For me, I was only broke a short period of my life between careers years ago when I first went to the Philippines. FYI of course it's possible to live in the Philippines off only your social security, especially if you're with supportive people. In this example in the video I'm using $1400 per month for social security, the average check right now is supposedly around $1980 . I'm not saying that everyone relying on social security NEEDS $50-$100k in savings. Just recommended. If you have emergencys, family, etc. There's many people that had way way less in savings that have done well in retirement there. Budgets are relative depending on the person. Please share your thoughts in the comments on this topic, thanks!!
@@Expat_Philippines People underestimate the problems that may pop up. In the last 40 years there has been a lot of turbulence in Filipino Politics. Do you want to be an active participant during the next event? Over a dozen attempted military coups, peoples power revolution, Islamic and Communist uprisings / rebel groups, natural disasters….Terror attacks. I love the Philippines…But guys need to remember that you will be responsible for yourself in terms of getting out of dodge when things go South. There really isn’’t a savor if things go South or parachute to fall into. That emergency fund is a must have, it’s not just recommended. Do not come to the Philippines broke….Living on 800 dollars a month and a stack of debt in the United States. You want to have enough for medical emergencies…Car Accidents….You also need to think about popping smoke if the need arises, a bag with your documents and the funds for a plane ticket. This applies to your kids in the country and Filipina spouse. Make sure your kids get the documents taken care of so they are American citizens…
I just retired here in the Philippines 2 yrs ago. For a single person I think $2K is the min to live a comfortable and enjoyable life here. But, this does not include for emergencies. You should at least have $100k set aside for that. Also don't rely on social security to get you by. Start an online side hustle, there are so many out there just type in the word and you'll see. Nothing beats earning US$$ while living here. GL
I think this is the first video I have seen from you where You address some of the actual realities of life in the P.I. which I think is important to address just to prevent some guys in the west who watch these vlogs from coming to the Philippines with not enough money or not enough real expectations
I've lived here for several years, and do not think a lot of expats belong here. Sadly, though, they are stuck, so either drink heavily and/or complain. They are trapped in a bad relationship, or have, feel they have, no other alternative than to tough it out, so they complain to blow off steam. That being said, even under the best of circumstances, existence here can be quite difficult. It sometimes boggle my mind that they do not explore other alternative countries first. The only thing I can tell is that they get hooked by a filipina in a LDR, and are led down the primrose path of false promises for a better life.
💯 Cap!! As a Filipino, I always wonder why Westerners move here just because of economic reasons, a lower cost of living WITHOUT HAVING NO CONCERN about the Filipino culture and people. These are usually the close-minded people who ends up complaining a lot, cannot adapt to the PH lifestyle, brings in a lot of negativity and goes around social media and talk about how 'crappy" the infrastructure is. Isnt that st*pid to think of moving to a less developed country for the low cost, and expect first class amenities ans services!? As you say, DO IT FOR THE RIGHT REASONS! And again, its the same thing as foreigners keep on getting scammed despite of all the warnings. Guys, all you need to do is USE YOUR HEADS. Seriously....
I'm so glad you understand the point and message of this video. There might be push back from some of my country men who disagree because they're fixated on the money aspect of the reasoning...
agree 100 % some foreigners leave their country for economic reasons and others looking for girls here without learning about the culture all they know is how to complain if you have no choice you have no right to complain or better stay in your country Philippines is not even cheap anymore the costs of living here are getting higher
I lived in the Philippines for 14 months. Its a cesspool. Much better places in the world that has a better quality of life for what the costs are in the Philippines
Thank you for your honesty. I hope you don't get attacked for this comment. A good partner here is worth her weight in gold. Otherwise, many other countries to choose from. Also, you did the right thing, giving the Philippines a test drive first.
There's plenty of nice places in the Philippines if you know what you're doing and have good people around you. There is plenty of different living options as well. Let's not exaggerate negativity.
@@Expat_Philippines True, we finally found a good place, but coming here 'cold' and having to do it by trial and error without anyone to guide or help you can be exceedingly difficult, especially if your not well traveled, or do not have more than one way to transfer money (you'd be surprised how many rely solely on an ATM card). Don't know about you, but would not recommend any retiree such as that coming here without a guide or helper (good people as you say). Admittedly, I had to rely on my partner a LOT to navigate the 'potholes' so to speak. Also, the Philippines is not the only game in town, and another country might be a better fit.
@@kennethedwards1677 Yes coming here took 2 tries. The first time had to return home because a bad tenant ruined my home, and my once best friend screwed me. The second go round is MUCH better now. Lucky for my credit cards when my transfer service refused to send more funds. So many gotchas you won't know until you've lived here awhile.
You are right that you should have a passive income of around $2000 a month and at least $20,000 in savings before going to the Philippines, but if you only have a passive income of $1500 and $10,000 in savings and you are miserable and lonely in your life then start planning your trip. Book a flight months in the future this will save you can money on the ticket, and gives yourself time to bank more money and learn as much as you can about the country before you leave and most importantly, wait until you actually get there before you go on dating sites and try to meet someone. If you want to go on dating sites once you are in the Philippines, then go for it, but dating sites are where the scammers live. There are good women on dating sites , but you need knowledge or you will end up in a bad situation, It is extremely easy to meet a woman in person once you get there.
You've probably crossed paths with the vlogger called Pinoy Trucker on the long and winding roads. Hope you also add some trucker experience in your videos in between Philippine/expat experience content.
Money will not slow or stop the culture that more than likely will crush you if you're not realistic and practical about the environment to which you have deployed yourself. You will realize what it means when it's all up to you to make it work and you aren't ready for it. You must make room for the changes that come out of nowhere at any time, usually the worst. It is not easy, a lot of people fail after putting all their eggs in one basket. High learning curve ahead, beware.
I'm fortunate to be in a good position in recent years and have many options...Many men can fail miserably out in the Philippines if they are not careful, especially older retirees.
It's very difficult, especially of many elderly retirees. If it really cost 2-3 times as much to live with a female partner in this 3rd world environment than in a developed country, something's not right. Time, then, to reconsider your options.
Just like everywhere else, sure it's not easy with a limited budget, but even with a good budget a big factor is the lifestyle. A lot of us are guilty and I'm not even from the west. A lot of things that we have, that we buy, we don't really need. And we spend on things that are not as important
Me and my husband both retired in Social Security. He is also retired in the Military. Both of us are receiving insurance from our company. We don’t have kids and my family in the Philippines advised us to go back home for good as our income is enough to get two maids and a house boy. I have a property where we can construct a house. Don’t go to Asia if you are not retired in Social Security yet.
I live in a remote part of the Philippines with very little infrastructure, very similar to my way of living in the USA. The difference in cost between my remote Texas home cost of living and my Phils remote home cost of living is in the thousands of dollars. But, if people want to believe the cost of living does not matter or make life more relaxed, go for it!!! 😂
A lot of the vloggers are spending more than they say they are, they never tell you their income and how much is saved at the end of the month after paying bills. They are selling a story that people want to hear just so they can get more clicks and therefore more money from TH-cam. I want to discourage people from moving to the Philippines if they are unprepared, come visit, come enjoy, go home and make plans and have a backup before moving to the Philippines.
Some are spending more when they don't need to, or are in a more expensive location. It's not easy to do comparative shopping here in the Philippines, and accurate info can be difficult to come by. Not knowing specifics, you're just guessing at their budgets. However, no way a developing or 3rd world country should cost more than a developing one. If so, it is a very bad bargain. I suspect some guys are just embarrassed to admit how much their lady, kids, and extended family are costing them, though I could be wrong 🙂
You're saying I can't live in the Philippines for $800 a month but I've been living in America on 800 a month for 50 years😅 with that said tell me what the average Filipina is living on all those poor people I'd be like a rich guy with $800 a month hanging in a hammock on the beach somewhere or fishing Village I'd be feeding the people rice and they'd be feeding me fish and coconuts Philippines here I come
@@Expat_Philippines some of us conquered the world on peanuts I never had a bank loan in my life raise the wife and four kids on the properties built houses log cabins of course everything is going up so damn High it's definitely getting harder and with World War III coming in nuclear Holocaust Jesus coming and the tribulation the Antichrist that isn't helping anything except the coming of the Lord is - my friend
I call BS. No way you can live on $800 a month in the states without government assistance. How do you pay for healthcare, housing, vehicle registration, day to day expenses?
@@ellvtv2314 do you know how many people are living on $800 or less in the USA Millions on social security or part-time jobs:-) I'm a mountain man:-) I own everything I've got because I'm a mountain man I own my house I own my cars and trucks and boats and four wheelers in my Indian motorcycle in my guns my hunting equipment my tools in my blacksmith shop! PS I've never had a bank loan in my life and I never had any help my old man was a gangster there were seven of us kids I went to 15 schools across the USA and learn to fight at an early age I hated society and wanted nothing to do with it so I stayed off grid but I also bought land and build homesteads in different places like Arkansas Backwoods Ozarks Homestead and built a big two-story log cabins in Wisconsin also moved to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan Wilderness in homesteading and built the cabin trying to stay away from people like you
The point wasn't really so much about a specific money amount either...$800 a month in the u.s would likely be some kind of shared situation I'd imagine...
Simple, if you are poor Americans, like ordinary employee don't wish to go the Philippines and spend your hard earned money. Poor Americans keep stay in your place, dont move. 😅😅😅
Look you're popping my bubble I lived in the United States raise the wife and four kids on peanuts never had a bank loan in my life why can't I go to the Philippines where the dollar stretches further and do better if I can live in America on $800 a month and save money and hold down a homestead I think I'll just go to the Philippines and pretend like I'm broke I'm getting tired of trying to explain it can live in America on $800 but can't in the Philippines is what you're saying
You can , just be careful and smart with your money. I pinned a comment...My only advice is not to do it simply for the money. Does that make sense in the video?
It's possible, but difficult. For a single guy without others to support, that is ample for a modest lifestyle. However, if that only covers your BASIC OPERATING EXPENSES, then you will need some savings for potential emergencies and start up costs.
@@Expat_Philippines Poverty sucks everywhere. It's not the the physical aspect, but the psychological as well. I'd tend to think the struggles of homelessness anywhere would be more similar than different. While the poor are more poor here, they don't have to survive the bone chilling cold that some in the USA do.
![ทุกครั้งที่หลับตา (Lucid Dream) - AYLA's [ Official MV ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/4i1OBAQyv58/mqdefault.jpg)
For me, I was only broke a short period of my life between careers years ago when I first went to the Philippines. FYI of course it's possible to live in the Philippines off only your social security, especially if you're with supportive people. In this example in the video I'm using $1400 per month for social security, the average check right now is supposedly around $1980 . I'm not saying that everyone relying on social security NEEDS $50-$100k in savings. Just recommended. If you have emergencys, family, etc. There's many people that had way way less in savings that have done well in retirement there. Budgets are relative depending on the person. Please share your thoughts in the comments on this topic, thanks!!
@@Expat_Philippines People underestimate the problems that may pop up. In the last 40 years there has been a lot of turbulence in Filipino Politics. Do you want to be an active participant during the next event? Over a dozen attempted military coups, peoples power revolution, Islamic and Communist uprisings / rebel groups, natural disasters….Terror attacks. I love the Philippines…But guys need to remember that you will be responsible for yourself in terms of getting out of dodge when things go South. There really isn’’t a savor if things go South or parachute to fall into. That emergency fund is a must have, it’s not just recommended. Do not come to the Philippines broke….Living on 800 dollars a month and a stack of debt in the United States. You want to have enough for medical emergencies…Car Accidents….You also need to think about popping smoke if the need arises, a bag with your documents and the funds for a plane ticket. This applies to your kids in the country and Filipina spouse. Make sure your kids get the documents taken care of so they are American citizens…
I just retired here in the Philippines 2 yrs ago. For a single person I think $2K is the min to live a comfortable and enjoyable life here. But, this does not include for emergencies. You should at least have $100k set aside for that. Also don't rely on social security to get you by. Start an online side hustle, there are so many out there just type in the word and you'll see. Nothing beats earning US$$ while living here. GL
good insight.. having money makes life easier.. less stressful..
I think this is the first video I have seen from you where You address some of the actual realities of life in the P.I. which I think is important to address just to prevent some guys in the west who watch these vlogs from coming to the Philippines with not enough money or not enough real expectations
I've lived here for several years, and do not think a lot of expats belong here. Sadly, though, they are stuck, so either drink heavily and/or complain. They are trapped in a bad relationship, or have, feel they have, no other alternative than to tough it out, so they complain to blow off steam. That being said, even under the best of circumstances, existence here can be quite difficult. It sometimes boggle my mind that they do not explore other alternative countries first. The only thing I can tell is that they get hooked by a filipina in a LDR, and are led down the primrose path of false promises for a better life.
💯 Cap!! As a Filipino, I always wonder why Westerners move here just because of economic reasons, a lower cost of living WITHOUT HAVING NO CONCERN about the Filipino culture and people. These are usually the close-minded people who ends up complaining a lot, cannot adapt to the PH lifestyle, brings in a lot of negativity and goes around social media and talk about how 'crappy" the infrastructure is. Isnt that st*pid to think of moving to a less developed country for the low cost, and expect first class amenities ans services!?
As you say, DO IT FOR THE RIGHT REASONS!
And again, its the same thing as foreigners keep on getting scammed despite of all the warnings. Guys, all you need to do is USE YOUR HEADS. Seriously....
I'm so glad you understand the point and message of this video. There might be push back from some of my country men who disagree because they're fixated on the money aspect of the reasoning...
@@Expat_Philippines YOU GET US. You get our mindset, our way of thinking, our values, our toxicity -- the good and the bad. You get it.
ABSOLUTELY
💯
agree 100 % some foreigners leave their country for economic reasons and others looking for girls here without learning about the culture all they know is how to complain if you have no choice you have no right to complain or better stay in your country Philippines is not even cheap anymore the costs of living here are getting higher
I lived in the Philippines for 14 months. Its a cesspool. Much better places in the world that has a better quality of life for what the costs are in the Philippines
Thank you for your honesty. I hope you don't get attacked for this comment. A good partner here is worth her weight in gold. Otherwise, many other countries to choose from. Also, you did the right thing, giving the Philippines a test drive first.
There's plenty of nice places in the Philippines if you know what you're doing and have good people around you. There is plenty of different living options as well. Let's not exaggerate negativity.
@@Expat_Philippines True, we finally found a good place, but coming here 'cold' and having to do it by trial and error without anyone to guide or help you can be exceedingly difficult, especially if your not well traveled, or do not have more than one way to transfer money (you'd be surprised how many rely solely on an ATM card). Don't know about you, but would not recommend any retiree such as that coming here without a guide or helper (good people as you say). Admittedly, I had to rely on my partner a LOT to navigate the 'potholes' so to speak. Also, the Philippines is not the only game in town, and another country might be a better fit.
@@kennethedwards1677 Yes coming here took 2 tries. The first time had to return home because a bad tenant ruined my home, and my once best friend screwed me. The second go round is MUCH better now. Lucky for my credit cards when my transfer service refused to send more funds. So many gotchas you won't know until you've lived here awhile.
I'm living in the Philippines for the next 7 months, I'm saving allot of money so when I go home I'll be debt free.
You are right that you should have a passive income of around $2000 a month and at least $20,000 in savings before going to the Philippines, but if you only have a passive income of $1500 and $10,000 in savings and you are miserable and lonely in your life then start planning your trip. Book a flight months in the future this will save you can money on the ticket, and gives yourself time to bank more money and learn as much as you can about the country before you leave and most importantly, wait until you actually get there before you go on dating sites and try to meet someone. If you want to go on dating sites once you are in the Philippines, then go for it, but dating sites are where the scammers live. There are good women on dating sites , but you need knowledge or you will end up in a bad situation, It is extremely easy to meet a woman in person once you get there.
You've probably crossed paths with the vlogger called Pinoy Trucker on the long and winding roads. Hope you also add some trucker experience in your videos in between Philippine/expat experience content.
Appreciate that sentiment. I'm incorporating some but have been thinking about adding more trucking lifestyle stuff. Thanks for your interest 👍
Money will not slow or stop the culture that more than likely will crush you if you're not realistic and practical about the environment to which you have deployed yourself. You will realize what it means when it's all up to you to make it work and you aren't ready for it. You must make room for the changes that come out of nowhere at any time, usually the worst. It is not easy, a lot of people fail after putting all their eggs in one basket. High learning curve ahead, beware.
I'm fortunate to be in a good position in recent years and have many options...Many men can fail miserably out in the Philippines if they are not careful, especially older retirees.
It's very difficult, especially of many elderly retirees. If it really cost 2-3 times as much to live with a female partner in this 3rd world environment than in a developed country, something's not right. Time, then, to reconsider your options.
Just like everywhere else, sure it's not easy with a limited budget, but even with a good budget a big factor is the lifestyle.
A lot of us are guilty and I'm not even from the west. A lot of things that we have, that we buy, we don't really need. And we spend on things that are not as important
Me and my husband both retired in Social Security. He is also retired in the Military. Both of us are receiving insurance from our company. We don’t have kids and my family in the Philippines advised us to go back home for good as our income is enough to get two maids and a house boy. I have a property where we can construct a house. Don’t go to Asia if you are not retired in Social Security yet.
I live in a remote part of the Philippines with very little infrastructure, very similar to my way of living in the USA. The difference in cost between my remote Texas home cost of living and my Phils remote home cost of living is in the thousands of dollars. But, if people want to believe the cost of living does not matter or make life more relaxed, go for it!!! 😂
You may be mis understanding the points and sentiments of some of my videos...
It depends on how you spend money.
Those Filipina ladies and her family are very costly, beware!!!
Very good video as usually.If I was to concentrate on Luzon,what is your fav city/area on Luzon? Thx u!
Lol sometimes watch your vedio.very interested.may God bless you.
Just found this channel. Interesting. Video must be recorded at 'home'; all them Semi's in the background.
Thanks! No I'm on a freeway rest area on this episode...
@@Expat_Philippines Kinda meant in the States! Subscribed with the ringy dingy on.
Facts!
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the video...
A lot of the vloggers are spending more than they say they are, they never tell you their income and how much is saved at the end of the month after paying bills. They are selling a story that people want to hear just so they can get more clicks and therefore more money from TH-cam. I want to discourage people from moving to the Philippines if they are unprepared, come visit, come enjoy, go home and make plans and have a backup before moving to the Philippines.
Some of the Vloggers exist in their own reality.
Great advice, thank you.
Amen reverend😊
1500-3000 is a good range…the 800 dollar month is insanity. 2000-2500 usd is where I would want to be.
Some are spending more when they don't need to, or are in a more expensive location. It's not easy to do comparative shopping here in the Philippines, and accurate info can be difficult to come by. Not knowing specifics, you're just guessing at their budgets. However, no way a developing or 3rd world country should cost more than a developing one. If so, it is a very bad bargain. I suspect some guys are just embarrassed to admit how much their lady, kids, and extended family are costing them, though I could be wrong 🙂
Nice view Capt Trucker.
Thanks, I was very disheveled and fatigued from work 😬. Appreciate your support 🙏
Indeed
Great video...
Thanks 👍
You're saying I can't live in the Philippines for $800 a month but I've been living in America on 800 a month for 50 years😅 with that said tell me what the average Filipina is living on all those poor people I'd be like a rich guy with $800 a month hanging in a hammock on the beach somewhere or fishing Village I'd be feeding the people rice and they'd be feeding me fish and coconuts Philippines here I come
Yea it's doable. I'm just saying some people should have the right expectations. It is good to have savings to...
@@Expat_Philippines some of us conquered the world on peanuts I never had a bank loan in my life raise the wife and four kids on the properties built houses log cabins of course everything is going up so damn High it's definitely getting harder and with World War III coming in nuclear Holocaust Jesus coming and the tribulation the Antichrist that isn't helping anything except the coming of the Lord is - my friend
I call BS. No way you can live on $800 a month in the states without government assistance. How do you pay for healthcare, housing, vehicle registration, day to day expenses?
@@ellvtv2314 do you know how many people are living on $800 or less in the USA Millions on social security or part-time jobs:-) I'm a mountain man:-) I own everything I've got because I'm a mountain man I own my house I own my cars and trucks and boats and four wheelers in my Indian motorcycle in my guns my hunting equipment my tools in my blacksmith shop! PS I've never had a bank loan in my life and I never had any help my old man was a gangster there were seven of us kids I went to 15 schools across the USA and learn to fight at an early age I hated society and wanted nothing to do with it so I stayed off grid but I also bought land and build homesteads in different places like Arkansas Backwoods Ozarks Homestead and built a big two-story log cabins in Wisconsin also moved to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan Wilderness in homesteading and built the cabin trying to stay away from people like you
The point wasn't really so much about a specific money amount either...$800 a month in the u.s would likely be some kind of shared situation I'd imagine...
Watching
Simple, if you are poor Americans, like ordinary employee don't wish to go the Philippines and spend your hard earned money. Poor Americans keep stay in your place, dont move. 😅😅😅
Look you're popping my bubble I lived in the United States raise the wife and four kids on peanuts never had a bank loan in my life why can't I go to the Philippines where the dollar stretches further and do better if I can live in America on $800 a month and save money and hold down a homestead I think I'll just go to the Philippines and pretend like I'm broke I'm getting tired of trying to explain it can live in America on $800 but can't in the Philippines is what you're saying
You can , just be careful and smart with your money. I pinned a comment...My only advice is not to do it simply for the money. Does that make sense in the video?
It's possible, but difficult. For a single guy without others to support, that is ample for a modest lifestyle. However, if that only covers your BASIC OPERATING EXPENSES, then you will need some savings for potential emergencies and start up costs.
Hot out there today down in the Tallahassee homegrown!
$3,200 minimum
Hey captain
try live in sf
I did stay up in the bay area for about 6 years...
You really think the conditions of the homeless in San Francisco are comparable to the struggles of poverty in the Philippines?
@@Expat_Philippines Poverty sucks everywhere. It's not the the physical aspect, but the psychological as well. I'd tend to think the struggles of homelessness anywhere would be more similar than different. While the poor are more poor here, they don't have to survive the bone chilling cold that some in the USA do.
People are stupid if they think they can live in the Philippines n some other Asian country if your budget is 500$only.
america for worker and pay taxes. pi for fun
That's a good sentiment for some!
When you talk snout post people in the Philippines what about the poor people in America lol
There's certainly plenty in America... I'd say the medical, housing, free food services are not comparable tho...