Hin, Sam Roi Yot, Jomtien beach and Pattaya, then back to Bangkok. I loved every minute of it except for the jet lag. I decided right then that that's where I wanted to be. I'll be back. Just be careful in retirement with your finances. I never want to go back to work and so other than my social security which is enough to live comfortably in Thailand, I have no income. I agree that if you're still earning income, you're not really retired unless it's passive. Seems like you do a lot of work. Unless somebody else is editing those videos for you because that is work. It might be work that you love, but still work. work to me is chasing the greenback. Once I was able to let that go, life became easier and harder. I know that in Thailand I will have to be very careful with my finances. If I'm careful, I've got enough to live the rest of my life. If not, I still have enough to live, just not as well. Lifestyle. I don't agree with Bob even though I'm Bob. Your lifestyle will change as you get older and as your finances change. Good luck with wanting to live with the same income as you had while working. Unless you have very deep pockets, you will go through that money quickly. How quickly? Well that depends on your lifestyle. One of the things that I love the most about me now is that I am not so focused on the material, things. And more on just the life experience. Now what that means for me will be different than what it means for anybody, but just the fact that you do not have to wake up to an alarm. Drag yourself out of bed and back into work, priceless. Worth the wait. What's the lifestyle you want? What's the lifestyle you can afford? What's the lifestyle that you can settle on and be happy? And content. That is the key to a successful retirement. And now that I'm single I only have to worry about me. I only have to think about what it is that I want to do or not do today. And not what another person wants to do. I would have been okay being married in retirement. It was my plan. It was my lifestyle. It isn't anymore! And that is fine with me. It takes time to get to that space in your head though. Don't be hard on yourself. Love yourself. Accept yourself and above all, let go of any past negative emotions and feelings and go forth into retirement, fresh and new. There's a whole world waiting for you. What are you waiting for?
Correct. I was 45, back in 2007 I had a good income from my 5 rentals and the Baht ex rate was great 75= £.. Now 18 years on still here, 130,000Bt per mth, so pleased I left the "Rat Race"
I am 43 and planning my future retirement now and watching your videos as part of my 10+ year research. I want out the rat race and a simple and chill life. I dont care about partying and ok with nature/beach walks and connecting with positive people. Thank you for all your informative videos! US citizens can collect social security in Thailand as well! I can sell my condo (these units sell like hotcakes) and use the monies to outright pay off 2/3 condos in Thailand and still have money if I want to. Then theres 401k and company matching up to 5%. 18 years in my corporate career which will be 28 years if I quit in 10 years. No kids and single and live a simple life now. I cant wait for the next season of 3 body problem!
I live in a small town in Nova Scotia and can only afford to work, eat and sleep (some months, winters get challenging). Life has had more downs than ups so I will need to rely on my small Government pension, but even so I think living in rural Thailand or the Philippines will improve my quality of life. The goal is to retire the fall of 2025.
We started watching your videos 2 years ago. And thought -could we could do that!?!! And after lots of planning, we sold our house in USA, bought a place here, closed up life in USA and now live in Samui. We are under 60 years old, are both retired and living comfortably and have much less stress. Our cost for things like health insurance and electricity are the biggest expense. (we purchased a Cigna Global plan to cover serious illness, but we are currently healthy). While we will no longer take expensive vacations to Europe every year, lets say, we can easily travel back to the USA 1-2 times year, on our budget. And obviously its amazing to be retired and living with such lovely people here in Thailand. Thanks for giving us the encouragement to make a change!! Our suggestions to others is STOP BUYING STUFF in the USA and put money away. We gave aways thousands of dollars worth of stuff....why did we need all that to begin with? hahaha
Doing similar now. Currently Giving stuff away that cost us hundreds if not thousands. And we were pretty good at minimalism already (hence fire). It’s just stuff - not experiences. I know which I remember from my childhood, I know what our kids remember from their childhood, it was always experiences.
My job went to Cebu 3 years ago, at that point I knew I was done after 30 years in IT. Now surfing out my senior Akitas life then heading there for a 6 month winter for a discovery trip…all thanks to you! 🍻
Yeah, well the US and Europe are moving positions to countries with cheap labor so that the executives can make more money while telling everyone how much they care about people
This video about when to retire should really wake some people up that have got caught up in corporate America . I live in Cambodia and retired five years ago . Best move ever .
Spot on Bob! Chris, I've been watching you and Adam for a long time. I will b retiring this fall and will b moving to Korat. Great info and enjoy your day bud. 😊
@RW4U Chris! Love your content man! I lived in Singapore for 10 years and frequented Thailand over 200 times. My wife and I are preparing for Early Retirement right now. Our retirement looks like continuing to work in Thailand but at half throttle. We are bringing the retirement ship 🚢 to a smooth stop. But we want to enjoy our 40s and maybe 50s living our best slower but healthier life! 🎉 Thank you for the encouragement.
I really enjoy this channel. Javeing exported goods from Thailand for many years, i know the country well, especially Bangkok. At 68 its time to make the move. The lifestyle, culture, cost, and overall pleasure of living in Thailand, in my opinion, can't be beat. My trips around the sun will be best enjoyed there. Spend it while you can.
Great video, I agree with so much of what you said. I wanted to retire at 50, could not afford it. Got forced out at 55. A million miles an hour to zero in one doctor appointment. If you are healthy, and as Bob said, can maintain your lifestyle, even though it might be slightly different. Run, jump, don't wait. We are guaranteed nothing in life! Right now, half time in Thailand is all I can do but I'm working on more. I got my LTR visa and looking at options.
35 years old, planning to retire in Thailand before 2030. The reason is simple, i watch too many of your videos. I hope to meet you and have a Leo with you one day :)
AWESOME VIDEO CHRIS!!! I am approx. 18 months away, from retirement & leaving San Diego, California and a one way ticket to the Land of Smiles. I've been to Thailand quite a few times & I'm planning to bounce around between Hua Hin, Jomtien Beach, Chiang Mai & my favorite place, Ko Samui, until I decide which spot to call home! 😊
Hi Chris, inspiring as usual. Hitting 61 in a couple months and just retired. Living in Canada and kind of bored already. I know Thailand, but was scared of the big change. You're helping reignite my enthusiasm for adventure vs fear of change. Thanks. Also, I use numbeo to compare cost of living between different cities around the world, if anyone isn't aware of that resource.
I retired 15 years ago. 5 years in Thailand, 5 years in Chile, 5 years in Puerto Rico and the next to come. A wonderful journey and what I tell other expats wherever I go. "Lower your expectations".
Greetings Chris, I’ve been retired two years now living in South Korea and loving it. No plans to move to Thailand as my wife loves her homeland, the ROK however, I am loving your content on both of your channels. The new taxation concerns there is definitely a deal breaker if I wanted to move there. Wishing to you, your Korean wife and daughter the very best. We do plan on visiting Thailand in the future. Thanks for sharing.
I love your outlook on life. I would really like to retire in 9 years when I turn 50. Maybe somewhere like Hua Hin, bring my wife and two kids and play lots of golf. Keeping this in mind your videos have convinced me that I am going to hopefully go digital nomad before then. 🎉🎉🎉
Hey Chris. I will never leave now I'm here, as long as the Thai people will grant me the privilege of staying in their beautiful country I will be here. loving Hua Hin at the moment. One month in and licenses sorted, bank account sorted, and condo sorted. If you're down this way give me a message and well catch up? Up to you na kraup. Happy Songkran.
After being working for 30 plus years I am aiming to retire next year at age 53,..and pick up the things that really gave joy to my life but didn't had the energy for. If I move to SE Asia I still will be able to live my lifestyle I have over here in NL but without the expensive cost of living. Big motivation to retire early is people I knew didn't had the chance to enjoy retired life due to health or sadly passing away in their early 60's or even younger...knock on wood,...
Dear Chris, I stumbled upon your broadcast today. I was pleasantly surprised. What a great talk. All so true everything you talked about. So many people, particularly in the US think they can't retire...YES YOU CAN! You don't need what you think you need to not work. People have many more options than they realize...Thank you for illuminating "us" to the prospects and opportunities that are out there for them if they just learn about it. You are one that helps people do this. Many thanks!
I was forced to retire due to vision loss. I spent the last three winters in SE Asia and have decided to move on my disability pension. I have plans to sell my single family home and buying an investment property in Canada. This will give me a passive income with no other bills. My pension and this will greatly improve my standard of living. Just the methods of transport in SE Asia will give me a mobility that I cannot afford here. In Canada I am trapped in my home due to lack of affordable transport in my rural community. Thats a massive improvement in quality of life. Thanks for you information. Cheers Hoser.
Been following your channel(s) for a while and love the content. You remind me of a less complainy and more positive version of Bill Burr! I'm done with the northern hemisphere and about to make a semi-retirement move but unfortunately not able to fully retire just yet. But you sold me Thailand, it was either that or Philippines
Best video I've seen, areal eye opener we have traveled to thailand once and totally love the place and the people . We don't live a lavish lifestyle but own our own home,we are more into the simple things in life because like you we have realize you only get so many laps of the sun We are coming over in November for 6 weeks on our second trip to do a bit more travel around the beautiful country ,we love it Keep up the great videos and we might bump into each other one day
I retired 2 years ago & should have done it 20 years ago! I am busier now than I ever been, the difference is I am now sharing my life with my wonderful Thai wife and we are looking to split our time between Thailand and Australia (6 Months each). I am now 69 years old and not thinking about the expiry of my "use by" date. It is a wonderful feeling!
Retired, sold up and moved to Samui from the UK six months ago. So much of what you just said in the above video describes our thought process in making the move and how we are financing it. See you when you get here.
Happy Songkran! Scott and I just came back from a Songkran market celebration at Pai restaurant, here in Toronto, and had some of Chef Nuit's amazing dishes :) Excellent video! We own a condo in downtown Toronto and could rent it out (rents are high, as you know Chris) to live quite comfortably in Bangkok. However, we have a dog, who may be too old to travel, so we have to wait. We're hoping to at least be snowbirds for a few months in Thailand this winter :)
So glad I found your channel. I'm a college professor saving what I can as well as adding top dollar to my retirement account. I'm planning on leaving for Thailand in 2-3 years. Building a home next year near Prasat, just outside Surin City.
People should retire when they feel it is right for them and their circumstances. After 23 years, I left the army at the age of 40, in 1991, with a pension and a small gratuity. I tried working but couldn't fit in with the mind set of civilians so, I called it a day and fully retired in 1993. I am now 73, divorced for 37 years, no kids, with a house, 2 luxury German cars - Audi A8 & Mercedes S Class. No debts and $500,000+ cash assets and near & $40K / year pensions. I have travelled extensively to 88+ countries. I spend winters in warm climates, summers in the UK. When you feel retirement is right for you - jus do it. Enjoy.
Excellent video Chris. A lot to consider here as I ponder retirement. Off topic I just have to mention that I laughed at the way you threw "Stockholm" in with such gusto at the end of your list of cities at 22:17 lol
I can’t even fathom the huge difference in cost to my future Thai life versus the American life now. Building a modern 2 story 5 bedroom house backed up to a National Park in Loei. For less than 70k U.S. $ ! Just my 270 meters of concrete fence alone is worth 130k U.S.$ in America 😂 We are going to work in the USA 8 months over two tax years and then take 16 months off in Thailand. Our hard bills will be under 15,000 baht a month easily. We figure we can make 140,000 dollars team driving truck over 8 months and with that split over two tax years we will basically not pay net taxes😂 People talk smack that one would have to live in the sticks to have living cost that cheap. Literally a half hour drive and then a 45 minute flight to Bangkok anytime we want to. I’ll retire at 60 off my 401k, I’m 49 now, which will easily take me to my Social Security years. In summary my standard of living off 8k and month in the USA doesn’t even touch living in Thailand for 3k a month.
Hey Chris! Love the video. Like I told you today at Siam Paragon… I’ll be retiring in two years from San Francisco and moving to my Coconut Farm here in Thailand!! Dream that comes true
It's like you were sitting across the kitchen table talking directly to me, Chris. ThiS, made things crystal clear. Let's just say, enough is enough. See you soon.🏊♀🏊♀
Yes, we certainly do only get so many trips around the sun. We just had a terrible violent incident here in Sydney yesterday, and it reminded me that we may not be here tomorrow because of one chance decision. Make plans to live your best life ✌️😁
I really really like your videos👍🏻I take everything in and maybe my dream of retirement in Thailand will come through eventually. I am from Sweden 55 years old, and I hope to work no more than 10 years. I thinking more like 5-6 years more work. Also, what you have to think about, regarding retirement, you just don´t know about your health status in life. Let´s say I thinking of retirement in 10 years, my health is good right now, but in 10 years...who knows. Maybe this dream will be totally shattered because of health issues. You just don´t know. So it¨s not just all about finances. Keep up the good work Chris, you are just wonderful to listen to...
I went to Thailand in 2019 to scope it out, and it is where I'm heading at age 51. I'm 47 in 2 months, so just 4 years to lock in my 30 year railroad pension. I will only have to worry about age 51 to age 60 when I collect my pension and access my 401k savings. 9 years is all my safety net needs to cover, and I'm building my Amazon book royalties passively until then.
Love your channel Chris- you bring a lot of good points. I am not retired yet, still in NJ and plan to retire this year. I have a condo in Pratumnak Hills area in Pattaya overlooking the beach, but I want to sell that condo and live in Bangkok area because it looks like life is much better in BKK. You have inspired a lot of people including myself. Keep up the great work!
Hey Chris! My wife and I are planning our retirement to Thailand!! We are Canadian and I just finished day 5 of the Thai Language Challenge with Kru Faa! See you in class next week brother ✊🏼🇹🇭🇨🇦‼️
Subscribed, watched your channel and decided a year ago or so that we are going to retire. We are moving out to Thailand in June from UK but first making the most of it by visiting my partners parents in Slovakia for 3 weeks before moving out to Thailand. My partners last day at work is 3rd May she is very much surprised we can do it, but I have crunched the numbers and our passive income more than covers everything and then some. See you very soon. Oh, we are using Thailand as out gateway to South East Asia as we plan to travel, cheap flights to places like Singapore.
Great episode. I’m retiring in 9 weeks and already have a lease signed in Bangkok. BTW your daughter and my oldest graduates together at NIST. We moving back so our younger boys can finish high school there too. See you around.
Love your Videos CHRIS. Always very interesting Topics and Thought’s to discuss. Also is a great platform to learn more about beautiful Thailand 🇹🇭 Hopefully 🙏 I’ll retire out there in the near future. Honestly I’m so fed up to live in the WEST. Is boring! Expensive and far too many silly Rules and Regulations! Thanks again for sharing your Videos Mate. Keep safe and Happy SONGKRAN 🙏❤️🇹🇭
Chris, I have a LOVE/HATE relationship with your videos (think I've watched MOST of them!) I LOVE your insight, knowledge, and above all positivity! ...and HATE that I cannot retire sooner and move to Thailand! LOL About 4 years ago I made the decision that I would retire as soon as I am eligible in 2026 (that is, as soon as my pension isn't penalized for retiring early!). In other words, I have the proverbial "Golden Handcuffs". Based on some comments from friends, I traveled to Thailand and fell in love. Aside from Canada and Mexico, I'd never been out of the U.S. The sense of calm serenity I felt the moment I stepped off the plane in Phuket was almost overwhelming. The friendly people, the beautiful scenery, and of course, the cost of living. Since then, I've been back every year since then - Bangkok, Pattaya, Krabi, Koh Samui and of course Phuket; scouting out locations as a "jumping off point". Already planning on how to fill up my new "canvas" Thanks for all your videos!
This is a great video. I don't think I would retire but have 5 weeks every year holiday in Thailand - 2 weeks in April and 3 weeks in October - until I could not travel or work anymore. You only live once. Just all depends on what you can afford. A great video Chris. Well done.
Hi Chris absolutely spot on . I'm about 3 years away .Already got a nice Condo in Pratumnak. Another option is staged retirement which Works for some of my friends. It also stops them from being in 24/7 Holiday mode , which can be lethal.
Been telling my wife that we should work hard and retired in 10 years with a good passive income, this is our first year leaping into FIRE. Just came back from Thailand last year and was such an inspiration to work hard. We’re both 25 so hoping in 10 years or less one problem is my wife didn’t like Thailand as much as I did, but one problem at a time let stack the cash first.
Totally agree Chris. Fellow Canucklehead here. Retired similar timing as you from the rat race outside Toronto. No regrets. Living MY best life. I can see you are too. Looking well. Keep on keeping on😊. Happy days. I am headed home briefly in May for the first time since The Situation. Not expecting to second guess my decision.
Luv yer channel me buddy from a good Newfoundlander to a fellow Canadian appreciate the insight and support - considering a retirement move to Huahin later in 2024 and am watching your channel closely.
Great video, Chris. Totally on the same page with you every step of the way. Currently in process of selling everything and planning to move to Thailand within the next six months. One thing though - you were talking about how cost-of-living in Thailand is 50% of current in the US. Right now, my mortgage, HOA and property tax alone is $4000 USD a month (that’s what you get for living near Marty’s hamburgers on Pico). That 4000 doesn’t even include electricity, water, gas, groceries, entertainment, health, insurance, etc., etc. etc. i’m thinking at the end of the day, once I’m in Thailand my expenses will be about 1/4 to 1/5 what they are in the US. Not too shabby.
i retired 12 months ago the day after i was diagnosed with cancer. Being told you have this horrible condition put life into persepective. Fortunately i am in remission but i am determined to enjoy every day and working is not part of that scenario.
You’re such a chill man Chris and I enjoy your broadcast. I’d love to retire at 62, but it’s likely I won’t have a matured enough 401K to do that. I’ll likely have to wait till full retirement age of 67. At full retirement age, I should do ok with income in some affordable retirement overseas somewhere. 👍🙏🏻
Retired 15 years ago and moved as far away from the USA as I could without actually leaving the USA! (Parents need me closer than across the planet). Now I am just doing my homework for my first trip to that area of the pacific.
Wow, how is it that I ran into you today because I’m fighting this urge to go there to Thailand that is I look forward to watching the rest of the video. I’m just getting started.
We have two separate financial spreadsheets right now: one for if we make the move out there (Thailand or Vietnam or??) after our youngest is out of high school and the other for if we take the leap while our youngest is in high school (meaning he'd finish his education out there with us). Decisions, decisions. I would love to hear more about how you went about selecting a high school for your daughter out there, as I think you were in a similar situation. Thanks again for the videos. Cheers.
I am 58 in Canada. Wish I could retire in Thailand. Unfortunately Canada has not signed social security agreements with Thailand. So I believe you can only stay in the country 6 months out of the year.
I hear you, I’m 58 years in Canada. I’m waiting anxiously to reach 60 years old to move to Thailand. But might only stay every 6 months of the year. Same as what you’re referring to.😢
Wife & I live in a condo in the Sathorn/Sil Lom area of Bang Rak. It’s about 50% less for the overall cost of living as compared to our past Seattle metro area life. We pulled trigger 2 years back at age 52. Zero regrets!
congrats. What are your sources of income...as I am in a similiar planning stage. I know in US you can't get social security before 62 at min..so just curious to learn from your strategy...are you working in Thailand did social security kicks in?
@@TravelerofThailand Our 1st year was simply living off cash from the sales of our cars. We don’t have any auto related expenses in BKK. The following years should be covered with passive income from US based capital gains. Our safety net includes 401k & a lump pension. The cost of living here should buy us years before we tap into those funds. We can’t work with our current visa which is the plan anyway. Health insurance cost are a big plus
Im 55 and will be able to retire here in Switzerland in 5y in order to keep my lifestyle. If i would move to Thailand or Dom. Rep. i could retire today. Now i have to convince my better half ;-)
Great video. It’s all about what lifestyle you want. You brought up everything I talk about daily in my current job. Great discussion and some of those comments are given by people who feel the need to rationalize their fear of change
HMM 60 , OR 62... i AM 53 NOW AND I WILL BE NEEDING a heart valve replacement in the next 5 years .And Yes Thailand is one of my choices , I will be visiting this year . Good Video .
If you plan to live in Thailand you should Learn to speak Thai. This is the best way: www.thailanguagechallenge.com/a/2147830747/LuoaQmdG
I am DONE! Sold everything and will be there next month......hopefully forever! See you soon!
Funny thing is, I am Laotian American and never left the US outside of Canada and Mexico but mainly speak English so it will be a journey to learn my roots in person as I would have the opportunity to visit Laos while living on Thailand. Its still a plan but your videos help!!
want to disclose how much you make from this? come on Chris and Adam , be honest with your subscribers
More and more people might face a tough time in retirement. Low-paying jobs, inflation, and high rents make it hard to save. Now, middle-class Americans find it tough to own a home too, leaving them without a place to retire.
The increasing prices have impacted my plan to retire at 62, work part-time, and save for the future. I'm concerned about whether those who navigated the 2008 financial crisis had an easier time than I am currently experiencing. The combination of stock market volatility and a decrease in income is causing anxiety about whether I'll have sufficient funds for retirement.
This is precisely why I like having a portfolio coach guide my day-to-day market decisions: with their extensive knowledge of going long and short at the same time, using risk for its asymmetrical upside and laying it off as a hedge against the inevitable downward turns, their skillset makes it nearly impossible for them to underperform. I've been utilizing a portfolio coach for more than two years, and I've made over $800,000.
@@mellon-wrigley3 That does make a lot of sense, unlike us, you seem to have the Market figured out. Who is this consultant?
Izella Annette Anderson is my FA, simply do due diligence . You'd find necessary details online to work with and set up an appointment.
Insightful... I was curious about her, so I looked her up online. I discovered her website, and I must say that she seems knowledgeable. I sent her an email outlining my goals. I appreciate you sharing.
The advice is spot on. I retired 2 years ago and moved from the US to the awesomeness that is Bangkok. I am typing this from my living room looking out across the beautiful Chao Phraya and enjoying every minute doing whatever I want every day.
A river full of plastic is beautiful? Perhaps from a distance......
How old are you? When did you decide to retire?
@@axwack mid 50’s. From idea to execution was around 4 to 5 years
@@LBinBKK Did you have to deal with children's education? How do you manage taxes and benefits in the US? Perhaps something we can talk on a separate line? I am very serious about moving and going to Thailand in August to check it out as well as to have some fun and learn about the culture.
You are 100 % right : it’s all about your lifestyle costs, who do you want to keep up with ….. aka “keeping up with the Jones”
I retired three days ago! Next job, book flight tickets and head in your direction.
38 years in the same job, done. see you all soon!
You won't regret it. Bring the positive. Leave anything negative behind.
@@ScooterOnHisWay2024 I will arrive with an open heart and open mind, hopefully by Christmas. Leaving the UK end of august, 3 months in Penang, unwind, adjust, then extended malaysian family taking me From Penang up to Hat Yai to find a condo and bank account.
Congratulations!
Legend!
Don't forget to take a few weeks to get the "vacation" mindset out of your system. I burnt myself out before I figured out how to keep busy and find something to pursue and that you've always wanted learn or try. Careful with the bar scene good luck!
Chris might be retired, but the Thailand Tourism Bureau should hire him pronto. He sells the Country with more gusto than most ads out there. 😂 Total compliment Brother.
He does well on these videos. Trust me.
I totally agree
Chris you don’t have to convince me. I have been traveling to Thailand for 50 years . Always told myself I am going to retire there. Is happening. At 72 years old. I am doing it. Leaving in a few weeks to look for an apartment, come home pack/ ship and be there. Life is too short and we only live once. Enjoy your videos. Thank you. Hope I will run into you and Hailey to say Hello.
New sub from Australia. Absolutely enjoy your channel and am considering retiring to Bangkok. This vlog speaks straight to my heart! Toxic materialism of the western world. ugh. The more you have the more you want. An endless unfulfilling cycle.
From Aus aswell. Hearing what your putting down
Capitalism is big in Thailand too, just like everywhere. Best to admit it, and then chill ✌️
👍👍👍
I first considered retirement when I realized my job was no longer fun. My workplace was undergoing big technological changes and I was going to be obsolete or at least doing something I wasn’t excited about doing. I checked my retirement benefits at that time. I realized I was essentially working for free. I could retire right then and there and maintain my lifestyle. Really though . . . I made the retirement spreadsheet. I worked on it for a month and saw that the numbers looked even better. I retired at 55. That was 13 years ago. Seven years ago I moved to Thailand. I didn’t move because of the lower cost of living in Thailand though that is a nice benefit. I moved because I like Thailand and it seemed like the best thing to do at this phase of my life. No regrets. 😊
I plan on cutting ties to the conventional workforce in 2 years to travel around the world to find my final resting place to enjoy reminiscing of days past
Damm…this is spot on… the trip around the sun thing mate me think..I am 56 years now living in Copenhagen Denmark and the number in my head for retire that’s came to my mind is max 10 years.
My girlfriend and I is in Thailand 4-6 times a year and absolutely love the place.
Living there all year round is moving closer after I discovered your Chanel 🙏🏽🇹🇭❤️thanks…
lol, you could retire there in just the amount you spend in plane tickets now! Why wait?
Chris: How is this for specific.....April 26, 2024. 7:05PM. Take off to Chiang Mai.
Retirement begins at 6PM the same day.
Only 13 days to go.
perfect!
love CNX but the air quality there is terrible. wish you the best
Congrats, I'm going there tomorrow and will leave for Bangkok on 26th! This is my scouting trip!
@@Antandthegrasshopper prepare to be amazed.
@@Antandthegrasshopper it's like my post makes no effect. check the air quality pm 2.5 is toxic but you still go there. . . I guess it s human nature to wait to get sick to do something about it.
I have been retired for some time and have more than enough to relocate and live in Thailand very comfortably however I have a senior dog almost 13 yrs of age who I consider my mightiest of companions that I am stewarding out and simply won’t abandon her at this stage so I keep watching you ( in much gratitude) and am aware when I am alone will make the move as it’s a no brainer and totally biting at the bit as I have had enough of what feels like the equivalent of remaining in an extremely unhealthy relationship living in the states.
Hybrid Human, Beautiful.
I was in the same way. Rebecca. My German Shepherd was 8 years old. I was waiting for him to pass. I made a comment about it on one of these videos on RUclips and somebody said why don't you take him? I thought I can't take my dog to Thailand. Can I? I found that I could. There's a Facebook group for pets in Thailand and Bangkok. I started reading and realized that yeah I could. I went to Thailand on 2 week holiday leaving my dog in my RV in Arizona with my friends watching him and 3 days before returning he died. A healthy 8-year-old German Shepherd dog. Never even got to say goodbye to him or touch him. He was my constant companion for 8 years. Was my son's dog but when my son went in the army he became mine. I miss him everyday. I would have put him through the terrors of a flight to Thailand knowing that he would have loved it there. He always liked the beach. So you can., it cost me a more than I thought.
@@RobFomenko Thanks So much for sharing this all with me. Firstly, I am sorry for your loss and am aware how deeply it runs. At almost 13 yrs of age, I really hadn’t considered transporting Grace due to limitations with her health already. I can imagine how heartbreaking the manner in which you lost your 8 yr old German Shepard is/was as you relay such a touching account here. Living in the states feels unbearable at times as it’s very different than the past wherein I felt at peace. I consider myself to be a fairly open soul so will consider what you have shared. I honestly hadn’t thought or considered I might be able to get her abroad too. Appreciate your sharing all this very much🙏🏻
I recently lost my beautiful Lucy (the red head chihuahua) after 16 years as my faithful companion. I bawled like a baby and miss her terribly. I admire your dedication. It speaks volumes of your character.
@@WallaceDunn prayers for loving gentleness while you make this transition. I pray peace arises out of the spaciousness she left and that her essence rests in the eternal from whence she came 🙏🏻❤️
Hi Chris my husband and I are planing to move to Thailand next year and seeing your videos makes us want to go already. We lived in Phuket Thailand from 1995 to 2002 and came back to Montreal for our children education. Now our children are adults and it is our time to live our life. We haven’t been back in Thailand since Covid started and seeing your videos it seems still very affordable to retire with a certain level of comfort. Thank you for all those informational video retiring in Thailand. I am sure you are helping a lot of people wanting to move to Thailand. Keep up the good work. ❤😀
You should retire as soon as you can afford to ,and not a day more.i retired at 50 because I could and love it.
I’m going to retire at 55 and I’m 51 now I can’t wait
@@yakumgolf I know the feeling. I started counting down to retire 4 years ago. The day finally came last week!
My goal is to reach financial independence, when I retire is a different story. I do want the flexibility in choice of work, which includes working for myself.
Retiring now Chris . Will be in Thailand before end of 2024 !!!!…. Also doing your 100 day Thai course !!!
Where can we find that?
Where do I find this 100 day course?
Thanks Uncle Chris! When all the kids are out of high school, moving on with their own lives, and when I can convince the Mrs that at least 4 months out of the year in Thailand are good. Not all 12 months, gotta cheer on my Padres!
love your videos. very informative and eye opening.
i am 39 years old. been saving for 3,5 years. goal is to retire in thailand when i hit 50 by getting a retirement visa. it's long jouney. hope i will be able to achieve. wish me luck.
You can do it! Just takes long term fiscal discipline which seems like you have. I'm 51 and will be applying for 1yr retirement VISA in 2025 to hopefully make a semi-permanent transition there.
I am 57 in Canada. Retiring next year. Tired of giving away my good years to my job. Travel lots. Was in TH in Feb...luv it. Plan is to keep house and spend 6mos in a different country spending summers at home. If I fall in luv w a place...might cash it all in ❤
60. Same plan here. Six months in Canada and six months away.
Was in BK for 3 weeks, but need to do a longer 3 month test run.
Pulled the pin at 59 best choice i ever made! Bob's 100% correct!
Chris... Like I told you one or two years ago, you inspired me.... And actually I make it come true. I retired last month in the age of 55. And it feels great, every day starts with a big smile in the mirror 😊 Now I can extend my time staying in Thailand and perhaps moving completely to this wonderful country in a couple of years. Regards from Germany,😊
That is awesome!
What do you plan for your budget for the year?
retire at 55?? what did you work with? ...
Thanks, retired 2 years ago in the Philippines. My net wealth is increasing YOY. All the best to you and yours.
Hello Chris. I am not trying to be snarky, but how do you consider that you are retired with all the irons in the fire that you have. You can definitely say that you have changed careers. You can say that you moved your life to a new part of the world. You started a new chapter in your life. I would never say that YOU are currently retired, unless you have a different definition for retirement.
Prior to 10 years ago, I was working paycheck to paycheck in the USA. That was work. So frustrating. Ten years ago, I became an ESL teacher in China. I fell in love with my new career. I was living like a king and my life had purpose and meaning. It definitely felt like retirement, but in reality, it was a working existence. When my dad died a year and half ago, my financial future was secured in which I can actually retire at the age of 56. The problem for me is that I love teaching. Because of my newly found financial freedom, I will teach for the love of it, and not to try to build up a "nest egg". The reason I bring this story to light is, in your concept of retirement, am I retired or am I still working? This was the premise for the first paragraph to you.
There are two overlapping concepts. There is the traditional concept of retirement and there is financial independence. They are both more or less the same. You have control over your time and life. You can what you want when you want and get paid for it or not.
I definte retirement as doing what i want, when i want. i did retire. the only reason i started this youtube stuff is cuz i got bored during the lockdown. then i realized i loved doing it. as soon as i don't....i'll stop. to me, that is retirement.
@@RW4U amen. Retirement is freedom.
@@RW4U If you consider all of the things you are into, as well as the nice financial opportunities you have developed as retirement, I am sure many would hope for such a retirement. It may not be a 9-5, but there are many non-traditional jobs people are getting into now days. As I do not know you personal, or even your real work life, I can only accept your claim of retirement. As a RUclipsr, an ESL teacher, and financially independent, I could never claim I am retired since I am actually "working" at those endeavors. I will know I am retired when I see a "retirement visa" stamp in my passport saying that I can no longer work. Perhaps that is the real indicator that a person is retired in Thailand.
@@billg7531if you need a stamp to define your retirement then thats a oersonal goal and 100% awesome. You get a bit presumptuous to think thats a standard others should be held to because they have hobbies that generate income which requires a work visa to be in compliance with Thai law.
Hi Chris, we are completing our last tour here in Dakar, Senegal. My family and I have been moving around the world for the past 23 years working for Department of State but chose Chiang Mai, Thailand for our retirement. We will be there once my daughter’s school is out. Trying to scale down our things and organizing all the logistics, it’s a lot of work but we are excited for this new chapter. Thanks for the video, been thinking about this move for the past few years, finally it’s coming around. Hope we can meet someday!
Thank you for all of your fun and informative videos. We are coming to visit in a few months to consider a semi-retired move to Bangkok and your videos are the most helpful I’ve found. You have great energy, thanks again.
Chris, I had been planning retirement for a decade or more. Not planning but yearning. 39 years in the medical field in the US and while I loved my job and was good at it, I was ready was so ready.
I retired in 2020. Soon after covid hit my hospital in Texas. I was 62. In fact, I worked 3 weeks past my birthday. I had a plan. A few months before my wife of 27 years decided she wasn't happy and would file for divorce. It was only the second time in my life. I had to go through that so not so bad right? Yeah maybe maybe not. It took a while to get over that. Now here it is. 2024, I'm approaching my fourth year full-timing as an rver in my 40-ft motorhome and have been all over the US. What a retirement, what a blast! In the last year I started watching RUclips as my primary source of entertainment and along in my feed came a video on Thailand. I was hooked. I thought that's where I need to live. So in November I made plans and in February I visited Thailand for 2 weeks. Bangkok, Hua Hin, Sam Roi Yot, Jomtien beach and Pattaya, then back to Bangkok. I loved every minute of it except for the jet lag. I decided right then that that's where I wanted to be. I'll be back.
Just be careful in retirement with your finances. I never want to go back to work and so other than my social security which is enough to live comfortably in Thailand, I have no income. I agree that if you're still earning income, you're not really retired unless it's passive. Seems like you do a lot of work. Unless somebody else is editing those videos for you because that is work. It might be work that you love, but still work. work to me is chasing the greenback. Once I was able to let that go, life became easier and harder.
I know that in Thailand I will have to be very careful with my finances. If I'm careful, I've got enough to live the rest of my life. If not, I still have enough to live, just not as well.
Lifestyle. I don't agree with Bob even though I'm Bob. Your lifestyle will change as you get older and as your finances change. Good luck with wanting to live with the same income as you had while working. Unless you have very deep pockets, you will go through that money quickly. How quickly? Well that depends on your lifestyle.
One of the things that I love the most about me now is that I am not so focused on the material, things. And more on just the life experience. Now what that means for me will be different than what it means for anybody, but just the fact that you do not have to wake up to an alarm. Drag yourself out of bed and back into work, priceless. Worth the wait.
What's the lifestyle you want? What's the lifestyle you can afford? What's the lifestyle that you can settle on and be happy? And content. That is the key to a successful retirement. And now that I'm single I only have to worry about me. I only have to think about what it is that I want to do or not do today. And not what another person wants to do. I would have been okay being married in retirement. It was my plan. It was my lifestyle. It isn't anymore! And that is fine with me. It takes time to get to that space in your head though. Don't be hard on yourself. Love yourself. Accept yourself and above all, let go of any past negative emotions and feelings and go forth into retirement, fresh and new. There's a whole world waiting for you. What are you waiting for?
The answer is easy. It’s when you have enough money.
Correct. I was 45, back in 2007 I had a good income from my 5 rentals and the Baht ex rate was great 75= £..
Now 18 years on still here, 130,000Bt per mth, so pleased I left the "Rat Race"
Yes 👍
And when you KNOW what is enough.
@@rickyzoom8059 The problem is most of us don't know what or when is enough!
And what is enough ?
I am 43 and planning my future retirement now and watching your videos as part of my 10+ year research. I want out the rat race and a simple and chill life. I dont care about partying and ok with nature/beach walks and connecting with positive people. Thank you for all your informative videos!
US citizens can collect social security in Thailand as well! I can sell my condo (these units sell like hotcakes) and use the monies to outright pay off 2/3 condos in Thailand and still have money if I want to. Then theres 401k and company matching up to 5%. 18 years in my corporate career which will be 28 years if I quit in 10 years. No kids and single and live a simple life now.
I cant wait for the next season of 3 body problem!
Get your health and body right with some TRT
Just the fact you have a plan and time frame puts you in the 90% bracket.
I live in a small town in Nova Scotia and can only afford to work, eat and sleep (some months, winters get challenging). Life has had more downs than ups so I will need to rely on my small Government pension, but even so I think living in rural Thailand or the Philippines will improve my quality of life. The goal is to retire the fall of 2025.
We started watching your videos 2 years ago. And thought -could we could do that!?!! And after lots of planning, we sold our house in USA, bought a place here, closed up life in USA and now live in Samui. We are under 60 years old, are both retired and living comfortably and have much less stress. Our cost for things like health insurance and electricity are the biggest expense. (we purchased a Cigna Global plan to cover serious illness, but we are currently healthy). While we will no longer take expensive vacations to Europe every year, lets say, we can easily travel back to the USA 1-2 times year, on our budget. And obviously its amazing to be retired and living with such lovely people here in Thailand. Thanks for giving us the encouragement to make a change!! Our suggestions to others is STOP BUYING STUFF in the USA and put money away. We gave aways thousands of dollars worth of stuff....why did we need all that to begin with? hahaha
Doing similar now.
Currently Giving stuff away that cost us hundreds if not thousands. And we were pretty good at minimalism already (hence fire).
It’s just stuff - not experiences. I know which I remember from my childhood, I know what our kids remember from their childhood, it was always experiences.
ain't that the truth. All the stuff we bought that later is designated as 'crap'. Felt so good to purge.
Did you put your kids in College? What kind of visa do you have or will have?
Not blessed with children- so no college fund. We have a non OA retirement visa applied for from USA before we left.
I don't have much stuffs but recently cleaned out my closets. I felt every good afterwards. Finally, it was April/30/2024. I left a rat race 😊
My job went to Cebu 3 years ago, at that point I knew I was done after 30 years in IT. Now surfing out my senior Akitas life then heading there for a 6 month winter for a discovery trip…all thanks to you! 🍻
Yeah, well the US and Europe are moving positions to countries with cheap labor so that the executives can make more money while telling everyone how much they care about people
This video about when to retire should really wake some people up that have got caught up in corporate America . I live in Cambodia and retired five years ago . Best move ever .
Spot on Bob! Chris, I've been watching you and Adam for a long time. I will b retiring this fall and will b moving to Korat. Great info and enjoy your day bud. 😊
@RW4U Chris! Love your content man! I lived in Singapore for 10 years and frequented Thailand over 200 times. My wife and I are preparing for Early Retirement right now. Our retirement looks like continuing to work in Thailand but at half throttle. We are bringing the retirement ship 🚢 to a smooth stop. But we want to enjoy our 40s and maybe 50s living our best slower but healthier life! 🎉 Thank you for the encouragement.
I love this channel. Top of the food chain for anyone moving to Thailand. Thank you, sir.
I really enjoy this channel. Javeing exported goods from Thailand for many years, i know the country well, especially Bangkok. At 68 its time to make the move. The lifestyle, culture, cost, and overall pleasure of living in Thailand, in my opinion, can't be beat. My trips around the sun will be best enjoyed there. Spend it while you can.
Great video, I agree with so much of what you said. I wanted to retire at 50, could not afford it. Got forced out at 55. A million miles an hour to zero in one doctor appointment. If you are healthy, and as Bob said, can maintain your lifestyle, even though it might be slightly different. Run, jump, don't wait. We are guaranteed nothing in life! Right now, half time in Thailand is all I can do but I'm working on more. I got my LTR visa and looking at options.
As soon as my youngest child finishes school and is settled into something, I’m booking my one way ticket to early retirement. Loved this video btw.
35 years old, planning to retire in Thailand before 2030. The reason is simple, i watch too many of your videos. I hope to meet you and have a Leo with you one day :)
Me too man!
AWESOME VIDEO CHRIS!!!
I am approx. 18 months away, from retirement & leaving San Diego, California and a one way ticket to the Land of Smiles. I've been to Thailand quite a few times & I'm planning to bounce around between Hua Hin, Jomtien Beach, Chiang Mai & my favorite place, Ko Samui, until I decide which spot to call home! 😊
Hi Chris, inspiring as usual. Hitting 61 in a couple months and just retired. Living in Canada and kind of bored already. I know Thailand, but was scared of the big change. You're helping reignite my enthusiasm for adventure vs fear of change. Thanks. Also, I use numbeo to compare cost of living between different cities around the world, if anyone isn't aware of that resource.
Chris
Finally i am over there to live this year
Happy days
Retirement days i am looking forward to it
I retired 15 years ago. 5 years in Thailand, 5 years in Chile, 5 years in Puerto Rico and the next to come. A wonderful journey and what I tell other expats wherever I go. "Lower your expectations".
Greetings Chris, I’ve been retired two years now living in South Korea and loving it. No plans to move to Thailand as my wife loves her homeland, the ROK however, I am loving your content on both of your channels. The new taxation concerns there is definitely a deal breaker if I wanted to move there. Wishing to you, your Korean wife and daughter the very best. We do plan on visiting Thailand in the future. Thanks for sharing.
I love your outlook on life. I would really like to retire in 9 years when I turn 50. Maybe somewhere like Hua Hin, bring my wife and two kids and play lots of golf.
Keeping this in mind your videos have convinced me that I am going to hopefully go digital nomad before then. 🎉🎉🎉
Hey Chris. I will never leave now I'm here, as long as the Thai people will grant me the privilege of staying in their beautiful country I will be here. loving Hua Hin at the moment. One month in and licenses sorted, bank account sorted, and condo sorted. If you're down this way give me a message and well catch up? Up to you na kraup. Happy Songkran.
Thais welcome everyone, feel free to enjoy everything here.
After being working for 30 plus years I am aiming to retire next year at age 53,..and pick up the things that really gave joy to my life but didn't had the energy for. If I move to SE Asia I still will be able to live my lifestyle I have over here in NL but without the expensive cost of living. Big motivation to retire early is people I knew didn't had the chance to enjoy retired life due to health or sadly passing away in their early 60's or even younger...knock on wood,...
Dear Chris, I stumbled upon your broadcast today. I was pleasantly surprised. What a great talk. All so true everything you talked about. So many people, particularly in the US think they can't retire...YES YOU CAN! You don't need what you think you need to not work. People have many more options than they realize...Thank you for illuminating "us" to the prospects and opportunities that are out there for them if they just learn about it. You are one that helps people do this. Many thanks!
I was forced to retire due to vision loss. I spent the last three winters in SE Asia and have decided to move on my disability pension. I have plans to sell my single family home and buying an investment property in Canada. This will give me a passive income with no other bills. My pension and this will greatly improve my standard of living. Just the methods of transport in SE Asia will give me a mobility that I cannot afford here. In Canada I am trapped in my home due to lack of affordable transport in my rural community. Thats a massive improvement in quality of life. Thanks for you information. Cheers Hoser.
Been following your channel(s) for a while and love the content. You remind me of a less complainy and more positive version of Bill Burr! I'm done with the northern hemisphere and about to make a semi-retirement move but unfortunately not able to fully retire just yet. But you sold me Thailand, it was either that or Philippines
Best video I've seen, areal eye opener we have traveled to thailand once and totally love the place and the people .
We don't live a lavish lifestyle but own our own home,we are more into the simple things in life because like you we have realize you only get so many laps of the sun
We are coming over in November for 6 weeks on our second trip to do a bit more travel around the beautiful country ,we love it
Keep up the great videos and we might bump into each other one day
I retired 2 years ago & should have done it 20 years ago! I am busier now than I ever been, the difference is I am now sharing my life with my wonderful Thai wife and we are looking to split our time between Thailand and Australia (6 Months each). I am now 69 years old and not thinking about the expiry of my "use by" date. It is a wonderful feeling!
I retired in 2015, because the oil price fell. But I love Thailand, it’s the best place I’ve found I the world.
10 more months until retirement.
Exciting and scary at the same time.
I will be 60, and have been working since I was 12.
Time for a change.
Retired, sold up and moved to Samui from the UK six months ago.
So much of what you just said in the above video describes our thought process in making the move and how we are financing it.
See you when you get here.
Happy Songkran!
Scott and I just came back from a Songkran market celebration at Pai restaurant, here in Toronto, and had some of Chef Nuit's amazing dishes :)
Excellent video! We own a condo in downtown Toronto and could rent it out (rents are high, as you know Chris) to live quite comfortably in Bangkok. However, we have a dog, who may be too old to travel, so we have to wait. We're hoping to at least be snowbirds for a few months in Thailand this winter :)
So glad I found your channel. I'm a college professor saving what I can as well as adding top dollar to my retirement account. I'm planning on leaving for Thailand in 2-3 years. Building a home next year near Prasat, just outside Surin City.
People should retire when they feel it is right for them and their circumstances.
After 23 years, I left the army at the age of 40, in 1991, with a pension and a small gratuity.
I tried working but couldn't fit in with the mind set of civilians so, I called it a day and fully retired in 1993.
I am now 73, divorced for 37 years, no kids, with a house, 2 luxury German cars - Audi A8 & Mercedes S Class. No debts and $500,000+ cash assets and near & $40K / year pensions.
I have travelled extensively to 88+ countries. I spend winters in warm climates, summers in the UK.
When you feel retirement is right for you - jus do it.
Enjoy.
Doesn’t really explain how you acquired so much wealth.
@@cseosborn892 why even mention it? That’s the Western mindset that I want to escape from. Look at my cars , look at my big house
Military does pay or pension that well. I sense another expat porky 😅
@@cseosborn892 I don't believe he was trying to explain that. Just that you should retire whenever you feel like it makes sense.
@cseosborn892
Doesn’t matter. He has enjoyed his life. You should do. Money doesn’t buy happiness
Excellent video Chris. A lot to consider here as I ponder retirement. Off topic I just have to mention that I laughed at the way you threw "Stockholm" in with such gusto at the end of your list of cities at 22:17 lol
An inspirational presentation for sure.
Im enjoying your content and love your attitude.
Enjoy your life, looks like your doing a good job at it.
I can’t even fathom the huge difference in cost to my future Thai life versus the American life now. Building a modern 2 story 5 bedroom house backed up to a National Park in Loei. For less than 70k U.S. $ ! Just my 270 meters of concrete fence alone is worth 130k U.S.$ in America 😂 We are going to work in the USA 8 months over two tax years and then take 16 months off in Thailand. Our hard bills will be under 15,000 baht a month easily. We figure we can make 140,000 dollars team driving truck over 8 months and with that split over two tax years we will basically not pay net taxes😂 People talk smack that one would have to live in the sticks to have living cost that cheap. Literally a half hour drive and then a 45 minute flight to Bangkok anytime we want to. I’ll retire at 60 off my 401k, I’m 49 now, which will easily take me to my Social Security years. In summary my standard of living off 8k and month in the USA doesn’t even touch living in Thailand for 3k a month.
Hey Chris! Love the video. Like I told you today at Siam Paragon… I’ll be retiring in two years from San Francisco and moving to my Coconut Farm here in Thailand!! Dream that comes true
It's like you were sitting across the kitchen table talking directly to me, Chris. ThiS, made things crystal clear. Let's just say, enough is enough. See you soon.🏊♀🏊♀
Yes, we certainly do only get so many trips around the sun. We just had a terrible violent incident here in Sydney yesterday, and it reminded me that we may not be here tomorrow because of one chance decision. Make plans to live your best life ✌️😁
I really really like your videos👍🏻I take everything in and maybe my dream of retirement in Thailand will come through eventually. I am from Sweden 55 years old, and I hope to work no more than 10 years. I thinking more like 5-6 years more work. Also, what you have to think about, regarding retirement, you just don´t know about your health status in life. Let´s say I thinking of retirement in 10 years, my health is good right now, but in 10 years...who knows. Maybe this dream will be totally shattered because of health issues. You just don´t know. So it¨s not just all about finances. Keep up the good work Chris, you are just wonderful to listen to...
Great vid. Been watching you since the early days. Inspired me to re-run my retirement data. I’m close my man. Keep up the great work.
I went to Thailand in 2019 to scope it out, and it is where I'm heading at age 51. I'm 47 in 2 months, so just 4 years to lock in my 30 year railroad pension. I will only have to worry about age 51 to age 60 when I collect my pension and access my 401k savings. 9 years is all my safety net needs to cover, and I'm building my Amazon book royalties passively until then.
Love your channel Chris- you bring a lot of good points. I am not retired yet, still in NJ and plan to retire this year. I have a condo in Pratumnak Hills area in Pattaya overlooking the beach, but I want to sell that condo and live in Bangkok area because it looks like life is much better in BKK. You have inspired a lot of people including myself. Keep up the great work!
Hey Chris! My wife and I are planning our retirement to Thailand!! We are Canadian and I just finished day 5 of the Thai Language Challenge with Kru Faa! See you in class next week brother ✊🏼🇹🇭🇨🇦‼️
Subscribed, watched your channel and decided a year ago or so that we are going to retire. We are moving out to Thailand in June from UK but first making the most of it by visiting my partners parents in Slovakia for 3 weeks before moving out to Thailand. My partners last day at work is 3rd May she is very much surprised we can do it, but I have crunched the numbers and our passive income more than covers everything and then some. See you very soon. Oh, we are using Thailand as out gateway to South East Asia as we plan to travel, cheap flights to places like Singapore.
Retire well before you die and while you still have your health
Awesome video. I completely agree. So close to retiring and making the move to Thailand as well!!
Great episode. I’m retiring in 9 weeks and already have a lease signed in Bangkok. BTW your daughter and my oldest graduates together at NIST. We moving back so our younger boys can finish high school there too. See you around.
Love your Videos CHRIS. Always very interesting Topics and Thought’s to discuss. Also is a great platform to learn more about beautiful Thailand 🇹🇭 Hopefully 🙏 I’ll retire out there in the near future. Honestly I’m so fed up to live in the WEST. Is boring! Expensive and far too many silly Rules and Regulations! Thanks again for sharing your Videos Mate. Keep safe and Happy SONGKRAN 🙏❤️🇹🇭
Well said. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us.
Chris, I have a LOVE/HATE relationship with your videos (think I've watched MOST of them!) I LOVE your insight, knowledge, and above all positivity! ...and HATE that I cannot retire sooner and move to Thailand! LOL
About 4 years ago I made the decision that I would retire as soon as I am eligible in 2026 (that is, as soon as my pension isn't penalized for retiring early!). In other words, I have the proverbial "Golden Handcuffs".
Based on some comments from friends, I traveled to Thailand and fell in love. Aside from Canada and Mexico, I'd never been out of the U.S. The sense of calm serenity I felt the moment I stepped off the plane in Phuket was almost overwhelming. The friendly people, the beautiful scenery, and of course, the cost of living. Since then, I've been back every year since then - Bangkok, Pattaya, Krabi, Koh Samui and of course Phuket; scouting out locations as a "jumping off point".
Already planning on how to fill up my new "canvas"
Thanks for all your videos!
2026 is coming soon!!!!
This is a great video. I don't think I would retire but have 5 weeks every year holiday in Thailand - 2 weeks in April and 3 weeks in October - until I could not travel or work anymore. You only live once. Just all depends on what you can afford. A great video Chris. Well done.
Chris, love your common sense comments about life. Thanks from Seattle.
Hi Chris absolutely spot on . I'm about 3 years away .Already got a nice Condo in Pratumnak. Another option is staged retirement which Works for some of my friends. It also stops them from being in 24/7 Holiday mode , which can be lethal.
Been telling my wife that we should work hard and retired in 10 years with a good passive income, this is our first year leaping into FIRE. Just came back from Thailand last year and was such an inspiration to work hard. We’re both 25 so hoping in 10 years or less one problem is my wife didn’t like Thailand as much as I did, but one problem at a time let stack the cash first.
I like your vibe! Thank you for putting out this great content. I am kicking around the idea currently at 56 years old and married.
Totally agree Chris. Fellow Canucklehead here. Retired similar timing as you from the rat race outside Toronto. No regrets. Living MY best life. I can see you are too. Looking well. Keep on keeping on😊. Happy days. I am headed home briefly in May for the first time since The Situation. Not expecting to second guess my decision.
Luv yer channel me buddy from a good Newfoundlander to a fellow Canadian appreciate the insight and support - considering a retirement move to Huahin later in 2024 and am watching your channel closely.
Great video, Chris. Totally on the same page with you every step of the way. Currently in process of selling everything and planning to move to Thailand within the next six months. One thing though - you were talking about how cost-of-living in Thailand is 50% of current in the US. Right now, my mortgage, HOA and property tax alone is $4000 USD a month (that’s what you get for living near Marty’s hamburgers on Pico). That 4000 doesn’t even include electricity, water, gas, groceries, entertainment, health, insurance, etc., etc. etc. i’m thinking at the end of the day, once I’m in Thailand my expenses will be about 1/4 to 1/5 what they are in the US. Not too shabby.
i retired 12 months ago the day after i was diagnosed with cancer. Being told you have this horrible condition put life into persepective. Fortunately i am in remission but i am determined to enjoy every day and working is not part of that scenario.
You’re such a chill man Chris and I enjoy your broadcast. I’d love to retire at 62, but it’s likely I won’t have a matured enough 401K to do that. I’ll likely have to wait till full retirement age of 67. At full retirement age, I should do ok with income in some affordable retirement overseas somewhere. 👍🙏🏻
Chris, great video. You make a lot of good points. Personally, I have 6 years 3 months left before heading your way.
Well said!! Thanks for taking out the sound box hype without talking down the potential of BTC
Retired 15 years ago and moved as far away from the USA as I could without actually leaving the USA! (Parents need me closer than across the planet). Now I am just doing my homework for my first trip to that area of the pacific.
I just stumbled onto this channel. I’m definitely not moving to Thailand when I retire in a couple years, but great thought provoking info. 😃
You are so optimistic and fun person Chris i enjoy all your videos 📸
interesting video, i am 10-15 years away from retirement and considering my options, this does offer more options
Wow, how is it that I ran into you today because I’m fighting this urge to go there to Thailand that is I look forward to watching the rest of the video. I’m just getting started.
Such a great perspective! Thank you! I’ll be retiring sooner now!
We have two separate financial spreadsheets right now: one for if we make the move out there (Thailand or Vietnam or??) after our youngest is out of high school and the other for if we take the leap while our youngest is in high school (meaning he'd finish his education out there with us). Decisions, decisions. I would love to hear more about how you went about selecting a high school for your daughter out there, as I think you were in a similar situation. Thanks again for the videos. Cheers.
Hi Chris. You are a true Guru. Thanks for the video 😁
I am 58 in Canada. Wish I could retire in Thailand. Unfortunately Canada has not signed social security agreements with Thailand. So I believe you can only stay in the country 6 months out of the year.
I hear you, I’m 58 years in Canada. I’m waiting anxiously to reach 60 years old to move to Thailand. But might only stay every 6 months of the year. Same as what you’re referring to.😢
Wife & I live in a condo in the Sathorn/Sil Lom area of Bang Rak. It’s about 50% less for the overall cost of living as compared to our past Seattle metro area life. We pulled trigger 2 years back at age 52. Zero regrets!
congrats. What are your sources of income...as I am in a similiar planning stage. I know in US you can't get social security before 62 at min..so just curious to learn from your strategy...are you working in Thailand did social security kicks in?
@@TravelerofThailand Our 1st year was simply living off cash from the sales of our cars. We don’t have any auto related expenses in BKK. The following years should be covered with passive income from US based capital gains. Our safety net includes 401k & a lump pension. The cost of living here should buy us years before we tap into those funds. We can’t work with our current visa which is the plan anyway. Health insurance cost are a big plus
Im 55 and will be able to retire here in Switzerland in 5y in order to keep my lifestyle. If i would move to Thailand or Dom. Rep. i could retire today. Now i have to convince my better half ;-)
Great video. It’s all about what lifestyle you want. You brought up everything I talk about daily in my current job.
Great discussion and some of those comments are given by people who feel the need to rationalize their fear of change
HMM 60 , OR 62... i AM 53 NOW AND I WILL BE NEEDING a heart valve replacement in the next 5 years .And Yes Thailand is one of my choices , I will be visiting this year . Good Video .