You hire someone in the Philippines, the work gets done, and when you ask what you owe, the answer is: āBahala kaāāitās up to you. For a new American expat, that’s where the confusion begins. How do you pay fairly without being a Cheap Charlieāor accidentally establishing the American Rate?
What kind of retirement can $2,500 a month actually buy? We compare the Philippines, Mexico, Portugal, Thailand and Vietnamānot by meaningless exchange rates, but by the housing, food, healthcare, transportation, services and quality of life an American retiree can realistically afford.
Mexico has proximity. Portugal has Europe. Thailand has world-class tourism. But the Philippines offers something few retirement destinations can match: affordable living combined with widespread English, accessible healthcare, cultural familiarity, and a lifestyle where an American retiree can actually participate in everyday life.
Philippine pawnshops arenāt retail floors like in the U.S.ātheyāre fast collateral lenders built around gold. Hereās what expats should expect, why locals assign pawn value to everything, and what āpawn-likeā deals to avoid.
Big purchases get blamed. But most people drown from small leaks they never audit. Most people donāt go broke from one big dumb decision. They go broke from leakage. Little leaks that donāt feel dangerous because each one is smallā¦ until you look up and realize your paycheck is gone and you canāt explain where … Read more
Debt is a drug.Not because people are stupid. Not because theyāre lazy. But because modern debt hits the human brain the same way a vice does: It gives you relief nowā¦ and hands you the bill later. And just like any addiction, the first taste often feels like empowerment. Youāre an adult now. You have … Read more
If you’re considering retirement in the Philippinesāor already living hereāyou’re invited to join our growing Facebook community where expats, veterans, and retirees share their experiences and advice.
YouTube is full of videos promising that you can retire in the Philippines for next to nothing. The reality is more complicated. Here’s what I’ve learned after years of living here.
Why Iām Pointing You to Mike and Pea My friend Mike came to the Philippines in his late 60s, traveled the islands, then settled down in Dumaguete and married a wonderful Filipina. Heās living the good life and has spent the last few years vlogging about the Philippinesācandid, practical, and no fluff. Here on my … Read more
Three of the Philippines’ most popular retirement destinations offer very different lifestyles. Here’s what long-term expats and retirees should know before choosing. Note: These observations are based on my personal experience living in the Philippines since 2012, primarily in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro. Your experience may vary depending on your budget, health, personality, location, and … Read more