Can You REALLY Live Comfortably on Social Security in 2024?
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- Опубліковано 17 жов 2024
- Can Older Single Men Survive in America?@paulinthephilippinesolddog9234 With Inflation up Drastically, Family Issues and Political divide running at an all time high, how do older or elderly men hope to make ends meet ?
I Spent 30 Days Living as an Older Single Man in America Here's What Happened
Excellent guest. Excellent content. Looking at the responses declaring how inexpensive the US is shows how much denial there is. Insurance will double, triple in coming years. In San Francisco add 30-50% to the guests expenses., The other shoe to drop will be increased taxes coming. All my contemporaries in the US are stressed about rapid increases in every day expenses. I left the rat race and am now a SE Asian slow traveler. Best choice ever.
@@koufax174 🤮🤮🤮puke, sickness🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮
@@koufax174 Preach it much respect 🙏 I'm on my way 2 years if the creek don't rise on me.
@@koufax174 living a great life on less than 80k a year. 2k house payments. 25k+ a year into retirement fund.
I retired last year at 62 and got the hell out of the USA. I ran the numbers many times and concluded that there was no way I could afford to stay there when i retired. I moved to Thailand and rent a 1 bedroom condo walking distance to the beach, restaurants, bars, and shops. All in, I am able to enjoy a good life for about $1400usd. I'm able to travel in SE Asia every few months and take a trip back to the USA once a year and only live off of my social security. The only regret that I have is that I wish I could have done it sooner!
I agree 100% as I moved this year after traveling for last couple of years to Philippines and it has changed so fast and on a major downhill slope financially, mentally and nothing seems to give ANY encouragement that USA can ever be restored.. I go back to US every couple 3-6 months for my rental business and seriously considering selling my properties as i realize most will Never own a property let alone like i own over a dozen and it used to be almost 3 dozen as my kids will never be able to get to my status.
I retired 10 years ago but saw one day that for a retired person health care would destroy me financially. I left the states, and moved to Latin America. I live in a 500k-sized city in Colombia (not telling where 😂). I pay $35/month for health care and I have a three bedroom home ($500) and spend about $250/month on food. Add entertainment and I can live very comfortably on $1000/month. I only use a portion of my
Pension but if I was still living in the states I would need a part time job just to survive. Even I did not anticipate how bad things would get from a cost standpoint. Even though California is really expensive, it is not cheap anywhere now. The thing I see as people move to Colombia is they don’t last due to the language barrier. Most are gone within two years. But as things continue to get worse, I do not see many options for those who are trying to
Live on a fixed income.
Hyperinflation is lowering the standard of living in America. With corporations out sourcing jobs for the last 50 years America is in decline! America will have to except and deserves to live like the rest of the world.
Hi Phil, sounds like you made a great choice. I'm 55 years old and have been semi-retired for 3 years now. I love SE Asia and have been there many times and I have no reason to stay in Canada. Where in Thailand are you living? What visa are you on? Tourist visa, retirement visa, etc? How often do you have to do a visa run?
@@GBU61 Sounds like you set yourself up well! I'm 55 years old and got my permanent resident card for Mexico this year. The problem with Mexico was the price shock I got from when I was there just 4 years ago. Everything is up 50%. So between the inflation and the language barrier I am leaning towards the Philippines. Plus, the cheap and short travel between SE Asian countries is a nice option you don't get living in Latin America. Colombia is a popular destination for Canadians and Americans, I'm glad you hear you got there before the masses.
I pay USD$298.20 per month for a new 3 bedroom house 10 minutes from the beach in Thailand. 2 days ago we went to a beach side restaurant. We had Burger and fries, a local Thai dish of pork on rice, 2 smoothies, one bottle of water, a hot coffee with milk, three scoops of ice-cream in a glass bowl and the use of Two recliners on the sand for... get this USD$13.13. I got an ear infection last month, the doctor fee to suck out the fungus and medication came to USD$29.84. Don't come here , Things are great without you guys. Sorry.
Yes, I think we pretty much all know how cheap it is to live in Thailand - me in particular since I lived there for many years myself and have been traveling there for over 35 years now. Still, 99% of Americans would naturally much prefer living in the USA to living in Thailand. Most just see it as a much better place to visit than to live. But if you are one of that one percent who actually prefers living there permanently then that’s great for you because your retirement dollars will definitely go a lot further there. And by the way you are a little late to tell people not to come there. Phuket in particular has already been completely overrun with expats and tourists (including a shit load of Russians) since covid let up.
Stop mentioning where you live or you will surely ‘spoil your nest’ as Paul has already done with Dumaghete. These vloggers and Airbnbs are ruining the world!
@@heimbone1 yeah thanks dirty PAUL
Sorry to disappoint but I will be relocating to Thailand. The cat is out of the bag. Don't worry not many will follow as most people that I tell them what my plan is they think I am crazy. Well I think all my friends that think that I am crazy are crazy to keep working and not retire early.
@@kenbeck6779yes Thailand seems very appealing but the language barrier will dissuade many fortunately as it’s so difficult to learn. I’m currently having two hours of private lessons a week, it’s frying my brain but I’ll keep going.
Wow! Nothing has made me more glad that I came here than when I watched this video.
Of course, I was doing "OK" when I was in the US (came here January of this year), but I had no social life, and was living paycheck to paycheck (social security/pensions). $2,100/mo for my apartment, and all the other expenses associated with living in the US. Like Ali, probably the first channel I watched was yours.
Here, I'm socking away 50% more than my monthly budget and have a new car that I paid cash for. I'm taking care of my health, and living well, if not large.
I could not live like this in the US, and I have found a veritable unicorn of a woman only 15 years my junior (I'm 69). I'm on my "last good decade", and am happy for the first time in years. Truly happy.
I’m a retired cop, and now I’m living in my Truck!!!🤯. The homelessness in America is outrageous & getting worse!!!????
Actually, the statistics show that the homeless rate in the USA is within a few percentage points of where it was 20 years ago. There has been no drastic increase since then but because it is played up in the news and social media so much, people have the perception of it being much worse than it is. In any case I am sorry that you have to live in a car. I had to live in a car for a while back in the early 80’s so I know what that is like. That being said however, since I moved back to California from Thailand last year I am doing just fine even though between my retirement income and a part time job I only make the equivalent of what a full time minimum wage employee would make a month here. In fact, I can actually get by better on minimum wage today than I did back in the 80’s and this is primarily because I’m better and budgeting and my whole attitude towards money has changed. By the way, I paid $5000 cash for my current car and it looks great and runs great and is very reliable and fuel-efficient.
I’m retired LE as well. Come to the Philippines and get the quality of life you deserve. We spent our best years serving others. Now it’s time to serve yourself and live a life you deserve. There’s many of us retired cops here. Take care
@@John-d5k7c republicans imposed WEP, and Government Pension Offset on dedicated public servants, notably police and firefighters!
Reagan taxed social security first, then slick Willie made it worse!
@John-d5k7c: it's karma for jailing and harassing people in your line of work 🐽🐽😅
@@SLOBeachboybullcrap. 20 years ago you didn’t see all these people living in tents and cars. Stop looking up stats on political websites and look for yourself.
Despite where you go or what the financial climate is, you always must live within your means
Exactly.
@@AussieTonythemexicani have a very good monthly income but all is still sky high doesnt stop that fact
99% of expat Tubers out of PH live SS check to check. Their check amount defines how much they spend. Few have any money saved for medical. Healthy 60's is not the same cost as 80's.
@waterbug1135 yeah, I don't think they are financial gurus.
Spot on Brother. Decades ago, while attending College, I made a pact with myself to to live well below my means. As I received raises over the years at my job, I kept my lifestyle the same, which meant I was now living a lifestyle BELOW my net pay! Choosing not to marry was a plus, because IMO, american women are materialistic beyond the pale. Retired at 61 and am living a level of freedom that can't be articulated, it has to be lived to be fully understood and apppreciated.
Fantastic episode. Always a treat to hear from Oli. God Bless you both and your families.
I tune in when Oli is a guest. Great information shared , very detailed and entertaining. Another Great video from Paul the man!
You can find cost of living easily 50% less in most of the USA, but you must move from California.
People don't like going without these days
Yeah, California isn't a good place to compare with
There’s some affordable areas in California but it’s far from the big cities.
@@Once800-taxes, insurance and power cost will still get you! Better to escape this state!
Oli is a great guest. He's a pro at information dissemination now. Thanks to you both for not gatekeeping the wisdom and experience you both have.
Paul, this is a very wise exchange of knowledge
It is a huge distortion to use the cost of living in three California populated cities with living anywhere in America. Let's be real here. Smh
Not to say it isn't bad everywhere. Just not nearly as bad as his examples. Otherwise by his example anyone with less than $140,000.00 yearly income would be homeless sick and starving to death. That income is a luxury lifestyle in most of the USA . I just get sick of the distortions. It's fine and good to discuss these matters but counterproductive when you leave out so many other comparisons as is being done in this video. I love my country. USA
I've seen similar issues in multiple states before going to the PI in August of this year. The insurance issue in CA and FL is no joke. People are getting wiped out by natural disasters, as well as excessive medical bills.
True. Comparing California to Dumaguete is a little bit of a stretch 😂
just cut those numbers in half its just reality in other states 4k a month is nothing in usa
@ccjohncc1 It what the youtubers do to get clicks and responses. Sad though.
Paul this video is Golden.l watched it twice. Oli really knows his business is he a financial analyst. Now this video has got me seriously thinking thanks guys bravo.😊🎉
Very good explanation about the economy by your friend! Great video. Most people don't understand these rather simple calculations and dependencies. 😊
@Mick Most people don't care to self-inform themselves about how "things" work and expect the country to take care of them and then they "wake up" at 62.
Thank you, fellas very eye-opening appreciate all your input
This man speaks the truth. Forget the good old days. Welcome to the new World.
Yeah I miss the good old days when old age expectancy was early 50's.
Where you could catch up with friends as you waited in a bread line.
When 3-4 people shared a room with you in companionship.
Ahhhh the good old days
I maintain a household in the Philippines and in Arkansas. The prices are affordable in Arkansas, it cost about the same in Arkansas and the Philippines to live because I own my home in Arkansas and have to pay rent in the Philippines. It's not cost savings as why I am in the Philippines, it is because as an retired divorced man in the USA you are invisible and forgotten.
Health care is surely still much cheaper in the Philippines though.
for sure... I too, went from "The Invisible Man" to someone who routinely engages in great conversations with adults of all ages, and is even appreciated by those same adults. (here in the Philippines).
@@BoydJones For me healthcare in the USA is cheaper because I have both VA and Tricare for Life/Medicare. In the Philippines I don't have full access to this and pay for many things out of pocket. So I am paying for Medicare but it's not usable while I am in the Philippines.
@@BoydJones except it sucks...good luck paying for your own chemotherapy if you get cancer.
@@jamesalias595 at least you know the score since you are retired military. A lot of these people don't realize how bad the health care system is in the Philippines.
One of the best realistic interview on this topic. Thanks Paul and Ali
California has always been super expensive. I live in Texas and you can buy a nice 3 Bed 2 Bath - 1800 sq ft house for $375,000. Everything is getting more expensive, but there are cheaper alternatives than California.
I had a good job in California. Every month was a bit more in debt. Always something. Car repair, health care, child expenses. Now retired living on half pay in a furnished seaview apartment with free WiFi and pool in Thailand. Never, even when single, had so much disposable income.
After what I paid into social security for 50+ years, and what I now receive in retirement benefits, it’s a slap in the FACE! If I didn’t have an alternative plan as well, I couldn’t live in a cardboard box. AND IM DEBT FREE!
Paul needs to open a comedy club in Dumaguete. 🤣🤣🤣 Endless humor regardless of the topic.
"Let's end this on a positive note" ... "I think we need to have a war" ... WHAT? (not my idea of a "positive note").
No world war please. 😢
I am living in Cebu Philippines for about 80K per month for two of us. 80K is almost $1,500. My rent is 8K. My WiFi is 1K. My water in 300 pesos. My electric is 2K (I do not have air conditioner, about 13 pesos per kwh), but I pay 2K to park my car, I pay 2 pesos per km to drive my motorcycle and 15 pesos per km to drive my car. I budget 6K per week for food and that includes drinking water for two of us and about a third of that 6K budget gets to extended family. Yesterday, I bought a whopper for 206 pesos. No soda and no fries. My wife passed away and I remarried here. Being 72, I do not do that much here. You do need six months income for an emergency, say medical self insurance. I think there is more freedom in the Philippines flying under the radar than living in the US with its automated government in place. The cost of freedom, and depending on what you want for freedom, is that cost to just comfortably live and that for me is roughly 45% of what the cost is in the US. The doctors scare me. The bathrooms are clean. Lots of needy people here. A lot of management systems do not work well. Amazon delivers some products to the Philippines. The import fees will get your attention. The legal system is a façade. I am from Arizona. The humidity was a problem when I first got here ten years ago. I like the weather more now. But no one has robbed me or hurt me.
The problem with this guys perspective, is that he's generalizing "America" by quoting prices in Southern California - the most expensive area in America. There are dozens of other states that are still affordable to live very comfortably. It's like complaining that the Mercedes costs more than the Toyota.
But he's absolutely correct on the divided opinions and the news.
The rent by me for an apartment in Alabama is $925 for a 2 bedroom 1 1/2 bath with walk in closets, balcony, outdoor storage with a community playground, swimming pool, clubhouse etc. The condos in the Philippines are the size of a shoe box!
Since I own my own place I have no Real estate taxes to pay and I set aside $250 per month for repairs. As soon as I would live in the Ph I would lose my health insurance which CAN NOT be replaced at any price in the Ph. I can live in the U.S. cheaper than in the Ph.
I rented a two bedroom condo in Duma thinking I would be able to be comfortable.
The beds took up 90% of the space and the living room kitchen area was the size of an average bedroom back home
I now live a full-time RV van life to travel and enjoy the outdoors now that I am retired. I could rent for cheap in some places, but you need to be willing to live very simply; if you can't do that, you will go broke. I pay cash for all of my medical no insurance. I pay only 20% of the normal bill I would get if I had insurance, you need to work a deal with your doctors for cash and save big time. Left California two years ago. Good luck guys.
I see a lot of RVing videos on YT from America. It's not a life for everybody...but it certainly can be a solution for the high costs of living. And many people do seem to enjoy that lifestyle as well...safe travels!!!
Great update on living in America, thank you.
I went to Connecticut in June. My hotel was about $120/night. It was a decent enough Holiday Inn Express in a safe area. Food at diners, pizza, and mid-range restaurants was in the $15-$20 range. My car rental for the week, $900. All about what I expected. These are tourist expenses though.
I used to live in El Cerrito, CA and I can relate to the expenses described by his friend in Sacramento. I saw a lot of people on this trip and, to be honest, the mood wasn’t nearly as bad as I was expecting.
I’ve now lived in Thailand almost 8 years.
It's bad here on the East Coast too. But, different locations and states so everything is relevant to your location. Great video, a real eye opener. Thanks
I'm 74 and living in the US all my life. Now - the cost of living is completely unaffordable for millions of Americans already ! Too much greed - corporate and private - so - the average person has been devastated by inflation. I don't see any answers for these severe economic issues ! My SS income - even with low income subsidy allowing 30% for rent - makes survival all that's possible - with food bank access ! - - - I'm about ready to sell my 92 Dodge Dynasty - unload all else - and head for the Philippines !!! Nice enough rentals can actually be had an hour or two from Manila - for 5K to 10K Pesos. This allows a reasonably comfortable thrifty life for about $1000/mo. in many areas yet. - - - Motel 6 in Lexington Ky. - 10/24 - is $70 w/tax -- Big Mac meal is $9.00 w/tax. > Cost of living is still much cheaper in the Philippines - especially outside the big cities !
I'm retired in NY. My house is paid for. Taxes are 350. A month. Electric around $40 month. House ins. $90. Month. I have 7 acres, a 1000' stream on the side of my property. Fruit trees, gardens and 100 blueberry plants. So lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. Tons of deer and turkeys etc. I love it when I hear people complain about how expensive NY is.
I live in Saratoga, Mom lives near Cooperstown. I agree with you 100%. It depends on where you live and the choices that you make. You can live an inexpensive lifestyle here, when you make good choices and understand wants vs needs.
Damn. I should have had the foresight to buy property in New York 30 years ago when I was still in the womb. I was so stupid for not buying property when I was a baby. Teach me more about your ways boomer.
@@LegalAutomation A house near here is selling for $25K. That is less than most new cars. Sure, it is only a 2 bed rooms house, but it is a good starter home. And it is not a trailer home or prefab home. But you have to do the leg work, and stop watching Fox News. Stewarts is offering starting positions at $16.50/hr and management at 80K which allows a person to buy that 25K house. Smart choices becomes the difference.
Needs vs wants, simple! You are the master of your own destiny.
It is getting rough here Paul. I retired October 1st. I'm working on getting my disability retirement and ssdi for my lung issue and and injurious fall I had in April. Hope to meet up with you again in January. Good luck on your health issues. You can see these costs are killing the middle class. My only blessing is retired my medical is $65 and dental is $35 a month vs. $168 when working. Connecticut is an expensive state because they have income tax, even on pension and some of your social security.
What I can’t understand is there is almost 40 million people living in California. I’ve lived in California for 66 years. I’ve worked in 14 states and traveled to many foreign countries. I would not live in any other state or country. I presently live in San Diego county and I’m doing just fine. I can afford to eat at expensive restaurants but I’d rather cook at home. Retired and single and living the dream in San Diego, California.
Agree , 40 million people seem to manage, but not this guy
Well most cant cover
You retired--congrats. The rest of us are paying for it. For now.
So, being still single, what are you 80-85 years young??
Thank you Paul for bringing this important issue to the forefront. Ali is spot on about California. Some families or single individuals are struggling more than others. I am a truck driver and I see the downfall of society’s haves and have nots. I will be 53 years old next year and seriously considering my retirement plan. I could sell all my assets now and retire early to my paid off house in Mexico but have two teenagers at home. Thank you again.
This guy's friend spends $825 a month per used car? $800 a month for utilities and internet? That is just a choice to spend more than necessary. A used 100k mile small SUV in good condition in the Midwest costs 12k. Pay cash for this car and all expenses; gas, liability insurance, registration, repairs and depreciation will be ~$340 per month.
Exactly. That guy is a mechanic at a Ford dealership... he should know better to have car payments.
I agree. I paid $5000 cash for my current car, and it looks and runs great. It also gets great gas mileage as it is a small sporty car and not a monstrously oversized SUV or Pick-up truck.
True. I NEVER buy cards on credit. And until a few months ago I never spent more than one month income on a car, the last car I sold, I bought it for 1.5k and drove it for 5 years. No major issue. Now I am wee comfortable so I spent 20k on a Toyota highlander.
I think one of the big problems today is that people choose to live above their means, on credit.
You're right. 3,000 sq. ft house is too big, IMO. If you look at nice craftsman homes built pre-70's, they're 3 bedroom 2 bath 1,200 s/f. Plenty big enough for small family. I was pretty disgusted at the 3,000 s/f sh*t boxes they built during the R/E bubble from 2002 to 2008. Delayed gratification and saving are anathemas to most Americans.
I love living in the Philippines, Left New York a long time ago. Thanks Paul for another good interview and video,
Hahaha, Paul calling out the .39 cent del taco chicken tacos
It all depends on where you live in the States. Small town Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Missouri, Alabama, Mississippi etc. is still very reasonable to live. Most any coastal city or large inland city will be much more expensive. The Rockies have also become very expensive. BUT - S.E.A. is much more inexpensive than even the most inexpensive Stateside location. To fully take advantage of the lower cost, however, you do need to live like a local.
But if one lives in those areas they must spent lots on "lotion" monthly, because thats all you'll be doing. The women are butt UGLY!
I retired this year and my husband is retired also, We live in New Jersey in a suburb of New York City. Our property taxes are $700 per month and our homeowners insurance is now $2000 per year. No claims.Average older 3 bedroom house I pay about $400 per month for Medicare B, supplemental insurance and prescription plan. My husbands costs are higher. I think our social security raise in 2025 will be about 2 percent because inflation is lower? That is insane. My son pays $2000 per month for an older 1BR apartment. People are very angry in America right now because of migrants being given free apartments, food stamps and free health insurance. People who never worked one day in our country. Those who paid taxes for forty years get very little. We are middle class but are careful about every cost now,
Did you retire before age 62 and pay gap insurance before age 65 until Medicare eligible?
Too bad the bi-partisan border bill was sabotaged by a certain ex president...I guess actually solving the problem, wasn't as important as running a campaign, based on the problem. Do the research and see for yourself.
@tryscience That bill allowed 2,500,000 illegal immigrants to enter the USA. This was being done while people waited in lines for legal immigration. Read the bill. Don't listen to propaganda. In essence, it was legalizing illegal immigration. That my friend is sick after letting in 10+ million illegal immigrants in the first 3 years under Biden. This depressed wages for the poorest people in the USA.
@@tryscience I'll bet that you're a BOT. "Try Science" is a joke. Today it appears that 90+% of "science" is bought and paid for by the group that wants you to eat and breath toxic materials...all with the government's stamp of approval. A government that is run by those lie and want you sick or dead.
That "Bi-partisan border bill" was not designed to limit immigration. It was designed to hire more people to expedite the masses from all over the world and fly them to swing states to be used as slave labor in factories, sex slaves, drug mules...and a lot of nice hard working people. Some countries released prisioners for jail and sent the to the US. = cheap labor, more drugs, more abused minors & women, more violent crime and SUCCESS in destroying western culture. The societies that many people around the world wished they had.
@@RCFSULAW no. Worked till 65.
I don't want to be contrarian, but this all depends on the choices that you make and your location. In NY, not the cheapest state, my mom has a house budget of 12K/yr, and that includes $2500 for heating in the winter, for her house. Her house, is 2000 sq ft 5 br, nothing special, on 57 acres with satellite TV and internet. This budget also includes car insurance and her health care supplemental costs. So, she lives on her SS of $1800/mo. Mom has made some good choices. My house is in a different location, and my expenses are different. I have 1300 car ins/yr, 900 house insurance/yr, electricity/gas 175/mo, home phone/internet 110/mo, cell 45/mo, Health care $610/mo(ACA, 4500 max deductible), land and school taxes at 5000/yr. My house budget is more than mom's, because of where I live and the choices that I have made. My house budget is $23K/yr. Nice house, in nice city was $350K, 2 yrs ago, no mortgage. Where you live and the choices that you make, create the differences. Knowing the wants vs needs becomes very important in today's society. Many people can't tell the difference. Gas here is $3.03/gal and is not high enough to get people out of driving large trucks and suv's
California of course is one of the more expensive states in America, but the middle class are definitely getting squeezed everywhere. Median home price in California is $860,00, in Colorado is $515,00, in Florida is $404,000 in Ohio is $225,000. They pay more in the expensive states so you can survive if you are working and have a good job anywhere, but as soon as you retire, you'll probably move to a cheaper location. But you can expect the Philipines and Thailand to get more expensive as more and more people flee for economic security.
If you can pay off your mortgage before you retire California is really not a bad place to live.
Property taxes do not increase because of Propostion 13 so it is not like Texas or the East Coast where states are screwing residents over with high property tax rate increases.
What has always annoyed me is the people in CA selling their Million Dollar homes and coming to Missouri to buy up our homes for 1/3 the price and banking the 650k. Therefore increasing our home prices. My children and grand children are priced out of the market.
@@olfart7902 What annoyed me was when I was making $100,000 dollars in California that was just breaking even but I got taxed at the same amount that the super rich guy in Alabama who made $100,000 did.
You are right Paul. I live in the midwest and everything is cheaper. But incomes are also lower. And the increase in prices relative to to income have been drastic in the past two decades. Medical expenses can ruin you just as fast here also.
Best episode ever!
I live in Orange County california and just started social security at 62.
I live very comfortably in california the secret is I got married in Philippines 27 years ago and my wife has a good paying job at hospital.
In essence I have a sugar mamma 17 years younger than me.
Thank you Paul and your great friend there to open many American's eyes on the realistic cost of living here in the USA! Although these costs will vary across our country, the FACT is that once many of us retire, we CANNOT afford to live here any longer!
The cost of living here in South Florida is THROUGH THE ROOF too! Thank God my house was paid off before I became disabled as I am surviving ONLY because of this and also having no car payment!
Everything here is outrageous and costly. Just rental prices here in South Florida is DOUBLE of what it was 3 years ago and that is no exaggeration!
Open your mind and STOP living and dreaming in a materialistic and fantasy world people!
You can't compare CA, NYC and several other cities with much of the US. If you live and work in CA your wages are higher also, they are able to afford the expenses.
I was in San Diego in 1989 and stayed with friends. Their single family home cost $275,000 dollars and he was a landscaper and his wife didn't work. The house and lot was equivalent to my neighbors $25,000 - $30,000 house and lot in Wisconsin except the CA house was on a terraced hillside. My house was a duplex.
In the Central Plains area it’s not nearly as bad as California. An $80 hotel isn’t tough to find, and the Quarter Pounder value meal at McD’s is still under $10.
Great video.
I left Texas and moved to Thailand just over 2 years ago.
With all due respect California is not America lol
Sadly America is becoming Kommi-fornia!
I live in North Texas for the past 43 years and the way I see it right now is that when Donald Trump was President I was able to buy a few things a year that I wanted and we won't go into what those things were but the cost was in the $330.00 to $650.00 range and things were pretty good for my wife and I. The past 3 1/2 years I have only been able to buy a couple of things that cost even more and that is it. The cost of living has gone up so much we are finding there is more month than money to make it. We have eaten out only 5 times in the past 4 months and that was really expensive. Our home property taxes have gone up the insurance on the house has gone up, the car insurance has gone up, the utilities have gone up, the price of gasoline has gone up, the cost of groceries has gone up, our income has gone up 4 percent and inflation has gone up 20 to 30% oh I almost forgot our medical cost have also gone up due to both of us have to see the doctor a little more often as we age. Another thing I almost forgot both of us had serious dental problems, My wife had to have dental surgery and $4,400.00 later she has a new dental implant. As for me I got out for only $2,550.00 for my dental work. If the next 4 or 5 years are like the last 3 we will be priced out of our home and probably have to sell one of our two cars which would not be the end of the world but I like having a spare car in case one needs maintenance done on it. When my wife and I got married 46 years ago she had a car and I had a car and a motorcycle. Since then we have always had two cars and I sold the motorcycle as it was just too dangerous here to ride one. I just feel like having two cars is not so much to ask. My wife's SUV is 3 years old and low mileage and my car is 19 years old and high mileage. Something has got to change or America is lost for ever. Everything that is going on now is NOT WORKING!!
Trump must win or the USA will be lost! They are incapable of increasing productivity to lower inflation!
Fabulous Vlog from you guys.Australia is in the same position as America in my view.
Milton Friedman- government spending is the sole cause of overall inflation.
Good video. Everything mentioned is true about America. I visit but always ready to get back to PH.
Hey Paul. Enjoyed your guest. He’s spot on correct!
The problem is renting... they should either move or bought a house. As for health insurance, that sounds weird as Kaiser is an HMO, which should be a copay, and or max out of pocket costs. Is the premiums are that high, they could check Covered California exchange.
They can’t move because their high paying jobs and to qualify for covered California (medi-cal) you have to have under a certain income.
Since my time back here in USA I can really see how people are against each other no common ground anymore .
We recently lived in the Philly for 3 years but moved back to Orange Co, CA to access my MediCare. Although I miss the cheap rent (the only thing cheaper btw) we are enjoying the big beautiful parks, libraries, museums, wide much safer roads, steady wifi, steady electric, drinkable water, lack of rubbish everywhere. Came back in the nick of time as I needed $20,000 worth of medical care. For those considering moving abroad you must consider not having MediCare over there.
Great video Paul and Ollie !!! So you realize Paul, you and Mae are missing the “Meet and Greet” at John’s house??????? I know he’s one of you best friends. The funny thing is all of his guest were not anyone we’ve ever seen on anyone else’s videos. I had to give up my hobby of 65+ years due to the cost of supplies and club dues. Cost before Covid was only $85 per month, 2024 my cost is now over $450 per month!!
Of course my other half informed me this HAD to stop!!!!!!! I blame this on Biden and Harris!!!!!
Since moving to Zamboanguita this month I just chill in my beachfront house with a pool and love life. I want you and Mae to come out for some BBQ and swimming.
Older men can survive just fine in America. Depends on your circumstances and support network. Many factors. The Philippines is beautiful but it is a third world country. The levels of services and competence are a joke. Probably the most frustrating country I have visited. Wait staff will literally forget your order between your table and the kitchen. Happened loads of times during my recent trip. Prospective Expats please please visit before you decide to move over. I cannot stress this enough.
I took the leap in August with no previous visit, and am as happy as a clam. A happy clam, that is. I did well over a year of research first, however before taking the flight.
Good advice
I'm very happy in the Philippines. The things you mentioned are minor inconveniences to me. However ... what you said is also a very important thing for every potential expat to consider. Everyone has different desires. Different limits. Different non-negotiables. Different reasons for wanting to expatriate. I have a friend who nixed the Philippines just because of the trash and non-reliable electricity. Not a big deal for me, but a huge deal for him. Not right or wrong, just different. Like Paul stated ... it is very important that you visit first to see if everything aligns for you.
Exactly. Being old is a poor excuse too. If anything being old should give you an advantage of having saved money alll these years
I was surviving just fine. And, I was miserable. Here, I do much more than just 'survive'. I'm happy. I, also, have found some frustration with the service levels here. But, like anywhere else, if I don't like the service, I simply don't go back. I think you have to do just a little more than 'visit' to get the hang of this place. Enjoy your life, friend.
It's why I live in Florida not California. For those in California this will be helpful for those of us in the rest of the country it does not compute because we don't pay near those prices.
I really appreciate Ali's efforts. Thanks.
Yikes. Great video.
I used to work in San Diego and Los Angeles, then later in Dallas, but moved to middle America about 8 years ago. I loved California and Texas, but there's no way I'd stay in one of those high-cost of living areas as I get older trying to keep up with the Jones's and the ever-increasing cost of living.
If I lived on one of the coasts I'd be looking ASAP for opportunities in other parts of the country where living is cheaper. There's absolutely no way I'd strap myself to a $1.x million dollar mortgage - I'd simply never be able to sleep at night. The couple in the video example could have moved to the Midwest and paid cash for a nice family home, or taken a $100k mortgage on a REALLY nice property.
You can still buy a nice home within a few hours of me in the Midwest for $100k-$300k, depending on if you'd prefer to live in a moderately-sized city like Kansas City or Tulsa, or in a smaller town in Kansas, Oklahoma, or Missouri.
Groceries and utilities have increased, but everything is still relatively affordable within 5-6 hours in any direction, with gas under $3 per gallon. I'm a single adult, live in an average 4BR 3BA family home and I'm doing fine financially.
Having said that, I still hope to one day retire somewhere overseas and build a retirement life that's even better.
Great video Paul it was a sober reminder of what brought me here. Not that I feel good about whats going on back home, but it does give me comfort in knowing im in a better place. It bothers me knowing my children, wow are adults are living in this mess. To think what future my grandchildren have and what they have to look forward to! It’s very depressing. But thank you for your efforts here!
i moved to Valencia / Dumaguete in the summer and have a rental property business in USA so i went back to Indiana for 1 month like Ali did and my rents are basically Double in the US and the prices across the board are so much that one person Must work 2 Jobs or they have to be a couple to even make it. The BIGGEST thing is the Overwhelming change in not only Stress but how tense and on edge people are. The overall Attitude of people is so drastically different then what it is like in the Philippines. It was The Major reason I moved and even coming back after a handful of months it is escalating at an even Faster pace. Add to that the election, the disaster of Hurricane Helene and Milton on the way has people just so Stressed, Unhappy and on Edge. I saw people yelling at others in parking lots, gas stations. I could see my own attitude change and it amazed me while it reaffirmed just Why i moved to the Philippines. I agree with Ali as time went i literally started counting days until i could return to the Philippines; dreading that i have to come back in the next 5-6 months. I hope the election has an effect but I'm not sure that the USA will ever measure up to what it was just a few years ago. I thank my lucky stars i hit 62 as i Don't know what i would do if i was in my 30's like my kids or like one of my best friends who is mid 50's as I just think things have to drastically change in the USA or else it will be a s..hole country that doesn't even come close to a developing country like the Philippines.
What are the best flights from Eastern Canada to The Philippines SOS?
@@lindawalker404Just Google it.
I worked hard to stay in shape and at 74, I can ride a bike 50 miles, hike all day and do a good workout. Take no medication. I wanted to ride my bike like that at 100. But what I thought was enough savings at 50 when i retired will now probably be gone with this inflation by 90. I hate the political system in the US. I'd like the 1950s back, but I'm settling for hoping to be dead before I run out of money. I'm not complaining. I've had a good life, but I have a grandchild, and I fear for her future.
Excellent Video! I’m from N. California so know exactly what he is talking about…I’m struggling and I have a good engineering job in Silicon Valley but can live in my hometown 2.5 hours away and remote work most of the time…I can’t make it paycheck to paycheck…I’m 58 and burned my retirement because of divorce so starting over…hopefully I can escape by the time I’m 65 and not 70…
I'm retired in a small town in SW Oklahoma. It:s a quiet life but, if you want excitement it's an hour away. You can rent a decent 3 bedroom brick home for $800. A single guy who owns his home can live comfortably for $1500-$2k/ month
Your title to this video makes me laugh. Because just 3 days ago I started a UA-cam channel called Surviving America. What's the chance that your title is almost the same.
I’m paying $200 a month in rent for a 1-bedroom, modern apartment and $50 a month in utilities. English is spoken here and the US dollar is used. Beer is 50 cents a cocktail is $2 and a meal is $1 to $5. I live easily on a budget of just under $1,000 a month on social security. I rent a scooter for $80 a month. No drivers license or insurance required. Been here in Cambodia for 2 years and love it!
The thing is you build house in the Philippines think of it as a donation that’s a reality but still worth it if you spend 40k dollars to build stay 20 years cause you couldn’t sale it
Well yeah, of course. Living in New York City is also very expensive.
I lived in San Jose CA. 25 years ago I was paying $2200/mo mortgage. The only reason I was in San Jose was to work, earn money, save money and get the freak out. At 45 yeas-old I retired and moved to Phoenix buying a home for cash. For the past 15 years my house has appreciated an average of $2000/mo. My total spend for 15 years has been $600/mo. In the past 21 months my total spend has been $592.04/mo.
Living in central Phoenix I can walk everywhere. All my food shopping on foot. The price of green cabbage, my main food, at Walmart is the same price as 2018 and same price or cheaper than in PH. I just bought a 10 lb bag of chicken legs at Walmart for $0.42/lb which is way cheaper than PH. I do all my own cooking.
Because I live on savings my reportable income is $0 so I don't even have to file income tax forms. And I qualify for Medicaid. 5 months ago I was feeling my balance was off. Went to the ER and 15 minutes later I was being evaluated by an ER doctor and 5 minutes later by a neurologist and 5 minutes later I was in an MRI machine. Wasn't a stroke. Cool. But they found a spot in my brain and a heart event while I was connected to EKG. Both things are things to monitor and that's being done. The ER visit was $22,000 and my cost was $0. After 65 I went on Medicare and Medicaid which pays my parts B & D, $0 copay, $0 deductible. I also get a free smartphone via LifeLine.
Home insurance and prop tax is low in Phoenix. No earthquakes, tornados or hurricanes. People choose to live in FL and then complain about hurricanes and home insurance.
Yeah medical costs are cheaper in PH, but service? And how many guys living check to check still don't have the money to get medical services in PH? When you get to 70, 80, 90 years old in SE Asia medical insurance isn't a realistic option as the cost increases.
I don't plan to take SS until 70. I could take SS today at $3080/mo but don't feel I need the money. No idea what I would buy. I'm happy working in my garden and remodeling my house. Making kitchen cabinets.
I plan to move to SE Asia next year. I sell my Phoenix house and that profit will fund my medical care in SE Asia. I'll have the budget for housekeeper, driver and live-in fully trained caregiver if ever needed. That's my long term plan for extreme old age.
I had a alternate plan to SE Asia. Sell in Phoenix and buy a house in Cairo IL. I could walk to Mississippi and Ohio rivers for world class catfishing. Safe to eat and I love fish. I can buy a decent house (same or better quality than most houses I see in PH videos) for under $10k. There are 100's of vacant houses all over the US for under $10k. No one wants to live there. I like living a simple life so I don't need to live near 50 restaurants.
SE Asia looks to be a more interesting adventure. And dating in SE Asia is no question better dating. Labor is no question a better deal in SE Asia.
There are options for people willing to think, research and live differently whether in the US or any other place.
Most Medicaid recipients are losers. They are proud that the hard-working taxpayers are giving them a free ride.
I live a basic simple life,,NO DEBT,no house car pmt no credit card debt. It cost 14,500$ per year more to survive today than it did when my wife arrived April 15,2019..If your over 55 you do not have enough time to make up all this inflation thru better wages..
Wow…g8t interview..Same in Oz..Thailand is calling..
which American bank do you recommend for depositing SS and pensions for easy access to money in the PI? Currently using Chase, but not sure about international banking.
160 DAYS. Till I am back in the Philippines. 534 days till I retire. Hope to see you soon. Love and prayers.
Local house,nothing fancy sold 56k,,the guy painted it,new window fresh plumbing,,he is listing it $199500,,the new America..
Sooo, it's expensive to live near the beach, mexico, and a major airport? If only there were different states to live in.
That sounds exactly like what I'm paying out only I dont have dependent kids anymore. But every bit of that is right on the money.
Thank you. It's absolutely insane how much it costs to live here in New Hampshire
I live in California Marin county a high-end cheese, bacon cheeseburger and a chocolate shake $17
These people need to price shop, vs just paying list prices for everything. Yes, California is crazy expensive... but also the wages are very high. If these people are paying these prices, that means they are making enough money to pay these costs.
not necessarily. I looked at San Diego (database programming) and was shocked how much lower the wages were compared to what I'm used to in less expensive parts of the country. I expect the tech giants have changed the economic landscape across broad regions of California, especially with remote work options.
You'll hear more English spoken in the Philippines than California nowadays. And the roadways are GTA!
I totally agree, turn off the TV and your attitude will take a quick turn for the better. Even though your message is bleak, it’s a nice respite from the “news”.
PAUL!!!!!! PERFECT VID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He is absolutely right on all points, I’m from California now in Washington state. Unbelievable inflation is eating up my pension and Social security. Good video, thanks
It’s SS not SSI
Hi Paul, Thank you for your friend Oli, he was a good quest and interesting news about living in California. Yes, everything is expensive. we just have to hope for the best. Thank you to both of you. Have a good one.
Great topic. Intelligent comments from viewers here too! 😊
Hi Paul, I am a long time viewer and subscriber. I have an unrelated question. You interviewed a man named Chris from Santander, Cebu who had plans to build an assisted living community. I was looking for the videos that you posted of him and his plans on your channel to rewatch them. I don’t see them and his website does not look like it is operating. Is he still moving forward with his plans and are those videos still available to watch? If so please post a link. If not, please give an update on his business and plans. Thanks!!!
Business is not moving forward, he had to shut it down
@@paulinthephilippinesolddog9234 Hi Paul, thank you for the reply! Is Chris still involved with PRC?
@@tonymars1093 I believe so, I haven't heard from him since we did the video
Paul, Anyone who chooses to live in CA needs to have their head checked. That's the moral of this video. LOL. My house in CA would cost over 10M, that place is it's own Country. I won't go any further but talking about financial situations and using CA as the example is a bit unfair. That being said, this country is a complete mess, inflation is out of control, interest rates are a joke. Insurance rates on cars, health, insane. So yes, the "average" person is struggling, I pray they realize the American Dream is NOT GONE. Use your brain and use the power you have as a US Citizen to make change in this country. If we continue down the same road we are on, the American Dream will be gone. The middle class will no longer exist, you will either be Wealthy or Poor. It's a very scary time right now, I sure hope the country is smart enough to understand this. Cheers
@@autismawareness8912 we don't have any authority, our votes are nothing. They change our votes to who they want to win. U was right about California, I lived there for short terrible time,still have friends there but if u move and say ur from California, I pity ur soul. People dislike Californians!
I live in California, and those numbers are spot on.
Hey old dog great vid with Ali! Really makes me think about my own situation! I am a vet that wants to cum to Phillipines to retire! Have been there before in the Air Force 3 or 4x! Hey have great week! JIMBO
Average Husband and wife working I believe do NOT earn anywhere near what is needed to pay out each month anymore. The numbers don't and can't add up. Average Social Security is less than $3000, so logic and the numbers say the SAME thing, can't afford living in the States either..... Retirement overseas is becoming the ONLY option more and more now.
Good Video Sir Paul 😊. Those are some crazy 🤪 prices in California. I live in Richland Washington USA 🇺🇸 and the cost of living is nowhere as expensive as California. I am remodeling my 3 bedroom 2 bath house right now and will be selling soon so I can move.
Keep the video's comin.
Stay Safe 💕 💞 🙏 🙏.
$3100 / month rent for 3br sounds cheap actually
I still have my ticket from the 12th annual Camp Pendleton night at Disneyland September 24, 1976 a month before I went into the Air Force at the age of 20.
$4.75 to get in and all the rides were included, I think back then you had to have a coupon book for each individual ride but for these Marine Corps nights they didn't use those.
There is no fix, how do you pay back $32 trillion not including interest and not including the money they are spending still sending billions to Israel and Ukraine?
2.5% pay raise for Social Security for 2025.
My son just moved to CA. His rent (2BR apt) is $2000/mo w/o utilities. Here on the east coast the same apt is $1500. Not that different.
Great info ! Thanks for this interview. I have been here in the Philippines for 5 years now. Was planning to go back to US for a visit next year in 2025, but may have to rethink that after hearing his numbers. I moved here from Colorado which has also become an expensive state to live in. That is why I retired here 5 years ago. Rent in Denver is 10 times minimum more expensive than what I pay here in the PH. And I retired with a government pension and SS.
Just enjoy your life and have a great circle of friends you can depend on to have your back and vice versa be responsible both financially and make healthy choices with your health., diet like fresh food , mental health laugh more often .
I bought a cool Chinese E-scooter thing with my first Biden stimulus I didn't need. With the second stupid Biden stimulis I didn't need I bought a 2X2 super fast E-fatbike. Both now sit broken in my spare bedroom. I hope the batteries don't explode. Theres no system for repairing E-vehicles out of big cities in USA and they are Chinese JUNK!
I believe it. It is California. Even here in NJ rent of 2 bedrooms 2 bath is at least 2 thousand a month. For some, owning a house here is actually better than to rent cos it is the same amount you pay for mortgage. Sometimes more. Crazy! Thank you for another great Video Paul. Praying here for your health. God bleas