Its a good point in general Good Lady and every young Thai, Philippine etc women should know that a foreign retiree who lives entirely off their Monthly pension with no little cash savings means that Monthly income stops immediately when they die. It naturally depends on the age difference and health of the man but a young woman should take this into consideration and decide herself how many of her best years she is willing to invest in an older man because once she reaches say 50 yrs with many years still ahead that may not be the case for the man. If the age gap is say 30 years then the man would be 80 when she is only 50 with many years ahead in comparison. This is why I would say if a retiree were to find himself in a serious loving relationship with a younger woman to you think about this and put part of your Monthly pension into a savings account that your partner/companion will inherit when you die and same with any life insurance. Otherwise I would suggest to that young woman, get what you can then move on. Just my opinion.
After having visited 3 times, married a Filipino(brought her to the USA) and in the semi preparation stages for our move a few years down the road,, (I follow several vlogs) of all the videos i have watched this is the most simple, spot on stress free laid out straight presentation of what to expect,, well done. you numbers concur with what my wife has in mind budget wise, keep up the good work,,,
Nice to share your wisdom & Budget balance here in the Ph. I get $1,400 a mo. as a early Fed Retiree & Va disability for 3.5 yrs. now...I recently turned 56, so it will rise several hundred a mo.
It baffles me why this is so uncommon. Honesty about income and expenses. We're all just ppl, trying to live the best life we know how. Imagine if we all talked about ways we save, spend and earn.
I am beginning to appreciate Mr. Paul video about his lifestyle and budget in the Philippines. Having live here in the Dominican republic for over 26 years, it's generally more expensive than the Philippines. Awesome video. Thank you Mr. Paul.
My Asawa and I have a 2 bedroom 1 bath apartment in Naga City, Cam Sur and our rent is P7000K ($140 USD) and with electricity, water, wifi, P2000K per week in groceries all total home expenses it's $350 USD per month, of course we spend a lot more than that on other activities but the point is the basic monthly expenses are very low if you don't need a lot of space you don't use, our apartment is brand new with very nice amenities. Thanks Paul for the budget update, keep doing what you do we love it brother.
I know they are boring. I know they aren’t interesting to some. However, these are a great gauge and self check for many people who may be planning with rose colored glasses.
I agree you don't know till your feet are there. But I am a truck driver I live in a Fraghtliner, so anything with my own shower ......... not so bad lol 😆 my standards are allredy low.
Just have to be careful on reading some of the comments here and other xpat channels. These videos are aimed at retirees in the United States Canada and other Western countries. Sometimes native-born Filipinos will squeeze into the comment sections and say they can live much cheaper, third world style. You can try to live in a Nipa Hut for a while see if it works for you but if you're over 60, I don't think so. You may hurt yourself or call it quits and fly back home.
@@watersbey25 The Pilipino viewpoint is NEEDED! Round-eye expats DO need to know that you can do it for less . . . You probably won't WANT TO, but their point is valid. The right Apt. or house, in the right location (even down on the coast) does not need A/C to be comfortable. A fifteen minute jeepny ride outside of town can cut your rent by 50%+.
@@donbarnett1553 wrong You can't impose a third world lifestyle on a first-world aging retiree 60+. It could kill them. These aging retirees are getting older are more frail, and have other pre-existing medical conditions. Getting heatstroke, and robbed is no joke. a close proper medical center and continuing taking their American doctors prescription (s) is extremely important to this age group. And it's going to cost them monthly more too being a cash account in the Philippines. You cannot try to save money and impose a third world style on 60+ retiree. They may very well end up prematurely going home in a body bag. And some sadly do.
Moving to Batangas after Thanksgiving with my filapina wife. We married in the US 11 years ago so fortunately I can get in to PHL. We own our house already in the province. With investments and savings we are able to retire early(55) from our nursing careers, thank God. Looking forward to the province life. I'm sick of California's crowded life.
Batangas is a good place for retirement. Few hours from the metro, surrounded by beautiful beaches. You might want to check the retirement visa of the Philippines. The SRRV
Sounds similar to my life. My wife and I are traveling to northen luzon solano nueva vizcaya on the 21st of november. We have been married 13 years. We are building our house now. We also have all ready purchased a 2 hectre farm. Planted 200 gemilina trees 45 banana trees, have 10 mature mango trees. Plus many other fruits. Planning on retiring early myself. Cant wait. Good luck to you on your journey
i lived in cebu for 2 years and i was spending about $3500 a month.i then met a girl and moved to the provinces in mindano and her family had a rice and vegetable farm and i converted a large room at there home with wifi air con etc.my rice was always free along with the vegetables,honestly there is little to spend money on and i could live for easily $700 a month.unfortunately i came back to the uk in january 2020 for a small break and have been stranded here ever since due to covid..hopefully soon the borders will open again so i can return to my gf....great video by the way
Very concise breakdown, Paul. The only cost I didn't hear you mention was for cellphone service. Spot on when you assert that it isn't the static costs that will get you in PI, but the impulse buys. If you have any type of addictive habits - whether it be alcohol, junk food, soda pop, compulsive techy buys, or the other unmentionables - those will make your costs spiral upward. The key to spending less is wanting less...As for functional gear, having moved an average of three times a year throughout most of my adult life (for work), what works for me is a good electric skillet (avoiding the propane stoves - too expensive and too much residual heat anyway), a rice cooker, with which you can also use as a steamer, a pressure cooker if you like well cooked meats like roast, a simple griddle or hotplate with frying pan, a cutting board, a good chef's knife, tongs, spatulas, spoons, and just enough silverware for yourself and guests. An electric tea kettle and a microwave are optional, but since I don't eat processed food such as frozen entrees, it has limited utility, the microwave. I also eat out of tupperware containers. The prepared food goes striaght into the tupperware bowl or plate, so that what isn't eaten is all ready to be stored without dirtying two or three pieces of flatware. The storage is easier, the cleanup is way easier, and all of that can be had for under $150 USD setup (even in America!)...Just a shared thought...
The cash vs credit card analogy is spot on - it reminds me of an article I read on Google about the psychology of spending. The physical handling of cash vs swiping a card makes you more cognizant of what you spend each day or month. Writing checks vs EFT can have a similar effect as well because it's a tangible thing you are handling instead of looking at digits on a screen. Some might be critical and say "get with the times!" but the old school way of spending has proven to be effective to managing your expenses. Good vlog 👍
I have gone back to cash for everything possible, to reduce my impulse spending. It works, it's hard to justify prying cash out of my hand. I feel the pain with every purchase, even for a necessity.
@@wayneanderson8034 , I liked your statement, made me chuckle, "I feel the pain with every purchase". felt the same way in one hand out the other.. but definitely able to save more.
My wife and I are planning to come this year, first for a few months to check things out. We are looking forward to it. I wear size XXL t-shirts, 42in waist, size 11 shoes. I would imagine getting clothes and shoes in my size could be an issue. What do you recommend since we don’t want to bring too much.
@@bergfi I imagine with the internet you'll still have access to anything in any size you want. Just figure out what size fits you best for your favorite brands and your set.
I'm 54 and saved about 1.7M to date. Have Mae find me a sweetheart already so I can retire early at 55 and hop a plane there. I'm ready for a new life ☺️☺️
Thanks for your honest straight forward breakdown of your budget. I have been to the Philippines 5 times and I’m happily married to a great Philipina woman. Her family is so kind it humbles me. I do help them out regularly with money . I don’t mind at all. It’s not a lot and they never try to take advantage of me. So far. Anyway I’m retired on SS disability and a pension. We are planning to live there someday sooner than later.. I could bank a ton living there. I like the native food and don’t drink. I already own a SUV over there. My father in law uses it and maintains it for me. Anyway Paul all my best to you and May or Mae , not sure. But who knows maybe we will run into each other. Be well. Enjoy every day.
Hello Paul. Living in Davao with a filipina partner the cost of living here is cheap. We are renting a new 2 bedroom house for 7000 pesos a month. No brownouts here.
Hi Paul great break down on your monthly budget and you state that you could save roughly after five years $30 thousand , well that's ok as long as you don't have any serious health issues come up god forbid, having a health care savings pot is the most important thing for anyone and should always be number one priority at some point or any point it's something that will hit most of us . I really believe it's the one thing you have to have a savings pot for even if you have Blue Cross,Blue Shields or Cigna check your policies to make sure what is covered and up it if required ,on most of these policies your still need to pay hospital there firstly and later your get it from health policy ,take care
Exactly, i lived in cebu city for 4 years, i had to go to the hospital 2 times. They both required money after treatment, so you need cash for medical emergencies. They both accepted credit cards, but i am not sure if the hospitals in the provinces accept credit cards.
We live pretty remote by some standards- in Anda Bohol and our spending is divided into basic needs and optional spending. We pay p8000 for a good 2 bedroom 2 bath house that is walking distance to a white sand beach. We do like to cool the house down to sleep, so our power bill is usually around p4800. This is not a big agriculture area, so food is more expensive than most places in Mindanao for example. There is no nightlife, which suits us fine. We have a couple of scooters and that covers transportation except for periodic van trips into Tagbilaran city. For me, it's a good life, though I know, it is not for everyone.
wow, sounds like somewhere I would like to stay long term, any other places at similiar price available ? I am keen to return early next year, cheers from N Z
@Scott Baird We spend about $1000 a month on "Basic needs" that would keep us going if that is all we had. That is for 3 people. We do spend more on optional things, like a tutor for our son and land related expenses, what you would call improvements to lots or farmland. It is difficult to make a profit on small farm parcels, so that land is pretty much being farmed under a sharecropping arrangement.
@@ericcoyle5184 If you want Filipino deals, you have to spend the time building local connections- it is possible for those who are patient. Otherwise, you end up with "Foreigner pricing".
Which ever country you decide on will require a tremendous amount of financial discipline. I would highly recommend you be completely debt free, have some type of pension = to at least $1.2k monthly after tax & a damn good medical policy. In addition, you should ideally have savings of at least $12k exit funds, & a start up of $3k upon arrival.
ok thanks, i'm only 43 now, but i was thinking i needed around 3k a month (AUD) to retire comfortably, mind you I also plan on owning 2 apartments (Australia & Philippines)
Exactly..I live in Ecuador like a local and am very happy here..healthcare is 79 a month for Public Healthcare ..my house is 300 a month all included ..
Thank you for sharing the quite frank situation for us moving there Paul. As you say, the “governor” on your spending is a must. The good part is, that for us on a lower monthly budget it is indeed doable! 🤭😊💪🏻
Thanks for telling us the answer upfront. So many TH-cam waste our time with generalities, it depends, asking us questions, how do you want to live, etc. Thanks for giving us some info, which is why we are here.
when I was a smoker some 25 plus years ago I never had more than $5.00 in my pocket when I stopped smoking I had more money ,not only not buying the smokes helped but also going to the doctors getting cough meds etc , seemed was sick a lot with upper respiratory infections and coffee ,alcohol went along with smoking ,so I tended to smoked even more ,I have been able to save at least $200 to $300 per month in my bank and as much in my checking ,plus my health improved
The locally produced rum - which is very good - cost me only P200 ($4) a full sized BOTTLE last time I was in Dumaguette (Feb 2020) so not expensive to be drunk all day - so I had to make it a personal rule to not drink every second day.
Dave Ramsey does a talk show, in USA, about going debt free and using cash. He says there are studies which show you have more pain paying cash. You will be more resistive to spending cash. Paying on credit is painless ans easy, which is why all the big banks want you to do it that way.
I'm there, as soon as that check starts, My backup is my house almost payed, to big to keep. thanks for sharing. My friends here say "Good to know Paul TY".
Noise is a real problem in The Philippines. Whether it's animals (dogs, chickens, pigs), or inconsiderate neighbours, it can drive you crazy. We lived in Moalboal last year and moved twice because of noise issues (karaoke loving neighbours and nearby bars playing music)
I would modify and say noise is a real problem to "you." That is the trade off for living in a vibrant and happy society with a laid back attitude. You want to live in a place where everyone stays indoors and maintains the noise ordinances, stay in the west.
Good video Paul. Great update to your budget. Having a budget should be mandatory for everyone who has an income and should learn to live within that budget. Parents should teach that to their children so when they face the adult/working world they can function more effectively when it comes to their finances. Pre retirement, my budget was a bit flexible but once I retired I stuck to it even going as far as writing down every purchase/expense I would incur. I built myself a spreadsheet by month, in it inputted my income, my must/known monthly expenses (house, car, electricity, internet/tv/phone, insurance) ... it makes life so much easier. Whatever it is leftover it is my play money and now that I am retired, I do not spend nearly as much so, in effect, I am adding to my savings. Thank you for all the information you dispense.
I found that anywhere that I have lived overseas, be it Indonesia 1year, Thailand 14 years, or Laos 3 years, you can save a ton of money by eating at home. Actually I prefer eating at home. #1. You know what quality of meat you are eating, plus I like cooking. Eating out two times a week is enough for me personally.
Practical and useful information, so thanks. Being single and teetotal is probably the best approach, but we live in the real world. It is possible to budget on a monthly basis (I do it myself), and it's even possible to save money (ditto), but one has to strike a tricky balance between economy and quality of life. Some of us are better at doing this than others. The others come to harm.
Yup, your money management for the day is exactly how I live my day in the states and on my travels. When the money ran out, that's it. I always have emergency money on my somewhere just in cash.
Great video answered a lot of questions, I’m married to a Philippine woman that I brought back to America. I retire next year and we have a 5 year old son. We plan to stay much of our time in negros oriental her family lives their. You and others that move their and stay with your girl friends or wives are making the right decision. Bringing your Philippine wife to America is not a good idea. People are adaptable change the culture change their habits and attitudes. Again I’ve seen other budget videos on the Philippines and have spent time in Manila. Your video on this subject was the best I’ve seen thank you.
Like I said in one of your earlier videos bringing your Filipina wife to the US is a big mistake they do get adapted to this way of living and it's very hard for them to leave in fact last night I told my wife at dinner that I would believing in October of next year and and she needs to make up her mind whether she wants to stay here or come with me back to the Philippines but I also told her that if she decided to stay then I will be getting another partner when I get to the Philippines I'm 67 years old and I don't wanna spend the rest of my life alone
Sounds pretty accurate for 2 people. We're a family of 2 adults and a teen in Metro Cebu just outside of Cebu City, in Talisay City, and not counting all of the fluff, $1,500 is about what we spend. But add in the fluff, plus things we're currently not paying or partially paying, like going to a movie, school costs, transportation, etc. As well as some things currently costing a little more, like groceries and electricity, because our daughter is home 24/7. The total can be as high as around $2,200. But it still works out to be an average of $700 to $750 per person. We could cut some corners here and there, but it's all good. If we were living in even a low-cost area of the USA it would cost more. You're also right on target with cutting back on expenses. Our minimum if we needed to save some extra money one month is about $500 per person, $1,500. But we can't go any lower than that. And we wouldn't want to do that for more than one month. Like you, I can't live in the boondocks. That's the word that I use, I live in Cebu province. I sometimes wish that I could, but I have absolutely no desire to do that. If I can't get a taxi, I'm too far out. Before the pandemic, I was depositing a check into my BPI Dollar account quarterly for $5, so $20 a year, and until early 2017 that was absolutely free. Since the pandemic began, I've been using Xoom about every 6 weeks, Dollars only to my BPI account for $7.99, so about $70 a year. $50 more, not that big of a deal, and it's easy. I moved here on 1 Feb 2007 and almost everything cost about half what it costs today. But c'est la vie. I have no control over that. Good video!
Hello Paul . . . what a great video! Absolutely loved your laid back, tell-it-like-it-is narrative. This only the second of your videos I've watched, and I'm gonna be back for more. Thanks Paul . . . I'm a fan 👍
Very good stuff. Right to the meat n potatoes,not a meander thru a salad bar first. Common sense ,don't need disclaimers for the slow- who might not only take the labels off the pillow,but eat it.
The big thing for me is that anybody can live short term on much little than most people say. But to live here for the next 30 years requires more than the minimum people say they can live on. Than it becomes not just daily surviving but really you need extra money to keep busy.
It begs the question as to whether you spend $1500/mo because that is what it costs, or is the budget of $1500, the reason that you spend that quantity. The other unknown, from my perspective is Mae. Some could say that she is a 100% expense, however, given her lifestyle, knowledge, skills, and connection, I feel that she creates a level of savings, in your house, that might not be available to an average expat single person. Mae most likely saves you more than anyone else would, in the Philippines, because of who she is.
When you said “cut to the chase”, I immediately knew I want to watch this video. Good job for not wasting our time. Most vloggers starts with “it all depends” and blah, blah, blah ad nauseam! We know it all depends, we’re not stupid! Just let us know your particular case and situation. Anyway, excellent job!
I enjoyed watching your show. You’re honest and transparent and at times funny. You’re very helpful to others. Please keep it up and don’t change to compete with other you tubers.
I lived here for 6 months and I realized my expenses on average is about $1200.00 sometimes more. I'm headed back home to the US next week and will evaluate my short stay here whether to come back and settle here. My biggest concern is the Healthcare system even though I can get medical care from the VA but it is not 100% since I have a less than perfect service connected compensation. That's true if you're in the province you might be able to live for less than $1000.00 a month. Thanks for sharing Paul. Very valuable info to consider if you're serious about living here in PI after your retirement.
Paul, thanks so much for your valuable information,your honest and direct without any bull sh😀t. I’ve been considering the move for some time now and I’m doing as much research as I can. You approach is the best by far.
Hey Paul I've been watching your videos for a few weeks and I am being honest when I say I believe your retirement in the Philippines has turned the clock on your aging. You look younger today than in videos you made last year. Not pulling your chain I call it like I see it. Thanks for sharing these helpful information videos. I plan to check things out once things open up. Also want to add it's comforting to know that I will be more prepared when I arrive in the areas of what to expect culturally and financially to somewhat ease the stress from the enivtable culture shock.
Hey Paul, Maayong Buntag from Ormoc City! I’m retired, also living on my social security. I’m here with my filipina wife and daughter. So, I’m living kind of expensive, ( basically a $2000.00 a month budget, with the extra SSA $ saved) renting a 3bdrm/ 3 CR house, furnished for $600. a month. I’ve bought a used Fortuner, which was a part of my set up money account. ( it’s a beast to fill up with diesel!) My main dynamic for costs are wife’s family (5 more ppl) living with us. Food costs are quite high. Also, have my daughter in private school, and hired a college girl for her tutor, 4 hours a day/ five days a week. I sent probably 14 LBC boxes of household goods, and lots of coffee beans and American goodies to get started. I enjoy living in Philippines, but the ants are a bitch. May not be able to completely retire here, because my daughter may need a more up to date educational system. But I’m giving it a year to see…
Very down to earth assessment Paul. I think a lot of people fit into that category money wise, so it should be helpful to the first time expat. For me this will be my second attempt, and I plan to take a lot of your information to heart and follow it, because the first time I pissed it all away in 4 years and that was almost $200k.
This is really starting too get me interested. I get some things are a pain but I am a truck driver I live in a Fraghtliner now lol I do have a " house " I call it a storage shed with a bed lol. But I pay 100$ a month for and well if someone from the Philippines walked in it would remind them of home lol but it duse what I need it to do. Most of my $$ I am investigating my budget is about 1000$ a month now ( except food darn truck stop roller dogs lol ) phone, electric ,gas and insurance for my car, rent, health insurance. But I am home only a day and a half a week. So your saying I can live in a house I can be sleeping in my bed every night has running water and a inside bath room for 1500$ not sounding too shabby lol. My retirement goals: to be able to take photos and be left alone. Yes to me living in a stick house back in the Boones, only whereing my underpants and having a dog as a friend sounds nice, I don't think I would last too long above ground lol. But I keep hearing you guys talk about citys I HATE citys. I see all the TH-cam videos about South East Asia there all about the citys, a lot about hookers too REALLY REALLY not intersted. ( yep Pattaya Thailand is WAY WAY WAY off the list ) so I would be looking for something between back in the vill and a big city.
I like your frugality - there are lots of benefits apart from not overspending. A minimalist lifestyle is more mentally healthy and gives a great sense of freedom.
Since you are calculating your daily budget by the number of weeks in the month, it changes each month. If I were you, I would do it a bit differently. I would tell myself that I have 12K USD for the whole year of 365 days. So - fixed daily budget would be = 12000*50/365= 1644 pesos a day every day.
I'm not planning to move to the Philippines. I spent 3 months there during the reign of Ramos... didn't like it - too many guns. However, I find your conversations very interesting, candid and calming. Look forward to listening to many more. Cheers.
I don't think anybody cares if you don't go to the Philippines....lol. All countries have their own issues but you are your own economy regardless of what goes on with a certain country.
Im 50/50 about retiring in the Philippines , the one thing that would sway me either way would be the noise / Rooster / Karoki / Barking dogs / Parties etc , yes theirs always remote islands and in the hills but that may not be pratical on my budget . Paul if you could do a video on noise that would be great .
One of the biggest noise irratations for me is the motorcycles without baffles in the exhaust. Man, it is soooo annoying. On our trips there I make sure my wife never flags a trike that has the loud exhaust.
I'm currently listening (I have no choice ) Karaoke...although I'm in a condo complex in Lahug in Cebu City ,the karaoke is coming from the local community literally yards from where I live.The singing is real bad and at max echo volume every weekend for atleast 8 hrs .So hope this might help.
I know the video is a year old, but I'm just now planning to move there. This video was very insightful and appreciative! I might just start out at Big Rocks for a couple months till I get my bearings and go from there. Like you, I'll start getting my ss check this Nov 2023 and I'll have the sale of my house, furnishings and car that are paid for go into the bank. I may just end up in your neck of the woods! Thanks again for the great videos!!
Paul, as usual a very good, clean and informative video. I would make sure that you stress a bit more the fact that where you live and by what standards make a huge difference. My retirement income is far more, yet we certainly use it. We live in a city ( Angeles City ) with a very large ex pat population , hundreds of restaurants and dozens of them are VERY good. We own a vehicle, we own a two bedroom two bath condo here. Our lifestyle is not MUCH different than it was in the states.We pretty much do what we want when we want. Without going into detail for the sake of brevity, our budget is about 6k USD a month. We very rarely spend it all. I think the most important part of your video is far over looked. CASH is king. Watching that money go from your hand to someone else.....makes you think twice. Great VID, take care.
Dr.Dementia State of Survival, I don't think you fall in the target audience of this particular video by Paul. I love Paul's videos by the way. A TH-cam Vlogger named "Where Else Philippines" has a video on monthly living expenses, just like this one by Paul, that may be more in line with your income level. I found that video quite informative as well.
a very honest assessment I must say. I've lived in Dumaguete many times four months at a time, double your assessment by 2x if you have a spouse or a lady friend
I'm going to see the house my wife built me in very rural province of Bohol. Nearest town Sagbayan is 16km away. My SS check will be about $2k USD, so I should be ok. No rent, big Aircon bill though. It's a big house with a 3 hp comercial aircon in the main living space. We have a good well. PLDT is $20 per month. All in all I think I can do ok. My favorite entertainment is just go to town in the evening, drink San Miguel from sari-sari and eat some street food. I guess trike or habal-habal will be a real bill. Thank you for the good information in your video Sir!
I am all set to get there once it opens. I will have about 30 to 40k in savings with a monthly budget of around $3200 USD per month. For the moment I will likely be looking to live on Luzon, a bit south of Manila (near Batangas )just because I need to be close to the VA hospital there at the start. Need at least that lifeline in case anything goes wrong, before I venture out more. So I hope with all the budget videos I have seen, it is enough for a decent life there. I will be 45 when I arrive and not hard into the nightlife, just want to relax and enjoy my time.
Drake, I trust you know that they will only treat your SERVICE CONNECTED condition. Unfortunately, they will not treat other conditions that a vet (with a service-connected disability) might have.
That should be fine. I live in Makati for under $2000 a month not including the condo I bought. I also have a housekeeper and I like eating at restaurants.
@@donbarnett1553 Thanks for the info, I have heard that before. My current condition is service related so its all I need it for. I will visit civilian hospitals for other needs probably.
*Well.., if we are sharing budgets, we live on a $2,800/mo SSI check.* We also have rentals bringing in an extra $8,000 a month which we use primarily to help homeless and poor Filipino people ..and my Diving Photography sport. We waited and worked until we were both 69 years old, just so we would not have to live like a hermit or budget crazy feind.
Yes, 2100 should be ok to live there. that will be my SSI check in June when I turn 65 and retire. I would love to give it a try and will visit the country early next year when it opens. I want to leave the US for good by early 2023 to The Philippines, Costa Rica or Portugal. I had enough of the US and will not die there
The right mind set. I hear ya. Take inventory of everything you need on first trip and you will be way ahead of the game.A friend of mine used his connection with shipping and loaded up a. 8ft container and had everything he needed to live for 5 years there he was way ahead of the game then most. Did it on a budget of 10k
I know what you mean Jerald Johnson. I put myself through college by working menial jobs for tuition money ultimately becoming a principal engineer in a global electronic company. I also served in the military. And what I see all around me is now our own people fighting among one another for the sake of petty politics and petty ideology. I call it petty because no party's goals are for mother America to prosper. Everyone wants what they want, regardless whether it's counter to the nation's overall betterment. I am sick of it honestly. Again, this is not a partisan commentary - I haven't seen a single party that's for America. And we are supposed to compete globally and remain at the top! I don't see how, with no long-term planning and goals of the nation. Everything is short-term and for parties to win the next election. No ONE IS FOR AMERICA! I will NOT die being submerged in this infighting.
I have Come to the conclusion as well I will not Last here in the US, never will be Really happy. I want to Go to Philippines and live my life to myself happily
Just watched this...I've been living in Bacolod now for 2 years while working as an online teacher. My wife and I budget 1600 every month and save the rest. As you said, the savings add up quickly.
most filipinos live on a much smaller budget, and they have to work to earn their money, usually on a daily basis, so the money that you and other foreigners spend in the philippines, helps the filipinos make their lives just a little better, especially when you are spending your money locally, so you are a benefit to the local economy. One question, do you tip when you eat out, or for other purposes, and do you include tipping in your monthly budget? Thanks for sharing your monthly budget info. Take Care or Amping (*_*)
The people cooking and serving your food & drink are usually making a few dollars/day . . . Not a few dollars/hour. If you can't afford a tip in this environment, then you certainly can't afford to eat out.
@@roberthoffman4587, good to know, I'm an Aussie, and we don't have tipping here, but when I travel, I always round up by about 10-15% I call it the staff GST... ;) So I guess yes that would be tipping.. but that also depends on the service you get... If I get treated like crap and ignored etc... then I only give them what's on the bill, so the ball is in their court, but saying that, I have travelled a few countries and I have only paid the only the bill a few times...
I find the budget vlogs amusing. When I was dating my wife she pointed out I was buying 3 packs at 170 PHP of pomelo a day so 500 PHP a day. I was averaging 12,000-15,000 PHP ($300) a month on pomelo. As I said, I don't drink, I don't smoke, I don't gamble.. I spend my money on pomelo :-)
Thank you Paul for the budget overview. You did not mention medical costs. Do you pay for insurance or just self-insure and hope your bank balance will be sufficient?
I do that in Cambodia. I take $15 a day out of my safe for my budget. And I live on $850 a month. I eat at local places and have coffee at the local coffee shop. I'm in the city too. Coffee and breakfast costs me $1.25 for example.
Thanks for the breakdown. It’s very helpful. I am looking for some places for my wife and I to snowbird to in the winter when we retire. Do you see a lot of couples doing this or mostly single guys looking to meet someone?
This is what I’d like to know. My husband and I are interested, but we only see videos about single men who go there to find a local girl. I’d like to met expat couples that I can have friendships with.
I think it is where you were living in the USA, you were living in Los Vegas which is very expensive to live. I live here in North Carolina in a middle size city and a single person can easily live off of $1,500 per month.
Most of the guys seem to move here to make friends and have a loving companion. So many of my American friends spent their later lives living alone. I was the same.
Yeah it's true, the homeless population is pretty bad there. And they've created a series of canal housing and cardboard everything underground throughout all the canals and there's quite a few underneath the actual hotels of the casinos and everything.
Informative video. Things r going great for you. If u kick the habit of smoking n switched to dark chocolates (Just like I did) It will add many more years to anyone’s lifespan.
For coffee; I use a french press and kettle to heat the water. Makes a nice cup of coffee. I'm currently locked out of the Philippines, so living in Thailand waiting to return. This is how I maintain a reasonable coffee budget in both places. I can make one or two cups quickly without using much coffee.
Hey Paul my dear friend, once again, an awesome video. You hit the nail on the head brother. My buget will be when I get back to the Philippines $2500 a month, plus set aside some for the (oh Shit happens) expenses. So hopefully, that will work. Of course, that's subject to change like everything else. I prefer to use cash. I will only use cash when I am living there. Me and my soon to be wife will be living in either Santa Cruz Laguna, Mactan Newtown cebu, or in your area of Velencia. Either way, I'm really excited about this move. You have really given me some great points Paul. I definitely appreciate it. I truly have nothing but love and respect for you and Baby Mae. Thank you Paul my dear friend for sharing this awesome video. Please stay safe and healthy, and God bless you and Baby Mae always.😊 😊 😊 ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
This is a great video, somehow found your channel, now watching a bunch of them. This sounds like it would work for me. I am 62, good health, have saved up around 300 k in cash. Thanks for the great videos, something to think about.
Good Info Thanks. You could make way more impact than just Talking by using a white board & markers while laying out details on How Much you spend on What. That way subs can adjust what it will cost them by adjusting their spends. They can also take a pic of your white board to review each time they think about it. Good work, just a suggestion.
You are correct I married a Thai teacher who is a government employee so I am covered threw her but the insurance is really high once you reach 70 and older!
It's very important not to skimp on medicine that your doctor back in your country prescribed to you. $$$$$ many retirees die early in the Philippines trying to save a buck by not buying These medications.
I lived in Duma and Bacolod for 3 years and my budget was $1,500 I dont Drink but I like to buy some western food and my utilities were about 100 per month that includes electric, water and association fees. it was more than enough. we also could take a trip once in a while to Sugar Beach in Sipalay. $1500 is a good number
Paul I truly want to thank you for the clear knowledge that you and baby May have given the TH-cam family about your life in the Philippines. I would live to pay a visit there some day and maybe I would meet me a baby Queen there and live a new beginner life there. Thank you.
It kinda sucks to live like a local if you dont like filipino food. I like dried fish but many foreigners dont. Also many dont like living in a tiny place.
I never quite understood the point of these videos describing how much is “needed” to live in a particular country. After all, regardless of where you live in the world, and what you think you will “need” to live, you are still going to have to find a way to live on whatever it is that you actually have, be it in Southeast Asia of in your own country. For example if you are retired in the United States and your Social Security is only $1000 a month you are just going to have to figure out how to live on that. But either way it’s a pretty sure bet that you can live cheaper in a country like Thailand or the Philippines than you can in the USA. Of course, not everything is necessarily going to be cheaper. For example, here in the USA I pay $15 a month for unlimited calls and text and 3GB of 5G data a month on my phone and I don’t think I could get a deal like this in Thailand or the Philippines. Also, while I can live on a food budget of $150 a month here in the USA if I need to by cooking all my own meals, making those same dishes in Southeast Asia would cost a lot more. Luckily for me however I love the local food in Thailand where I will be retiring. Also, lets not forget that in your own country if your retirement funds are running short you can always try and get a part time job to supplement you income - something you likely would not be able to do while living in Southeast Asia on a retirement visa.
Popular subject Paul, well done. Most important item is nice Asawa to guide you along , buy proper foods, look after you in general. Takes a while to accept no stock, yes sir means no sir but it's a sunshine life. I'm stuck abroad hoping to get back there soon, winter in UK pretty grim mate.
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What are you going to do when she finds a young dog with better tricks Paul? Go back to your family.
what did i miss?
Jealous? 🤣🤣🤣
Its a good point in general Good Lady and every young Thai, Philippine etc women should know that a foreign retiree who lives entirely off their Monthly pension with no little cash savings means that Monthly income stops immediately when they die. It naturally depends on the age difference and health of the man but a young woman should take this into consideration and decide herself how many of her best years she is willing to invest in an older man because once she reaches say 50 yrs with many years still ahead that may not be the case for the man. If the age gap is say 30 years then the man would be 80 when she is only 50 with many years ahead in comparison. This is why I would say if a retiree were to find himself in a serious loving relationship with a younger woman to you think about this and put part of your Monthly pension into a savings account that your partner/companion will inherit when you die and same with any life insurance. Otherwise I would suggest to that young woman, get what you can then move on. Just my opinion.
@@mckayuk Agree with this. If it’s love, you’d want to make sure they have a financially secure life when you’re gone.
Do you want me to be jealous?
After having visited 3 times, married a Filipino(brought her to the USA) and in the semi preparation stages for our move a few years down the road,, (I follow several vlogs) of all the videos i have watched this is the most simple, spot on stress free laid out straight presentation of what to expect,, well done. you numbers concur with what my wife has in mind budget wise, keep up the good work,,,
Well said!
Best budget vid I’ve seen for a long time, very well explained. Hope to be doing my own monthly budget early next year when PH opens up 👍
Awesome! Thank you!
Nice to share your wisdom & Budget balance here in the Ph. I get $1,400 a mo. as a early Fed Retiree & Va disability for 3.5 yrs. now...I recently turned 56, so it will rise several hundred a mo.
Good info. Thank you for sharing.
Super appreciative of your transparency - it really helps us more than you know.
My pleasure!
It baffles me why this is so uncommon. Honesty about income and expenses. We're all just ppl, trying to live the best life we know how. Imagine if we all talked about ways we save, spend and earn.
I am beginning to appreciate Mr. Paul video about his lifestyle and budget in the Philippines. Having live here in the Dominican republic for over 26 years, it's generally more expensive than the Philippines. Awesome video. Thank you Mr. Paul.
This must be the best "budget" video I have ever seen. Straight to the point with lots of extra suggestions on how to budget.
My Asawa and I have a 2 bedroom 1 bath apartment in Naga City, Cam Sur and our rent is P7000K ($140 USD) and with electricity, water, wifi, P2000K per week in groceries all total home expenses it's $350 USD per month, of course we spend a lot more than that on other activities but the point is the basic monthly expenses are very low if you don't need a lot of space you don't use, our apartment is brand new with very nice amenities.
Thanks Paul for the budget update, keep doing what you do we love it brother.
Thank you for sharing your experience. Do you think you could have arranged that without your Filipina? I would be alone which is why I ask.
@@happycook6737 yes absolutely, the price may have been a little more for the apartment tho
that is less than what my gal spends on shabu alone
How much do you pay for health costs? Paul didn't mention it.
@@sandrabentley8111 I don’t have medical insurance in the Philippines, I just keep enough money put aside to pay cash in case I need medical care.
I know they are boring. I know they aren’t interesting to some. However, these are a great gauge and self check for many people who may be planning with rose colored glasses.
Agree and Paul won’t talk BS.
I agree you don't know till your feet are there. But I am a truck driver I live in a Fraghtliner, so anything with my own shower ......... not so bad lol 😆 my standards are allredy low.
Just have to be careful on reading some of the comments here and other xpat channels. These videos are aimed at retirees in the United States Canada and other Western countries. Sometimes native-born Filipinos will squeeze into the comment sections and say they can live much cheaper, third world style. You can try to live in a Nipa Hut for a while see if it works for you but if you're over 60, I don't think so. You may hurt yourself or call it quits and fly back home.
@@watersbey25 The Pilipino viewpoint is NEEDED! Round-eye expats DO need to know that you can do it for less . . . You probably won't WANT TO, but their point is valid.
The right Apt. or house, in the right location (even down on the coast) does not need A/C to be comfortable. A fifteen minute jeepny ride outside of town can cut your rent by 50%+.
@@donbarnett1553 wrong
You can't impose a third world lifestyle on a first-world aging retiree 60+. It could kill them. These aging retirees are getting older are more frail, and have other pre-existing medical conditions. Getting heatstroke, and robbed is no joke. a close proper medical center and continuing taking their American doctors prescription (s) is extremely important to this age group. And it's going to cost them monthly more too being a cash account in the Philippines. You cannot try to save money and impose a third world style on 60+ retiree. They may very well end up prematurely going home in a body bag. And some sadly do.
That pretty much my experience there from start to finish that's a very accurate cost of living there good video Paul
Moving to Batangas after Thanksgiving with my filapina wife. We married in the US 11 years ago so fortunately I can get in to PHL.
We own our house already in the province. With investments and savings we are able to retire early(55) from our nursing careers, thank God.
Looking forward to the province life. I'm sick of California's crowded life.
Batangas is a good place for retirement. Few hours from the metro, surrounded by beautiful beaches. You might want to check the retirement visa of the Philippines. The SRRV
@@retirementguidephilippines My wife has dual citizenship...do I still need SRRV? Thanks!
No, you have options on Visa with marriage, but start now so any needed paperwork is easier to access while in the states...
@@gone4440 Thank you sir
Sounds similar to my life. My wife and I are traveling to northen luzon solano nueva vizcaya on the 21st of november. We have been married 13 years. We are building our house now. We also have all ready purchased a 2 hectre farm. Planted 200 gemilina trees 45 banana trees, have 10 mature mango trees. Plus many other fruits. Planning on retiring early myself. Cant wait. Good luck to you on your journey
i lived in cebu for 2 years and i was spending about $3500 a month.i then met a girl and moved to the provinces in mindano and her family had a rice and vegetable farm and i converted a large room at there home with wifi air con etc.my rice was always free along with the vegetables,honestly there is little to spend money on and i could live for easily $700 a month.unfortunately i came back to the uk in january 2020 for a small break and have been stranded here ever since due to covid..hopefully soon the borders will open again so i can return to my gf....great video by the way
Have you made it back, Rob? My friend in Canada just got back from spending a month there.
@@bettyvanderhooven-schmaasc4235 thanks yes.i got back
Very concise breakdown, Paul. The only cost I didn't hear you mention was for cellphone service. Spot on when you assert that it isn't the static costs that will get you in PI, but the impulse buys. If you have any type of addictive habits - whether it be alcohol, junk food, soda pop, compulsive techy buys, or the other unmentionables - those will make your costs spiral upward. The key to spending less is wanting less...As for functional gear, having moved an average of three times a year throughout most of my adult life (for work), what works for me is a good electric skillet (avoiding the propane stoves - too expensive and too much residual heat anyway), a rice cooker, with which you can also use as a steamer, a pressure cooker if you like well cooked meats like roast, a simple griddle or hotplate with frying pan, a cutting board, a good chef's knife, tongs, spatulas, spoons, and just enough silverware for yourself and guests. An electric tea kettle and a microwave are optional, but since I don't eat processed food such as frozen entrees, it has limited utility, the microwave. I also eat out of tupperware containers. The prepared food goes striaght into the tupperware bowl or plate, so that what isn't eaten is all ready to be stored without dirtying two or three pieces of flatware. The storage is easier, the cleanup is way easier, and all of that can be had for under $150 USD setup (even in America!)...Just a shared thought...
The cash vs credit card analogy is spot on - it reminds me of an article I read on Google about the psychology of spending. The physical handling of cash vs swiping a card makes you more cognizant of what you spend each day or month. Writing checks vs EFT can have a similar effect as well because it's a tangible thing you are handling instead of looking at digits on a screen. Some might be critical and say "get with the times!" but the old school way of spending has proven to be effective to managing your expenses. Good vlog 👍
I have gone back to cash for everything possible, to reduce my impulse spending. It works, it's hard to justify prying cash out of my hand. I feel the pain with every purchase, even for a necessity.
@@wayneanderson8034 , I liked your statement, made me chuckle, "I feel the pain with every purchase". felt the same way in one hand out the other.. but definitely able to save more.
My wife and I are planning to come this year, first for a few months to check things out. We are looking forward to it. I wear size XXL t-shirts, 42in waist, size 11 shoes. I would imagine getting clothes and shoes in my size could be an issue. What do you recommend since we don’t want to bring too much.
@@bergfi I imagine with the internet you'll still have access to anything in any size you want. Just figure out what size fits you best for your favorite brands and your set.
I'm 54 and saved about 1.7M to date. Have Mae find me a sweetheart already so I can retire early at 55 and hop a plane there. I'm ready for a new life ☺️☺️
Thanks for your honest straight forward breakdown of your budget. I have been to the Philippines 5 times and I’m happily married to a great Philipina woman. Her family is so kind it humbles me. I do help them out regularly with money . I don’t mind at all. It’s not a lot and they never try to take advantage of me. So far. Anyway I’m retired on SS disability and a pension. We are planning to live there someday sooner than later.. I could bank a ton living there. I like the native food and don’t drink. I already own a SUV over there. My father in law uses it and maintains it for me. Anyway Paul all my best to you and May or Mae , not sure. But who knows maybe we will run into each other. Be well. Enjoy every day.
you will get a good lesson upon your arrival for permanent residency.
Hello Paul. Living in Davao with a filipina partner the cost of living here is cheap. We are renting a new 2 bedroom house for 7000 pesos a month. No brownouts here.
Thanks again Paul! You’re really helping me become more comfortable that I truly can retire early at 62 and live a good life there in the Philippines!
Thanks Paul. Very pragmatic. Which is where you / us need to start from. A clear perspective. Brilliantly honest. Thanks again.
Hi Paul great break down on your monthly budget and you state that you could save roughly after five years $30 thousand , well that's ok as long as you don't have any serious health issues come up god forbid, having a health care savings pot is the most important thing for anyone and should always be number one priority at some point or any point it's something that will hit most of us . I really believe it's the one thing you have to have a savings pot for even if you have Blue Cross,Blue Shields or Cigna check your policies to make sure what is covered and up it if required ,on most of these policies your still need to pay hospital there firstly and later your get it from health policy ,take care
Exactly, i lived in cebu city for 4 years, i had to go to the hospital 2 times. They both required money after treatment, so you need cash for medical emergencies. They both accepted credit cards, but i am not sure if the hospitals in the provinces accept credit cards.
We live pretty remote by some standards- in Anda Bohol and our spending is divided into basic needs and optional spending. We pay p8000 for a good 2 bedroom 2 bath house that is walking distance to a white sand beach. We do like to cool the house down to sleep, so our power bill is usually around p4800. This is not a big agriculture area, so food is more expensive than most places in Mindanao for example. There is no nightlife, which suits us fine. We have a couple of scooters and that covers transportation except for periodic van trips into Tagbilaran city. For me, it's a good life, though I know, it is not for everyone.
wow, sounds like somewhere I would like to stay long term, any other places at similiar price available ? I am keen to return early next year, cheers from N Z
@Scott Baird We spend about $1000 a month on "Basic needs" that would keep us going if that is all we had. That is for 3 people. We do spend more on optional things, like a tutor for our son and land related expenses, what you would call improvements to lots or farmland. It is difficult to make a profit on small farm parcels, so that land is pretty much being farmed under a sharecropping arrangement.
@@ericcoyle5184 If you want Filipino deals, you have to spend the time building local connections- it is possible for those who are patient. Otherwise, you end up with "Foreigner pricing".
Sounds amazing.
Which ever country you decide on will require a tremendous amount of financial discipline. I would highly recommend you be completely debt free, have some type of pension = to at least $1.2k monthly after tax & a damn good medical policy. In addition, you should ideally have savings of at least $12k exit funds, & a start up of $3k upon arrival.
ok thanks, i'm only 43 now, but i was thinking i needed around 3k a month (AUD) to retire comfortably, mind you I also plan on owning 2 apartments (Australia & Philippines)
Exactly..I live in Ecuador like a local and am very happy here..healthcare is 79 a month for Public Healthcare ..my house is 300 a month all included ..
@@ecuadorexpat8558 that sounds awesome. Good on ya!
Great budget... Great explanation... Very easy to understand... Thanks for this vid.
Thank you for sharing the quite frank situation for us moving there Paul. As you say, the “governor” on your spending is a must. The good part is, that for us on a lower monthly budget it is indeed doable! 🤭😊💪🏻
Ya thanks Paul 👍
Thanks for telling us the answer upfront. So many TH-cam waste our time with generalities, it depends, asking us questions, how do you want to live, etc. Thanks for giving us some info, which is why we are here.
when I was a smoker some 25 plus years ago I never had more than $5.00 in my pocket when I stopped smoking I had more money ,not only not buying the smokes helped but also going to the doctors getting cough meds etc , seemed was sick a lot with upper respiratory infections and coffee ,alcohol went along with smoking ,so I tended to smoked even more ,I have been able to save at least $200 to $300 per month in my bank and as much in my checking ,plus my health improved
The locally produced rum - which is very good - cost me only P200 ($4) a full sized BOTTLE last time I was in Dumaguette (Feb 2020) so not expensive to be drunk all day - so I had to make it a personal rule to not drink every second day.
Dave Ramsey does a talk show, in USA, about going debt free and using cash. He says there are studies which show you have more pain paying cash. You will be more resistive to spending cash. Paying on credit is painless ans easy, which is why all the big banks want you to do it that way.
I'm there, as soon as that check starts, My backup is my house almost payed, to big to keep. thanks
for sharing. My friends here say "Good to know Paul TY".
Noise is a real problem in The Philippines. Whether it's animals (dogs, chickens, pigs), or inconsiderate neighbours, it can drive you crazy. We lived in Moalboal last year and moved twice because of noise issues (karaoke loving neighbours and nearby bars playing music)
yes, I ended up on a 7 hectare farm so I can be away from my neighbors.
@@manilamartin1001 that’s nice amount of land to be on
I would modify and say noise is a real problem to "you." That is the trade off for living in a vibrant and happy society with a laid back attitude. You want to live in a place where everyone stays indoors and maintains the noise ordinances, stay in the west.
@Joseph Lucas It's relative to your tolerance, tweaked by the conditions of the culture and environment you grow up in.
I agree with you Thai Fly. Also, pollution, right? Noise, pollution and rabies.
Good video Paul. Great update to your budget. Having a budget should be mandatory for everyone who has an income and should learn to live within that budget. Parents should teach that to their children so when they face the adult/working world they can function more effectively when it comes to their finances.
Pre retirement, my budget was a bit flexible but once I retired I stuck to it even going as far as writing down every purchase/expense I would incur. I built myself a spreadsheet by month, in it inputted my income, my must/known monthly expenses (house, car, electricity, internet/tv/phone, insurance) ... it makes life so much easier. Whatever it is leftover it is my play money and now that I am retired, I do not spend nearly as much so, in effect, I am adding to my savings. Thank you for all the information you dispense.
Go have some fun!!! You deserve it
@@pearlperlitavenegas2023 And stop posting crap on youtube
I found that anywhere that I have lived overseas, be it Indonesia 1year, Thailand 14 years, or Laos 3 years, you can save a ton of money by eating at home. Actually I prefer eating at home. #1. You know what quality of meat you are eating, plus I like cooking. Eating out two times a week is enough for me personally.
Practical and useful information, so thanks. Being single and teetotal is probably the best approach, but we live in the real world. It is possible to budget on a monthly basis (I do it myself), and it's even possible to save money (ditto), but one has to strike a tricky balance between economy and quality of life. Some of us are better at doing this than others. The others come to harm.
Yup, your money management for the day is exactly how I live my day in the states and on my travels. When the money ran out, that's it. I always have emergency money on my somewhere just in cash.
You're great. I love how you started with the total, and trust that your audience will stay for the breakdown. Thank you
Great video answered a lot of questions, I’m married to a Philippine woman that I brought back to America. I retire next year and we have a 5 year old son. We plan to stay much of our time in negros oriental her family lives their. You and others that move their and stay with your girl friends or wives are making the right decision. Bringing your Philippine wife to America is not a good idea. People are adaptable change the culture change their habits and attitudes. Again I’ve seen other budget videos on the Philippines and have spent time in Manila. Your video on this subject was the best I’ve seen thank you.
Like I said in one of your earlier videos bringing your Filipina wife to the US is a big mistake they do get adapted to this way of living and it's very hard for them to leave in fact last night I told my wife at dinner that I would believing in October of next year and and she needs to make up her mind whether she wants to stay here or come with me back to the Philippines but I also told her that if she decided to stay then I will be getting another partner when I get to the Philippines I'm 67 years old and I don't wanna spend the rest of my life alone
@@waltmel I understand
@@waltmel Reality. Life is short.
Easy answer. Depends where you live what type of house your living in and what life style you want to live.
Sounds pretty accurate for 2 people. We're a family of 2 adults and a teen in Metro Cebu just outside of Cebu City, in Talisay City, and not counting all of the fluff, $1,500 is about what we spend. But add in the fluff, plus things we're currently not paying or partially paying, like going to a movie, school costs, transportation, etc. As well as some things currently costing a little more, like groceries and electricity, because our daughter is home 24/7. The total can be as high as around $2,200. But it still works out to be an average of $700 to $750 per person. We could cut some corners here and there, but it's all good. If we were living in even a low-cost area of the USA it would cost more. You're also right on target with cutting back on expenses. Our minimum if we needed to save some extra money one month is about $500 per person, $1,500. But we can't go any lower than that. And we wouldn't want to do that for more than one month. Like you, I can't live in the boondocks. That's the word that I use, I live in Cebu province. I sometimes wish that I could, but I have absolutely no desire to do that. If I can't get a taxi, I'm too far out. Before the pandemic, I was depositing a check into my BPI Dollar account quarterly for $5, so $20 a year, and until early 2017 that was absolutely free. Since the pandemic began, I've been using Xoom about every 6 weeks, Dollars only to my BPI account for $7.99, so about $70 a year. $50 more, not that big of a deal, and it's easy. I moved here on 1 Feb 2007 and almost everything cost about half what it costs today. But c'est la vie. I have no control over that. Good video!
Hi from South Cebu
ZOOM ever 6 weeks is exciting.
It was very informative. Thanks for sharing. Greetings from San Diego California .
"This isn't Disney Land boys and girls." One of the greatest lines about the reality of things.
👍cut to the chase magnificent 👍
Hello Paul . . . what a great video! Absolutely loved your laid back, tell-it-like-it-is narrative. This only the second of your videos I've watched, and I'm gonna be back for more. Thanks Paul . . . I'm a fan 👍
Very good stuff. Right to the meat n potatoes,not a meander thru a salad bar first. Common sense ,don't need disclaimers for the slow- who might not only take the labels off the pillow,but eat it.
The big thing for me is that anybody can live short term on much little than most people say. But to live here for the next 30 years requires more than the minimum people say they can live on. Than it becomes not just daily surviving but really you need extra money to keep busy.
It begs the question as to whether you spend $1500/mo because that is what it costs, or is the budget of $1500, the reason that you spend that quantity. The other unknown, from my perspective is Mae. Some could say that she is a 100% expense, however, given her lifestyle, knowledge, skills, and connection, I feel that she creates a level of savings, in your house, that might not be available to an average expat single person. Mae most likely saves you more than anyone else would, in the Philippines, because of who she is.
50 k pesos a month is living rich for locals .
I spent the same amount both single and with Mae, there is a balance both ways
@@paulinthephilippinesolddog9234 You may have SPENT as much, but I humbly suggest that you are getting a much better VALUE for you pesos!
When you said “cut to the chase”, I immediately knew I want to watch this video. Good job for not wasting our time. Most vloggers starts with “it all depends” and blah, blah, blah ad nauseam! We know it all depends, we’re not stupid! Just let us know your particular case and situation.
Anyway, excellent job!
Thanks so much 🙏
I enjoyed watching your show. You’re honest and transparent and at times funny. You’re very helpful to others. Please keep it up and don’t change to compete with other you tubers.
I lived here for 6 months and I realized my expenses on average is about $1200.00 sometimes more. I'm headed back home to the US next week and will evaluate my short stay here whether to come back and settle here. My biggest concern is the Healthcare system even though I can get medical care from the VA but it is not 100% since I have a less than perfect service connected compensation. That's true if you're in the province you might be able to live for less than $1000.00 a month. Thanks for sharing Paul. Very valuable info to consider if you're serious about living here in PI after your retirement.
I’m am 90% Service Connect. So I get compensated around $2100 monthly. I have been really thinking heavily about going off to the Philippines.
Paul, thanks so much for your valuable information,your honest and direct without any bull sh😀t. I’ve been considering the move for some time now and I’m doing as much research as I can. You approach is the best by far.
Hey Paul I've been watching your videos for a few weeks and I am being honest when I say I believe your retirement in the Philippines has turned the clock on your aging. You look younger today than in videos you made last year. Not pulling your chain I call it like I see it. Thanks for sharing these helpful information videos. I plan to check things out once things open up. Also want to add it's comforting to know that I will be more prepared when I arrive in the areas of what to expect culturally and financially to somewhat ease the stress from the enivtable culture shock.
Culture shock is real!
Hey Paul, Maayong Buntag from Ormoc City! I’m retired, also living on my social security. I’m here with my filipina wife and daughter. So, I’m living kind of expensive, ( basically a $2000.00 a month budget, with the extra SSA $ saved)
renting a 3bdrm/ 3 CR house, furnished for $600. a month. I’ve bought a used Fortuner, which was a part of my set up money account. ( it’s a beast to fill up with diesel!)
My main dynamic for costs are wife’s family (5 more ppl) living with us. Food costs are quite high. Also, have my daughter in private school, and hired a college girl for her tutor, 4 hours a day/ five days a week. I sent probably 14 LBC boxes of household goods, and lots of coffee beans and American goodies to get started. I enjoy living in Philippines, but the ants are a bitch. May not be able to completely retire here, because my daughter may need a more up to date educational system. But I’m giving it a year to see…
Thanks for the detailed report. Good job.
This was an exceptionally useful video. Start to finish, time well spent.
Thankyou Paul, it gives me a good idea on what to expect and how to survive 😀
Glad to hear it!
A great point was how to self govern. Sounds simple,but so does fusion. It's in the application
Well presented I actually understood it because of the way you explained it. Straight to the point no sitting there babbling on. Thanks 👍
each and every one has their own life style that they need to budget for!
Paul is honest and humble.
Very down to earth assessment Paul. I think a lot of people fit into that category money wise, so it should be helpful to the first time expat.
For me this will be my second attempt, and I plan to take a lot of your information to heart and follow it, because the first time I pissed it all away in 4 years and that was almost $200k.
🤯 wow
Thx for starting with the bottom line, rather than dragging it out to the end. Kudos.
This is really starting too get me interested. I get some things are a pain but I am a truck driver I live in a Fraghtliner now lol I do have a " house " I call it a storage shed with a bed lol. But I pay 100$ a month for and well if someone from the Philippines walked in it would remind them of home lol but it duse what I need it to do. Most of my $$ I am investigating my budget is about 1000$ a month now ( except food darn truck stop roller dogs lol ) phone, electric ,gas and insurance for my car, rent, health insurance. But I am home only a day and a half a week. So your saying I can live in a house I can be sleeping in my bed every night has running water and a inside bath room for 1500$ not sounding too shabby lol.
My retirement goals: to be able to take photos and be left alone. Yes to me living in a stick house back in the Boones, only whereing my underpants and having a dog as a friend sounds nice, I don't think I would last too long above ground lol. But I keep hearing you guys talk about citys I HATE citys. I see all the TH-cam videos about South East Asia there all about the citys, a lot about hookers too REALLY REALLY not intersted. ( yep Pattaya Thailand is WAY WAY WAY off the list ) so I would be looking for something between back in the vill and a big city.
I like your frugality - there are lots of benefits apart from not overspending. A minimalist lifestyle is more mentally healthy and gives a great sense of freedom.
Since you are calculating your daily budget by the number of weeks in the month, it changes each month. If I were you, I would do it a bit differently. I would tell myself that I have 12K USD for the whole year of 365 days. So - fixed daily budget would be = 12000*50/365= 1644 pesos a day every day.
I'm not planning to move to the Philippines. I spent 3 months there during the reign of Ramos... didn't like it - too many guns. However, I find your conversations very interesting, candid and calming. Look forward to listening to many more. Cheers.
I don't think anybody cares if you don't go to the Philippines....lol. All countries have their own issues but you are your own economy regardless of what goes on with a certain country.
Im 50/50 about retiring in the Philippines , the one thing that would sway me either way would be the noise / Rooster / Karoki / Barking dogs / Parties etc , yes theirs always remote islands and in the hills but that may not be pratical on my budget . Paul if you could do a video on noise that would be great .
Prices on C4?
One of the biggest noise irratations for me is the motorcycles without baffles in the exhaust. Man, it is soooo annoying. On our trips there I make sure my wife never flags a trike that has the loud exhaust.
I'm currently listening (I have no choice ) Karaoke...although I'm in a condo complex in Lahug in Cebu City ,the karaoke is coming from the local community literally yards from where I live.The singing is real bad and at max echo volume every weekend for atleast 8 hrs .So hope this might help.
@@dtourstravels4378 Thanks Dtours Travels .
@@marko651 Actually, you can get accustomed to the roosters. Karaoke, . . . not so much . . .
I know the video is a year old, but I'm just now planning to move there. This video was very insightful and appreciative! I might just start out at Big Rocks for a couple months till I get my bearings and go from there. Like you, I'll start getting my ss check this Nov 2023 and I'll have the sale of my house, furnishings and car that are paid for go into the bank. I may just end up in your neck of the woods! Thanks again for the great videos!!
thanks Paul. I real appreciate your honest, concise talk. No need for a teleprompter. LGB
Much appreciated
Good baseline stuff. I find it useful, thanks.
Paul, as usual a very good, clean and informative video. I would make sure that you stress a bit more the fact that where you live and by what standards make a huge difference. My retirement income is far more, yet we certainly use it. We live in a city ( Angeles City ) with a very large ex pat population , hundreds of restaurants and dozens of them are VERY good. We own a vehicle, we own a two bedroom two bath condo here. Our lifestyle is not MUCH different than it was in the states.We pretty much do what we want when we want. Without going into detail for the sake of brevity, our budget is about 6k USD a month. We very rarely spend it all. I think the most important part of your video is far over looked. CASH is king. Watching that money go from your hand to someone else.....makes you think twice. Great VID, take care.
Dr.Dementia State of Survival, I don't think you fall in the target audience of this particular video by Paul. I love Paul's videos by the way. A TH-cam Vlogger named "Where Else Philippines" has a video on monthly living expenses, just like this one by Paul, that may be more in line with your income level. I found that video quite informative as well.
a very honest assessment I must say. I've lived in Dumaguete many times four months at a time, double your assessment by 2x if you have a spouse or a lady friend
PAUL MADE IT...
YOU ALL CAN TOO :)
I'm going to see the house my wife built me in very rural province of Bohol. Nearest town Sagbayan is 16km away. My SS check will be about $2k USD, so I should be ok. No rent, big Aircon bill though. It's a big house with a 3 hp comercial aircon in the main living space. We have a good well. PLDT is $20 per month. All in all I think I can do ok. My favorite entertainment is just go to town in the evening, drink San Miguel from sari-sari and eat some street food. I guess trike or habal-habal will be a real bill. Thank you for the good information in your video Sir!
I am all set to get there once it opens. I will have about 30 to 40k in savings with a monthly budget of around $3200 USD per month. For the moment I will likely be looking to live on Luzon, a bit south of Manila (near Batangas )just because I need to be close to the VA hospital there at the start. Need at least that lifeline in case anything goes wrong, before I venture out more. So I hope with all the budget videos I have seen, it is enough for a decent life there. I will be 45 when I arrive and not hard into the nightlife, just want to relax and enjoy my time.
Drake, I trust you know that they will only treat your SERVICE CONNECTED condition. Unfortunately, they will not treat other conditions that a vet (with a service-connected disability) might have.
That should be fine. I live in Makati for under $2000 a month not including the condo I bought. I also have a housekeeper and I like eating at restaurants.
@@donbarnett1553 Thanks for the info, I have heard that before. My current condition is service related so its all I need it for. I will visit civilian hospitals for other needs probably.
@@manilamartin1001 Great! Then things should be fine. Now I just play the waiting game.
@@francisdrake6320 yes. I have a couple of friends waiting for the tourist visas to allow them. They are first timers from LA CA.
Thank you Sir for your brutally honest assessment, your sharing of these incredibly personal details to help others, is incredibly noble. Thank you.
*Well.., if we are sharing budgets, we live on a $2,800/mo SSI check.* We also have rentals bringing in an extra $8,000 a month which we use primarily to help homeless and poor Filipino people ..and my Diving Photography sport. We waited and worked until we were both 69 years old, just so we would not have to live like a hermit or budget crazy feind.
You worked until 69? Ah, that explains your wealth
Hope you get to enjoy many healthy years
Thanks for sharing the information. It’s nice to
see how you are enjoying your “Golden Years.”
Cheers!
Yes, 2100 should be ok to live there. that will be my SSI check in June when I turn 65 and retire. I would love to give it a try and will visit the country early next year when it opens. I want to leave the US for good by early 2023 to The Philippines, Costa Rica or Portugal. I had enough of the US and will not die there
Worth it no doubt!
The right mind set. I hear ya. Take inventory of everything you need on first trip and you will be way ahead of the game.A friend of mine used his connection with shipping and loaded up a. 8ft container and had everything he needed to live for 5 years there he was way ahead of the game then most. Did it on a budget of 10k
I know what you mean Jerald Johnson. I put myself through college by working menial jobs for tuition money ultimately becoming a principal engineer in a global electronic company. I also served in the military. And what I see all around me is now our own people fighting among one another for the sake of petty politics and petty ideology. I call it petty because no party's goals are for mother America to prosper. Everyone wants what they want, regardless whether it's counter to the nation's overall betterment. I am sick of it honestly. Again, this is not a partisan commentary - I haven't seen a single party that's for America. And we are supposed to compete globally and remain at the top! I don't see how, with no long-term planning and goals of the nation. Everything is short-term and for parties to win the next election. No ONE IS FOR AMERICA! I will NOT die being submerged in this infighting.
I have Come to the conclusion as well I will not Last here in the US, never will be Really happy. I want to Go to Philippines and live my life to myself happily
Just watched this...I've been living in Bacolod now for 2 years while working as an online teacher. My wife and I budget 1600 every month and save the rest. As you said, the savings add up quickly.
most filipinos live on a much smaller budget, and they have to work to earn their money, usually on a daily basis, so the money that you and other foreigners spend in the philippines, helps the filipinos make their lives just a little better, especially when you are spending your money locally, so you are a benefit to the local economy. One question, do you tip when you eat out, or for other purposes, and do you include tipping in your monthly budget? Thanks for sharing your monthly budget info. Take Care or Amping (*_*)
Allways tip
The people cooking and serving your food & drink are usually making a few dollars/day . . . Not a few dollars/hour. If you can't afford a tip in this environment, then you certainly can't afford to eat out.
@@roberthoffman4587, good to know, I'm an Aussie, and we don't have tipping here, but when I travel, I always round up by about 10-15% I call it the staff GST... ;) So I guess yes that would be tipping.. but that also depends on the service you get... If I get treated like crap and ignored etc... then I only give them what's on the bill, so the ball is in their court, but saying that, I have travelled a few countries and I have only paid the only the bill a few times...
Tipping is not mandatory in the Philippines. But if you do, it’ll make their day.
I find the budget vlogs amusing. When I was dating my wife she pointed out I was buying 3 packs at 170 PHP of pomelo a day so 500 PHP a day. I was averaging 12,000-15,000 PHP ($300) a month on pomelo. As I said, I don't drink, I don't smoke, I don't gamble.. I spend my money on pomelo :-)
Thank you Paul for the budget overview. You did not mention medical costs. Do you pay for insurance or just self-insure and hope your bank balance will be sufficient?
I do that in Cambodia. I take $15 a day out of my safe for my budget. And I live on $850 a month. I eat at local places and have coffee at the local coffee shop. I'm in the city too. Coffee and breakfast costs me $1.25 for example.
Thanks for the breakdown. It’s very helpful. I am looking for some places for my wife and I to snowbird to in the winter when we retire. Do you see a lot of couples doing this or mostly single guys looking to meet someone?
This is what I’d like to know. My husband and I are interested, but we only see videos about single men who go there to find a local girl. I’d like to met expat couples that I can have friendships with.
Thx for breaking it down Paul. Very thorough and clear. Nice how you keep it real.
I think it is where you were living in the USA, you were living in Los Vegas which is very expensive to live. I live here in North Carolina in a middle size city and a single person can easily live off of $1,500 per month.
Most of the guys seem to move here to make friends and have a loving companion. So many of my American friends spent their later lives living alone. I was the same.
It's actually really cheap to live in Las Vegas I know I lived there for a few years
Yeah it's true, the homeless population is pretty bad there. And they've created a series of canal housing and cardboard everything underground throughout all the canals and there's quite a few underneath the actual hotels of the casinos and everything.
@@nightbreedradio6124 that doesnt sound sanitary.
@@manilamartin1001 I know. It's really sad to tell u the truth
Informative video. Things r going great for you. If u kick the habit of smoking n switched to dark chocolates (Just like I did)
It will add many more years to anyone’s lifespan.
For coffee; I use a french press and kettle to heat the water. Makes a nice cup of coffee. I'm currently locked out of the Philippines, so living in Thailand waiting to return. This is how I maintain a reasonable coffee budget in both places. I can make one or two cups quickly without using much coffee.
Sounds great!
Nice conversation. I figure when I'm of full retirement age in 2025 I'll make a move somewhere in Asia. Thanks for your help.
Hey Paul my dear friend, once again, an awesome video. You hit the nail on the head brother. My buget will be when I get back to the Philippines $2500 a month, plus set aside some for the (oh Shit happens) expenses. So hopefully, that will work. Of course, that's subject to change like everything else. I prefer to use cash. I will only use cash when I am living there. Me and my soon to be wife will be living in either Santa Cruz Laguna, Mactan Newtown cebu, or in your area of Velencia. Either way, I'm really excited about this move. You have really given me some great points Paul. I definitely appreciate it. I truly have nothing but love and respect for you and Baby Mae. Thank you Paul my dear friend for sharing this awesome video. Please stay safe and healthy, and God bless you and Baby Mae always.😊 😊 😊 ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
This is a great video, somehow found your channel, now watching a bunch of them. This sounds like it would work for me. I am 62, good health, have saved up around 300 k in cash. Thanks for the great videos, something to think about.
Hi Paul. Can you do a guide that explains the different visas, process, costs etc cheers mate
Good Info Thanks. You could make way more impact than just Talking by using a white board & markers while laying out details on How Much you spend on What. That way subs can adjust what it will cost them by adjusting their spends. They can also take a pic of your white board to review each time they think about it. Good work, just a suggestion.
$1500 Social security damn that's good
What a title if this vlog! Money matters not only in the Philippines. Money matters in this world.
The health insurance is the big variable.
Yea and just try getting that after you're 75 years old!
Yeah, according to my research it's a substantial variable lol...
You are correct I married a Thai teacher who is a government employee so I am covered threw her but the insurance is really high once you reach 70 and older!
It's very important not to skimp on medicine that your doctor back in your country prescribed to you. $$$$$ many retirees die early in the Philippines trying to save a buck by not buying
These medications.
Paul good man thanks for sharing useful information
I lived in Duma and Bacolod for 3 years and my budget was $1,500 I dont Drink but I like to buy some western food and my utilities were about 100 per month that includes electric, water and association fees. it was more than enough. we also could take a trip once in a while to Sugar Beach in Sipalay. $1500 is a good number
Paul I truly want to thank you for the clear knowledge that you and baby May have given the TH-cam family about your life in the Philippines. I would live to pay a visit there some day and maybe I would meet me a baby Queen there and live a new beginner life there. Thank you.
Great information, we are flying out this Friday and eventually will be settling down in Subic. Hope to someday meet you.
Please do!
I love the crickets in the background. So relaxing.
Wise advice!! Hahaha!! You can live like local for $300. It depends on what one wants, needs and are willing to do without!! Hahaha!
well alrighty then
If you watched the vid, Paul said exactly that . . . . (Haha ? Bukit Haha?).
It kinda sucks to live like a local if you dont like filipino food. I like dried fish but many foreigners dont. Also many dont like living in a tiny place.
@@paulatudor691 thats impressive. I live in a 400 square foot condo. And still feel cramped sometimes
I never quite understood the point of these videos describing how much is “needed” to live in a particular country. After all, regardless of where you live in the world, and what you think you will “need” to live, you are still going to have to find a way to live on whatever it is that you actually have, be it in Southeast Asia of in your own country. For example if you are retired in the United States and your Social Security is only $1000 a month you are just going to have to figure out how to live on that. But either way it’s a pretty sure bet that you can live cheaper in a country like Thailand or the Philippines than you can in the USA. Of course, not everything is necessarily going to be cheaper. For example, here in the USA I pay $15 a month for unlimited calls and text and 3GB of 5G data a month on my phone and I don’t think I could get a deal like this in Thailand or the Philippines. Also, while I can live on a food budget of $150 a month here in the USA if I need to by cooking all my own meals, making those same dishes in Southeast Asia would cost a lot more. Luckily for me however I love the local food in Thailand where I will be retiring. Also, lets not forget that in your own country if your retirement funds are running short you can always try and get a part time job to supplement you income - something you likely would not be able to do while living in Southeast Asia on a retirement visa.
Popular subject Paul, well done. Most important item is nice Asawa to guide you along , buy proper foods, look after you in general. Takes a while to accept no stock, yes sir means no sir but it's a sunshine life. I'm stuck abroad hoping to get back there soon, winter in UK pretty grim mate.
Are back-up generators expensive, would not want to waste food, etc from fridge/freezer being off. Thanks.
They are expensive, but if you keep the fridge and freezer closed it will be OK until about 24 hours
The hardest thing would be the no air conditioning
Why? you can always go solar. plenty of sunshine. Plus labor is cheap in P.I.