A grown man (50's 60's 70's) without Income & Savings "Should Not be Moving to the Philippines" .. If a "grown-up" needs that explained to them, they've already in trouble ..
@@thomasauslander3757 lol people act like Philippines is some utopia of amazing sun year round. Reality is many monsoons happen from May to October of several raining days. Those will wash away tents and make your life way more miserable than Oakland which last time I checked has never had hurricanes. Tents don't work in most parts of Phils
100% correct, yet there's scores of Americans that just don't learn, that watch videos like this & still don't get it. I've personally been telling people around me this, but it's almost always fallen on deaf ears. Like my great grandad used to tell me 'common sense isn't very common, even as people age'
Its simple.... If you don't have any life management skills in your home country.... you will just repeat the same behavior in a far away place... and you really don't want to be somewhere else...
Thanks for sharing! This is what every expat needs to hear. I stayed in the Philippines for 4 years, my bank kept locking me out of my account because I was using my card in a foreign country even though I told them I was going to be in the Philippines. There was no fixing the problem short of me spend $1400 to fly home and fix it myself in person. Even the Chase branch in the Philippines was no help. Once taken care of I went back to the Philippines just to get locked out two months later. I had to fly back again but this time I added my sister to my account so she can take care of such matters. The branch manager assured me it wouldn’t happen again. Well it did, two more times but she took care of the matter. Great sister! One other thing. You have to learn to say no to people and learn when it’s time to walk away from a bad situation or relationship that’s sucking the financial life out of you because if you don’t, you will end up broke and alone. Thanks for the great advise.
Thanks, all good points you make. I think access to your money is number one for me. If you cannot get to your money everything else spins out of control.
I am not an expat (yet) but I think it would make sense to open a local bank account wherever you are, and do regularly scheduled wire transfers from your stateside or home bank (if you are not from the states) to your new local bank. Yeah, you might have to pay a small fee but I think it would be worth it. Seems like that would alleviate a lot of similar issues.
Wow , all you had to do was have a relatives phone number on your bank to call as your number . Then when you get locked out they will send a code to that phone reset your password and you good , happens about twice a year to me.
Its easy to see that you genuinely care about the well-being of others. Whether people take your advice or not, it's great that you do this for the benefit of others.
Tell your boss at the SSA that not having a MANDATORY NOTARIZATION OR CERTIFICATION SIGNATURE is opening U.S. tax payers to FRAUD . That's probably the reason we are going to run out of SSA money in 2034 .
Getting homeless when you're old and in a foreign country is probably the worst situation imaginable. At that point these people need to get their butts back home. I think once I hit 70s way down the road I am going home regardless of the income and just traveling small trips
Easier said than done for some. Some expats have nothing to go back home to. And if they come from a cold country and have to go back home and be homeless in the snow, it can be worse than being homeless in a warm place like the Philippines. If they're from a country like America and they go back and be homeless, they can get various types of assistance from government and other charitable organizations, but their lives still won't be very comfortable. It's a very tough situation to be in, especially when you are old.
The issue is that they like to spend recklessly. People also need to remember that people in these countries can be parasites. People need to be smart wherever you live and you can be lonely even in your own country with no help.
Its very important not to become a victim of your poor choices in life especially overseas. The future is unpredictable using the present to prepare for tomorrow the best you can.
A bunch of retired expats who get SS got their payments cut off in March 2023. The SS office in Manila will personally handle the 7162 forms after the benefits get cut off. This would be for folks in the region like southeast Asia. I had to send it in April to the Manila for my father who lives in Vietnam. All benefit payments get restored retroactively. It is a pain in the ass to send it to Wilkes Barre before the benefit cutoff in March, but at least we know the Manila office is there as a last resort.
well yes if the US Embassy has opened back up the last time I tried they are still playing the COVID rope a dope my friend tried going just a week ago turned away.
Great video Steve as I actually helped Derek @ Q adventures get 79 yr. broke ill-health Ken back to UK as none of us wants to end up alone with nothing with failing health and the worse part was having no friends or backup plan ending up overstaying for years. Thanks as this IS the Greatest fear and something we all need to guard against.
So true! my strategy is to save as much as possible. I'm blessed to have more than one retirement pension. We fly home every year,visit the family & bring back enough funds for the current year - let my pensions just save throughout the year while we're away. We have one bank in the Philippines (savings) and one bank in the USA (savings). Been married to a Filipino for over 10 years, paid cash for our home and living the life that God has blessed us with. 💞
So glad ill have my Filipina wife in tow,,since she got her US citizenship that also solves alot of future issues..Great message as always,,I always tell my kids watch your money because no one else will..
Good 👍 advice! I traveled to and from The Philippines 🇵🇭 for 25+ years, including last year, 2022. Homelessness was never a problem for me. Your advice will help even more! 😃
Probably why many old men end up homeless in PHL is they have health problems, many of them mentally ill. They think that their Social Security benefits or Disability benefits is plenty of money for their lifestyle. Then they don’t factor into the equation that medicine and medical expenses are less expensive in PHL but if they’re hospitalized or incapacitated due to illness. They will NOT have anyone who can help them, they don’t have that “security net” of family support or government assistance programs that they would in USA.
I live in Thailand. I avoid ladybars and those that frequent them. For the most part, those that habituate bars, end up broke or close to it because of poor choices. Boozin and short term relationships are a dead end.
Short term relationships are neither good nor bad. As always, it is a matter of self control and discipline. If you master control over your actions you will be able to live within your budget and treat yourself with a ST candies from time to time. If you let other people leach from you then any relationship can become a catastrophe. We have heard enough stories of expats who have lost all their life savings to canny long game players in Thailand.
Love your channel your always straight forward to the point. What i do is alway leave cash with someone you can trust in the US for Emergencies they can easily wire the money to you i leave my sister 5k when i go the Philippines 🇵🇭 when i go for a month or 2 Great video.
Hi Steve, Great advice everyone needs to listen to. Sometimes grass is not greener on the other side. I decided to test fire the Philippines first for about 6 months mostly because of health reasons not financial reasons. Thanks you for your excellent advice. Stay safe, stay healthy, have fun.
I was retired in Santa Cruz CA Renting a studio apartment. My landlord said she was going to double my rent. So I moved to Tx and bought a small home for $23k. Now I have no debt no rent no mortgage no bills. Life is good.
Wow. 23k ? I wish there was those sorts of things in Nz. Heck if there was any house for 10 times that, I would move there.😂. But you made a wiser move than moving to foreign country and start over in a very unfamiliar environment
@@bigbrother4ever Don't know when he bought or where but NOT going to find a $23K home in TX near any major city. Maybe out in BFE somewhere. Good TX homes not cheaper any more even a smaller basic one.
You can notarize documents via an online notary. I did this for a property transfer at the end of my divorce. The notary was in Idaho and I was in Quezon City.
@@hansreynders6853 It is an online service and the document was accepted by two legal firms in San Jose, California and the notarized document was used to transfer property (Santa Clara County). I can dig out the link but a deed to $900,000 property was transferred to only my ex's name this way. There were zero issue. The who online notaries (which involved a Zoom meeting and sharing IDs) is a biproduct of Covid.
“Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure nineteen nineteen and six , result happiness. Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure twenty pounds ought and six, result misery” ― Charles Dickens, David Copperfield
Repatriation loan it's good to know. This is the 1st I heard of this.Thanks for sharing. You always have good information Steve I really appreciate your blogs.
remember they don't give it to you right away. They will ask first call at least three people in US and ask for money and only after no one gives you a loan they will buy you a ticket and it might take long time
Hi Steve if you have more information of other places it would be greatly appreciated. I noticed the videos was 3yrs ago.lol. I'm soon moving to Manila and be looking for an apartment to rent.
A lot of people never realize how much their families have looked out for them in the past then they head off to a foreign country with no family support only vultures looking to take and low and behold they end up in a tough spot and have no clue how they ever got there in the first place.
Have to plan longterm before you come to the Philippines. Map out every scenario and what happens if something goes wrong. However if you didn't plan, then recommendation is go to the US embassy and seek assistance there.
I totally agree that your budget should not be your income. There is no reason why you shouldn't have savings for a rainy day, and if you have someone constantly sucking you dry financially, then you may have to rethink that relationship. Some will try to get you locked in and try to get you to build a house or buy big ticket items. Many times, it's their parents or family members who are pushing them, and you will be surprised how many people get sick and try pulling the heart strings to get cash out of your pockets. Your budget should include everything to cover all your monthly expenses, including your own personal paycheck. After the monthly budget is taken care of, then whatever is left can go into a wants savings like a trip or vacation. There is no such thing as extra money and the money you get is not free money. Never pay for everything and just contribute what you feel is appropriate for you. Remember that your girlfriend or wife needs an income to, and if you want her to be a housewife, then you will need to give her a modest allowance. She is working when she is cleaning the house and doing your laundry and cooking for you, yes she is also doing it for herself but how would you feel if you didn't have any pesos in your own pockets. 10k pesos is a good amount for her ayuda, and she can do with that as she will . If she wants to give part of it to her family or go buy shoes, then she can do that without having to ask you for money all the time . After being there for a while, you will get an idea of how much groceries and sundries costs along with the other monthly costs so you can get a good rounded off budget. You both will need Healthcare, and depending on how old she is and how well she has kept up on her maintenance will determine her medical needs as well as your own. Treat her like a live-in maid with benefits, and I say this respectfully as she has worth to you just as you have worth to her . This need for each other is the glue that will hold your relationship together through the good times and the bad times.
I have one bank account at PNB and one savings account at BDO. I need to make a deposit every 6 months or they go dormant. When I retire, each year, I can spend 11 months in PI and one month in the USA.
Thanks again, Steve. This is a big fear to many including myself. While I have a decent SSDI and some dividends that puts me a little above the average numbers you have shown in another video, I;m still 7th Fleet enough to know that "a fool and their money are soon parted." I have seen a couple of clip of unfortunate souls who ended up on the streets over there. "Window !:. Thanks again, Boston!
I have a question for you.. how do some expats take 10 to 20 years of a vulnerable young womans life and not leave them a pot to piss in. Guys living on this type of budget take the best years of some of these girls lives and leave them with nothing. nobody ever talks about that aspect of the philippine dream.
Probably because this is a channel about the Philippines? The point is so true. These guys whine about what these women are “taking them for,” but never think what these women are giving them. If your only thought in life is making sure no one takes a single penny more from your $1600 a month than what it takes to get laid, then for sure you shouldn’t be getting married.
I've always felt like both people are using each other and they get what they get. However, if she stays till the end she should own a house and a car for her troubles at least.
Good point. I either spend my money on retirement for the two of us or life insurance for my wife after I pass. It is tough accumulating money in the Philippines. I did buy my wife an empty lot in a good location (that is land banking) but I am not able to buy a business annuity for my wife. The Filipino’s want too much money and I do not buy unless I can get roughly 1% of purchase price in a month. I can’t get that, so I land bank.
Filipina women specially when you are old will leave you once you get sick and no money. Be wise and save money. No young woman will be with an old foreigner who cannot give her money. Be real
Basic common sense will help any expat from being homeless in any foreign country. Plan ahead and keep your finances in order. Avoid gold diggers at all cost.
If it is your karma to end up broke and on the street somewhere it will happen despite your best efforts. When you see a person down and out, just say to yourself: "There, but for the grace of God, go I".
Hi Steve, This video prompted me to ask you this question: do you need to give your social security number when checking into a hospital, or to open a bank account in the Philippines?
@@gratitudetouniverse3754 my alien residents card. When I went into reapply for my visa I told them I planned to be in the Philippines for a year so they issued me a ACR saying who I am. Another form of Identification.
More good info from Steve. The SS form is 7162. I can relate. Nagsugod ko isip ilo nga walay balay. Wala ko mutingog hantod nag 5 yrs old ko . I. used ka hamtong nga lalaki sa 7 ka tuig ang panuigon. The Irish adopted me and helped make me strong. I'm 25% Pinoy and 75 Iirsih /English. Everywhere is our home so think like that and they and always try and make good decisions because if you make a bad one.. you will need to make up more decisions and they will need to good. Merry Christmas and 2024. Stay calm and focused.
"Many" maybe an over stating it. I've known some and most eventually make it home. People coming to the Philippines with 25,000 or 50,000 dollars or whatever amount and expect to live on that aren't going to make it. I've lived off my military retirement here in the Philippines for 8 years and just started getting social security which is just icing on the cake. I setup a virtual mailbox using Texas as my address because no state income tax. Filed social security while back in the US and used a USA address so no problem with proving I'm alive.
remember men who are first time going to the Philippines. don't get blind to all the young sexy Filipinas coming up to you. remember they know the game and you don't yet. don't get school or think you have more money than them that you are better than them because they will and know how to take you to school. Philippines is my favorite place on earth to go because of all the relaxation however know this that the people are poor and trying to survive daily. buy a small chain from Robinson store with locks and lock the suitcase up attached to something. from willard
A homeless person in the states should stay in the states because there’s so many benefits. There’s SSI, free cell phone with service, lots of free food publicly and privately sponsored, free clothing/shoes, free college tuition, free healthcare, free dental care, possible affordable housing, subsidized or discounted electricity/landline phone service, cash aid, free or heavily discounted internet service, etc,etc, etc. Plus Medicaid or equivalent depending on your state.
Steve, your channel continues to be a must read/hear channel. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of a visit. Much more prudent to be fully prepared and your boy scout reference was apropos! Salamat!
I have my SS and Pension direct deposited into my US bank account. Then I do a wire transfer every 3 months from my US bank account into my Philippine bank account. I have never received a proof of life letter. I have been living in the Philippines for 7 years now. I am extending Tourist Visa's. I am a Tourist, so I have not told SS or my pension company that I am living in the Philippines. I maintain a residence address in Calif. and a Calif. driver's license, as well as my Calif. bank account. In the US Doctors are required to notify SS of your death. So, they do not send out proof of life letters. Well, they might if you turn 102 years old. LOL I am 75 years old now and started drawing SS 10 years ago. I have never received a proof of life letter or had my SS cut off.
How do you get your mail in case SS or the pension fund is trying to contact you ? I had my pension cut off for a month here in the U.S. recently because I didn't answer mail due to me moving across town. When i called they said we assumed you died LOL I then had to send s fax with my new address SS number and signature . Then I was wait another month to receive my check direct deposited as usual .
The same here with me. I have never got one either and I also have my CA address and my direct deposit to my bank in CA. I do file and pay my federal and state taxes every year so never have I received anything from the SSA about showing proof that I still live. Amen 😂❤
Great video Steve. Thank you. Yea. That's why I gave up on the idea of Asia for retirement. Too far from the US. I'm looking at Panama or Argentina instead. I also waited to file for social security to have enough cash flow each month to afford my decrepit years. I'm at 68.5 years old and I just filed for social. I'll be getting a US passport next. Hopefully, an exploratory trip to Panama later this year.
Steve it sounds to me like piss poor prior planning and men that weren't good at planning things in their home country are the ones that end up in a bad situation there. In my opinion with these individuals it would have happened there or back home in their home country.
Big question for me is, if you're planning or thinking about living in the Philippines as a foreigner. What are good jobs you can do? I figure working online is the best option, but what kind of online jobs are best?
The SSA 7162 is sent out every month of May with a second notice follow up in September. i will be sending mine via LBC, FEDEX or AIR21. The PhilPost is not reliable so I'll be mailing mine in May without waiting for the questionnaire to arrive.
I was stationed at Clark many years ago. I was shocked at how many expats lived around the base. Many were broke and begging for a few pesos. I tried to help a few during my time, but at some point, if they are stupid enough to get into that kind of situation, they deserve what comes as a result.
Damn, homeless in the Phil's is pretty hard to do if you can rent a place for as little as 100 bucks a month. If those guys were living in southern California like me they would definitely be homeless. Rents for 1 bedroom run about $1,800 to $3,000 a month depending on the city. Even the rents in many of the low class areas will cost you $1,800. You might get lucky and find a "Slum Lord" with rental as low as $1,500 a month. The good news is tent camping on the public side walks are legal in many cities! Walmart tents are about 100 bucks and side walk is rent FREE. LOL
So what happens to a guy who goes there at 55 and if he lives to 80 and is to old to stay, where does he go when he gets back if most his family are gone and can't help him, 80 homeless in the USA? Maybe one would be better served to stay there? The rents in the USA 1500-2000usd a month, and to get section 8 help takes a year, thats a long time to be homeless at 80, so I don't know what would be better for someone in that situation, my quess stay put.
Rent's are higher than that, in a lot of places, depend where you live .. Boston area $3,300.. Town I live, in NH .. average 2 br, is $2,300. I read the rents doubled, past 11 yrs, where I live .. I have "cheap rent" by today's standards, but If I take SS next yr, at 62, yr, even with sav & other income, I would have to work pt time to just "get by" .. Insane Housing Cost eats most Soc Sec Checks these days..
It all depends on the expat...He needs to live in any place Wisely...And that applies wherever he lives! Be it Thailand,Singapore,Malaysia,Philippines,Vietnam,etc..etc..
I have been in PH for 7 years. Filled out 2 proof of life for ssi and never had to have them notarized. The first one i did not get and was shut off for 3 months till i could get the form to them.
it’s not the Philippines only. many poor countries are difficult to go back and live in retirement. most relatives think that you are wealthy and constantly ask , need or solicit money. at the end of the day you are as poor as you were in US. 🙁I planned to retire in my spouse country of origin but they always have an emergency. I don’t mind once in a while but I feel that they expect us (me) to supplement their income while they have little stress back home I’m working long hours and saving money for retirement. Definitely I reconsidered and those plans are discarded. I will visit for a couple of months and come back to my home and have the conveniences i’m used to.
I would not discard my plans to retire in SE Asia simply because some people over there feel entitled to have my constant financial support. It is their problem, not yours. Do not try to be nice to people who clearly try to take advantage of you. They are leaches and deserve neither your attention nor your respect. Simply ignore them.
Hey my friend good content I watching TH-cam and I see a lots of homeless foreigners in the Philippine that’s why I’m not going to live in the Philippine because I’m not going to take that chance because I work very hard all my life in the united state thank god I find a wonderful Filipina and she lives right here in the state with me and she is working and she helps me with the bills and I am grateful and she doesn’t have any children and we are getting married next year I am retired and I get social security and a pension my income is between me and my fiancé $6000 monthly and we only spend $1500 monthly payments like light bills and the internet and the rent my rent is $800 monthly
Yeah I also tried to apply for SSA under disable veteran TDIU 100%. I asked the them and they said I will have to be in stateside to receive SSA. So I decided not to go forward with SSA until I am 65 or 67.
Words of wisdom. Be aware of any situation that may happen to you and have a plan "B" and "C" As they say shit happens! Some very good advice and financial information. 😅no one wants to go to war without any bullets.
How about: if a person is living off a small income to begin with, then they've probably not been doing well their entire life. That isn't going to change just becasue you change your address.
It IS possible to live on a small income in SE Asia… IF you stop living like an American and adopt a “local” lifestyle AND local diet. If you drink alcohol then STOP drinking alcohol. Quit the tobacco habit (if you have one.) Both of those cost you money and mess with your general health. Stop eating an American diet and learn to cook local style. Shop for fresh fruits and vegetables at the wet market. Food there is fresher and way cheaper. Quit eating beef. Eat local caught fish… OR become a vegan. Get yourself a rice cooker. Get out of that expensive high rise apartment in the city and find a place to live in a smaller town where rents are way less. An American can live comfortably and cheaply (in SE Asia) by observing how millions of the local ppl can get by on so little. Mainly by ditching those diet and lifestyle habits brought from the US and ‘going native.’
That is a dumb generalization Ranger. Maybe you are focused on making money during your productive years only to have a lot of it at retirement. Me, I preferred to live life to the fullest, be happy and enjoy, not limited to retirement only. No, I can't build a castle, but I can live happy in whatever circumstance I am in.
The point is when you're overseas, there's typically no one to look out for you or your boneheaded mistake. Which means you must be accountable for your actions. Something that's going on less and less in the US. Also, I'm not so certain the Philippines is the best country for me. The time us coming soon for me to do a cursory trip around Asia to find out where I will settle. Then I'll come back to the states organize my affairs and make my way back to where I belong.
You can usually spot the ones that are heading for trouble. They're the ones that have created this new "50-cent Title" for themselves overseas. Back home, they were just some lowly Shipping and Receiving night supervisor at some regional Auto Zone warehouse somewhere. But here, they're suddenly an "Overseas Logistic Coordinator for a large multi-national conglomerate"!
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought an "expat" is someone who is sent abroad by his/her employer to work for a period of time. The scenarios described in the video apply to immigrants not expats.
A grown man (50's 60's 70's) without Income & Savings "Should Not be Moving to the Philippines" .. If a "grown-up" needs that explained to them, they've already in trouble ..
It proves that wisdom doesn't always come with age.
Homeless tents looks better with ocean view than the streets of Oakland..
@@thomasauslander3757 lol people act like Philippines is some utopia of amazing sun year round. Reality is many monsoons happen from May to October of several raining days. Those will wash away tents and make your life way more miserable than Oakland which last time I checked has never had hurricanes. Tents don't work in most parts of Phils
@@youngandfree93 alright you're convincing me, staying in Oakland..
It's those bitting bugs would be the deal breaker.. 🦟
100% correct, yet there's scores of Americans that just don't learn, that watch videos like this & still don't get it.
I've personally been telling people around me this, but it's almost always fallen on deaf ears. Like my great grandad used to tell me 'common sense isn't very common, even as people age'
Its simple.... If you don't have any life management skills in your home country.... you will just repeat the same behavior in a far away place... and you really don't want to be somewhere else...
Total agreement with that view.
You hit the nail on the head!
Thanks for sharing! This is what every expat needs to hear. I stayed in the Philippines for 4 years, my bank kept locking me out of my account because I was using my card in a foreign country even though I told them I was going to be in the Philippines. There was no fixing the problem short of me spend $1400 to fly home and fix it myself in person. Even the Chase branch in the Philippines was no help. Once taken care of I went back to the Philippines just to get locked out two months later. I had to fly back again but this time I added my sister to my account so she can take care of such matters. The branch manager assured me it wouldn’t happen again. Well it did, two more times but she took care of the matter. Great sister! One other thing. You have to learn to say no to people and learn when it’s time to walk away from a bad situation or relationship that’s sucking the financial life out of you because if you don’t, you will end up broke and alone. Thanks for the great advise.
Thanks, all good points you make. I think access to your money is number one for me. If you cannot get to your money everything else spins out of control.
I am not an expat (yet) but I think it would make sense to open a local bank account wherever you are, and do regularly scheduled wire transfers from your stateside or home bank (if you are not from the states) to your new local bank. Yeah, you might have to pay a small fee but I think it would be worth it. Seems like that would alleviate a lot of similar issues.
@@tombkk1322he could of just switched to a different bank, 250k expats are having no problem.
Wow , all you had to do was have a relatives phone number on your bank to call as your number . Then when you get locked out they will send a code to that phone reset your password and you good , happens about twice a year to me.
Charles Schwab high interest checking account.
Its easy to see that you genuinely care about the well-being of others. Whether people take your advice or not, it's great that you do this for the benefit of others.
Thanks 🙏
Hi Steve. I work for SSA, and FYI, the U.S. "proof of life" form does not need to be notarized or certified. It just needs an original signature. 👍
Yes, you can only sign things if you are alive
Thanks for the info!
But many Retirement boards want it notarized
Tell your boss at the SSA that not having a MANDATORY NOTARIZATION OR CERTIFICATION SIGNATURE is opening U.S. tax payers to FRAUD . That's probably the reason we are going to run out of SSA money in 2034 .
I live in Cebu. My ASRS retirement required a notarization. The SSA did not.
Wisdom is learning from other’s mistakes
Being disciplined and organized can save one’s life
Yes the the best education you can get is "Learning from other people's mistakes"
No dictionary had that definition. You making up things again?
Getting homeless when you're old and in a foreign country is probably the worst situation imaginable. At that point these people need to get their butts back home. I think once I hit 70s way down the road I am going home regardless of the income and just traveling small trips
Easier said than done for some. Some expats have nothing to go back home to. And if they come from a cold country and have to go back home and be homeless in the snow, it can be worse than being homeless in a warm place like the Philippines.
If they're from a country like America and they go back and be homeless, they can get various types of assistance from government and other charitable organizations, but their lives still won't be very comfortable. It's a very tough situation to be in, especially when you are old.
Some rather be homeless in the Philippines than be homeless in their home country.
@@k9companion231 Better to be homeless in a warmer weather county with cheap meals for 60p and haircuts for 80p.
@@BigbadassHealth Care?
Very true and we have seen a few of these people on TH-cam already.@@k9companion231
Every expat should watch this. There are a lot of lessons to learn. Thanks for your time and effort!
I appreciate that!
You're a good guy Steve, the Philippines is sadly lacking in Americans like you.
The issue is that they like to spend recklessly. People also need to remember that people in these countries can be parasites.
People need to be smart wherever you live and you can be lonely even in your own country with no help.
Its very important not to become a victim of your poor choices in life especially overseas. The future is unpredictable using the present to prepare for tomorrow the best you can.
The grass is always greener. Just don't go there. Stay home. learn from the mistakes of others.
A bunch of retired expats who get SS got their payments cut off in March 2023. The SS office in Manila will personally handle the 7162 forms after the benefits get cut off. This would be for folks in the region like southeast Asia. I had to send it in April to the Manila for my father who lives in Vietnam. All benefit payments get restored retroactively. It is a pain in the ass to send it to Wilkes Barre before the benefit cutoff in March, but at least we know the Manila office is there as a last resort.
well yes if the US Embassy has opened back up the last time I tried they are still playing the COVID rope a dope my friend tried going just a week ago turned away.
Great video Steve as I actually helped Derek @ Q adventures get 79 yr. broke ill-health Ken back to UK as none of us wants to end up alone with nothing with failing health and the worse part was having no friends or backup plan ending up overstaying for years. Thanks as this IS the Greatest fear and something we all need to guard against.
So true! my strategy is to save as much as possible. I'm blessed to have more than one retirement pension. We fly home every year,visit the family & bring back enough funds for the current year - let my pensions just save throughout the year while we're away. We have one bank in the Philippines (savings) and one bank in the USA (savings). Been married to a Filipino for over 10 years, paid cash for our home and living the life that God has blessed us with. 💞
You like to boast about things
He is lazy too, he let god make it all come easy for him.
So glad ill have my Filipina wife in tow,,since she got her US citizenship that also solves alot of future issues..Great message as always,,I always tell my kids watch your money because no one else will..
How did you meet her?
Good 👍 advice!
I traveled to and from The Philippines 🇵🇭 for 25+ years, including last year, 2022. Homelessness was never a problem for me. Your advice will help even more! 😃
Probably why many old men end up homeless in PHL is they have health problems, many of them mentally ill. They think that their Social Security benefits or Disability benefits is plenty of money for their lifestyle. Then they don’t factor into the equation that medicine and medical expenses are less expensive in PHL but if they’re hospitalized or incapacitated due to illness. They will NOT have anyone who can help them, they don’t have that “security net” of family support or government assistance programs that they would in USA.
Excellent advise, this is by far one of your best videos, so much so I shared it on a FB expat group.
Great video I subscribed. Made me think and take some precautions. Cheers
Lack of source of income, being scammed and getting with the wrong crowd can lead to being broke
Do you think they will ever learn ?
@@jeffbeck8993 and being the ATM machine for the family.
@ck8993 alcohol is a very addicting drug, im glad you got out of it.
I live in Thailand. I avoid ladybars and those that frequent them. For the most part, those that habituate bars, end up broke or close to it because of poor choices. Boozin and short term relationships are a dead end.
Short term relationships are neither good nor bad.
As always, it is a matter of self control and discipline.
If you master control over your actions you will be able to live within your budget and treat yourself with a ST candies from time to time.
If you let other people leach from you then any relationship can become a catastrophe.
We have heard enough stories of expats who have lost all their life savings to canny long game players in Thailand.
Love your channel your always straight forward to the point. What i do is alway leave cash with someone you can trust in the US for Emergencies they can easily wire the money to you i leave my sister 5k when i go the Philippines 🇵🇭 when i go for a month or 2 Great video.
Hi Steve, Great advice everyone needs to listen to. Sometimes grass is not greener on the other side. I decided to test fire the Philippines first for about 6 months mostly because of health reasons not financial reasons. Thanks you for your excellent advice. Stay safe, stay healthy, have fun.
And what was your conclusion?
Sounds like he's not healthy wisely he went back..
Thanks for keeping it real. We all have to have a backup plan!
Always!
I was retired in Santa Cruz CA
Renting a studio apartment.
My landlord said she was going to double my rent. So I moved to Tx and bought a small home for $23k.
Now I have no debt no rent no mortgage no bills. Life is good.
Wow. 23k ? I wish there was those sorts of things in Nz. Heck if there was any house for 10 times that, I would move there.😂. But you made a wiser move than moving to foreign country and start over in a very unfamiliar environment
very smart to get the hell out of Cali
@@bigbrother4ever Don't know when he bought or where but NOT going to find a $23K home in TX near any major city. Maybe out in BFE somewhere.
Good TX homes not cheaper any more even a smaller basic one.
He should tell us where he bought a home in Texas for 23k. May be a foreclosed one by a bank.
@@sunilrodrigo9778
No I bought it off Zillow.
Coleman TX. 400sqft.
Looking good bro. Tropical greenery in the background🏝
You can notarize documents via an online notary. I did this for a property transfer at the end of my divorce. The notary was in Idaho and I was in Quezon City.
Yeah, a notary in Idaho will online confirm and sign your life certificate in Quezon city. Don't think so.
@@hansreynders6853 It is an online service and the document was accepted by two legal firms in San Jose, California and the notarized document was used to transfer property (Santa Clara County). I can dig out the link but a deed to $900,000 property was transferred to only my ex's name this way. There were zero issue. The who online notaries (which involved a Zoom meeting and sharing IDs) is a biproduct of Covid.
@BuddhaWho777 there are cases where to get control of an account you need to give the bank a notarized document -- proof of identity.
“Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure nineteen nineteen and six , result happiness.
Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure twenty pounds ought and six, result misery”
― Charles Dickens, David Copperfield
Repatriation loan it's good to know. This is the 1st I heard of this.Thanks for sharing. You always have good information Steve I really appreciate your blogs.
remember they don't give it to you right away. They will ask first call at least three people in US and ask for money and only after no one gives you a loan they will buy you a ticket and it might take long time
Hi Steve if you have more information of other places it would be greatly appreciated. I noticed the videos was 3yrs ago.lol. I'm soon moving to Manila and be looking for an apartment to rent.
I pray all expats can find true love in my country Philippines trust God and pray always🙏🙏❤️❤️
I don't know about true love but they can get screwed in more ways than one..
A lot of people never realize how much their families have looked out for them in the past then they head off to a foreign country with no family support only vultures looking to take and low and behold they end up in a tough spot and have no clue how they ever got there in the first place.
Have to plan longterm before you come to the Philippines. Map out every scenario and what happens if something goes wrong. However if you didn't plan, then recommendation is go to the US embassy and seek assistance there.
I totally agree that your budget should not be your income. There is no reason why you shouldn't have savings for a rainy day, and if you have someone constantly sucking you dry financially, then you may have to rethink that relationship. Some will try to get you locked in and try to get you to build a house or buy big ticket items. Many times, it's their parents or family members who are pushing them, and you will be surprised how many people get sick and try pulling the heart strings to get cash out of your pockets. Your budget should include everything to cover all your monthly expenses, including your own personal paycheck. After the monthly budget is taken care of, then whatever is left can go into a wants savings like a trip or vacation. There is no such thing as extra money and the money you get is not free money. Never pay for everything and just contribute what you feel is appropriate for you. Remember that your girlfriend or wife needs an income to, and if you want her to be a housewife, then you will need to give her a modest allowance. She is working when she is cleaning the house and doing your laundry and cooking for you, yes she is also doing it for herself but how would you feel if you didn't have any pesos in your own pockets. 10k pesos is a good amount for her ayuda, and she can do with that as she will . If she wants to give part of it to her family or go buy shoes, then she can do that without having to ask you for money all the time . After being there for a while, you will get an idea of how much groceries and sundries costs along with the other monthly costs so you can get a good rounded off budget. You both will need Healthcare, and depending on how old she is and how well she has kept up on her maintenance will determine her medical needs as well as your own. Treat her like a live-in maid with benefits, and I say this respectfully as she has worth to you just as you have worth to her . This need for each other is the glue that will hold your relationship together through the good times and the bad times.
I have one bank account at PNB and one savings account at BDO. I need to make a deposit every 6 months or they go dormant. When I retire, each year, I can spend 11 months in PI and one month in the USA.
Steven, you're an inspiration. Again, your advice is priceless. Keep doing the good work, and May God keep blessing bless you as well
I appreciate that!
Thanks again, Steve. This is a big fear to many including myself. While I have a decent SSDI and some dividends that puts me a little above the average numbers you have shown in another video, I;m still 7th Fleet enough to know that "a fool and their money are soon parted." I have seen a couple of clip of unfortunate souls who ended up on the streets over there. "Window !:. Thanks again, Boston!
Well presented. Thumbs up.
I am so blessed with amazing American friends and my mom. I can't imagine having no one and being here.
I have a question for you.. how do some expats take 10 to 20 years of a vulnerable young womans life and not leave them a pot to piss in. Guys living on this type of budget take the best years of some of these girls lives and leave them with nothing.
nobody ever talks about that aspect of the philippine dream.
That happens in every country, my question is why are you singling out one country and not a segment of society ?
Probably because this is a channel about the Philippines? The point is so true. These guys whine about what these women are “taking them for,” but never think what these women are giving them. If your only thought in life is making sure no one takes a single penny more from your $1600 a month than what it takes to get laid, then for sure you shouldn’t be getting married.
I've always felt like both people are using each other and they get what they get. However, if she stays till the end she should own a house and a car for her troubles at least.
The expats are WAY more vulnerable than the young women. How much do you think the average Filipino leaves them with?
Good point. I either spend my money on retirement for the two of us or life insurance for my wife after I pass. It is tough accumulating money in the Philippines. I did buy my wife an empty lot in a good location (that is land banking) but I am not able to buy a business annuity for my wife. The Filipino’s want too much money and I do not buy unless I can get roughly 1% of purchase price in a month. I can’t get that, so I land bank.
This is what is worrying; no matter how hard you plan it can backfire. I can’t imagine being homeless in another country
Filipina women specially when you are old will leave you once you get sick and no money. Be wise and save money. No young woman will be with an old foreigner who cannot give her money. Be real
Basic common sense will help any expat from being homeless in any foreign country. Plan ahead and keep your finances in order. Avoid gold diggers at all cost.
If it is your karma to end up broke and on the street somewhere it will happen despite your best efforts. When you see a person down and out, just say to yourself: "There, but for the grace of God, go I".
Great information great presentation thank you
Glad it was helpful!
There is a U.S. Consular Agency in Cebu that has notary services.
Good stuff . Ty
Hi Steve,
This video prompted me to ask you this question: do you need to give your social security number when checking into a hospital, or to open a bank account in the Philippines?
BDO requirements were for me to show my passport, birth certificate, driver's license, my ACR card and last year's tax return.
@@LeonardMarlin What is ACR ?
Bank accounts yes, hospital no
@@gratitudetouniverse3754 my alien residents card. When I went into reapply for my visa I told them I planned to be in the Philippines for a year so they issued me a ACR saying who I am.
Another form of Identification.
Good advice. Steve there electronic mail services for around $15, 20 that will handle mail. You can read print and delete the junk mail.
Not following a budget is the #1 reason why people (retired or not) go broke also in the US.
Invaluable information, seriously. Thanks.
Good video for anyone abroad , in any country
More good info from Steve. The SS form is 7162. I can relate. Nagsugod ko isip ilo nga walay balay. Wala ko mutingog hantod nag 5 yrs old ko . I. used ka hamtong nga lalaki sa 7 ka tuig ang panuigon. The Irish adopted me and helped make me strong. I'm 25% Pinoy and 75 Iirsih /English. Everywhere is our home so think like that and they and always try and make good decisions because if you make a bad one.. you will need to make up more decisions and they will need to good. Merry Christmas and 2024. Stay calm and focused.
Choose a language. Lol
"Many" maybe an over stating it. I've known some and most eventually make it home. People coming to the Philippines with 25,000 or 50,000 dollars or whatever amount and expect to live on that aren't going to make it. I've lived off my military retirement here in the Philippines for 8 years and just started getting social security which is just icing on the cake. I setup a virtual mailbox using Texas as my address because no state income tax. Filed social security while back in the US and used a USA address so no problem with proving I'm alive.
All great advice points you’ve made. 😊
Main thing to remember is there are no support systems over there. No food stamps or rent assistance like in USA.
Good advice I hope people listen
remember men who are first time going to the Philippines. don't get blind to all the young sexy Filipinas coming up to you. remember they know the game and you don't yet. don't get school or think you have more money than them that you are better than them because they will and know how to take you to school. Philippines is my favorite place on earth to go because of all the relaxation however know this that the people are poor and trying to survive daily. buy a small chain from Robinson store with locks and lock the suitcase up attached to something. from willard
A homeless person in the states should stay in the states because there’s so many benefits. There’s SSI, free cell phone with service, lots of free food publicly and privately sponsored, free clothing/shoes, free college tuition, free healthcare, free dental care, possible affordable housing, subsidized or discounted electricity/landline phone service, cash aid, free or heavily discounted internet service, etc,etc, etc. Plus Medicaid or equivalent depending on your state.
Steve, your channel continues to be a must read/hear channel. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of a visit. Much more prudent to be fully prepared and your boy scout reference was apropos! Salamat!
Good info - thanks for posting
I never hear anyone talk about using a high limit credit card that you never use unless in case of emergency with no fee its safer than cash
I have my SS and Pension direct deposited into my US bank account. Then I do a wire transfer every 3 months from my US bank account into my Philippine bank account. I have never received a proof of life letter. I have been living in the Philippines for 7 years now. I am extending Tourist Visa's. I am a Tourist, so I have not told SS or my pension company that I am living in the Philippines. I maintain a residence address in Calif. and a Calif. driver's license, as well as my Calif. bank account. In the US Doctors are required to notify SS of your death. So, they do not send out proof of life letters. Well, they might if you turn 102 years old. LOL I am 75 years old now and started drawing SS 10 years ago. I have never received a proof of life letter or had my SS cut off.
You have a US address. If you have a foreign address, you need to send the 7162 form annually.
How do you get your mail in case SS or the pension fund is trying to contact you ?
I had my pension cut off for a month here in the U.S. recently because I didn't answer mail due to me moving across town. When i called they said we assumed you died LOL
I then had to send s fax with my new address SS number and signature . Then I was wait another month to receive my check direct deposited as usual .
@@jamesmichaelfrankuse your kids address. They can contact you. Assuming you are not a bad dad and your kids gate you.
The same here with me. I have never got one either and I also have my CA address and my direct deposit to my bank in CA. I do file and pay my federal and state taxes every year so never have I received anything from the SSA about showing proof that I still live. Amen 😂❤
excellent advise
Simple-lack of preparation, lack of doing homework before moving, and faulty expectations.
Absolutely, an excellent video. Thank you.
It's good Americans holding each other together
Great video Steve. Thank you.
Yea. That's why I gave up on the idea of Asia for retirement. Too far from the US. I'm looking at Panama or Argentina instead. I also waited to file for social security to have enough cash flow each month to afford my decrepit years. I'm at 68.5 years old and I just filed for social. I'll be getting a US passport next. Hopefully, an exploratory trip to Panama later this year.
Steve it sounds to me like piss poor prior planning and men that weren't good at planning things in their home country are the ones that end up in a bad situation there. In my opinion with these individuals it would have happened there or back home in their home country.
Thanks for your input. You seem smart.
I'm starting to watch your videos while on the great loop right now in preparation for leaving the country
Are you coming here ?
Contact me on my email at Steven5975@yahoo.com
Big question for me is, if you're planning or thinking about living in the Philippines as a foreigner. What are good jobs you can do? I figure working online is the best option, but what kind of online jobs are best?
Get your job long before you move, that way you know its a good one and that its dependable. There are a lot of crap online jobs too
The SSA 7162 is sent out every month of May with a second notice follow up in September.
i will be sending mine via LBC, FEDEX or AIR21.
The PhilPost is not reliable so I'll be mailing mine in May without waiting for the questionnaire to arrive.
I was stationed at Clark many years ago. I was shocked at how many expats lived around the base. Many were broke and begging for a few pesos. I tried to help a few during my time, but at some point, if they are stupid enough to get into that kind of situation, they deserve what comes as a result.
Damn, homeless in the Phil's is pretty hard to do if you can rent a place for as little as 100 bucks a month. If those guys were living in southern California like me they would definitely be homeless. Rents for 1 bedroom run about $1,800 to $3,000 a month depending on the city. Even the rents in many of the low class areas will cost you $1,800. You might get lucky and find a "Slum Lord" with rental as low as $1,500 a month. The good news is tent camping on the public side walks are legal in many cities! Walmart tents are about 100 bucks and side walk is rent FREE. LOL
Steve,thanks for the life saving info friend.
Steve? I saw your article in business insider. congratulations........ blyth (salt lake city, UT)
Thanks
I think the U.S. Embassy in Manila does notarization. Sounds like it is worth the travel. There’s a consulate in Cebu City, I think
Such a SMART video!
So what happens to a guy who goes there at 55 and if he lives to 80 and is to old to stay, where does he go when he gets back if most his family are gone and can't help him, 80 homeless in the USA? Maybe one would be better served to stay there? The rents in the USA 1500-2000usd a month, and to get section 8 help takes a year, thats a long time to be homeless at 80, so I don't know what would be better for someone in that situation, my quess stay put.
Being homeless in the US is better than being homeless in the Philippines.
That’s why u need to plan at 55
@@thinkforyourself9334Also better to be homeless in the UK 🇬🇧
You must have a plan to come back to the USA .
Rent's are higher than that, in a lot of places, depend where you live .. Boston area $3,300.. Town I live, in NH .. average 2 br, is $2,300. I read the rents doubled, past 11 yrs, where I live .. I have "cheap rent" by today's standards, but If I take SS next yr, at 62, yr, even with sav & other income, I would have to work pt time to just "get by" .. Insane Housing Cost eats most Soc Sec Checks these days..
A lot of this applies to life in the US too - there's little to no safety net here.
It all depends on the expat...He needs to live in any place Wisely...And that applies wherever he lives! Be it Thailand,Singapore,Malaysia,Philippines,Vietnam,etc..etc..
Proof of life thats good to know. I will prepare for that
Some pensions want it notarized and some dont
So when people are considering going back home do they say “I’m thinking about going to window one”?
lol
May Jesus bless you by helping with your advice.
Isn't there a social security administration in Manila Steven? Good topic and advice. I will make note of this.
Yes
I have been in PH for 7 years. Filled out 2 proof of life for ssi and never had to have them notarized. The first one i did not get and was shut off for 3 months till i could get the form to them.
It’s mostly on the Municipal Proof of life forms. I had to do it.
it’s not the Philippines only. many poor countries are difficult to go back and live in retirement. most relatives think that you are wealthy and constantly ask , need or solicit money. at the end of the day you are as poor as you were in US. 🙁I planned to retire in my spouse country of origin but they always have an emergency. I don’t mind once in a while but I feel that they expect us (me) to supplement their income while they have little stress back home I’m working long hours and saving money for retirement. Definitely I reconsidered and those plans are discarded. I will visit for a couple of months and come back to my home and have the conveniences i’m used to.
I would not discard my plans to retire in SE Asia simply because some people over there feel entitled to have my constant financial support.
It is their problem, not yours.
Do not try to be nice to people who clearly try to take advantage of you.
They are leaches and deserve neither your attention nor your respect.
Simply ignore them.
Hey my friend good content I watching TH-cam and I see a lots of homeless foreigners in the Philippine that’s why I’m not going to live in the Philippine because I’m not going to take that chance because I work very hard all my life in the united state thank god I find a wonderful Filipina and she lives right here in the state with me and she is working and she helps me with the bills and I am grateful and she doesn’t have any children and we are getting married next year I am retired and I get social security and a pension my income is between me and my fiancé $6000 monthly and we only spend $1500 monthly payments like light bills and the internet and the rent my rent is $800 monthly
Yeah I also tried to apply for SSA under disable veteran TDIU 100%. I asked the them and they said I will have to be in stateside to receive SSA. So I decided not to go forward with SSA until I am 65 or 67.
Good topic . How often do you need to do that proof of life document for ss?
Words of wisdom. Be aware of any situation that may happen to you and have a plan "B" and "C" As they say shit happens! Some very good advice and
financial information. 😅no one wants to go to war without any bullets.
Really great advice, have you ever had trouble getting money from Atm
Hello love your vlog, I am a 100% VA Vet. How does the VA medical work with hospitals there?
Foreign Medical Plan reimbursement
How about: if a person is living off a small income to begin with, then they've probably not been doing well their entire life. That isn't going to change just becasue you change your address.
Ranger - I think you described 90% of these expats.
It IS possible to live on a small income in SE Asia… IF you stop living like an American and adopt a “local” lifestyle AND local diet. If you drink alcohol then STOP drinking alcohol. Quit the tobacco habit (if you have one.) Both of those cost you money and mess with your general health. Stop eating an American diet and learn to cook local style. Shop for fresh fruits and vegetables at the wet market. Food there is fresher and way cheaper. Quit eating beef. Eat local caught fish… OR become a vegan. Get yourself a rice cooker. Get out of that expensive high rise apartment in the city and find a place to live in a smaller town where rents are way less. An American can live comfortably and cheaply (in SE Asia) by observing how millions of the local ppl can get by on so little. Mainly by ditching those diet and lifestyle habits brought from the US and ‘going native.’
If they've been scraping by for 40+ years - they are not going to change. @@noahjuanjuneau9598
AMEN TO THAT !
That is a dumb generalization Ranger.
Maybe you are focused on making money during your productive years only to have a lot of it at retirement. Me, I preferred to live life to the fullest, be happy and enjoy, not limited to retirement only. No, I can't build a castle, but I can live happy in whatever circumstance I am in.
The point is when you're overseas, there's typically no one to look out for you or your boneheaded mistake. Which means you must be accountable for your actions. Something that's going on less and less in the US. Also, I'm not so certain the Philippines is the best country for me. The time us coming soon for me to do a cursory trip around Asia to find out where I will settle. Then I'll come back to the states organize my affairs and make my way back to where I belong.
You can usually spot the ones that are heading for trouble. They're the ones that have created this new "50-cent Title" for themselves overseas. Back home, they were just some lowly Shipping and Receiving night supervisor at some regional Auto Zone warehouse somewhere. But here, they're suddenly an "Overseas Logistic Coordinator for a large multi-national conglomerate"!
The ONLY issue is money. There is no higher reality in ANY culture in the world today.
6:25 eat rice chicken veggies stir fry at home. It is healthy and saves a lot of money on food over the years.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought an "expat" is someone who is sent abroad by his/her employer to work for a period of time.
The scenarios described in the video apply to immigrants not expats.
Wrong
@@MrSteven5975 Ok, explain to me why you're an expat and not an immigrant?
www.google.com/gasearch?q=expat%20meaning&tbm=&source=sh/x/gs/m2/5
@@MrSteven5975 So you're working in the Philippines or you're a citizen?
@@brioqueryI also don't understand the difference