This video is about our monthly budget in the Philippines for August 2024. Here is our buy me a coffee link: buymeacoffee.c... Link to our Pay Pal: paypal.me/Daze... Our Facebook Messenger: / dazel-tv-109572408328731
YOU LIVE A KING"S LIFE!!!!!!!!!! BEAUTIFUL FAMILY YOU OWN YOUR HOME AND THE HUMBLENESS OF YOU FAMILY IS AWESOME !!!!! MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU AND YOU BEAUTIFUL FAMILY!!!!!!!!!! THAT IS ALL A MAN NEED"S
Thank you for the kind words my friend. We appreciate you supporting our channel. I agree my friend; all we need is family and good friends. Take care and God bless.
Good video. It's refreshing to hear a positive spin on seeking comfort and happiness here in the Philippines. God knows there are enough fear mongering naysayers. Usually, they are projecting their sense of failure and regrets as if that's a blanket fate for the masses. When in essence it's their own private encapsulated doom and gloom array of events✌🏾
Thank you my friend. I have enjoyed my 13 years in the Philippines. I’ve actually saved more money in retirement here; than when I was working in the U.S. I was materialistic when I lived in the U.S. I have learned to be more minimalist here. I have learned to be content with what I have. Take care my friend.
good vlog gino big difference in budget between manila and province like kalibo i am finding prices for food going up very fast in philippines but same here in europe
Yes; definitely a big difference if you live in Manila versus the province. Housing in Manila will cost you at least double. Groceries and restaurants in Manila will cost you on average at least 25 percent more. My classmates from college working in Manila always tell me the high cost of living in Manila.
what a good philosophy on life. You are so right. You don't need lots of money to enjoy life. what's important is being with your loved ones and making sure they are safe. I love this budget, I went and adjusted my rent upwards to about 25000 peco's, for the western conveniences, and I can still hit close to that budget. Being an old expat of 74, my days of catting around are over, now it's time to relax and enjoy life to its fullest. Iloilo, here I come.
Thank you my friend. Totally agree; you don’t need lots of money to enjoy life. It’s your loved ones that you surround yourself with that will fill your heart. You made a great choice in Iloilo Sir!
I’m retired and live San Diego county, California. I’m single and live by myself. My monthly expense that includes mortgage,medical insurance, home insurance, utilities and all other things is $3,000.00 a month. My monthly retirement income starting in September will be $6,000.00 a month. I’m looking into living part time in the Philippines or Thailand. Looking at your budget it looks like I could afford it. Thanks for sharing your budget
Splitting your time between San Diego and the Philippines or Thailand is ideal if you can afford it. You get the best of both worlds. With your upcoming budget; easily done. I know many people splitting their time between the U.S. and the Philippines. All enjoying their retirement. You’re welcome my friend.
That would be a good video to make my friend. I would be interested to find out how much is housing and cost of living in Guam. Many in the Philippines I think would be interested because Medicare is available in Guam; not available in the Philippines.
you're da man Ginno! best budget vid, one of the better one's for sure. still blows my mind on the $2-3K budget people always preach. salamat always and can rest assure I'll be aight with the $1k budget. Peace!
Thank you so much mi amigo. The $2k-$3k budget are for people living in BGC Manila. I know many expats living in the provinces on $1k a month. Take care my friend.✌️
Yes; our monthly have held steady the past year. I don't expect it to change in the next year. Our low mortgage really helps in managing our budget. Not having to pay property tax until we pay off our mortgage is nice. :)
Thanks for sharing ur budget. I’ve learned a lot. Since I’m planning to retire in lipa city, batangas, this gives me an idea on my budget as a single person. I have a question: when u decide to do addition on ur property, do u need authorization from the HOA? What about painting the house? Is there color restrictions? What about solar power? Do they allow it? Thank u. Great work!
Yes; you need authorization from the HOA for any addition on your property and also secure a bond. There are a few colors allowed at Camella Aklan to paint your house; also requires approval from HOA. I have not seen a house at Camella Aklan; expensive here. You can have solar power if you want; might have difficulty finding a company in Aklan to do it. Not popular in our province because of the cost and experts that can provide you support.
Snow birding between my uncle's house in Monterazzo (sp?) subdivision in Talisay Cebu and Gainesville fl. Too young to get retirement visa, but when I retire there, my budget has to be at least $5,000 monthly to maintain my US lifestyle. It amazes me that people can live in the Philippines for less than that.
There are expats here that retire on a high budget like you. But, most of the expat retirees that I’ve met, retire in the Philippines on a budget. Most, on their Social Security alone. And they live a comfortable life.
@@dazeltv1351 seen a LOT of wealthy retirees here. Check out Montezarra subdivision. Personally, I am not real wealthy, my uncle raised me after my parent's death until I joined USN, and later retired after 20 years. I consider myself blessed, but nothing special. But it is nice here. Be well. Peace
You’re welcome my friend. We live in a gated community (Camella Aklan) located in Numancia, Aklan. Numancia is a neighboring town to Kalibo (capital of Aklan province). Aklan is well known for Boracay Island. My email: ginno1966@yahoo.com. Let me know if I can help in any way. Take care.
I tell people all the time that $1k a month for a family of 3 is comfortable living in the Philippines. It's all about understanding what is a need; versus what is a want.
Nice breakdown man! I will try to figure out if I can cut that to a third if I make a move down there. Told the wifey it may be rural living - meager hut in the middle of a field and I will just go beast-mode half naked savage. My wife laughed -said no way, ikaw lang! LOL> I will follow how the locals live be my cue - I will surely lose this tire around my waist.
Thank you my brother! It might not be that easy as you think since you've lived in the U.S.; you've gotten Americanized. First thing you have to adjust back is the heat and humidity. You will be sweating here unless you are in an air-conditioned room all day. Haha...beast mode! One thing guaranteed though; you will lose weight here. Just a lot of activities to do outdoors all year round.
@@dazeltv1351 I will be all too happy to be home -so I prolly won't even notice it is cooking outside. WE have been thru the Texas heat so just a little more of same.
@@rabidfarmer9765texas heat is dry heat. you can wear long sleeves and cowboy pants or levis. phil is hot and ver humid which will make your shirt and pants wet.
Manila is one of the highest cost of living area in the Philippines. Almost every item cost more in Manila than in our province of Aklan. The minimum wage for Filipinos in Manila is double the minimum wage in Aklan province.
Pretty sure you are US citizen, what step to be staying long period of time in Phil. And your monthly pension directly deposited to certain bank. Thank you
I have dual citizenship; American and Philippine citizenship. My military pension is direct deposited to a bank in the United States. I transfer money to our Philippine bank as needed.
11,000 mortgage and association fee for 400 pesos wow thay's amazing. Yep 1,000 a month that's a lot for an HOA. Meaning 1,000 -2,000 a month forever payment?
1,000 pesos ($18) a month for HOA is reasonable for me. We have a swimming pool in our community; cost to maintain expensive. We also have security guards and landscapers cutting grass. The HOA also pays for garbage pickup. Cost of chemicals for the pool going up. HOA pay for the salaries of our property manager, security guards, landscapers, and pool guy. And maintenance of street lights, CCTV, and our basketball court.
Thanks again for sharing your personal budget & expenses with us! It is very useful information. :) Hmm... I read some of your replies to other comments, regarding the higher cost of living in Manila. If we assume that housing cost 2x, and food prices are 25% higher, and all of your other numbers stay the same, I think a single person could still live in Manila for less than 1,000 USD/mo. Let's do some math, just for fun: Let's sum all of your housing costs together - mortgage, HOA & insurance = 13,900 PHP So, doubling the housing increases the total to 69,800 PHP (56,000 + 13,900) Let's sum up groceries & eating out = 15,600 PHP 25% of this is = 3,900 PHP (total food = 19,500 PHP) So, adding 25% bump to food cost increases the total to 73,700 PHP (69,800 + 3,900) But, this is for 3 people, not 1 person. So, we can deduct 2/3 of total food cost = 13,000 PHP Which brings the total down to 60,700 PHP (73,700 - 13,000) Now, 60,700 PHP is still more than 56,000 PHP, but 13,392 PHP of your budget/expense worksheet is Miscellaneous, which includes money not spent (ie. savings) and optional spending (such as trips to Boracay). So, in order to stay at 56,000 PHP, all we need to do is reduce Miscellaneous by 4,700 PHP (60,700 - 56,000) = 8,692 PHP. Thus, if you can spend 4,700 PHP (or about 84 USD/mo) less on stuff in the Miscellaneous category, you can live in Manila on 1,000 USD/mo! Ta-dah! What do you think? You can have Dazel can check my math & numbers.... :)
You're welcome my friend. I appreciate your detailed response. You really put a lot of thought into it. The 27,800 pesos budget for housing ($500) is doable in Manila. You just really have to pick the area that is safe. I was born and raised in Manila; left when I was 12. And even for me, I don't feel safe when I visit Manila. You always have to be on the guard regarding your personal property. Most expats live in the BGC area and might be hard to find something in the $500 a month range for rent. I know if you have a car in Manila, parking is another issue. Many cars end up parking in crowded streets. If you live in a condo; you have to pay for your monthly parking. And traffic in Manila is the worst in the Philippines. I think it can be done on $1,000 if you can secure housing in a safe area at a good price. That would be my main concern. I'm just not a fan of living in Manila. Specially in retirement. I like the peaceful life in the province. I am no longer used to the hustle and bustle of city life. So many other better cities in the Philippines where you can live well on $1,000 a month like Iloilo City or Dumaguete City. Just my opinion.
@@dazeltv1351 I used to live in Los Angeles, so I get why you are not particularly fond of living in Manila. Urban life can be stressful, esp. with regards to safety & traffic, as well as crowds & noise. I am glad that you found your version of paradise in the province! :) Thanks for sharing your opinion - every bit of info, from every point-of-view, helps in the decision-making process!
@@michaeltakayama8415 You're welcome my friend. I know it's a big decision to make deciding where to live in the Philippines. I did a recon on the Philippines a year before I finally made the move. Visited Baguio City, La Union, Tagaytay, Angeles City, Subic, and Boracay. Decided a year later to make Boracay my soft landing in the Philippines. 13 years later; I am still in Aklan province; never left. 😃
I am retired U.S. Air Force and I get my insurance from Tricare. Dazel and I pay around $300-$400 a year for our medical coverage in the Philippines. The common insurance that I see expats get in the Philippines is through Pacific Cross Philippines. Insurance from them is based on your age and pre-existing conditions. There is a group on Facebook that is good to join if you are looking for medical coverage in the Philippines called "Health Insurance in the Philippines".
Thanks for the detailed breakdown. Really good to know. So just to clarify: property taxes are not charged until the mortgage is paid off? If that’s true then kudos to pinas 👍🏼
@@raneilalonzo You’re welcome my friend. Our town of Numancia, Aklan requires a title to the lot where our house sits in our name in order to pay property taxes. Camella Aklan (our community developer) will not issue a title to our lot with our name until our mortgage is paid off with Banco de Oro (in 2031).
We don’t plan on visiting the U.S. until I start receiving my Social Security pension; in 4 years. Social Security will give us extra money to travel. I get a military pension from the U.S. in dollars. I don’t need to exchange Philippine pesos into U.S. dollars.
Hello Gino. In the future I plan to move to the Philippines to be with my wife, but I was concerned about healthcare insurance. I hear you have tricare, my question is can I depend on tricare because I was also thinking about getting Maxicare but if tricare is fine then I won't spend extra to have Maxicare.
It depends where you plan on living in the Philippines. In my opinion, you want to live near a city that has a Tricare preferred facility. For me that is Medical City Iloilo; 4 hours away. I only pay my 25% copay there; they process the paperwork for their 75%. I only have access to a certified Tricare facility near our town; Panay Hospital (15 minutes away). I have to pay 100% and then file for my 75% reimbursement online. Tricare has been fine for me. I feel comfortable with our coverage with Tricare in the Philippines. It’s really a personal choice whether you need extra medical coverage.
Good job.. airman!!! I'm still to scared to drive here in Cebu Metro area coz we know how crazy the traffic is.....even if I have insurance...no.. I just booked a grab....of I lived in the province or semi province area I might try driving..lol. And I have driven in the middle east and Korea....and Okinawa on the wrong side of the road. . so... What do you think sir.. Best Regards.... living of of my massive retirement pay for USAF Retired....lol You know I'm joking
Thank you Sir! I would not drive in Metro Cebu myself; I’m not used to that kind of traffic. In the semi province; you should be fine driving since you have experience driving in Korea and Okinawa. Just have to watch the dogs, chickens, goats, and cows crossing the roads. 😁 Haha…I know my brother. 😁
Hey Ginno! You mentioned that mail service is problematic in provincial areas. How are you going to deal with the annual Foreign Enforcement Questionnaire from the Social Security Administration (SSA-7161/7162)?
I have 4 years still before I can collect Social Security at 62. I actually thought about that issue before. I have to research what will be my best option here in Aklan province. I'm thinking an annual trip to the Social Security Administration office in Manila to complete the questionnaire.
I see there is still FPO mail service available through the RAO in Angeles City and Subic Bay. Apparently, the backlash against ending retiree FPO privileges in 2022 made DoD reconsider.
No Sir; not going back to the US to vote in November. I have not gotten physical mail in at least a year; difficult to get mail in the Philippine provinces.
Yes; I was paying into Phil Health. I am no longer required to pay Phil Health because I am now a Person With Disability (PWD). Phil Health does not charge PWD. Yes; I enrolled Dazel in the Philippines Social Security System. She has her SSS ID and benefits.
Screw me sideways 56k peso per month for family. I guess you guys don’t take vacations and no outings to restaurants huh 🤔 My budget is 120k for family of 3 and we vacation and own a car, motorcycle and jet ski’s
We spend three days in Boracay every other month; spend about 4,000 pesos ($70) for two nights in a hotel. Have a budget of 5,000 pesos ($90) for food and transportation for 3 people. We own our car and tricycle. Boracay is only an hour from our house; minimal gas on our economy car. We go to our local beaches; 15 to 30 minutes from our house; at least once a month and bring our own food. We eat out at local restaurants in Kalibo Aklan at least once a week and spend 800 pesos ($14) for our meals (3 people); sometimes less if its at Jollibee. Our province of Aklan is one of the lowest cost of living area I’ve seen in the Philippines. We don’t have an SM Mall or Robinson’s Mall; so no extra expenses there. We buy all our clothes from ukay-ukay (thrift stores). We are Filipino; so we eat Filipino food. Save money on food; because we don’t need to get western style food; usually cost more. We often don’t even spend the 56k pesos a month; we set aside and accumulate for extra outings. We just have learned to have fun without spending a lot of money.
Good, shutdown those naysayers, with their rethorical nonsense that if you only have $1000 a month, you would be struggling in that place, like the rest of locals, as long as you are not a drinker and a womanizer, you are good to roll with $1000 a month😅
I've noticed that a lot of the vloggers making those claims are not married and living in the big cities .. they're mostly interested in single's bars / hooking up / and eating out all the time. Mature adults don't have to do that .. we're outgrown that immaturity ..
I think so too my friend. Even if they increase our HOA to 1,000 pesos ($18) a month; it’s still cheap with all the services they provide. Security guards, landscapers, pool guy, pool chemicals, and garbage pickup.
THANKS 4 ALL Ur GREAT & HELPFUL VIDEOS ;O)) !!!!! INSUR. Is INSANELY HIGH{ Here } And KEEPS .... Going UP $$$ :(( MY Toyota ( TOY ) Truck BRAND NEW ( $43k In 2007 ) And My INSUR ( ALWAYS FULL Coverage ) Was $85.00 !!! NOW, My TOY is ALMOST 18 YRS OLD ( NO Tickets / Wrecks !!!) And I Am PAYING $250.00 Mo, ( AFTER, I DOUBLE My DEDUCT, Twice ) , My TOY is ONLY Worth ONLY $8-9Ks !!! MY INSUR Just WENT UP $102 Per Month, in JUST 10 MONTHS :o((
You’re welcome my brother. That is a big increase per month without having any tickets/wrecks. My full coverage on our Toyota actually decreases every year; because they lower the value of the car. I started at 15k pesos per year with our brand new Toyota Wigo. Now that our car is 5 years old; we only pay 9k pesos per year for full coverage.
@@dazeltv1351 SADDLY .... Its a EPIDEMIC Across The USA :(( MANY SENIORS Have Been LOSING Their HOMES Due to INSUR & TAXES , Have Become As HIGH { Or HIGHER } As The HOUSE PYMT !!! USAA Is My INSUR But NOT SOOooo, GOOD , My RENTERS INSUR Has ALSO, INCREASED By 250%, in the LAST 3 Yrs :o(( ONE of MANY REASONS >>>> I Am HEADING ( MOVING ) To Ur " AO " :O)) !!!!!!!!!
YOU LIVE A KING"S LIFE!!!!!!!!!! BEAUTIFUL FAMILY YOU OWN YOUR HOME AND THE HUMBLENESS OF YOU FAMILY IS AWESOME !!!!! MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU AND YOU BEAUTIFUL FAMILY!!!!!!!!!! THAT IS ALL A MAN NEED"S
Thank you for the kind words my friend. We appreciate you supporting our channel. I agree my friend; all we need is family and good friends. Take care and God bless.
Stop screaming with your all CAPS.
Did you put a dp for the house ?
@@daisycaunan Yes; we put a down payment of about 20% when we purchased our house at Camella Aklan.
Good video. It's refreshing to hear a positive spin on seeking comfort and happiness here in the Philippines.
God knows there are enough fear mongering naysayers. Usually, they are projecting their sense of failure and regrets as if that's a blanket fate for the masses.
When in essence it's their own private encapsulated doom and gloom array of events✌🏾
Thank you my friend. I have enjoyed my 13 years in the Philippines. I’ve actually saved more money in retirement here; than when I was working in the U.S. I was materialistic when I lived in the U.S. I have learned to be more minimalist here. I have learned to be content with what I have. Take care my friend.
Agree 100%
Well done and well managed.
Thank you our friends!
good vlog gino big difference in budget between manila and province like kalibo i am finding prices for food going up very fast in philippines but same here in europe
Yes; definitely a big difference if you live in Manila versus the province. Housing in Manila will cost you at least double. Groceries and restaurants in Manila will cost you on average at least 25 percent more. My classmates from college working in Manila always tell me the high cost of living in Manila.
what a good philosophy on life. You are so right. You don't need lots of money to enjoy life. what's important is being with your loved ones and making sure they are safe. I love this budget, I went and adjusted my rent upwards to about 25000 peco's, for the western conveniences, and I can still hit close to that budget. Being an old expat of 74, my days of catting around are over, now it's time to relax and enjoy life to its fullest. Iloilo, here I come.
Thank you my friend. Totally agree; you don’t need lots of money to enjoy life. It’s your loved ones that you surround yourself with that will fill your heart. You made a great choice in Iloilo Sir!
Thanks for the breakdown of your monthly budget! You are living comfortably! Happy for you 🫡
You're welcome my friend. We are lucky that the cost of living is low in our province of Aklan.
I’m retired and live San Diego county, California. I’m single and live by myself. My monthly expense that includes mortgage,medical insurance, home insurance, utilities and all other things is $3,000.00 a month. My monthly retirement income starting in September will be $6,000.00 a month. I’m looking into living part time in the Philippines or Thailand. Looking at your budget it looks like I could afford it. Thanks for sharing your budget
Splitting your time between San Diego and the Philippines or Thailand is ideal if you can afford it. You get the best of both worlds. With your upcoming budget; easily done. I know many people splitting their time between the U.S. and the Philippines. All enjoying their retirement. You’re welcome my friend.
Go for it!
Outstanding presentation and very informative! I love it! Watching your and Dazel's videos is always a pleasure, my Brother!
Thank you so much for the kind words my brother! Motivates me to keep trying to make good videos. I appreciate you my brother.
I actually enjoy watching these type of videos. Maybe someday I'll take time to create a similar vid for Guam.
That would be a good video to make my friend. I would be interested to find out how much is housing and cost of living in Guam. Many in the Philippines I think would be interested because Medicare is available in Guam; not available in the Philippines.
You seemed so honest with your video. Love it!!!
@@mfrancisco4242 Thank you my friend.
you're da man Ginno! best budget vid, one of the better one's for sure. still blows my mind on the $2-3K budget people always preach. salamat always and can rest assure I'll be aight with the $1k budget. Peace!
Thank you so much mi amigo. The $2k-$3k budget are for people living in BGC Manila. I know many expats living in the provinces on $1k a month. Take care my friend.✌️
Very pertinent information delivered clearly . Thank you
You’re welcome my friend.
Finally you came thru with this one, nothing haven’t changed since last year!!😅
Yes; our monthly have held steady the past year. I don't expect it to change in the next year. Our low mortgage really helps in managing our budget. Not having to pay property tax until we pay off our mortgage is nice. :)
Good video Ginno .. have a Blessed day
Thank you my friend. Stay blessed.
Hi Dazle and Ginno, Thank you for sharing your information with us and God Bless You and Dazle and Leana and your Family Too 😊
You’re welcome our friend. Take care and God bless.
Thanks for sharing ur budget. I’ve learned a lot. Since I’m planning to retire in lipa city, batangas, this gives me an idea on my budget as a single person.
I have a question: when u decide to do addition on ur property, do u need authorization from the HOA?
What about painting the house? Is there color restrictions? What about solar power? Do they allow it?
Thank u. Great work!
Yes; you need authorization from the HOA for any addition on your property and also secure a bond. There are a few colors allowed at Camella Aklan to paint your house; also requires approval from HOA. I have not seen a house at Camella Aklan; expensive here. You can have solar power if you want; might have difficulty finding a company in Aklan to do it. Not popular in our province because of the cost and experts that can provide you support.
Great information
Thank you my friend.
Thank You Ginno. Love Your Channel.
Thank you so much my friend. It’s people like you that encourages me to keep trying to make good videos. I appreciate you my friend.
Great info
Thank you my friend.
Outstanding!
Thank you so much my friend!
Snow birding between my uncle's house in Monterazzo (sp?) subdivision in Talisay Cebu and Gainesville fl. Too young to get retirement visa, but when I retire there, my budget has to be at least $5,000 monthly to maintain my US lifestyle. It amazes me that people can live in the Philippines for less than that.
There are expats here that retire on a high budget like you. But, most of the expat retirees that I’ve met, retire in the Philippines on a budget. Most, on their Social Security alone. And they live a comfortable life.
@@dazeltv1351 seen a LOT of wealthy retirees here. Check out Montezarra subdivision. Personally, I am not real wealthy, my uncle raised me after my parent's death until I joined USN, and later retired after 20 years. I consider myself blessed, but nothing special. But it is nice here. Be well. Peace
Try the ribs at the Backyard its the best meal in Kalibo 👌👌
I will try it the next time we eat at the Backyard. Thank you for the tip. 😁
Wow nice life for 56 thousand paysauce, looks worth it
Thank you my friend.
Thanks for this info. Where is this place you don’t mind me asking? Ready to retired this year. Filipino from California.
You’re welcome my friend. We live in a gated community (Camella Aklan) located in Numancia, Aklan. Numancia is a neighboring town to Kalibo (capital of Aklan province). Aklan is well known for Boracay Island. My email: ginno1966@yahoo.com. Let me know if I can help in any way. Take care.
Excellent!!!Its very cheap for you Dazel because you are a permanent r3sident, having a property and you live in the inexpensive place or city.
@@bornonjuly7052 Thank you my friend. Aklan province is great for the budget conscious; low cost of living.
Good video!
Thank you our friend!
My budget is 60,000 pesos a month.august spending 54,000. Pesos. The important is a roof and good food .
Yes Sir! Roof and good food; all we need my friend.
Our family of 3 in Baguio is 1k a month. But my house and car are paid off
I tell people all the time that $1k a month for a family of 3 is comfortable living in the Philippines. It's all about understanding what is a need; versus what is a want.
@dazeltv1351 1k pays all our bills, we go out and eat plus order grab. My son goes to SLU, life is good 😄
Nice breakdown man! I will try to figure out if I can cut that to a third if I make a move down there. Told the wifey it may be rural living - meager hut in the middle of a field and I will just go beast-mode half naked savage. My wife laughed -said no way, ikaw lang! LOL> I will follow how the locals live be my cue - I will surely lose this tire around my waist.
Thank you my brother! It might not be that easy as you think since you've lived in the U.S.; you've gotten Americanized. First thing you have to adjust back is the heat and humidity. You will be sweating here unless you are in an air-conditioned room all day. Haha...beast mode! One thing guaranteed though; you will lose weight here. Just a lot of activities to do outdoors all year round.
@@dazeltv1351 I will be all too happy to be home -so I prolly won't even notice it is cooking outside. WE have been thru the Texas heat so just a little more of same.
@@rabidfarmer9765texas heat is dry heat. you can wear long sleeves and cowboy pants or levis. phil is hot and ver humid which will make your shirt and pants wet.
Great Info !!! Did you sell your other house? Thank you and god bless. !!!
Thank you my friend. No sale on the house. Not easy selling a house in the Philippines. Take care and God bless.
I live in Manila and I spend 2x that (USD 2000) for a couple.
Manila is one of the highest cost of living area in the Philippines. Almost every item cost more in Manila than in our province of Aklan. The minimum wage for Filipinos in Manila is double the minimum wage in Aklan province.
Pretty sure you are US citizen, what step to be staying long period of time in Phil. And your monthly pension directly deposited to certain bank. Thank you
I have dual citizenship; American and Philippine citizenship. My military pension is direct deposited to a bank in the United States. I transfer money to our Philippine bank as needed.
11,000 mortgage and association fee for 400 pesos wow thay's amazing. Yep 1,000 a month that's a lot for an HOA. Meaning 1,000 -2,000 a month forever payment?
1,000 pesos ($18) a month for HOA is reasonable for me. We have a swimming pool in our community; cost to maintain expensive. We also have security guards and landscapers cutting grass. The HOA also pays for garbage pickup. Cost of chemicals for the pool going up. HOA pay for the salaries of our property manager, security guards, landscapers, and pool guy. And maintenance of street lights, CCTV, and our basketball court.
Thanks again for sharing your personal budget & expenses with us! It is very useful information. :)
Hmm... I read some of your replies to other comments, regarding the higher cost of living in Manila. If we assume that housing cost 2x, and food prices are 25% higher, and all of your other numbers stay the same, I think a single person could still live in Manila for less than 1,000 USD/mo.
Let's do some math, just for fun:
Let's sum all of your housing costs together - mortgage, HOA & insurance = 13,900 PHP
So, doubling the housing increases the total to 69,800 PHP (56,000 + 13,900)
Let's sum up groceries & eating out = 15,600 PHP
25% of this is = 3,900 PHP (total food = 19,500 PHP)
So, adding 25% bump to food cost increases the total to 73,700 PHP (69,800 + 3,900)
But, this is for 3 people, not 1 person.
So, we can deduct 2/3 of total food cost = 13,000 PHP
Which brings the total down to 60,700 PHP (73,700 - 13,000)
Now, 60,700 PHP is still more than 56,000 PHP, but 13,392 PHP of your budget/expense worksheet is Miscellaneous, which includes money not spent (ie. savings) and optional spending (such as trips to Boracay).
So, in order to stay at 56,000 PHP, all we need to do is reduce Miscellaneous by 4,700 PHP (60,700 - 56,000) = 8,692 PHP.
Thus, if you can spend 4,700 PHP (or about 84 USD/mo) less on stuff in the Miscellaneous category, you can live in Manila on 1,000 USD/mo!
Ta-dah! What do you think? You can have Dazel can check my math & numbers.... :)
You're welcome my friend.
I appreciate your detailed response. You really put a lot of thought into it.
The 27,800 pesos budget for housing ($500) is doable in Manila. You just really have to pick the area that is safe. I was born and raised in Manila; left when I was 12. And even for me, I don't feel safe when I visit Manila. You always have to be on the guard regarding your personal property. Most expats live in the BGC area and might be hard to find something in the $500 a month range for rent.
I know if you have a car in Manila, parking is another issue. Many cars end up parking in crowded streets. If you live in a condo; you have to pay for your monthly parking. And traffic in Manila is the worst in the Philippines.
I think it can be done on $1,000 if you can secure housing in a safe area at a good price. That would be my main concern.
I'm just not a fan of living in Manila. Specially in retirement. I like the peaceful life in the province. I am no longer used to the hustle and bustle of city life. So many other better cities in the Philippines where you can live well on $1,000 a month like Iloilo City or Dumaguete City. Just my opinion.
@@dazeltv1351 I used to live in Los Angeles, so I get why you are not particularly fond of living in Manila. Urban life can be stressful, esp. with regards to safety & traffic, as well as crowds & noise.
I am glad that you found your version of paradise in the province! :)
Thanks for sharing your opinion - every bit of info, from every point-of-view, helps in the decision-making process!
@@michaeltakayama8415 You're welcome my friend. I know it's a big decision to make deciding where to live in the Philippines. I did a recon on the Philippines a year before I finally made the move. Visited Baguio City, La Union, Tagaytay, Angeles City, Subic, and Boracay. Decided a year later to make Boracay my soft landing in the Philippines. 13 years later; I am still in Aklan province; never left. 😃
Can you please share more information on your health insurance. How to get and the coverage. Thanks!
I am retired U.S. Air Force and I get my insurance from Tricare. Dazel and I pay around $300-$400 a year for our medical coverage in the Philippines. The common insurance that I see expats get in the Philippines is through Pacific Cross Philippines. Insurance from them is based on your age and pre-existing conditions. There is a group on Facebook that is good to join if you are looking for medical coverage in the Philippines called "Health Insurance in the Philippines".
@@dazeltv1351 Thank you very much for your reply!
@@ruthboaz7355 You’re welcome my friend.
I would love to get a tour of your home.
Hello our friend. Here is a link to a tour of our house:
th-cam.com/video/xbyVGaFNpG8/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for the detailed breakdown. Really good to know. So just to clarify: property taxes are not charged until the mortgage is paid off? If that’s true then kudos to pinas 👍🏼
@@raneilalonzo You’re welcome my friend. Our town of Numancia, Aklan requires a title to the lot where our house sits in our name in order to pay property taxes. Camella Aklan (our community developer) will not issue a title to our lot with our name until our mortgage is paid off with Banco de Oro (in 2031).
Please do topic in general on how do you intend to save to visit US for vacation? I know it’s expensive to convert peso to dollar value?
We don’t plan on visiting the U.S. until I start receiving my Social Security pension; in 4 years. Social Security will give us extra money to travel. I get a military pension from the U.S. in dollars. I don’t need to exchange Philippine pesos into U.S. dollars.
@@dazeltv1351do you get Disability pension as well
Hello Gino. In the future I plan to move to the Philippines to be with my wife, but I was concerned about healthcare insurance. I hear you have tricare, my question is can I depend on tricare because I was also thinking about getting Maxicare but if tricare is fine then I won't spend extra to have Maxicare.
It depends where you plan on living in the Philippines. In my opinion, you want to live near a city that has a Tricare preferred facility. For me that is Medical City Iloilo; 4 hours away. I only pay my 25% copay there; they process the paperwork for their 75%. I only have access to a certified Tricare facility near our town; Panay Hospital (15 minutes away). I have to pay 100% and then file for my 75% reimbursement online. Tricare has been fine for me. I feel comfortable with our coverage with Tricare in the Philippines. It’s really a personal choice whether you need extra medical coverage.
Good job.. airman!!! I'm still to scared to drive here in Cebu Metro area coz we know how crazy the traffic is.....even if I have insurance...no.. I just booked a grab....of I lived in the province or semi province area I might try driving..lol.
And I have driven in the middle east and Korea....and Okinawa on the wrong side of the road. . so...
What do you think sir..
Best Regards.... living of of my massive retirement pay for USAF Retired....lol
You know I'm joking
Thank you Sir! I would not drive in Metro Cebu myself; I’m not used to that kind of traffic. In the semi province; you should be fine driving since you have experience driving in Korea and Okinawa. Just have to watch the dogs, chickens, goats, and cows crossing the roads. 😁 Haha…I know my brother. 😁
mine was $1500 in cebu!
Good budget for Cebu! ❤️
Hey Ginno! You mentioned that mail service is problematic in provincial areas. How are you going to deal with the annual Foreign Enforcement Questionnaire from the Social Security Administration (SSA-7161/7162)?
I have 4 years still before I can collect Social Security at 62. I actually thought about that issue before. I have to research what will be my best option here in Aklan province. I'm thinking an annual trip to the Social Security Administration office in Manila to complete the questionnaire.
I see there is still FPO mail service available through the RAO in Angeles City and Subic Bay. Apparently, the backlash against ending retiree FPO privileges in 2022 made DoD reconsider.
@@OldFashionedOatmeal Oh nice! I can open an FPO at RAO Angeles the next time I am in Angeles City. I thought that had ended. Thank you my friend.
Sir, are you going back to the US to vote in November? or you can vote by mail?
No Sir; not going back to the US to vote in November. I have not gotten physical mail in at least a year; difficult to get mail in the Philippine provinces.
Do also have Phil Health and do you pay into Philippines retirement plan for Dazel?
Yes; I was paying into Phil Health. I am no longer required to pay Phil Health because I am now a Person With Disability (PWD). Phil Health does not charge PWD. Yes; I enrolled Dazel in the Philippines Social Security System. She has her SSS ID and benefits.
@@dazeltv1351I know your tricare how does Phil health work with tricare. Or do you even use it that way
Screw me sideways 56k peso per month for family. I guess you guys don’t take vacations and no outings to restaurants huh 🤔
My budget is 120k for family of 3 and we vacation and own a car, motorcycle and jet ski’s
We spend three days in Boracay every other month; spend about 4,000 pesos ($70) for two nights in a hotel. Have a budget of 5,000 pesos ($90) for food and transportation for 3 people. We own our car and tricycle. Boracay is only an hour from our house; minimal gas on our economy car. We go to our local beaches; 15 to 30 minutes from our house; at least once a month and bring our own food. We eat out at local restaurants in Kalibo Aklan at least once a week and spend 800 pesos ($14) for our meals (3 people); sometimes less if its at Jollibee. Our province of Aklan is one of the lowest cost of living area I’ve seen in the Philippines. We don’t have an SM Mall or Robinson’s Mall; so no extra expenses there. We buy all our clothes from ukay-ukay (thrift stores). We are Filipino; so we eat Filipino food. Save money on food; because we don’t need to get western style food; usually cost more. We often don’t even spend the 56k pesos a month; we set aside and accumulate for extra outings. We just have learned to have fun without spending a lot of money.
@@dazeltv1351 thanks for prompt reply
@@WorldTravelerCA You’re welcome my friend.
I will never ever buy anything that involves an hOA again. Did I say ever? Ever ever ever lol
I can understand my friend. 😁
Good, shutdown those naysayers, with their rethorical nonsense that if you only have $1000 a month, you would be struggling in that place, like the rest of locals, as long as you are not a drinker and a womanizer, you are good to roll with $1000 a month😅
I've noticed that a lot of the vloggers making those claims are not married and living in the big cities .. they're mostly interested in single's bars / hooking up / and eating out all the time. Mature adults don't have to do that .. we're outgrown that immaturity ..
Do u really those locals make $1000 USD ???
@@tenzinchoegyal4067 Many in our community of Camella Aklan make more than $1,000.
$1,000 a month in my opinion is plenty to live on in the Philippines; specially if you are single.
@@doughenderson4345 If you live in a big city like Manila; $1,000 is not enough. Most retirees I know prefer the peaceful life in the provinces.
That's cheap hoa
I think so too my friend. Even if they increase our HOA to 1,000 pesos ($18) a month; it’s still cheap with all the services they provide. Security guards, landscapers, pool guy, pool chemicals, and garbage pickup.
Wow so cheap
Yes. It’s easy to live on a budget in the Philippine provinces. Housing is where you save money the most; housing in the provinces is very affordable.
THANKS 4 ALL Ur GREAT & HELPFUL VIDEOS ;O)) !!!!! INSUR. Is INSANELY HIGH{ Here } And KEEPS .... Going UP $$$ :((
MY Toyota ( TOY ) Truck BRAND NEW ( $43k In 2007 ) And My INSUR ( ALWAYS FULL Coverage ) Was $85.00 !!! NOW, My TOY is ALMOST 18 YRS OLD ( NO Tickets / Wrecks !!!) And I Am PAYING $250.00 Mo, ( AFTER, I DOUBLE My DEDUCT, Twice ) , My
TOY is ONLY Worth ONLY $8-9Ks !!! MY INSUR Just WENT UP $102 Per Month, in JUST 10 MONTHS :o((
You’re welcome my brother.
That is a big increase per month without having any tickets/wrecks. My full coverage on our Toyota actually decreases every year; because they lower the value of the car. I started at 15k pesos per year with our brand new Toyota Wigo. Now that our car is 5 years old; we only pay 9k pesos per year for full coverage.
@@dazeltv1351 SADDLY .... Its a EPIDEMIC Across The USA :(( MANY SENIORS Have Been LOSING Their HOMES Due to INSUR & TAXES , Have Become As HIGH { Or HIGHER } As The HOUSE PYMT !!!
USAA Is My INSUR But NOT SOOooo, GOOD , My RENTERS INSUR Has ALSO, INCREASED By 250%, in the
LAST 3 Yrs :o(( ONE of MANY REASONS >>>> I Am HEADING ( MOVING ) To Ur " AO " :O)) !!!!!!!!!