Do NOT Move to These 3 European Countries (If You Want to Retire Early)

I'm going to name three European I'm going to name three European countries that people dream about countries that people dream about countries that people dream about retiring in. A lot of you are stuck in retiring in. A lot of you are stuck in retiring in. A lot of you are stuck in America. I'm going to tell you not to America. I'm going to tell you not to America. I'm going to tell you not to move to any of them right now if your move to any of them right now if your move to any of them right now if your actual goal is retiring early on a actual goal is retiring early on a actual goal is retiring early on a normal amount of money. Not cuz they're normal amount of money. Not cuz they're normal amount of money. Not cuz they're bad, not cuz I don't love them. They're bad, not cuz I don't love them. They're bad, not cuz I don't love them. They're beautiful. That's the problem though. beautiful. That's the problem though. beautiful. That's the problem though. They're too beautiful, they're too They're too beautiful, they're too They're too beautiful, they're too expensive, and the retire abroad expensive, and the retire abroad expensive, and the retire abroad influencers and digital nomads keep influencers and digital nomads keep influencers and digital nomads keep selling them to you as if they're a selling them to you as if they're a selling them to you as if they're a smart financial move. And frankly, right smart financial move. And frankly, right smart financial move. And frankly, right now they're not anymore. And I want to now they're not anymore. And I want to now they're not anymore. And I want to be honest with you before I start cuz I be honest with you before I start cuz I be honest with you before I start cuz I have fallen for this. I've dreamed of have fallen for this. I've dreamed of have fallen for this. I've dreamed of the retirement life in Spain. When I the retirement life in Spain. When I the retirement life in Spain. When I first started thinking about leaving first started thinking about leaving first started thinking about leaving Canada, my list did not start with Canada, my list did not start with Canada, my list did not start with Vietnam. It didn't even start with Vietnam. It didn't even start with Vietnam. It didn't even start with Phuket. The exact countries I'm going to Phuket. The exact countries I'm going to Phuket. The exact countries I'm going to warn you off of are the ones I thought warn you off of are the ones I thought warn you off of are the ones I thought of. I looked at the same photos you of. I looked at the same photos you of. I looked at the same photos you have. I did the same daydreaming. And have. I did the same daydreaming. And have. I did the same daydreaming. And then I ran into the actual numbers. And then I ran into the actual numbers. And then I ran into the actual numbers. And the way I'm going to run them for you the way I'm going to run them for you the way I'm going to run them for you right now, and the daydream exploded. right now, and the daydream exploded. right now, and the daydream exploded. This isn't me looking down on anyone who This isn't me looking down on anyone who This isn't me looking down on anyone who wants to go to these places or who's wants to go to these places or who's wants to go to these places or who's already in them. It's me telling you already in them. It's me telling you already in them. It's me telling you that if you're at home, I wish someone that if you're at home, I wish someone that if you're at home, I wish someone had told me all this financial info and had told me all this financial info and had told me all this financial info and cost of living abroad advice before I cost of living abroad advice before I cost of living abroad advice before I started planning. One more thing before started planning. One more thing before started planning. One more thing before I name them, this video is not about I name them, this video is not about I name them, this video is not about which countries are nice or where has which countries are nice or where has which countries are nice or where has lovely people. All three of these are lovely people. All three of these are lovely people. All three of these are objectively wonderful places to spend objectively wonderful places to spend objectively wonderful places to spend time. I would happily visit any of them time. I would happily visit any of them time. I would happily visit any of them tomorrow for weeks, for a month, for 90 tomorrow for weeks, for a month, for 90 tomorrow for weeks, for a month, for 90 days, whatever. It's a video about a days, whatever. It's a video about a days, whatever. It's a video about a much narrower question. Which countries much narrower question. Which countries much narrower question. Which countries help or hurt your specific goal of help or hurt your specific goal of help or hurt your specific goal of retiring abroad early on a normal retiring abroad early on a normal retiring abroad early on a normal non-wealthy amount of money? Those are non-wealthy amount of money? Those are non-wealthy amount of money? Those are completely different questions, and the completely different questions, and the completely different questions, and the entire retire retire abroad genre blurs

entire retire retire abroad genre blurs entire retire retire abroad genre blurs them together on purpose because a them together on purpose because a them together on purpose because a beautiful place gets more clicks, not beautiful place gets more clicks, not beautiful place gets more clicks, not math. Okay, I care about the math. I math. Okay, I care about the math. I math. Okay, I care about the math. I care about the geoarbitrage. Let's talk care about the geoarbitrage. Let's talk care about the geoarbitrage. Let's talk about these three countries, why they're about these three countries, why they're about these three countries, why they're probably not right for you right now. probably not right for you right now. probably not right for you right now. Number three, Portugal, perhaps the most Number three, Portugal, perhaps the most Number three, Portugal, perhaps the most hyped place in the last decade. I know I hyped place in the last decade. I know I hyped place in the last decade. I know I can already feel the comments. can already feel the comments. can already feel the comments. Portugal's the darling of the entire Portugal's the darling of the entire Portugal's the darling of the entire retire abroad world. It has been. retire abroad world. It has been. retire abroad world. It has been. Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, the pastel Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, the pastel Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, the pastel buildings, the coastline, the wine, the buildings, the coastline, the wine, the buildings, the coastline, the wine, the seafood, everyone's favorite seafood, everyone's favorite seafood, everyone's favorite recommendations. 10, 15 years ago, it recommendations. 10, 15 years ago, it recommendations. 10, 15 years ago, it was actually a good recommendation. was actually a good recommendation. was actually a good recommendation. Portugal genuinely was cheap, gorgeous Portugal genuinely was cheap, gorgeous Portugal genuinely was cheap, gorgeous corner of Western Europe where a modest corner of Western Europe where a modest corner of Western Europe where a modest retirement income went a long way in retirement income went a long way in retirement income went a long way in 2015, in 2010. That Portugal was real, 2015, in 2010. That Portugal was real, 2015, in 2010. That Portugal was real, but frankly, it's gone. I don't say this but frankly, it's gone. I don't say this but frankly, it's gone. I don't say this to be dramatic. I say it because I to be dramatic. I say it because I to be dramatic. I say it because I watched it happen in real time in the watched it happen in real time in the watched it happen in real time in the comments of this very channel and with comments of this very channel and with comments of this very channel and with many of you telling me they've left. many of you telling me they've left. many of you telling me they've left. Five years ago, people were telling me Five years ago, people were telling me Five years ago, people were telling me Lisbon was a smart move. Today, those Lisbon was a smart move. Today, those Lisbon was a smart move. Today, those same people are telling me they got same people are telling me they got same people are telling me they got priced out. They're looking at Thailand, priced out. They're looking at Thailand, priced out. They're looking at Thailand, they're looking at Malaysia, they're they're looking at Malaysia, they're they're looking at Malaysia, they're looking at Vietnam and Cambodia. So, looking at Vietnam and Cambodia. So, looking at Vietnam and Cambodia. So, here's what actually happened, why I'm here's what actually happened, why I'm here's what actually happened, why I'm telling you to be careful. The whole telling you to be careful. The whole telling you to be careful. The whole world basically got the same memo you world basically got the same memo you world basically got the same memo you got. It's in every newspaper, etc.

got. It's in every newspaper, etc. got. It's in every newspaper, etc. Influencers, digital nomads, Instagram, Influencers, digital nomads, Instagram, Influencers, digital nomads, Instagram, remote workers, the retirees, the golden remote workers, the retirees, the golden remote workers, the retirees, the golden visa investors, they all poured into visa investors, they all poured into visa investors, they all poured into Lisbon and Porto at once, and they Lisbon and Porto at once, and they Lisbon and Porto at once, and they brought Western salaries, Western brought Western salaries, Western brought Western salaries, Western savings into a local housing market that savings into a local housing market that savings into a local housing market that frankly couldn't absorb all those frankly couldn't absorb all those frankly couldn't absorb all those ex-Londoners. Rents in Lisbon climbed to ex-Londoners. Rents in Lisbon climbed to ex-Londoners. Rents in Lisbon climbed to levels that would embarrass mid-tier levels that would embarrass mid-tier levels that would embarrass mid-tier American cities. Locals were priced out American cities. Locals were priced out American cities. Locals were priced out of their own capital, which created real of their own capital, which created real of their own capital, which created real political tension around foreigners, and political tension around foreigners, and political tension around foreigners, and that tension is not a comfortable thing that tension is not a comfortable thing that tension is not a comfortable thing to retire into, let alone the change in to retire into, let alone the change in to retire into, let alone the change in laws. You're moving somewhere to relax, laws. You're moving somewhere to relax, laws. You're moving somewhere to relax, not to be the resented symbol of why a not to be the resented symbol of why a not to be the resented symbol of why a nurse cannot afford an apartment in the nurse cannot afford an apartment in the nurse cannot afford an apartment in the city she was born, raised, and works in. city she was born, raised, and works in. city she was born, raised, and works in. The tax situation that made Portugal so The tax situation that made Portugal so The tax situation that made Portugal so attractive in the first place, the attractive in the first place, the attractive in the first place, the famous non-habitual resident regime that famous non-habitual resident regime that famous non-habitual resident regime that gave new arrivals a decade of favorable gave new arrivals a decade of favorable gave new arrivals a decade of favorable treatment, has basically been wound down treatment, has basically been wound down treatment, has basically been wound down and phased out. The specific financial and phased out. The specific financial and phased out. The specific financial lever that made the math work for a lot lever that made the math work for a lot lever that made the math work for a lot of people of people of people got yanked. So, you have rising costs, a got yanked. So, you have rising costs, a got yanked. So, you have rising costs, a cooling welcome, and a tax advantage cooling welcome, and a tax advantage cooling welcome, and a tax advantage that is mostly gone. Three things moving that is mostly gone. Three things moving that is mostly gone. Three things moving in the wrong direction at once, and in the wrong direction at once, and in the wrong direction at once, and that's the reason this matters so much that's the reason this matters so much that's the reason this matters so much is that Portugal is usually the first is that Portugal is usually the first is that Portugal is usually the first name out of everyone's mouth.

name out of everyone's mouth. name out of everyone's mouth. It's the default recommendation, the It's the default recommendation, the It's the default recommendation, the gateway drug of the retire abroad gateway drug of the retire abroad gateway drug of the retire abroad community. So, if the default community. So, if the default community. So, if the default recommendation is already this recommendation is already this recommendation is already this compromised, you can imagine how compromised, you can imagine how compromised, you can imagine how carefully you need to check the rest of carefully you need to check the rest of carefully you need to check the rest of the advice you're being given. The the advice you're being given. The the advice you're being given. The Portugal being sold to you in the Portugal being sold to you in the Portugal being sold to you in the highlight reels is a Portugal that highlight reels is a Portugal that highlight reels is a Portugal that existed a decade ago. You know, it's existed a decade ago. You know, it's existed a decade ago. You know, it's okay to change your mind. Things change okay to change your mind. Things change okay to change your mind. Things change in real time. Here's a way to feel about in real time. Here's a way to feel about in real time. Here's a way to feel about the real numbers. A comfortable the real numbers. A comfortable the real numbers. A comfortable one-bedroom in central Lisbon today can one-bedroom in central Lisbon today can one-bedroom in central Lisbon today can run you well over 1,000 euros. Sometimes run you well over 1,000 euros. Sometimes run you well over 1,000 euros. Sometimes closer to 1,500 in the neighborhoods closer to 1,500 in the neighborhoods closer to 1,500 in the neighborhoods people actually want to live in. That is people actually want to live in. That is people actually want to live in. That is not a cheap retire abroad number. It's not a cheap retire abroad number. It's not a cheap retire abroad number. It's not a Southeast Asia number. It's not not a Southeast Asia number. It's not not a Southeast Asia number. It's not even a cheap Europe number anymore even a cheap Europe number anymore even a cheap Europe number anymore compared to other countries. It's a real compared to other countries. It's a real compared to other countries. It's a real Western city rent and the country's Western city rent and the country's Western city rent and the country's local wages never rose to match it, local wages never rose to match it, local wages never rose to match it, which is exactly why the tension exists. which is exactly why the tension exists. which is exactly why the tension exists. You'd be paying a big city price to live You'd be paying a big city price to live You'd be paying a big city price to live somewhere that the influencers are still somewhere that the influencers are still somewhere that the influencers are still describing as a bargain, and the gap describing as a bargain, and the gap describing as a bargain, and the gap between those two things is the trap. If between those two things is the trap. If between those two things is the trap. If you have deep Portuguese roots, or if you have deep Portuguese roots, or if you have deep Portuguese roots, or if you have your heart set on Europe you have your heart set on Europe you have your heart set on Europe specifically, and the money money specifically, and the money money specifically, and the money money genuinely works for you, fine. Go for it genuinely works for you, fine. Go for it genuinely works for you, fine. Go for it with clear eyes. If you're already with clear eyes. If you're already with clear eyes. If you're already there, congratulations. But, if you're there, congratulations. But, if you're there, congratulations. But, if you're choosing Portugal because you heard it choosing Portugal because you heard it choosing Portugal because you heard it was the cheap, easy, smart money was the cheap, easy, smart money was the cheap, easy, smart money retirement, that specific claim is out retirement, that specific claim is out retirement, that specific claim is out of date. It's expired. And I don't want of date. It's expired. And I don't want of date. It's expired. And I don't want you making a permanent decision on stale you making a permanent decision on stale you making a permanent decision on stale information, or planning for 5 years information, or planning for 5 years information, or planning for 5 years from now when the place that exists now from now when the place that exists now from now when the place that exists now is going to be gone. Let's talk about is going to be gone. Let's talk about is going to be gone. Let's talk about Italy. We've seen the videos, buy a Italy. We've seen the videos, buy a Italy. We've seen the videos, buy a house for a dollar, yada yada. So, house for a dollar, yada yada. So, house for a dollar, yada yada. So, number two in this list is Italy. This number two in this list is Italy. This number two in this list is Italy. This one hurts a bit because Italy is Italy, one hurts a bit because Italy is Italy, one hurts a bit because Italy is Italy, the food, the history, the villages that the food, the history, the villages that the food, the history, the villages that look like a film set, that are film

look like a film set, that are film look like a film set, that are film sets. The whole fantasy of buying a sets. The whole fantasy of buying a sets. The whole fantasy of buying a crumbling stone house in Tuscany or crumbling stone house in Tuscany or crumbling stone house in Tuscany or Puglia for 1 euro and living the dolce Puglia for 1 euro and living the dolce Puglia for 1 euro and living the dolce vita. I get that pull. The food is vita. I get that pull. The food is vita. I get that pull. The food is I mean, come on. It's the best on Earth. I mean, come on. It's the best on Earth. I mean, come on. It's the best on Earth. One of the most seductive retirement One of the most seductive retirement One of the most seductive retirement fantasies on Earth, one of the most fantasies on Earth, one of the most fantasies on Earth, one of the most beautiful. And the 1-euro house thing is beautiful. And the 1-euro house thing is beautiful. And the 1-euro house thing is a perfect example of why I'm putting a perfect example of why I'm putting a perfect example of why I'm putting Italy on this list, because it's a real Italy on this list, because it's a real Italy on this list, because it's a real headline that leads to a very unreal headline that leads to a very unreal headline that leads to a very unreal expectation. Yes, some Italian villages expectation. Yes, some Italian villages expectation. Yes, some Italian villages have sold nearly abandoned houses for a have sold nearly abandoned houses for a have sold nearly abandoned houses for a symbolic amount to reverse depopulation. symbolic amount to reverse depopulation. symbolic amount to reverse depopulation. Hello CNBC make it. I see you. What the Hello CNBC make it. I see you. What the Hello CNBC make it. I see you. What the headline doesn't tell you is that those headline doesn't tell you is that those headline doesn't tell you is that those houses require tens of thousands of euro houses require tens of thousands of euro houses require tens of thousands of euro to euros, mandatory reservations on a to euros, mandatory reservations on a to euros, mandatory reservations on a strict timeline in a region with an strict timeline in a region with an strict timeline in a region with an ailing population, a hollow local ailing population, a hollow local ailing population, a hollow local economy, and no workers to hire. Often economy, and no workers to hire. Often economy, and no workers to hire. Often hours from real hospital or real hours from real hospital or real hours from real hospital or real airport. You're not buying a dolce vita airport. You're not buying a dolce vita airport. You're not buying a dolce vita retirement, you're buying a construction retirement, you're buying a construction retirement, you're buying a construction project in a village in the middle of project in a village in the middle of project in a village in the middle of out. You're buying into a country whose out. You're buying into a country whose out. You're buying into a country whose bureaucracy is, and I say this with bureaucracy is, and I say this with bureaucracy is, and I say this with love, genuinely uncaring about your love, genuinely uncaring about your love, genuinely uncaring about your problems. This is the deeper Italy problems. This is the deeper Italy problems. This is the deeper Italy problem. It's not that Italy is absurdly problem. It's not that Italy is absurdly problem. It's not that Italy is absurdly expensive everywhere. Rural Italy can be expensive everywhere. Rural Italy can be expensive everywhere. Rural Italy can be reasonable. It's that Italy is reasonable. It's that Italy is reasonable. It's that Italy is administratively exhausting in a way administratively exhausting in a way administratively exhausting in a way that specifically punishes a foreigner that specifically punishes a foreigner that specifically punishes a foreigner trying to build a life there. The trying to build a life there. The trying to build a life there. The paperwork, the residency process, the paperwork, the residency process, the paperwork, the residency process, the tax filing, the sheer number of offices tax filing, the sheer number of offices tax filing, the sheer number of offices you have to physically accomplish simple you have to physically accomplish simple you have to physically accomplish simple things. Unless you have relatives there, things. Unless you have relatives there, things. Unless you have relatives there, it is a system system that even locals it is a system system that even locals it is a system system that even locals complain about bitterly. You'll be complain about bitterly. You'll be complain about bitterly. You'll be navigating it as an outsider in a navigating it as an outsider in a navigating it as an outsider in a language you're still learning or you language you're still learning or you language you're still learning or you don't know at retirement age. The don't know at retirement age. The don't know at retirement age. The lifestyle you're chasing is real. The

lifestyle you're chasing is real. The lifestyle you're chasing is real. The friction is wrapped in it, side, also friction is wrapped in it, side, also friction is wrapped in it, side, also real. The influencers never film the real. The influencers never film the real. The influencers never film the friction, they film the pasta, the friction, they film the pasta, the friction, they film the pasta, the pizza, and I want to be specific. pizza, and I want to be specific. pizza, and I want to be specific. Bureaucracy is annoying, I get it, Bureaucracy is annoying, I get it, Bureaucracy is annoying, I get it, everywhere, but this is too soft. I everywhere, but this is too soft. I everywhere, but this is too soft. I mean, months to accomplish anything that mean, months to accomplish anything that mean, months to accomplish anything that could take afternoon elsewhere and be could take afternoon elsewhere and be could take afternoon elsewhere and be done online. Residency permits and tax done online. Residency permits and tax done online. Residency permits and tax codes and utility hookups require their codes and utility hookups require their codes and utility hookups require their own office, their own appointment, their own office, their own appointment, their own office, their own appointment, their own stamped document, often obtained in own stamped document, often obtained in own stamped document, often obtained in person, sometimes more than once because person, sometimes more than once because person, sometimes more than once because the first one had an error nobody warned the first one had an error nobody warned the first one had an error nobody warned you about. People have spent the better you about. People have spent the better you about. People have spent the better part of a year just becoming legally, part of a year just becoming legally, part of a year just becoming legally, administratively real in Italy. If administratively real in Italy. If administratively real in Italy. If you're the kind of person who finds that you're the kind of person who finds that you're the kind of person who finds that a charming adventure, go for it. You a charming adventure, go for it. You a charming adventure, go for it. You know, if you're going to make YouTube know, if you're going to make YouTube know, if you're going to make YouTube content for 5 years fixing a house, have content for 5 years fixing a house, have content for 5 years fixing a house, have a blast. It's on trend. But know that a blast. It's on trend. But know that a blast. It's on trend. But know that the actual daily texture of the first the actual daily texture of the first the actual daily texture of the first year or two will not necessarily be easy year or two will not necessarily be easy year or two will not necessarily be easy and that's not a footnote if you're in and that's not a footnote if you're in and that's not a footnote if you're in your go-go years. If Italy is a passion, your go-go years. If Italy is a passion, your go-go years. If Italy is a passion, spend long stretches there. Go on your spend long stretches there. Go on your spend long stretches there. Go on your Schengen visa, right? Enjoy the tourist Schengen visa, right? Enjoy the tourist Schengen visa, right? Enjoy the tourist version of it. Live the fantasy on a version of it. Live the fantasy on a version of it. Live the fantasy on a trial basis before you sign anything trial basis before you sign anything trial basis before you sign anything permanent. Don't make it your all-in permanent. Don't make it your all-in permanent. Don't make it your all-in early retirement base on the strength of early retirement base on the strength of early retirement base on the strength of a one-year-old headline that's mostly a one-year-old headline that's mostly a one-year-old headline that's mostly clickbait. It's not the real life. Next clickbait. It's not the real life. Next clickbait. It's not the real life. Next up, country three. This one might up, country three. This one might up, country three. This one might surprise some of you. It's a bit of a surprise some of you. It's a bit of a surprise some of you. It's a bit of a pattern breaker, a bit of a twist. Okay, pattern breaker, a bit of a twist. Okay, pattern breaker, a bit of a twist. Okay, it's different because I'm putting it on it's different because I'm putting it on it's different because I'm putting it on the list to make a point about the whole Switzerland. Nobody watching this is Switzerland. Nobody watching this is confused about whether Switzerland is confused about whether Switzerland is confused about whether Switzerland is expensive. You already know, but I want

expensive. You already know, but I want expensive. You already know, but I want to name it anyways cuz those videos to name it anyways cuz those videos to name it anyways cuz those videos showing free or $1 houses or villages showing free or $1 houses or villages showing free or $1 houses or villages that pay you are starting to show up, that pay you are starting to show up, that pay you are starting to show up, right? And it's a fantasy of safe, right? And it's a fantasy of safe, right? And it's a fantasy of safe, stable, high-quality European stable, high-quality European stable, high-quality European retirement, clean, orderly, beautiful, retirement, clean, orderly, beautiful, retirement, clean, orderly, beautiful, functional country where everything functional country where everything functional country where everything works and the currency and banks are works and the currency and banks are works and the currency and banks are trustworthy. trustworthy. trustworthy. So, what's the fantasy? Well, So, what's the fantasy? Well, So, what's the fantasy? Well, Switzerland is one of the most expensive Switzerland is one of the most expensive Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries on Earth to live in. A modest countries on Earth to live in. A modest countries on Earth to live in. A modest life there costs what a genuinely life there costs what a genuinely life there costs what a genuinely luxurious life luxurious life luxurious life costs almost anywhere in the Southern costs almost anywhere in the Southern costs almost anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere. The rent, the groceries, the Hemisphere. The rent, the groceries, the Hemisphere. The rent, the groceries, the health insurance, the price of simply health insurance, the price of simply health insurance, the price of simply existing in one of these Swiss villages existing in one of these Swiss villages existing in one of these Swiss villages will consume an entire comfortable will consume an entire comfortable will consume an entire comfortable retirement income and ask for more. You retirement income and ask for more. You retirement income and ask for more. You could take the portfolio that funds a could take the portfolio that funds a could take the portfolio that funds a rich, traveled, abundant life in rich, traveled, abundant life in rich, traveled, abundant life in Southeast Asia for decades, and in Southeast Asia for decades, and in Southeast Asia for decades, and in Switzerland, that same portfolio funds a Switzerland, that same portfolio funds a Switzerland, that same portfolio funds a careful, watchful, counting every franc careful, watchful, counting every franc careful, watchful, counting every franc existence. And that, friends, is the existence. And that, friends, is the existence. And that, friends, is the real lesson of this country, honestly, real lesson of this country, honestly, real lesson of this country, honestly, the lesson of this whole video. The the lesson of this whole video. The the lesson of this whole video. The thing you're actually buying with a thing you're actually buying with a thing you're actually buying with a high-cost country in Western Europe is high-cost country in Western Europe is high-cost country in Western Europe is not a better life. It is a more not a better life. It is a more not a better life. It is a more expensive version of a life you could expensive version of a life you could expensive version of a life you could have somewhere else if you're actually have somewhere else if you're actually have somewhere else if you're actually flexible. Switzerland doesn't give you flexible. Switzerland doesn't give you flexible. Switzerland doesn't give you more living. It gives you the same more living. It gives you the same more living. It gives you the same living at four or five times the price living at four or five times the price living at four or five times the price with the mountains as the upsell. And I with the mountains as the upsell. And I with the mountains as the upsell. And I use Switzerland deliberately as the use Switzerland deliberately as the use Switzerland deliberately as the extreme example because once you see the extreme example because once you see the extreme example because once you see the pattern at the extreme, you can spot it pattern at the extreme, you can spot it pattern at the extreme, you can spot it everywhere on a smaller scale, right?

everywhere on a smaller scale, right? everywhere on a smaller scale, right? France is a gentler version of the same France is a gentler version of the same France is a gentler version of the same trap. Coastal Spain in the desirable trap. Coastal Spain in the desirable trap. Coastal Spain in the desirable spots is a gentle version of the same spots is a gentle version of the same spots is a gentle version of the same trap, right? Whether you're talking trap, right? Whether you're talking trap, right? Whether you're talking Barcelona, Madrid, or somewhere in the Barcelona, Madrid, or somewhere in the Barcelona, Madrid, or somewhere in the south, all lovely, all functiony, all south, all lovely, all functiony, all south, all lovely, all functiony, all quietly asking you to pay a premium that quietly asking you to pay a premium that quietly asking you to pay a premium that makes the early retirement math harder makes the early retirement math harder makes the early retirement math harder than easier. Switzerland is just a than easier. Switzerland is just a than easier. Switzerland is just a version where the premium is so enormous version where the premium is so enormous version where the premium is so enormous that nobody can pretend it away, which that nobody can pretend it away, which that nobody can pretend it away, which is exactly why it is useful for making is exactly why it is useful for making is exactly why it is useful for making this point. If you're actually trying to this point. If you're actually trying to this point. If you're actually trying to get the most out of your money, you do get the most out of your money, you do get the most out of your money, you do not want to retire to Western Europe. not want to retire to Western Europe. not want to retire to Western Europe. Stay in Florida, bud. Go to Mexico. Stay in Florida, bud. Go to Mexico. Stay in Florida, bud. Go to Mexico. Okay, so what do these three actually Okay, so what do these three actually Okay, so what do these three actually have in common? Well, Portugal, the have in common? Well, Portugal, the have in common? Well, Portugal, the former bourbon that got discovered, former bourbon that got discovered, former bourbon that got discovered, Italy, a fantasy wrapped in a fiction, Italy, a fantasy wrapped in a fiction, Italy, a fantasy wrapped in a fiction, Switzerland, a beautiful lie at an Switzerland, a beautiful lie at an Switzerland, a beautiful lie at an absurd premium. The common thread is absurd premium. The common thread is absurd premium. The common thread is that every one of them asked you to pay that every one of them asked you to pay that every one of them asked you to pay a Western European cost of living in a Western European cost of living in a Western European cost of living in exchange for that enormous price, the exchange for that enormous price, the exchange for that enormous price, the early retirement math gets harder, not early retirement math gets harder, not early retirement math gets harder, not easier. The whole thing I'm trying to easier. The whole thing I'm trying to easier. The whole thing I'm trying to get people to figure out is they can get people to figure out is they can get people to figure out is they can live better abroad with a higher quality live better abroad with a higher quality live better abroad with a higher quality of life and a lower cost of living, of life and a lower cost of living, of life and a lower cost of living, okay? To retire comfortably in Western okay? To retire comfortably in Western okay? To retire comfortably in Western Europe, you're generally looking at Europe, you're generally looking at Europe, you're generally looking at needing a portfolio somewhere in the needing a portfolio somewhere in the needing a portfolio somewhere in the seven figures. Why leave it all? The seven figures. Why leave it all? The seven figures. Why leave it all? The cost structure is a Western cost cost structure is a Western cost cost structure is a Western cost structure. To retire comfortably in the structure. To retire comfortably in the structure. To retire comfortably in the kind of Southeast Asian city I actually kind of Southeast Asian city I actually kind of Southeast Asian city I actually live in and travel around, that number live in and travel around, that number live in and travel around, that number can be a third, sometimes less, right?

can be a third, sometimes less, right? can be a third, sometimes less, right? Same you, same savings. The European Same you, same savings. The European Same you, same savings. The European version might mean working another 10 or version might mean working another 10 or version might mean working another 10 or 15 years to afford it. The Southeast 15 years to afford it. The Southeast 15 years to afford it. The Southeast Asia version means you can go right now Asia version means you can go right now Asia version means you can go right now if you sell your house and take off. if you sell your house and take off. if you sell your house and take off. GTFO, folks. That is the trade nobody GTFO, folks. That is the trade nobody GTFO, folks. That is the trade nobody frames honestly. When an influencer frames honestly. When an influencer frames honestly. When an influencer sells you a Portuguese village or a sells you a Portuguese village or a sells you a Portuguese village or a Tuscan farmhouse, what they're actually Tuscan farmhouse, what they're actually Tuscan farmhouse, what they're actually selling you in financial terms is years selling you in financial terms is years selling you in financial terms is years of additional working life to afford the of additional working life to afford the of additional working life to afford the premium or a much thinner, more anxious premium or a much thinner, more anxious premium or a much thinner, more anxious retirement once you get there. Yeah, the retirement once you get there. Yeah, the retirement once you get there. Yeah, the photos are gorgeous. Yeah, the wine's photos are gorgeous. Yeah, the wine's photos are gorgeous. Yeah, the wine's delicious, but the math is brutal. Let delicious, but the math is brutal. Let delicious, but the math is brutal. Let me put it in terms that actually matter, me put it in terms that actually matter, me put it in terms that actually matter, which is time. You cannot exchange time. which is time. You cannot exchange time. which is time. You cannot exchange time. It's finite. Western Europe means you It's finite. Western Europe means you It's finite. Western Europe means you need an extra 700,000, 800,000 dollars need an extra 700,000, 800,000 dollars need an extra 700,000, 800,000 dollars in your portfolio compared to a low-cost in your portfolio compared to a low-cost in your portfolio compared to a low-cost Asian city or even Latin America. You Asian city or even Latin America. You Asian city or even Latin America. You can save maybe 30 or 40,000 dollars a can save maybe 30 or 40,000 dollars a can save maybe 30 or 40,000 dollars a year by choosing Asia over Europe. It's year by choosing Asia over Europe. It's year by choosing Asia over Europe. It's a decision worth an extra 15 or 20 years a decision worth an extra 15 or 20 years a decision worth an extra 15 or 20 years of your life. Those are the good years, of your life. Those are the good years, of your life. Those are the good years, friend. What does that premium actually friend. What does that premium actually friend. What does that premium actually cost? It's thing you can't get back. And cost? It's thing you can't get back. And cost? It's thing you can't get back. And nobody frames a Tuscan farmhouse as 15 nobody frames a Tuscan farmhouse as 15 nobody frames a Tuscan farmhouse as 15 more years at your desk. Financially, more years at your desk. Financially, more years at your desk. Financially, that is exactly what it is. You know, is that is exactly what it is. You know, is that is exactly what it is. You know, is France or Spain worth a decade of your France or Spain worth a decade of your France or Spain worth a decade of your working life? Hell no, folks. Retire working life? Hell no, folks. Retire working life? Hell no, folks. Retire early abroad. Do it right. Okay, quick early abroad. Do it right. Okay, quick early abroad. Do it right. Okay, quick pause because this is exactly what the pause because this is exactly what the pause because this is exactly what the membership I built this for. If you want membership I built this for. If you want membership I built this for. If you want the actual cost of living breakdowns for the actual cost of living breakdowns for the actual cost of living breakdowns for the countries that do make the early the countries that do make the early the countries that do make the early retirement wealth work here in Southeast retirement wealth work here in Southeast retirement wealth work here in Southeast Asia. We're talking Vietnam, Thailand, Asia. We're talking Vietnam, Thailand, Asia. We're talking Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Cambodia. Real Malaysia, Philippines, Cambodia. Real Malaysia, Philippines, Cambodia. Real neighborhood level numbers, visa

neighborhood level numbers, visa neighborhood level numbers, visa mechanics, healthcare specifics. I've mechanics, healthcare specifics. I've mechanics, healthcare specifics. I've got it all in my guides and my courses got it all in my guides and my courses got it all in my guides and my courses on the costoflivingabroad.com. on the costoflivingabroad.com. on the costoflivingabroad.com. I do live monthly Q&A's where you can I do live monthly Q&A's where you can I do live monthly Q&A's where you can your own situation in front of me. I your own situation in front of me. I your own situation in front of me. I also do one-on-one consulting where we also do one-on-one consulting where we also do one-on-one consulting where we can talk about a personal plan for you. can talk about a personal plan for you. can talk about a personal plan for you. Everything will be linked below. Now, Everything will be linked below. Now, Everything will be linked below. Now, let me argue against myself cuz I let me argue against myself cuz I let me argue against myself cuz I promised you honesty and there is a real promised you honesty and there is a real promised you honesty and there is a real case on the other side for all those case on the other side for all those case on the other side for all those people in the comments that are going to people in the comments that are going to people in the comments that are going to tell me I'm BS'ing full of it. There are tell me I'm BS'ing full of it. There are tell me I'm BS'ing full of it. There are people for whom one of these three people for whom one of these three people for whom one of these three countries is genuinely the right answer, countries is genuinely the right answer, countries is genuinely the right answer, especially maybe if you have heritage or especially maybe if you have heritage or especially maybe if you have heritage or relatives. I'd be lying to pretend relatives. I'd be lying to pretend relatives. I'd be lying to pretend otherwise, right? If you have family in otherwise, right? If you have family in otherwise, right? If you have family in Europe, the proximity might be worth Europe, the proximity might be worth Europe, the proximity might be worth every extra euro because you're being a every extra euro because you're being a every extra euro because you're being a two-hour flight from your grandchildren two-hour flight from your grandchildren two-hour flight from your grandchildren instead of a 24-hour one is not a line instead of a 24-hour one is not a line instead of a 24-hour one is not a line that I'm you can put a price on, right? that I'm you can put a price on, right? that I'm you can put a price on, right? If you have a European passport or If you have a European passport or If you have a European passport or you're in the UK ancestry that makes you're in the UK ancestry that makes you're in the UK ancestry that makes residency simple, one of the biggest residency simple, one of the biggest residency simple, one of the biggest frictions disappears. If your retirement frictions disappears. If your retirement frictions disappears. If your retirement number is genuinely live, large, maybe number is genuinely live, large, maybe number is genuinely live, large, maybe you have 2 million. If you saved you have 2 million. If you saved you have 2 million. If you saved aggressively and the money is not a aggressively and the money is not a aggressively and the money is not a binding constraint, then the cost binding constraint, then the cost binding constraint, then the cost objection I've been hammering doesn't objection I've been hammering doesn't objection I've been hammering doesn't really apply to you. Go nuts, buddy. Go really apply to you. Go nuts, buddy. Go really apply to you. Go nuts, buddy. Go to Barcelona. Hang out on the Spain to Barcelona. Hang out on the Spain to Barcelona. Hang out on the Spain coast. You should go live in a Tuscan coast. You should go live in a Tuscan coast. You should go live in a Tuscan farmhouse if you want. Enjoy every farmhouse if you want. Enjoy every farmhouse if you want. Enjoy every second of it. The point is, do it now.

second of it. The point is, do it now. second of it. The point is, do it now. It's the time. If Europe is not a It's the time. If Europe is not a It's the time. If Europe is not a financial calculation for you at all, financial calculation for you at all, financial calculation for you at all, but a soul thing, if standing at a but a soul thing, if standing at a but a soul thing, if standing at a particular piazza eating a particular particular piazza eating a particular particular piazza eating a particular pizza is your dream in life, no pizza is your dream in life, no pizza is your dream in life, no spreadsheet I show you should override spreadsheet I show you should override spreadsheet I show you should override that. I don't want it to. I'm not the that. I don't want it to. I'm not the that. I don't want it to. I'm not the boss of your happiness. I'm just running boss of your happiness. I'm just running boss of your happiness. I'm just running numbers explaining to you arbitrage and numbers explaining to you arbitrage and numbers explaining to you arbitrage and retire early with math. I'd rather be retire early with math. I'd rather be retire early with math. I'd rather be the guy who runs the numbers honestly the guy who runs the numbers honestly the guy who runs the numbers honestly and tells you Europe is more expensive and tells you Europe is more expensive and tells you Europe is more expensive than South America than South America than South America or Southeast Asia. Not trying to get or Southeast Asia. Not trying to get or Southeast Asia. Not trying to get views with this one. I'm just trying to views with this one. I'm just trying to views with this one. I'm just trying to be honest about what the advantages of be honest about what the advantages of be honest about what the advantages of retirement in Southeast Asia are versus retirement in Southeast Asia are versus retirement in Southeast Asia are versus the rest of the world. Of course, the rest of the world. Of course, the rest of the world. Of course, there's trade-offs to that, too. there's trade-offs to that, too. there's trade-offs to that, too. Everybody has their favorites. Everybody has their favorites. Everybody has their favorites. Everything is subjective. Beauty itself Everything is subjective. Beauty itself Everything is subjective. Beauty itself is subjective. I'm just asking you to is subjective. I'm just asking you to is subjective. I'm just asking you to look past the photographs to the price look past the photographs to the price look past the photographs to the price tag underneath it. My argument is narrow tag underneath it. My argument is narrow tag underneath it. My argument is narrow and specific. It is this. If your goal and specific. It is this. If your goal and specific. It is this. If your goal is early retirement on a normal, like is early retirement on a normal, like is early retirement on a normal, like me, teacher-sized amount of money and me, teacher-sized amount of money and me, teacher-sized amount of money and salary, these three countries will make salary, these three countries will make salary, these three countries will make that specific goal harder and take that specific goal harder and take that specific goal harder and take longer, and they're being sold to you as longer, and they're being sold to you as longer, and they're being sold to you as if they make it easier. That is the if they make it easier. That is the if they make it easier. That is the mismatch I want you to see, not that mismatch I want you to see, not that mismatch I want you to see, not that Europe is bad, not that Europe is going Europe is bad, not that Europe is going Europe is bad, not that Europe is going to hell. Europe is not the cheat code to hell. Europe is not the cheat code to hell. Europe is not the cheat code the highlight reels imply, and there are the highlight reels imply, and there are the highlight reels imply, and there are other places that actually are. There other places that actually are. There other places that actually are. There are real places right now that will are real places right now that will are real places right now that will game-change your cost of living abroad game-change your cost of living abroad game-change your cost of living abroad and your retirement number. So, your and your retirement number. So, your and your retirement number. So, your three: Portugal, discovered, priced up, three: Portugal, discovered, priced up, three: Portugal, discovered, priced up, and cooling to newcomers. Italy, a and cooling to newcomers. Italy, a and cooling to newcomers. Italy, a genuine fantasy wrapped in friction.

genuine fantasy wrapped in friction. genuine fantasy wrapped in friction. Switzerland, standing in for the whole Switzerland, standing in for the whole Switzerland, standing in for the whole idea that expensive equals better when idea that expensive equals better when idea that expensive equals better when it mostly just equals it mostly just equals it mostly just equals expensive. Do not move to these three expensive. Do not move to these three expensive. Do not move to these three countries in Europe if your goal is countries in Europe if your goal is countries in Europe if your goal is retiring early on a normal amount of retiring early on a normal amount of retiring early on a normal amount of money. Not because they're not money. Not because they're not money. Not because they're not wonderful, because wonderful is not the wonderful, because wonderful is not the wonderful, because wonderful is not the question and frankly you probably can't question and frankly you probably can't question and frankly you probably can't afford it. The question is what a place afford it. The question is what a place afford it. The question is what a place costs you in money and the years of costs you in money and the years of costs you in money and the years of working life you have to trade to afford working life you have to trade to afford working life you have to trade to afford it measured against what it actually it measured against what it actually it measured against what it actually gives you back. On that specific test, gives you back. On that specific test, gives you back. On that specific test, these three fail and the influencers these three fail and the influencers these three fail and the influencers selling them to you are not running that selling them to you are not running that selling them to you are not running that test. If you haven't read it, pick up a test. If you haven't read it, pick up a test. If you haven't read it, pick up a copy of Die with Zero. It might really copy of Die with Zero. It might really copy of Die with Zero. It might really help you understand this concept. If help you understand this concept. If help you understand this concept. If you're at the stage where you're you're at the stage where you're you're at the stage where you're seriously planning this and you want to seriously planning this and you want to seriously planning this and you want to work through your specific situation, work through your specific situation, work through your specific situation, not the general map or numbers I gave not the general map or numbers I gave not the general map or numbers I gave you today, but your actual numbers, your you today, but your actual numbers, your you today, but your actual numbers, your actual timeline, get in a session, a Q&A actual timeline, get in a session, a Q&A actual timeline, get in a session, a Q&A inside the membership or monthly when I inside the membership or monthly when I inside the membership or monthly when I go live where we start those go live where we start those go live where we start those conversations where I can point you conversations where I can point you conversations where I can point you toward the right kind of help you need, toward the right kind of help you need, toward the right kind of help you need, get you in the guided or full service get you in the guided or full service get you in the guided or full service tier in my membership if you're serious tier in my membership if you're serious tier in my membership if you're serious enough and you want to focus enough and you want to focus enough and you want to focus personalized conversation about your personalized conversation about your personalized conversation about your whole plan.

whole plan. whole plan. Next step, thanks so much for watching. Next step, thanks so much for watching. Next step, thanks so much for watching. I'm Evan A, retired early in Vietnam. I'm Evan A, retired early in Vietnam. I'm Evan A, retired early in Vietnam. Subscribe, comment, share if you liked Subscribe, comment, share if you liked Subscribe, comment, share if you liked this one or you can watch this one where this one or you can watch this one where this one or you can watch this one where I break down the places that are still I break down the places that are still I break down the places that are still legitimate options for Americans to move legitimate options for Americans to move legitimate options for Americans to move visa-free right now or this one where I visa-free right now or this one where I visa-free right now or this one where I talk about what's known as the Southeast talk about what's known as the Southeast talk about what's known as the Southeast Asia retirement loop, which I think way Asia retirement loop, which I think way Asia retirement loop, which I think way more people should be doing.