Great video man, as a medically retired vet for the army the best thing I did after getting out was move to the Philippines I love it here

The joys of a military retirement. I worked another another 20 years after my 24 years in the Army. Corporate life allowed me to put together an insane stock portfolio.

My husband did 20 yrs in the Army. Retired at 44 and we’ve been living comfortably in the Philippines for 10 yrs now.

Definitely enjoyed this walk and talk - sounds like a good move you made.

Great stuff. I retired from the Navy after 20 years and have been traveling full time since 2019. I’ll be checking out the PI soon.

Good to hear about the story of your life. Thanks for sharing.

Great video Gino. Your video is a badly needed breath of fresh air. It hit on two extremely important points either directly or through example. To me these points are critical to ensuring better outcomes for retirement life regardless of where one lives in retirement. The first important point you stressed repeatedly is live within your means. You and Dazel do not place an emphasis on material things and bling. You get joy from simple pleasures and the natural beauty of your locale. You DO NOT try to "keep up with the Jones." You have not tried to replicate your American lifestyle there in the Philippines. This allows you to live frugally without compromising your definition of "quality living." The second point is you wisely selected as your partner a woman whose view of life closely complimented your view of life. Dazel is an absolute gem and I hope the two of your are together forever! Because the two of you are in sych, you don't get any pressure from her to "up-size your lifestyle" to impress the people around the two of you. There is harmony. From many other expat in the Philippine videos I get the sense many western expat men go to the Philippines to "leave the rat race" "live more affordably" and "find a more suitable partner" amongst Filipinas. But they inevitably bring their western values, attitudes and negative behaviors-including the very attitudes of materialism they claim they wanted to escape. They also bring a shocking lack of multiculturalism without which it's nearly impossible to live abroad. They often compound their situations by chasing and/or selecting women who turn out to be Filipina equivalents of the western women about whom they so bitterly complained or by trying to force the Filipina to substantially abandon her culture. Hence the successive expat videos over the past 6 months aggressively escalating what it costs to live as an expat in the Philippines and highlighting the relationship dangers when selecting a Filipina. Many of these videos now suggest an average cost of living in the Philippines of $3,000 of which they claim the Filipina girlfriend/partner and her family account for at least $500. How is that so when the average Filipino household lives on less than $700 per month? It's got to be the lifestyle choices these expats make after they get there and the less than beneficial habits many import with them.

Hello Gino and Dazzle I just found your channel I appreciate this walk and talk. I'm 58 years old and inching towards retirement in the Phillipines in a few years. I appreciate everyone don't such a good job at letting me know how it is to live there.

Stay blessed, my friend 🙏. You put the time, so now you get to enjoy your life with your beautiful wife in the Philippines.

I was 17 when I joined the Navy. Wish I had been as smart as you were and stayed for twenty. Eventually I did get a 60% disability. But that didn't happen until five years ago. Plan on going to the Philippines to stretch my meager pension. Thanks for sharing your story.

Thanks for sharing brother. I have a special affinity with a blue suited. I also got plucked out of college & joined at 17, retired 2002. Recently retired in DoD. Hope to see you in Bora soon.

Greetings from Canada 🇨🇦! I just retired at 54 years old and hubby has 2 years left for ‘freedom 55’. We are planning to retire in Roxas City but after watching your channel, we might have to visit Aklan and look at our options. We were in Boracay in December 2019 and really enjoyed our stay there. Thanks for all your wonderful videos!

First came across your channel! I’m not in the military. I am just counting a handful years to retirement. Anyway, I admire your simplicity with your retirement! It’s always a question as to how much a person needs in order to retire, specifically Philippines! New subscribers here to support your channel!

You are my hero Kuya! Freedom 45 is and was my goal. My brother in law us a retired canadian army vet and has a similar situation. Love your channel !

Thanks for sharing, I enjoyed the walk and talk. You earned the lifestyle you have now. I can totally relate to lack of sleep and not shut down. Two more months for me bro, I'm moving to the Philippines and hopefully stay retired.

My dad also joined the AF at 17. He did 21 years and retired as a master sgt in 1978. Thanks for sharing.

Just passed your channel. Thanks for the walk and thank you for your service. Salamat kuya ingat!

I’ve been watching Philippines expat content for about 4-5 years now. I’m glad that the algorithm finally brought me to your channel today since most content is for older retirees on Social Security and doesn’t apply to me. I’ve been in the Air Force for 24 years total and just hit 17 years active duty. I will punch out with my pension in 2026. I’ll be 45 and ready to explore. I had no idea that you could use Tricare overseas. Great content!

Great video. Anyone that serves 20 years or more deserves an easy early retirement. Congrats. Being non materialistic is huge bonus to enable a ln early retirement and leaving the US and the rat race is key. I plan in retiring in 3 years at 45 to PH. I am also an Air force vet. Doing the math...it seems very possible for me to live off 1500/usd month. From 45 to 62.

Wow honestly, u made a great decision. I wish to follow your way

Joined the Air Force in 1979 at age 17. Retired in 1999 at 37 years old. This year will be 9 years in the Philippines for me. I also live in a Camella Homes subdivision but we don't have a swimming pool. Turned 62 last year and elected to take social security, since we live on the military retirement we are able to invest all of the SS. I like the Philippines but don't love it and definitely don't hate it.

Great video! I am also retired from the US Air Force. I retired in 2000, rented my Sacramento home out, and moved to the Philippines to marry a longtime girl friend. Fast forward 24 years to the present day. My wife and I have homes in Eastern Samar province, our Manila condo, and our Oregon home. We have been snowbirds for the past 17 years and have had the very best of both worlds. When it gets too hot and humid in the Philippines, usually towards the end of March, we fly home to Oregon. It is springtime in Oregon, and the weather is perfect for us. We usually spend April, May, June, July, August, September, and the first two of October in the United States or close to its borders. Sometime in the middle of October, when the weather starts to get colder in the United States, it is time for us to return to our home in the tropics. Snowbirds have more fun.

So happy for you sir, thank you for sharing with us ❤

That’s nice , you’re enjoying your life early. You deserve it coz you work for it! 😊

Great walk/talk. I also retired AF, 2004 @ Eglin. We on our way back in March. Probably stay in Pompanga near Clark. Hopefully one day we see u guys. Take care, be safe

GReat decission sir retiring in Philippines, enjoy life...

Hallo! Nice to hear your succestory, realy inspirate me to come to Phil. I did my military duty in the swedidh airforce many years ago and know that it can bee stressful. Of course it is something totally different then the US Airforce. Did you know that the swedish airforce was the third strongest in the 60.70;s, after US and USSR. we had over 2000 fighters, But that was during the cold war.. Thanks for your nice videos, allways good vibes from you two..

New subscriber here from Los Angeles 😊❤😊 take care

That's what I was telling my boys to join the air force while they are still young and after 20 years they can retire and still can work if they wanted to. You did it very well kind Sir! If you are receiving retirement money (in USD) for about $800 you'll be able to live a simple life in PH. Now if you are receiving about $2500 or more, you live like a king! Enjoy your retirement! I plan to retire 59 1/2 so 9 years to go for me!

I injured your video so much I shared it with massage r and watched it 3 times

Wow, we pretty much have the same views in terms of retirement and way of life. Been here in the states for only 3 years but whew Ive never been so stressed like this,just thinking about mortgage and bills.Work 2 jobs just so we can pay everything. Some immigrants like to retire here and some don’t ( im one of them 😂) So my husband and I are planning on moving in Philippines 4 years from now and just live simple. That’s why I ran across your channel coz we want to get an idea of how much it cost now to live in the province. Enjoy life and hope we can visit your restobar pohon.

I'm happy that you and your wife have found each other you're blessed to have each other it's a good life to live and that stress-free life is wonderful when I retired at 62 I had someone that was jealous of my piece and took it from me typical American Woman I'm just now going back to work and I'll save enough money and I'll go to the Philippines where I can afford to retire also I have $1,300 that lasts me about 8 days I'm sure in the Philippines that'll last me all month and possibly save some money so I'm going to go back to work for a few months and save about fifteen or twenty thousand dollars I'm a welder on a shipyard and then I'll retire I hope I bump into you sometime you seem like really really nice people I think your wife is the typical Filipina she's very happy with the good that she has and she's content an American woman wants more and more and more never seems to be happy with what she has and is always better dealing so I'm very happy for you

Awesome video kuya!

nice videos. keep it coming❤

Hi Gino, Just can't imagine how you retire so early at 45. Life is an adventure. Besides us being frugal, we definitely have different path. Now 70. I retired at 67 and still actively looking for DIY projects. Building things, houses, woodworking is my passion. Staying healthy, enjoying family. Living life. Too many things to do not enough time. So happened WORK is my hobby. I built my Bataan vacation house in 5 yrs and still not finished 😅. No worry be happy 😁

Love your video ! Simple life .. !

Thanks again Chloe sitter..

Wow. Congrats.

Good video!

In 1975 I joined the Navy 1995 I retired on 39 when I retired. I got 50% of my base pay 999.40 back then. You had to start off at 35% of your base pay:) Now I also reserve my social security too:) You can also use the VA to receive any medicine from them too:) I live in Michigan, but I am thinking about traveling there for the first time this year. I lost my wife to cancer back in 2008:)

Hi guys, Ginno, I've said it once and I will say it a thousand times; with The Dazel as your anchor you are"Livin' La Vida Loca" and we pray you will continue to enjoy a long and happy life together. Take care our friends and continue living the good life for you've earned it.

Wise move!

$800 per month for two people and you're paying a mortgage? I keep seeing expats say $1000 per month is the minimum and if you support a partner you need at least $1500 per month. When you mention there are people who live on $1000/month or less they say they are not living a great life and they are just existing.

Hello sweet couple! i have been enjoying lots and so amused of you two. I think you made a right decision to retire in the Philippines go back to your homeland especially in Aklan. I agree living a minimal life is less stress indeed, when I started living my life in the western world it gives me a lot of realizations to start being minimalist although it is hard but its worth the try. I also plan to retire back in my hometown in the future. It's fun in the Philippines actually 😊 a lot of people just dont know living in other country is basically the same as we live in the Philippines, its the statusquo that living in the west is rich but yea its true too rich in bills😂 more than bills than we pay in Kalibo😂 thak you so much for doing the vlog keep vlog and more power! enjoy life each day and keep young, what you do inspires us🎉

New subs here. BTW where is this place? Nice subdivision. Thanks

Smart move for retirement.. $1500 a month pension is not enough here in the US..specially here in hawaii.. i would love to move back now if i have the money and just do a business but my kids are still small.. hoping someday i will come home and enjoy my homeland..

You mentioned that you can used tricare there, what kind of tricare coverage you have ?

Soon to follow your footsteps

Hey Gino! Im a new subscriber here and just like you im a retired us military too, Navy to be exact. Been retired for almost 14 years now but im still working here in the US. Im planning on retiring there in the homeland sooner than later i hope 😊. I just want to know what bank are you using for your retirement pay? Is it local or still in the US? Thanks for all the other infos from your videos.

I just visited the philippines after 50 yrs, and i want you to know its heaven on earth. Almost zero homeless, and.druggies..wowww....people are sincere, polite, and respectful. Its great dor retiree, but bad if u work here.

Im planning to retire too in the Philippines, I’M naturalized citizen. I’m just curious, how it work to collect your social security, do I need to maintain my us citizenship? Means I need to come back to USA regularly?

Its great that you could retire early 👍👏👏and have a great life

Hello guys, great story man. I am planning to retire there, I just wanna ask if you have children?

Hi Dazel - Assuming a simple frugal life style, what do you think is the cut off point (like money available per month) between staying and living in the US or moving to the Philippines for a retired couple on medicare? I know there are many factors to consider, but let us say someone like you - what would have made you stay in the US rather than going to the Philippines?

I went in in 84 too - and after one stint, I chose to get out and finish college instead. My friends and I planned our lives when we were 18 - or so and looked forward to retiring at 38 or 40 and just open a strip joint. LOL! I was stationed in Okinawa and went to Clark AB for Cope Thunder all months of the year. Well - one got out..and another got out...and I said I am not staying either. Finished college, job, 2 kids thru college, a home, and now preparing for retirement shortly. I have bought a fairly large farm 32 hectares many years ago in my late 20's - be something to do as I cannot be sitting still. Single is nice. But starting too late w/ that stuff also has downside. LOL.

What city are you in? Looks very quiet and peaceful.

Cool!

Do you have to travel back to the US to handle the collecting the social security?

I’m looking to retire I am 50. I am wondering about the homes and the prices around there anything for around 100 K Canadian

Great video Im newly Retired in the US 25 years in Law Enforcement at age of 47 years old and planning to moved back to the Philippines Bicol Sorsogon. Watching your video I might learn something from you how being retired in the Philippines. Im so excited to live in the Philippines again after so many years na nawala ako sa Philippine. You are right what you said about being retired in the US you still need to work to survive. Soon Ill be in the same boat with you😂😂😂

Where is this beautiful. I’m Filipino American survived the Iraq war so I get va disability pay. I’m looking for quiet neighborhood like that.

Can You send Me some more Information about using Tri Care in the Philippines > Thanks Ed

Gino enjoy while you can because tomorrow never know what s happening

What do you mean brother? You said you're not trying to convince anyone to join the service and retire at 37; but, that's all you're talking about; I will be joining to follow your path..would you recommend AirForce? Job well done on this video..kuddos to you and the spouse for retiring early..

what do i do about my banking and my veterans disability benefits wen i move to PI?

W O W ! REALLY ! YOU LOVE ukay ukay too ! Haha.. Me and all others Too ! They are great !

Is there a major hospital where you at that accept TriCare?

How many TRICARE locations are there in the Philippines?

Hi Gino! I'm also planning to retire in the Philippines someday. So I'm wondering... How do you pay your taxes in the United States? Do you just do it online and just mail your paperwork? My primary income will come from US investments so not sure how I will handle my taxes once I'm in the Philippines. Thanks for any info.

❤❤

I retired to the Philippines at 50. My wife, a Filipina whom I met in Hong Kong, and I had already bought and furnished a property here - outright with no mortgage - so we had somewhere to live Over the past few years we have since bought 2 more residential properties and 3 commercial properties all of which provide us with a very good income. We don't really need to budget but we are not lavish in our spending (my main expenses/vices are a few San Migs and a packet of Marlboro every couple of days!) and pre-pandemic we used to take a couple of trips overseas every year plus various domestic sorties. We live out in the boondocks, which suits me fine. My advice to anybody choosing to retire here is to come prepared and be financially secure. Also, get a good woman to spend your life with.

Thank you for telling your story. New Subscriber here. I am currently in the journey of finally making it back home and enjoy the Island life. Unlike you, I did not retire active duty. I ended up completing a 20 year letter from the Army Reserve with the explicit purpose of getting an income at age 60. I also bought back my active duty time to qualify for a civil service (Federal civilian) annuity retirement. I also get military disability income. As far as you know, all these income are reliable and forever. I now have an advocacy to make possible a Universal Basic Income law where all Filipinos get 1500 PHP as an investment in every Filipinos to uplift themselves and give them a little bit of financial breathing room... I hope to meet you and your wife in-person when we visit. Thank you for what you do. It's amazing when people focus on the more important things in life (experiences) rather than material things that's never meant to last forever!

Our stories are similar. I retired at 48 knowing that I would not be able to survive comfortably in the United States. I am 50 now, alone, bored out of my mind, debt free, and have a little savings. I plan to sell my house, car, and possessions and move to the Philippines later this year. I believe I will have enough money to be comfortable there until I can draw from my small 401k and get Social Security. Experiences are far more important than material things. Good luck in your journeys.

How do you check your mail for social security in the United States?

Our retired pay COLA raise is set at what Social Security's COLA is set at. If SS get 8%, we get 8%. If SS gets nothing, we get nothing. On the other hand with inflation, I see PI cost going up. It appears to be going up quicker than I expected.

Sana maka retire nako soon. Im now 44yo, i want to retire age 50. But i feel i want earlier. I hope magawa ko soon. Im searching and watching any videos retiring soon in PI. Im tired my life here in switzerland. All my income only goes to the govt. I dont enjoy here anymore and my depression is getting worse!

I now find myself curious about moving from Guam to Philippines and live off my military pension. Are you dual citizen or just US citizen? Is your pension taxed? Recommendations for places to consider for family of 5 (high school kids), debt free, with average $3500 passive monthly income.

Gino I would have never guessed you're age. I am 49 and I would have bet money that you are younger than me.

What years and job in the Air Force?

Why the road is so dirty

How much is your retirement?

I think you made the right idea about retiring early because life is short, better to enjoy life and be happy with it, because you're not going to take any money with you when it's over. I envy that you're collecting a military pension at such a young age, but I wouldn't have taken the risk of contracting my body out to the clowns in D.C. (most of whom who never did an honest days work in their life) and chance that they might send me somewhere across the globe and possibly get killed, just to funnel money into their own, or their relatives SWISS bank accounts. But thank you for your service Sir. I like your advice about staying healthy and fit which I still hope to be when I retire at 62 in almost a decade, God willing. Considering whose finger is in charge of the button these days, I'm just hoping that we'll all still be standing when that times comes. Just saying.

WE ARE PLANNIING TO LIVE IN THE PHILIPPINES WITH 4 PAYCHECKS, MILITARYPAY FROM THE NAVY CALLEN PENSION, SSS JUST TURNED 65 3 YEARS AGO SO DRAWING FULL AMOUNT, A SMALL PENSION FROM A DOD COMPANY I WORKED WITH TILL I WAS RETIED BY THEM, AND A TAX FREE VA DISABILITY PAYMENT FOR A 100 % PERMANENT PLU MY WIFE SSS FULL PAYMENT , I GUESS WE COULD LIVE PRETTY GOOD IN THE PHILIPPINES ! NO NEEd TO BUY A LAND FOR BUILDING A HOUSE FOR WE HAVE SOME INHERITED LANDS BOTH MY WIFE HAD TO SELECT ! WHAT DO YOU THJINK ? WE HAD JUST WENT ON VACATIONS TWICE THIS YEAR BUT TYRNED AROUND PRETTY QUICK DUE THE HOT WEATHER !

Nice one

I love America but it sure has changed 'n not fir the better. I retired in 2004 going to do voluteer aid work immediately after the tsunami in Southeast Asia ..I was to be in Sotuheast Asia only 3 months ...16 yrs later, I returned to the U.S. and regret every minute being back here. I miss the respectful kind gracious non-confrontational (for the most part) loving folks in all Asian counties. America is NO place for old folks. I'm praying to move to PH and have a quiet peaceful content existance until my Lord takes me home.

Well you might want to look into the coming monetary collapse. That pension could go bye bye. As many will including social security

Try .. Iloilo's BATCHOY . ! .

Sana ol retire na at the age of 45

I knew you were retired from the military by your Tricare videos, which is how I found your page. You do not look 57. On another note, I assumed your were Filipino, and you just went to the Philippines to retire. This video sounded like you just looked for a low cost of living place to retire and chose the Philippines. Now I'm all confused, are you not Filipino? Lots of Filipinos in the US Navy and US Air Force was why I assumed I guess.

WHAT HAPPENED ! COULD YOU NOT WORK AFTER RETIRING !

You will receive the same cola for both your Military and ssa once you can file. Your SSA does not get a cola until you start to draw it:)

*_hgow about your medical?_*

I have to withdraw my 401k and sell my property so I can retire in Philippines.

HOA needs to power wash the streets.

Are you Fil-Am?

MAY SAKIT KA BA BOSSING YOU ARE TAKING CARE OFF !

i'll be retired at 37 thanks to cryptocurrency

Shatwasyoujobin af

Lol. What quality of life is that?

retired pero nag vvlog😂 daig p fulltime