In the US, where folks splurge on premium everything, companies load up on extras: thick upholstery, energy-efficient motors, lifetime warranties, etc. Those things drive prices sky-high.  In the Philippines, wages pale in comparison to the west, so, they manufacture manufacture to an appropriate price point.

Today, we're breaking down why 'owning nothing' is more expensive, straight from Business Insider's facts, and how retiring in the Philippines' low-cost cash economy gives you more money, more time, and a better quality of life."

  After 60 -Major dysregulation in immune regulation (e.g., lower inflammatory cytokines, weakened immune response), carbohydrate metabolism, kidney/heart function, and pathways tied to type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and kidney issues.

  This aligns with higher vulnerability to infections, metabolic disorders, and chronic conditions post-60.

To eliminate the odor issue, add about half a cap of pine oil soap to every load—it kills the bacteria that cause the body odor in synthetics and keeps everything fresher longer. I've made this a habit, and it works reliably here.

There is nothing wrong with being budget minded, but the economy here is totally different. The overall costs are substantially lower in the Philippines, so you don’t have to miss-out on living in a better location or in a larger condo or house. Sticking to the 30% rule as an expat could mean settling for basic housing without amenities like pools or security, and reducing your lifestyle when you can actually afford more.

Explore the rising STD epidemic in the Philippines, focusing on heavily impacted areas like Metro Manila and Cebu. Learn which diseases are curable (like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis) and which are not (HIV, herpes, HPV, hepatitis B). We discuss high-risk populations including transgender women (ladyboys), MSM, sex workers, and youth, plus risky behaviors like unprotected sex and multiple partners. Backed by current stats from WHO, UNAIDS, and DOH.

I’ve lived in the Philippines for over three years, and I believe the most important thing to consider is whether or not you can live a normal “good life” when the honeymoon period ends. You need to be able to establish a normal routine and have a safe place to call home.  A place where you are safe from physical assault, safe from a medical availability standpoint, and a place with access to western products, and be easy to travel to and from.

Planning to marry your Filipina partner in the Philippines? Obtaining a marriage license will be your greatest hurdle. As a 64-year-old who's lived here for three years and successfully navigated the process, I’ll share my first hand experience dealing with the the paperwork trap that catches most foreigners off guard. Don't let red tape ruin your dream of marrying and starting a fresh life in the Philippines. Read more

Many older western men move to places like Thailand, Philippines, or Vietnam chasing pleasure through relationships with much younger women, often 20-30 years younger, focused on physical intimacy and ego boost. It's sold as paradise: low cost, beautiful partners, endless fun. According to a Harvard Professor, It’s a dangerous trap.

What do Filipino parents truly fear when their daughter says, I'm marrying an American? I'll reveal the real fears, the ugly stereotypes from both sides, and exactly how to turn fear into family approval.

If you're dating a Filipina, Thai, or Vietnamese girl online and have never met her in person, this is the most important blog you’ll read this year. I explain the reality of most long-distance relationships that start on Tinder, Facebook, or any other online app. According to legit research (citations included) here’s what actually happens behind the scenes. You have been warned.

Borders Language and Culture: If nothing changes, in ten years the America we grew up in (the one that turned anybody into an American if they just showed up and bought in) will be unrecognizable. America, the only country that ever said “come and become one of us” is being told by its own educated class that the very idea of assimilation is toxic and that we are racist for expecting those who arrive in our country to do so legally, learn our language and respect our laws.

Join us as we explore what modern actuarial tables say about our futures. We all have more years of great life left than we probably think. Not only do we have decades more left to live, we can all rewire our brain, dream bigger, push harder, and refuse to shrink in the face of setbacks and age.

The number one non-natural cause of death for expats isn’t being robbed or shot to death, it’s motor-vehicle crashes. The number one leading natural cause of death, for retirees is cardiovascular disease. That’s right, heart attacks and strokes are not only the number one natural cause, they are the number one overall cause of death for expats. Learn what we can do to protect ourselves.

At 63, I refuse to share an elevator with drunk backpackers at 3 a.m. and live in a condo so small it is more aptly described as a dorm room. If you don’t want to live in a space the size of your master bedroom in the USA, read on to learn the truth about costs for renting a condo in big city Asia.

Are you a retiree who’s of tired judgment and criticism? We reveal why you should STOP worrying about what others think—and why their criticism is often driven by selfish motives, not genuine concern. From envy to control, we expose the real reasons behind the noise and share 5 practical steps to tune it out, set boundaries, and live your retirement unapologetically. Whether you're traveling the world or chilling at home, this is your guide to reclaiming your freedom and joy in your golden years. Drop a comment: What's one criticism you've ignored?

Retirement in Asia is dream come true. Experience beautiful Hanoi and the lovely people of Vietnam as I share my adventure through the lens of the medium format Hasselblad X2D 100C fitted with the XCD45P lens. This combo truly is a "one camera - one lens" system that is small enough for all day carry and with a 100mp sensor, the versatility is amazing.

If you're embracing life abroad, balancing remote work or just trying to fill your retirement days You still need to break free for a little R&R. Yep - even people who retire in their foreign paradise need a break. When was the last time you truly stepped away to recharge? I'm referring to a genuine vacation. A vacation free from emails, free of daily demands and (most importantly) filled with new experiences.

Let’s explore why expats like us benefit greatly from such breaks. Drawing from my recent journey to Vietnam, where I returned feeling revitalized, energized, and more content than before. We'll examine the evidence, personal experiences, and a few practical steps to get the ball rolling.

No more post office trips for US expats! The SSA now allows you to handle Forms SSA-7161 & SSA-7162 via phone with a signature proxy. Watch this video to learn how it works and avoid benefit suspensions! [Check SSA links below] #USExpat #SocialSecurityTips"

Imagine waking up with no alarm, no meetings—but also no purpose. Did you know nearly one in three retirees battles depression from lack of purpose. This is known as retirement syndrome, but it doesn't have to be your story. Join me to learn how to avoid the pitfalls and embrace the adventure.