After an upper middle class engineering career in the US, my wife and I retired to her country of origin of Taiwan. Now, I am an organic farmer in this tropical paradise. The house, cars, clothes, vacations, and tiring behaviors are long since abandoned. We live a very basic and very peaceful life. I have been born again. Most of my fellow travelers in the US never successfully exited that lifestyle; many are alreay dead. I feel blessed. Thank you Paul.

Thank you Paul for this video. I am almost 62 and will be retiring August 1. Despite being in the homestretch of my career I am still getting tremendous amount of anxiety at work. Your video help me get through the week.

Your straight talking, simple approach to getting your point across is a gift, Paul. God bless you for all of the lives you've been able to positively impact. Once again, this is another gem.

Good vid Paul and spot on. My Filipina wife and I retired to the RP in 2014, and like you, I am living a dream. A simple life filled with laughter, peace and contentment, and the love we share is the icing on the cake. I carried with me one word for many long years, in my mind, on my phone, computer, on the wall, etc. That word was "Believe". It always served as an uplifting reminder to stay positive and simply believe that dreams can come true.

I love the message you're conveying Paul, it hits so many points I found myself reflecting on during the pandemic. Those 2+ years of "new normal" had me taking stock in pretty much everything in my daily existence and I've turned a corner because of it. It is now my goal to get retired before 60 (I'm in my early 50s), cut the ties with the West and start a new chapter somewhere in SE Asia. I've made one trip to PH this year and I will be going back in late 2023 to explore some more. Your wisdom, perspective, and experiences are valued by those of us who will be taking a similar path one day. Cheers brother - be well.

As a male in the US, you could have had a very successful career, but a divorce, children and job loss could easily easier all the success. I never married or had children, so my finical status at retirement was pretty good. The divorce situation in the US has wiped many men out. If basically you only have Social Security, moving to southeast Asia seems like a great option. Although you have to have the mindset to make the culture change. Paul, this a great video!!!!

Success is what you have been living for the past 6 years, Paul - a great wife that makes you happy, in a great country, peace of mind, nice home, food on the table, you set your own schedule, enough income to live comfortably, savings monthly, supportive friends in abundance and much more… And what's remarkable, YOU ARE LIFITNG PEOPLE UP WITH YOUR VIDEOS AND GIVING THEM HOPE!!! Who cares what the haters think or say? Let them ferment in their jealousy, hate and misery. Keep doing what you're doing... you are making a difference in people's lives!

As usual Paul, you did it again. Yes you did, I shouldn't have to tell you, but I will. You gave another outstanding vlog of who a winner is. I've watched you for a couple of years now and now decided to pull the trigger come February of 2024 and come to the Philippines. I'm in the process of getting my passport, taking care of financial issues, visiting my sister in Oregon, (I'm in Texas), taking care of insurances, and doing my bucket list of things to do before the move. You have inspired me with your no BS, down to earth commentary of how to make it in the Philippines. It's not for everyone, the infrastructure, culture, food, shops, weather, bugs, and other things will test your fortitude and willingness to tolerate all this to be successful there in the islands. When I set my mind to do something, I try my best to succeed. I don't like failure, however, I have failed in some of my endeavors before, but I always get back up and try again or something different. I have a cup of coffee with your name on it, see you next year.

All I can say is that I have recaptured my teen years again here in the Philippines. I have two graduate degrees, I had my BMW, Porsche, and houses. I had a millionaire friend who died of cancer at 65. I have another multi millionaire friend who is stressing over shortage of micro chips for his electronic company at the age of 67. It's insane to live like that. All I know is that I feel like a teenager again which I had lost while trying to make it. My life is not perfect here but I am me again. I am a teenager again with experience. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🗽🗽

WOW Paul, I really like Confucius more than ever now. "All men are born with two lives, the second life begins when he realizes he only has one" I love it.... Meeting you Paul in December at your favorite coffee place, I can attest you are as real and genuine as it gets. 👍

Paul , you are a clear winner in my book! You made it work and found a great life in the PI. When someone is happy and satisfied with what he has, together with a loving wife, that to me is success!

Well said Paul! Retired over here in Thailand and my experience was similar. I sold my paid off condo in Vegas a couple years ago when I was 59 and went to the Philippines for a while then came over to Thailand for a total knee replacement at a Bangkok hospital. I was recovering at an American buddy’s apartment in Chiang Mai while he was away in the Middle East working and the owners of the building introduced me to a good Thai lady who also happens to be named May 😂 or Maymae. I was making six figures but it was an endless rat race and I wasn’t happy. Made a few trips back & forth from Thailand to the States and got stuck here in Thailand during covid-19 when my Airline canceled flights for just under 6 months and my tourist visa received emergency extensions as there were no longer border runs. During that time I couldn’t believe how well we got along 24/7 and I decided make my retirement permanent. After my last marriage from hell I had no plans to ever marry again and had been happily single for 15 years I changed my mind. I don’t make 6 figures anymore, but I have two pensions now that I am old enough at 64 and had funds from the sale of my Vegas condo and my lifetime of “stuff” that I accumulated since my teenage years. This so called “loser” as some critics call us has become much healthier without the rat race stress and I am able able to save more each month then I did making the big bucks. We have taken many overseas holiday trips because I now have time and don’t have to work and we each take turns paying for our trips as she has a good income. We also have the age gap that is taboo back home, but she is 37 (old enough adult) and also is a college educated former high school teacher (super low pay) who is a current businesswoman for an international company, so our finances are 50/50 which makes things easier. When I was living in Vegas after my divorce making a lot of money I tried the dating scene again in my 50s in America and it wasn’t a pleasant experience. Call me crazy but I just like feminine women who weigh less than I do. I now just laugh at the uninformed critics who have never been to any Asian country, because I have found happiness and do not care what their opinion is.

Excellent Paul, we’ll spoken. Basic truth seems to have very little existence here in the States as of late. So it is always a blessing to hear truths and your words of wisdom. You’ve truly been a great inspiration to myself and many others seeking a better and or alternative lifestyle. We should all find contentment in whatever state we’re in. God’s blessings to you and Mae.

This one spoke to me Paul ! I’m not retirement age but very unhappy in the USA . The Philippines 🇵🇭 honestly changed my life on my last trip ! I realized that I can live very well there on very little compared to the USA 🇺🇸 ! I have a home that I own and can rent. And because of the job I have, I can come back to the states for 2-3 months max a year and work ! This will allow me the money to live well in the Philippines 🇵🇭. If it doesn’t work I just come back more months per year ! It’s a no brainer for me ! Thx for the video ! 😊

Shout out to all the successful people who are able to find happiness, great relationships, and financial success in western society. As Paul says, it’s not easy to do (and some lose them-self) and not everyone succeeds at it.

Not all of us are suffering with the weight of responsibility in America, not living the life you did, and do not need or want all the luxuries you had. We find a partner with the same upbringing, life expectations and a good sense of how money works and enter into a marriage on a successful note. Some couples have extreme wants and put a financial strain on each other. Others are more responsible and have saved for a modest home which is their investment. They both work, have second hand cars, have individual 401k's and the desire to save for the present and the future. The journey through life makes us all responsible to first ourselves and when we find the right partner blend as one and work together to make life happen. We really can have it all in America and there is no reason why we can't live within our means and still enjoy life.

You have been encouraging me with these things before the pandemic, I am married to a Filipina and happily living in the Philippines now

Retired US Army here. Last day on active duty was April 29, 2019. I was in the Philippines 3 days later. Last duty station was Korea, so I had 1 year to plan my retirement. I had so much leave that last year that I took many trips to the Philippines that last year to get a house, furnish it, bring my things from Korea little by little, sold things back in the US and basically my retirement was turn key. I still have about 20 years before I collect social security but my retirement is about 6k a month when you include retirement and VA. Here I never have to work again, in Hawaii where I lived in the states I would not be able to retire for another 15-20 years at least to maintain the lifestyle I’m used to. I don’t want to downgrade my standard of living. Here in Philippines I can maintain my western lifestyle without having to work. It’s a choice. Plus the US has changed for the worse. I just wasn’t happy with the cultural decline. The moral decay, the political warfare. I’m happy here. The FIRE lifestyle is just a perk not the main reason I’m here.

Old Dog The Philosopher 😉👍 Paying yourself first is the best advice ever. The winner’s circle is people who plan ahead and send their future selves gifts from the present. Great episode 👍

Well said Paul. I go back and forth 4 times a year and am planning to be in PH full time next year. Here in the states I have not heard a single person refer to expats as losers for choosing a SE Asian or inexpensive European country like Portugal to retire to. Though I hear a lot of negativity towards expats who date or marry girls their granddaughter’s age. Everyone is entitled to their opinions. You just have to do what makes you happy and allows you to be the best version of yourself. Keep it up!

Paul, you're doing great work. I'm 56, living in the US, and definitely considering the Philippines as a retirement destination for all the reasons you give.

A famous Henry Ford quote, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can't - you're right".

Thank you Paul. This is exactly how I am being treated at my workplace. I’m getting ready to retire at 62 and visit the Philippines. I have had several employers over my lifetime appreciate my expertise. It is long gone now. Smitty

It’s all because of love Paul. Love is the difference in you. You are loved by baby Mae and you love her. That’s why I I am coming to the Philippines in two years when I hit 62. Thanks for all that you do for guys like me.

Great video Paul. I suspect those throwing around the term “loser” live in a somewhat “small” world. My experience of extended travel in the developing world has made my world and my life “large”. What developing countries lack in material wealth, is compensated by higher social wealth. This includes a great sense of community, great friendships, strong family, less greed, simple pleasures, human insights and overall better contentment. People don't get it unless they've experienced it.

As a kiwi of 76 , like you I have had a great life as far as material things go. But at the same time I felt as if I had not found true happiness. People in the so called western world have different values. It was not until I found my present Filipino wife, spent a few days in the Philippines and seen with my eyes and felt an inner peace, that I had never had before. Now having spent a year over three trips to the Philippines has this been confirmed. I had a heart felt experience of true family on arriving at my wife’s family home. I immediately felt at home, as if I had always been here. The little children there are so different, they show respect to their elders, even their own brothers and sisters. They know what no means, so different to here in New Zealand. They are full of life, looking for the best in life. At the top of their must have list is the best education possible, again so different to most New Zealand. A lot of them put more energy into avoidance of education and responsibility. The main cause of that is a succession of governments getting it so wrong. The old saying teach a man how to fish and he can provide a meal for his family, is now throw the boat into the mix also. A safety net that has done so much harm to New Zealand. I look forward to seeing the happy faces of all ages of Filipinos when I go for a walk. They always respond to a great so naturally and respectfully. So missed in the western world. So all I can say to the knockers of men that find a happy life in the Philippines need to take a good look at themselves first. It could be jealousy or what we call the tall poppy syndrome. I can only say they need to get a life, take a good look in a mirror, change gear slow down, by examining their own life style.

VERY Interesting and informative, in the west , the saying "off to work ,I go, because I owe, I owe " fits them very well.

A very motivating video. Those of us who have been or are where you were have liked your video. Thank you.

I'm an expat living in Cabo Verde, 9 islands located about 250 miles west of Senegal in Africa. I took advantage of an offer to come here for 3 months 2 years ago which changed my life. I met a wonderful lady here and went back home and sold everything I had (which wasn't a lot ) moved here, got married, just became a citizen so now have dual citizenship. I can relate to you as my SS monthly payment is similar to yours and I live on 1/2 of it, and live very well. I totally agree, Paul, that a loser is someone who is miserable trying to survive in the US and does nothing to change their situation. We are winners!!

Paul, I just love your videos, you have a way of sharing your wisdom that is singular to yourself, you pair it with your sense of humour and just engage your audience. You are a real winner in my book! Thank you for being vulnerable! ❤️

PAUL is brilliant and the most HONEST tuber going. Nobody is like you online and genuine. You learned a long time ago nobody opinion matters but YOURS. Haters make me laugh and give me ENERGY, its all projection with them and they showed their cards to you. I dont live my life like you, dont like Dumagette, but nothing but respect. Youre inspirational and I strive for the same because I love humanity.

Maybe the best video i’ve seen yet as it relates to me. Really spoke to me and encouraged me. 63 and retiring from my job as an airline captain on Dec 31, will be in Thailand full time in January. Already shedding my material positions. Everybody seems obsessed with what i’ll “do” in Thailand. I’m not worried about that at all. My clear focus is on who i will “be” in retirement in Thailand. What you describe. Shedding the old roles. Dropping the baggage. Breathing again. Being free. Being spontaneous. My gawd, it feels so close now. Your video is a moving reminder that i am not alone in what i seek.

Congrats on your success and making a better life for yourself in the PI. I enjoy watching your videos and honesty on these types of topics, it lets other people have a brief view into your your life and gives them hope that there are opportunities to make lifestyle changes to improve their overall quality of life, if they so choose to do so. Everyone would be better off if they lived below their means and prioritized needs over wants.

I've already listened to this twice. The part about your time no longer being "mundane", but being "yours", is hitting pretty deep. I'm in the US now, but have spent many years abroad. Haven't really had the urge to travel, per se, nor have I necessarily been enjoying the routines stateside. I'm going to continue to ponder what you've shared here. One thing I wouldn't miss if I did leave is actually understanding what all the idiots are talking about.

Very good infos for everyone. I'm almost 70 and enjoyed the truths you shared here.

What a wonderful video. Another quote: “Most men live lives of quiet desperation”. You are a testament to the idea that it doesn’t have to be that way.

Paul, after watching only the first couple of minutes of this video, I had to comment. Paul, you have lived your life through a gambit of good and bad life changes according to your videos. So, you did what you had to do to live and survive. You don’t burden your children or family by living with them or off of them. Your not homeless and begging on the street. Your walking and talking, and BTW your communication skills are excellent. I’m putting this comment out there, anyone who thinks your a failure needs to get their head examined or is full from a big cake bowl of jealousy! 😮

I am sort of reminded of the saying...Wherever you go, there you are and as long as we are comfortable in our own skin, that is what counts. We should not exactly measure ourselves to others because it's not how big it is but how we best use it! Time, energy, and doing what makes our hearts sing. I think that with your attitude, you would be successful anywhere you feel comfortable, and are doing just that now.

From one "Winner" to another...you are a winner and an outstanding Ambassador to the PI as an American. Greetings from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Keep up the good work and I love every chance I get to travel to Chicago!

Best video! Thanks Paul!

Great video Paul! The lower stress levels of living in SE Asia far outweighs the negative nit Picky irritants that come with moving to a country you have researched and think is better for you.

I agree with you completely. I am 64 and not that I really want to, but I am planning on working until 67 (full retirement and my house will be paid in full). Hopefully my health continues to be good. I am happily married, but my wife does have heart issues. Because of this she wants to stay close to a good medical facility. So instead of the Philippines, I would probably lean more towards Panama. I think we will try and just spend the winter (5 to 6 months) the first year before we bite the bullet and decide if we will do anything permanent. But I definitely want to go somewhere to help stretch my money and be able to enjoy my retirement more.

I watch this video from time to time. It cheers me up.

Thanks for the chat Paul. I've followed your channel for several years and always enjoy these visits and words of wisdom. All the best to you and Mae.

Gosh Paul, your description of yourself just before you came to the Philippines describes me well. Like you, enjoying myself means spending a couple of hours at the movies. Otherwise, life is about going through the motions, and being invisible socially. I have a plane ticket to the Philippines now, arriving in early May. So looking forward to a change of life and a personal renewal!

I thank you Paul...I absolutely love YOU, and your philosophy on life. Each day I watch or listen to you, and my next door neighbor (who is Filipino) it draws me closer to the philippines. I'm booking a flight possibly for the end of May or the beginning of June, mostly because of you. So thanks again for the sage advice. You, as I've said before, you are my unpaid (unfortunately) psychoanalyst. I plan on making a trip to Dumaguete and hopefully will run in to you and buy you a coffee or a few beers. I feel I owe you so much more than that, because you have instilled in me some hope for the future. I LUV YOU MAN! Keep up the great work. TAGAYTAY FIRST!

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you into something else is the greatest accomplishment.”

One of your best videos Paul, cheers

By my own definition of "success," I've been successful. All I ever wanted out of life was to raise a family whom I could love and would love me back. That's all I ever wanted. Career honestly was secondary -- it was whatever it took to give my family a comfortable and happy life together. The single best decision I ever made in life was marrying my Filipina wife 44 years ago. That was the key to everything. Now she gone, and I have to redefine "success" for the rest of my life without her; not long after her death I retired and so I'm enjoying the kind of freedom Paul describes here, and it's liberating. Only thing missing is my life companion, so I'm searching right now to see if I can be happy alone or whether I need companionship to make it worthwhile. I guess I'll know when I'm sick of being alone; I just don't want to take on someone else's baggage, because I did that for decades with my wife's family. Back then I was willing because I considered it a good trade-off, in view of how fulfilling my life was with my dear wife; but now, in my 60s, a relationship feels very unappealing. So I've gotta figure out whether I'm truly happy or fulfilled in my new life. But in the meantime, I can't say I'm a loser or wasn't successful, because I did indeed have the one thing that I always wanted, and I had it in spades.

It's good that you learned to live below your check. It sounds like that was the problem while you were working. If you were able to save 20% while you made six figures for 19yrs, you'd be doing very very well anywhere.

Very good,,Your right,,Thanks

Great information, much appreciated 👍

Exactly right Paul! I live in Southern California and yes I have had enough LOL what's wrong with improving your lifestyle and dramatically cutting your cost-of-living at the same time? My biggest debate right now is do I want to live in Phuket or do I want to live in Palawan? I'm visiting both, my flight leaves on Sunday. Have courage and take action!

Scary thought many American don't have $1,000 in emergency funds. I don't know how people can afford to buy a new car let alone a home. I think your secret of success was Baby Mae!

Thanks Paul for this video.

Very informative.

Hello Paul, this is Phil, interesting video!! You have a point!! If you are a "looser" in the USA moving to the Philippines will not make you a "winner" no matter what choice you make in life.. you will always be who you are.. all we can do is try to improve our lives and minimize the mistakes we all made!! Others people judgements at this point don't matter!!

Man now I really want to head to the Philippines. Being tired of the BS around here in Canada is really taxing on the mind and the soul. The rate of inflation here is so bad that even people with 6 figure incomes can't compete with the rising costs of necessities. And my income is ridiculously far below the poverty line that even the poverty line can't even see my income. I'm doing everything I can to get the funds together to pull the trigger, self publishing 5 book series on Amazon and getting a KZfaq channel going, just doesn't seem like any of it is getting much traction to bring the dream into reality. But as long as I have hope, there's a chance.

Good one! Lot of wisdom here!

This might be the most inspirational video I've ever seen. Thank you Paul...sincerely!!

But to be totally honest Paul, you cannot totally disregard your You Tube income. It is income after all.. You've been a You Tuber for many years, successfully I might add, but to disregard the income and the freedom that brings for you, would be doing a disservice to your viewers. Yes you managed on $2100 a month for a few years, I get it, but so many expats have vlogs now, we can't just push it to one side. Heck some make it a full time profession with videos 3 or 4 times a week, complex editing and then say they're retired! Hardly. You are talking about here and now, not a few years ago. I believe that You Tube has made a very big impact on your life, not just financially, but helping gain friends, helping your self esteem, it does feel good surely? So don't minimize it, it's had a huge impact on your life, as has meeting and marrying Mae, I am sure. All successes for sure. You Tube has changed many people's lives.

Your smile, and wonderful friendly and upbeat demeanor is peak success in my opinion.

Excellent commentary. Thanks Paul.

You called it right Paul. Success takes action. Love your informative and funny videos. Thanks

Your wisdom your talks and your thousands of ur thousands of subscibers proves that u are not and will never be a loser let alone ur happy life in Philippines.

Thanks Paul, Everyone's situation is different but your decision for yourself was an obvious success. WINNER! As far as your message, that was clearly heartfelt truth.

So much great information. Thank you.

Very interesting! The distinction between "successful" and "happy" is a good topic for discussion. “Success is getting what you want, happiness is wanting what you get."

Fantastic advice. Greatly appreciated.

Awesome and so true, interesting

So well said. Thank you

Oh my gosh!!! I love you Paul! Great vlog!

Hey Paul, your video is very well enjoyed. You right about USA, North America. Im from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada and its the same up here. Politics, stress of life , inflation is ruining our beautiful way of life. Dont get me wrong, Canada is a beautiful country and as far as i speak the best country in the world. Listening to your way of life in the Philippines is music to my heart. No one is a loser. Thank you

Hi Paul thanks for the sharing this amazing information. Great video.

Another very insightful vlog. Thanks Paul.

Will be rewatching and rewatching and rewatching this video. Thank you Paul!

Hi Paul, great video. Thank you.

Wisdom is life’s journey and I am glad I found some here.

A great video and definitely food for thought.

Dear Paul, blessings and all the best! Thank you for putting your lifestyle, thoughts and experiences in a commonsensical way. Be well!

Your a great motivational speaker!

Thanks for your honesty and this video, Great info

Attitude truly is EVERYTHING. It will always determine the quality of my day. And for that, I'm responsible in deciding the quality of my day and my impact, positive and negative, on others.

Very true that money matters in the Philippines. If one of us "older" men attempt to date any filipina there and don't have financial resources available then we are wasting our time. It is a given that we are helping them to gain a higher financial status in exchange for their companionship. If the money runs out then they will say goodbye. Hard truth but its reality.

Paul, you have a lot of people who admire you and look up to you. God bless

Paul what you're describing about your daily life in the Philippines is what's known as freedom. Few in America or the world for that matter know the meaning of the word freedom.

Excellent post Paul: you are spot on.

Excellent, simply excellet.

Outstanding video!!!!!!!!

I sensed your hidden sense of humor from your first videos which is why I kept watching your videos. Congratulations!

This is one of my favorite videos. Your happiness comes off as truly sincere. You are the inspiration for hundreds (maybe even thousands) of us struggling to find a life with more happiness and contentment. More than ever most are realizing our days are numbered and we want to make the best of it! Paul you are truly the "Johnny Carson" of all You Tubers regarding life in the Philippines. (Steve Alexander)

I've seen the majority of your videos and this is one of my favorites. You covered so much, and I agree with all your points. There is an old saying (since you like them): is the richest man, is the man that needs the least....

This without doubt one of my favorite posts you have done, good for you Paul.

Fantastic

Great video. Very true statement on life.

Paul , You are simply an inspiration .... and !!! Its one of a handful of daily highlights for me - watching you and your crew - Including Mai ;-)

This is spot on as always.

Very inspirational and motivating story, Paul.

Awesome video of "advice" to all of "us" Paul. I rank this video has one of the "top three" videos you did so far. I agree 💯 percent of what you said and my "planning" of going to retirement in the Philippines is a lot more "focused" now. Thank you and keep up the great videos Paul.

Great vedio Paul