How I Saved 70% of My Salary and Retired at 40

Welcome back to Saigon, Vietnam. I'm Welcome back to Saigon, Vietnam. I'm Evan A, retired early in Vietnam. We're Evan A, retired early in Vietnam. We're Evan A, retired early in Vietnam. We're in Lam Vien Park, a beautiful in Lam Vien Park, a beautiful in Lam Vien Park, a beautiful neighborhood. I used to live here neighborhood. I used to live here neighborhood. I used to live here and work just a few blocks from here. and work just a few blocks from here. and work just a few blocks from here. Today, I'm basically going to break down Today, I'm basically going to break down Today, I'm basically going to break down for you how I was able to save between for you how I was able to save between for you how I was able to save between 70 and 80% of my income. A couple of 70 and 80% of my income. A couple of 70 and 80% of my income. A couple of videos back, I walked you through a real videos back, I walked you through a real videos back, I walked you through a real real week of my spending here, all the real week of my spending here, all the real week of my spending here, all the budgets, right? Every coffee, every bowl budgets, right? Every coffee, every bowl budgets, right? Every coffee, every bowl of pho, every dollar, all the way down of pho, every dollar, all the way down of pho, every dollar, all the way down to basically how I'm able to live for to basically how I'm able to live for to basically how I'm able to live for under $40 a day, you know, 280 a week. under $40 a day, you know, 280 a week. under $40 a day, you know, 280 a week. And the comment that come more than any And the comment that come more than any And the comment that come more than any other, it's not about the food or the other, it's not about the food or the other, it's not about the food or the rent, it's about the other side of the rent, it's about the other side of the rent, it's about the other side of the equation. So, people want to know how I equation. So, people want to know how I equation. So, people want to know how I earned and saved enough on a teacher's earned and saved enough on a teacher's earned and saved enough on a teacher's salary to basically be in a beautiful salary to basically be in a beautiful salary to basically be in a beautiful neighborhood and not have anything to do neighborhood and not have anything to do neighborhood and not have anything to do or anywhere to be at or anywhere to be at or anywhere to be at when I'm in my mid-40s. So, this is that when I'm in my mid-40s. So, this is that when I'm in my mid-40s. So, this is that side of it, right? The earning and the side of it, right? The earning and the side of it, right? The earning and the saving side of it rather than the saving side of it rather than the saving side of it rather than the spending side, which is what I tend to spending side, which is what I tend to spending side, which is what I tend to talk about more. This isn't the cost of talk about more. This isn't the cost of talk about more. This isn't the cost of living, it's the income. And the number living, it's the income. And the number living, it's the income. And the number I get the most pushback on constantly is I get the most pushback on constantly is I get the most pushback on constantly is that savings rate, the 70%, the 80%.

that savings rate, the 70%, the 80%. that savings rate, the 70%, the 80%. It's not the fact that I'm retired at 40 It's not the fact that I'm retired at 40 It's not the fact that I'm retired at 40 or I did retire. It's not the Vietnam or I did retire. It's not the Vietnam or I did retire. It's not the Vietnam part, it's not even the teacher's part, it's not even the teacher's part, it's not even the teacher's salary. The 70% savings rate or higher salary. The 70% savings rate or higher salary. The 70% savings rate or higher is the number that makes people stop the is the number that makes people stop the is the number that makes people stop the video and just call say it's video and just call say it's video and just call say it's not true, it's impossible or I had some not true, it's impossible or I had some not true, it's impossible or I had some advantage advantage advantage that you or they don't have access to. that you or they don't have access to. that you or they don't have access to. So, want to walk you through exactly how So, want to walk you through exactly how So, want to walk you through exactly how it happened, and I want to start by it happened, and I want to start by it happened, and I want to start by agreeing with the pushback to some agreeing with the pushback to some agreeing with the pushback to some extent because part of it's right, and extent because part of it's right, and extent because part of it's right, and pretending it isn't would make pretending it isn't would make pretending it isn't would make everything else I tell you everything else I tell you everything else I tell you less believable or less factual, right? less believable or less factual, right? less believable or less factual, right? So, I taught at international schools So, I taught at international schools So, I taught at international schools for the majority of my career, not for the majority of my career, not for the majority of my career, not domestic public schools. And the domestic public schools. And the domestic public schools. And the distinction matters financially, and distinction matters financially, and distinction matters financially, and I'll explain exactly why in a few I'll explain exactly why in a few I'll explain exactly why in a few minutes, but the short version is that minutes, but the short version is that minutes, but the short version is that the income structure of an international the income structure of an international the income structure of an international school salary is competitive in school salary is competitive in school salary is competitive in Southeast Asia or East Asia and it has Southeast Asia or East Asia and it has Southeast Asia or East Asia and it has specific characteristics that you're specific characteristics that you're specific characteristics that you're just not going to get out of public just not going to get out of public just not going to get out of public school in North America and no teacher school in North America and no teacher school in North America and no teacher at home would have. So, for example, at home would have. So, for example, at home would have. So, for example, housing allowance, tax advantages in housing allowance, tax advantages in housing allowance, tax advantages in certain jurisdictions, certain jurisdictions, certain jurisdictions, um a salary scale that reflects the um a salary scale that reflects the um a salary scale that reflects the international market for qualified international market for qualified international market for qualified teachers rather than a domestic union teachers rather than a domestic union teachers rather than a domestic union bargaining sort of civil service thing.

bargaining sort of civil service thing. bargaining sort of civil service thing. Um and I should note, Um and I should note, Um and I should note, I lived here. So, my my school paid for I lived here. So, my my school paid for I lived here. So, my my school paid for me to live in an apartment right here in me to live in an apartment right here in me to live in an apartment right here in this beautiful area. So, my rent was this beautiful area. So, my rent was this beautiful area. So, my rent was less than my housing allowance and I was less than my housing allowance and I was less than my housing allowance and I was actually able to pocket the difference, actually able to pocket the difference, actually able to pocket the difference, which increased my savings rate. So, I'm which increased my savings rate. So, I'm which increased my savings rate. So, I'm not going to pretend those advantages not going to pretend those advantages not going to pretend those advantages didn't exist. They definitely do. didn't exist. They definitely do. didn't exist. They definitely do. Argument I'm making is not that every Argument I'm making is not that every Argument I'm making is not that every teacher can copy my exact situation or teacher can copy my exact situation or teacher can copy my exact situation or every blue-collar average worker at every blue-collar average worker at every blue-collar average worker at home. Arguments that the underlying home. Arguments that the underlying home. Arguments that the underlying mechanics, the three things that mechanics, the three things that mechanics, the three things that actually produce the 70% savings rate or actually produce the 70% savings rate or actually produce the 70% savings rate or access to that, are available to anyone access to that, are available to anyone access to that, are available to anyone working the variables they actually do working the variables they actually do working the variables they actually do control, right? So, the income structure control, right? So, the income structure control, right? So, the income structure is one variable, the expense discipline is one variable, the expense discipline is one variable, the expense discipline and the investment rooting are the other and the investment rooting are the other and the investment rooting are the other two. And those two are available to you two. And those two are available to you two. And those two are available to you regardless of what you earn, where you regardless of what you earn, where you regardless of what you earn, where you work, and if you can get a decent salary work, and if you can get a decent salary work, and if you can get a decent salary online online online or do some sort of online business or or do some sort of online business or or do some sort of online business or freelance work, you can make all three freelance work, you can make all three freelance work, you can make all three of them available to you. So, let's of them available to you. So, let's of them available to you. So, let's break them down one at a time. The first break them down one at a time. The first break them down one at a time. The first one, it's the most important thing, it's one, it's the most important thing, it's one, it's the most important thing, it's the first thing I ask when people say the first thing I ask when people say the first thing I ask when people say they want to move over here. So, the they want to move over here. So, the they want to move over here. So, the number one mechanic is your income number one mechanic is your income number one mechanic is your income structure, okay? So, my base salary structure, okay? So, my base salary structure, okay? So, my base salary across my career ran from roughly across my career ran from roughly across my career ran from roughly $35,000 to $65,000 $35,000 to $65,000 $35,000 to $65,000 a year depending on the school tier or a year depending on the school tier or a year depending on the school tier or the country. Early years TEFL teaching the country. Early years TEFL teaching the country. Early years TEFL teaching in Mexico was way lower. Here it was in Mexico was way lower. Here it was in Mexico was way lower. Here it was significantly higher but due to significantly higher but due to significantly higher but due to experience, not higher pay grades in experience, not higher pay grades in experience, not higher pay grades in Southeast Asia. The highest pay Southeast Asia. The highest pay Southeast Asia. The highest pay uh would be in China. So, in In later uh would be in China. So, in In later uh would be in China. So, in In later years as a department head in

years as a department head in years as a department head in international school, I was able to make international school, I was able to make international school, I was able to make a relatively high salary even to my peer a relatively high salary even to my peer a relatively high salary even to my peer group that was younger or less group that was younger or less group that was younger or less experienced. But, the salary line experienced. But, the salary line experienced. But, the salary line doesn't really tell the whole story. doesn't really tell the whole story. doesn't really tell the whole story. And this is the part most people miss. And this is the part most people miss. And this is the part most people miss. International schools compete for International schools compete for International schools compete for qualified teachers in a global market. qualified teachers in a global market. qualified teachers in a global market. So, they offer compensation packages um So, they offer compensation packages um So, they offer compensation packages um with a lot of elements beyond the salary with a lot of elements beyond the salary with a lot of elements beyond the salary itself. The first most obvious is that itself. The first most obvious is that itself. The first most obvious is that housing. In several of my postings, the housing. In several of my postings, the housing. In several of my postings, the school provided an actual house or home school provided an actual house or home school provided an actual house or home to stay at for free or in this case they to stay at for free or in this case they to stay at for free or in this case they directly subsidized my accommodation. directly subsidized my accommodation. directly subsidized my accommodation. So, I had a housing allowance and that So, I had a housing allowance and that So, I had a housing allowance and that allowance covered more than 100% of my allowance covered more than 100% of my allowance covered more than 100% of my rent often. I got to choose where I rent often. I got to choose where I rent often. I got to choose where I lived, right? So, I actively chose a lived, right? So, I actively chose a lived, right? So, I actively chose a more affordable place rather than a more affordable place rather than a more affordable place rather than a balling one. I loved it here. These are balling one. I loved it here. These are balling one. I loved it here. These are the buildings I lived in. They're the buildings I lived in. They're the buildings I lived in. They're gorgeous. But, right across the park, gorgeous. But, right across the park, gorgeous. But, right across the park, this newer building costs about 60% this newer building costs about 60% this newer building costs about 60% more, right? So, just literally choosing more, right? So, just literally choosing more, right? So, just literally choosing an older build building in the exact an older build building in the exact an older build building in the exact same neighborhood on the exact same same neighborhood on the exact same same neighborhood on the exact same street, my rent here was 14 million, my street, my rent here was 14 million, my street, my rent here was 14 million, my buddy's rent there is 20 million. It's buddy's rent there is 20 million. It's buddy's rent there is 20 million. It's the difference between a building that the difference between a building that the difference between a building that was built in 2016 and a building that was built in 2016 and a building that was built in 2016 and a building that was built in 2022. And that housing was built in 2022. And that housing was built in 2022. And that housing allowance money that I saved is not allowance money that I saved is not allowance money that I saved is not taxed the way a salary is, right? It's taxed the way a salary is, right? It's taxed the way a salary is, right? It's effectively untaxed compensation that effectively untaxed compensation that effectively untaxed compensation that widens the gap between what you earn and widens the gap between what you earn and widens the gap between what you earn and what you spend without ever appearing in what you spend without ever appearing in what you spend without ever appearing in the gross salary figure your friends the gross salary figure your friends the gross salary figure your friends back home are going to hear or compare back home are going to hear or compare back home are going to hear or compare themselves to or you're going to file themselves to or you're going to file themselves to or you're going to file on your tax list. So, for Americans, the

on your tax list. So, for Americans, the on your tax list. So, for Americans, the foreign earned income exclusion for US foreign earned income exclusion for US foreign earned income exclusion for US citizens or the equivalent provisions citizens or the equivalent provisions citizens or the equivalent provisions for Canadian teachers who uh set up for Canadian teachers who uh set up for Canadian teachers who uh set up structures as non-residents, this is structures as non-residents, this is structures as non-residents, this is further reducing your effective tax rate further reducing your effective tax rate further reducing your effective tax rate um and essentially getting you out of um and essentially getting you out of um and essentially getting you out of paying the majority if not all of your paying the majority if not all of your paying the majority if not all of your income tax while living abroad. The FEIE income tax while living abroad. The FEIE income tax while living abroad. The FEIE number for American citizens in 2024 number for American citizens in 2024 number for American citizens in 2024 living abroad excludes a rough free living abroad excludes a rough free living abroad excludes a rough free $126,000. $126,000. $126,000. So, it's going to be way more than what, So, it's going to be way more than what, So, it's going to be way more than what, you know, a sort of teacher, your you know, a sort of teacher, your you know, a sort of teacher, your average middle-class worker earns. Now, average middle-class worker earns. Now, average middle-class worker earns. Now, again, I'm not a tax advisor or again, I'm not a tax advisor or again, I'm not a tax advisor or financial advisor. The rules around this financial advisor. The rules around this financial advisor. The rules around this are specific and require a qualified are specific and require a qualified are specific and require a qualified accountant to apply correctly to your accountant to apply correctly to your accountant to apply correctly to your own situation. Point is that for certain own situation. Point is that for certain own situation. Point is that for certain years and certain structures, the years and certain structures, the years and certain structures, the effective take-home on an international effective take-home on an international effective take-home on an international salary is going to be higher than the salary is going to be higher than the salary is going to be higher than the headline figure once you account for headline figure once you account for headline figure once you account for housing benefits, for tax treatments, housing benefits, for tax treatments, housing benefits, for tax treatments, for other advantages. So, before I made for other advantages. So, before I made for other advantages. So, before I made a single spending decision, two things a single spending decision, two things a single spending decision, two things were already true, right? Effective were already true, right? Effective were already true, right? Effective income higher than the salary line, and income higher than the salary line, and income higher than the salary line, and effective tax on that income lower than effective tax on that income lower than effective tax on that income lower than the headline rate. So, the income the headline rate. So, the income the headline rate. So, the income structure was working in their favor structure was working in their favor structure was working in their favor twice, and increasing my savings rate twice, and increasing my savings rate twice, and increasing my savings rate twice before it even hits my account.

twice before it even hits my account. twice before it even hits my account. Now, can someone in a domestic job, a Now, can someone in a domestic job, a Now, can someone in a domestic job, a public school at home, blue-collar work public school at home, blue-collar work public school at home, blue-collar work in the US access the same structure? Not in the US access the same structure? Not in the US access the same structure? Not directly, right? The housing allowance, directly, right? The housing allowance, directly, right? The housing allowance, the FEIE require an international the FEIE require an international the FEIE require an international setting. But, the question underlying setting. But, the question underlying setting. But, the question underlying the mechanics is universal. How do you the mechanics is universal. How do you the mechanics is universal. How do you increase your effective income relative increase your effective income relative increase your effective income relative to your cost of living? And the answers to your cost of living? And the answers to your cost of living? And the answers available to someone in a domestic job available to someone in a domestic job available to someone in a domestic job are still real. Move to a lower-cost are still real. Move to a lower-cost are still real. Move to a lower-cost city within your own country, increase city within your own country, increase city within your own country, increase purchasing power on the same salary, purchasing power on the same salary, purchasing power on the same salary, right? Pursue a remote arrangement that right? Pursue a remote arrangement that right? Pursue a remote arrangement that gives you financial independence and gives you financial independence and gives you financial independence and geographic flexibility, or build an geographic flexibility, or build an geographic flexibility, or build an income supplement through online work, income supplement through online work, income supplement through online work, exactly what I did later during COVID. exactly what I did later during COVID. exactly what I did later during COVID. That lifts your top line without forcing That lifts your top line without forcing That lifts your top line without forcing you to pay the rent on an expensive city you to pay the rent on an expensive city you to pay the rent on an expensive city to do it, okay? So, when I started to do it, okay? So, when I started to do it, okay? So, when I started tutoring online, I was able to make tutoring online, I was able to make tutoring online, I was able to make roughly a thousand bucks a month. It roughly a thousand bucks a month. It roughly a thousand bucks a month. It would have been back home in would have been back home in would have been back home in Canada, it would have been nothing in Canada, it would have been nothing in Canada, it would have been nothing in San Francisco where I lived before, but San Francisco where I lived before, but San Francisco where I lived before, but here, it effectively shot my savings here, it effectively shot my savings here, it effectively shot my savings rate through the roof, okay? So, the rate through the roof, okay? So, the rate through the roof, okay? So, the income structure is your first and most income structure is your first and most income structure is your first and most important lever. It's not the only one, important lever. It's not the only one, important lever. It's not the only one, and I want to be honest, for the years and I want to be honest, for the years and I want to be honest, for the years before Vietnam, when my income was before Vietnam, when my income was before Vietnam, when my income was genuinely modest, My savings rate was genuinely modest, My savings rate was genuinely modest, My savings rate was lower. The 70 to 80% was an achievement lower. The 70 to 80% was an achievement lower. The 70 to 80% was an achievement right at the end of my career, not an right at the end of my career, not an right at the end of my career, not an average over 17 years, right? In the average over 17 years, right? In the average over 17 years, right? In the early years in Mexico, I had a very early years in Mexico, I had a very early years in Mexico, I had a very small savings rate, but it was still small savings rate, but it was still small savings rate, but it was still real and compounding still matters. And real and compounding still matters. And real and compounding still matters. And the peak years are what eventually the peak years are what eventually the peak years are what eventually pushed me over the threshold. In other pushed me over the threshold. In other pushed me over the threshold. In other words, if you look at my portfolio, it words, if you look at my portfolio, it words, if you look at my portfolio, it looks pretty pathetic for the first like looks pretty pathetic for the first like looks pretty pathetic for the first like 5, 6, 7 years or whatever, but this is

5, 6, 7 years or whatever, but this is 5, 6, 7 years or whatever, but this is how compounding works. This is why it's how compounding works. This is why it's how compounding works. This is why it's magic. It really starts to skyrocket magic. It really starts to skyrocket magic. It really starts to skyrocket right before I actually pulled the right before I actually pulled the right before I actually pulled the trigger and decided to retire. Mechanic trigger and decided to retire. Mechanic trigger and decided to retire. Mechanic number two. This is expenses and number two. This is expenses and number two. This is expenses and discipline relative to what your burn discipline relative to what your burn discipline relative to what your burn rate is and what's going out the door, rate is and what's going out the door, rate is and what's going out the door, all the cash and leaving your accounts all the cash and leaving your accounts all the cash and leaving your accounts every single month. I'm not going to every single month. I'm not going to every single month. I'm not going to tell you to quit drinking coffees out or tell you to quit drinking coffees out or tell you to quit drinking coffees out or whatever, right? The income structure whatever, right? The income structure whatever, right? The income structure gives you a ceiling, though. The expense gives you a ceiling, though. The expense gives you a ceiling, though. The expense discipline decides how close to it you discipline decides how close to it you discipline decides how close to it you actually get, and this is the mechanic actually get, and this is the mechanic actually get, and this is the mechanic that has nothing to do with that has nothing to do with that has nothing to do with international schools and everything to international schools and everything to international schools and everything to do with you, right? So, this is what I'm do with you, right? So, this is what I'm do with you, right? So, this is what I'm going to point to. Again, this is a huge going to point to. Again, this is a huge going to point to. Again, this is a huge difference, literally. difference, literally. difference, literally. Rent right there, 1,000 bucks. Rent right there, 1,000 bucks. Rent right there, 1,000 bucks. Rent right there, Rent right there, Rent right there, 500 or 600 bucks. Again, yes, it depends 500 or 600 bucks. Again, yes, it depends 500 or 600 bucks. Again, yes, it depends on the unit, depends on the landlord, on the unit, depends on the landlord, on the unit, depends on the landlord, and depends to some extent on you, but and depends to some extent on you, but and depends to some extent on you, but my point being, ultimately, my point being, ultimately, my point being, ultimately, like think of it as which side of the like think of it as which side of the like think of it as which side of the train tracks, which side of the river train tracks, which side of the river train tracks, which side of the river you're going to live on, right? It you're going to live on, right? It you're going to live on, right? It matters. In Vietnam, on a department matters. In Vietnam, on a department matters. In Vietnam, on a department head salary, the temptation to live at a head salary, the temptation to live at a head salary, the temptation to live at a cost level higher than income requires cost level higher than income requires cost level higher than income requires was constant, right? I watched it happen was constant, right? I watched it happen was constant, right? I watched it happen to colleagues who arrived with good to colleagues who arrived with good to colleagues who arrived with good intentions, real financial plans. The intentions, real financial plans. The intentions, real financial plans. The mechanism is always the same, though.

mechanism is always the same, though. mechanism is always the same, though. They end up living above their means or They end up living above their means or They end up living above their means or to it. You arrive, the city's cheaper to it. You arrive, the city's cheaper to it. You arrive, the city's cheaper than home, you feel rich, wealthy in a than home, you feel rich, wealthy in a than home, you feel rich, wealthy in a way you never felt before in your life. way you never felt before in your life. way you never felt before in your life. Things that were out of reach back home Things that were out of reach back home Things that were out of reach back home are suddenly accessible, right? A nice are suddenly accessible, right? A nice are suddenly accessible, right? A nice restaurant doesn't have to be a special restaurant doesn't have to be a special restaurant doesn't have to be a special occasion. It's just dinner on a Tuesday occasion. It's just dinner on a Tuesday occasion. It's just dinner on a Tuesday now. The imported groceries at at expats now. The imported groceries at at expats now. The imported groceries at at expats supermarket, well, they still cost half supermarket, well, they still cost half supermarket, well, they still cost half what they cost in Canada. So, they feel what they cost in Canada. So, they feel what they cost in Canada. So, they feel free, right? But, ultimately, you could free, right? But, ultimately, you could free, right? But, ultimately, you could be getting your food at a wet market be getting your food at a wet market be getting your food at a wet market that's 10% of the cost. Business class that's 10% of the cost. Business class that's 10% of the cost. Business class on a 2-hour regional flight is 200 on a 2-hour regional flight is 200 on a 2-hour regional flight is 200 bucks. Makes you feel like a baller. It bucks. Makes you feel like a baller. It bucks. Makes you feel like a baller. It doesn't feel like a big cost. You know, doesn't feel like a big cost. You know, doesn't feel like a big cost. You know, you get the fancy gym. Feels like a you get the fancy gym. Feels like a you get the fancy gym. Feels like a steal cuz it's still under $100. None of steal cuz it's still under $100. None of steal cuz it's still under $100. None of these things are going to break your these things are going to break your these things are going to break your budget on its own. It's what's known as budget on its own. It's what's known as budget on its own. It's what's known as lifestyle creep. Put together, repeated lifestyle creep. Put together, repeated lifestyle creep. Put together, repeated as a habit, when they become habitual, as a habit, when they become habitual, as a habit, when they become habitual, they can easily double your monthly they can easily double your monthly they can easily double your monthly spend here. Watch people arrive in spend here. Watch people arrive in spend here. Watch people arrive in Vietnam, in Thailand, wherever, planning Vietnam, in Thailand, wherever, planning Vietnam, in Thailand, wherever, planning to live on that thousand or 1,500 a to live on that thousand or 1,500 a to live on that thousand or 1,500 a month, easily spending 3,000 before the month, easily spending 3,000 before the month, easily spending 3,000 before the first year is out. It's not cuz they're first year is out. It's not cuz they're first year is out. It's not cuz they're reckless. It's because the internal reckless. It's because the internal reckless. It's because the internal calibration system that manages spending calibration system that manages spending calibration system that manages spending breaks when you move from a high-cost breaks when you move from a high-cost breaks when you move from a high-cost country to a low-cost one, right? Steven country to a low-cost one, right? Steven country to a low-cost one, right? Steven talked about this, even just coming from talked about this, even just coming from talked about this, even just coming from the Philippines to Vietnam. Everything the Philippines to Vietnam. Everything the Philippines to Vietnam. Everything feels cheap. So, you start buying feels cheap. So, you start buying feels cheap. So, you start buying everything. In other words, you just get everything. In other words, you just get everything. In other words, you just get reckless with money because each reckless with money because each reckless with money because each individual cost doesn't feel big. It individual cost doesn't feel big. It individual cost doesn't feel big. It feels small. It feels like you're feels small. It feels like you're feels small. It feels like you're getting a discount cuz you are. But, by getting a discount cuz you are. But, by getting a discount cuz you are. But, by local standards, you start living a local standards, you start living a local standards, you start living a genuinely expensive life.

genuinely expensive life. genuinely expensive life. Hopefully, that makes sense and it Hopefully, that makes sense and it Hopefully, that makes sense and it doesn't sound like too much of a cost uh doesn't sound like too much of a cost uh doesn't sound like too much of a cost uh catch-22, but basically means, right? catch-22, but basically means, right? catch-22, but basically means, right? Instead of local restaurants, you start Instead of local restaurants, you start Instead of local restaurants, you start eating at all these places eating at all these places eating at all these places in one of the most expensive suburbs in in one of the most expensive suburbs in in one of the most expensive suburbs in Ho Chi Minh City every single day, Ho Chi Minh City every single day, Ho Chi Minh City every single day, right? And it's not going to be a dollar right? And it's not going to be a dollar right? And it's not going to be a dollar for pho or $5 for pizza at this for pho or $5 for pizza at this for pho or $5 for pizza at this neighborhood. And your actual spend line neighborhood. And your actual spend line neighborhood. And your actual spend line starts near the target, but slowly starts near the target, but slowly starts near the target, but slowly drifts up, up, up, up, up, and it ends drifts up, up, up, up, up, and it ends drifts up, up, up, up, up, and it ends significantly above what you planned significantly above what you planned significantly above what you planned before you arrive. So, let's break down before you arrive. So, let's break down before you arrive. So, let's break down a couple of the specific decisions I a couple of the specific decisions I a couple of the specific decisions I made to hold my expenses flat. None of made to hold my expenses flat. None of made to hold my expenses flat. None of them are really dramatic, and that's them are really dramatic, and that's them are really dramatic, and that's kind of the point, right? Shop at local kind of the point, right? Shop at local kind of the point, right? Shop at local supermarkets, not western markets. The supermarkets, not western markets. The supermarkets, not western markets. The price difference on imported goods is price difference on imported goods is price difference on imported goods is three to five times local goods. Fresh three to five times local goods. Fresh three to five times local goods. Fresh local produce, protein, eggs, chicken. local produce, protein, eggs, chicken. local produce, protein, eggs, chicken. Um they're all priced for Vietnamese Um they're all priced for Vietnamese Um they're all priced for Vietnamese shoppers. In practice, my grocery bill shoppers. In practice, my grocery bill shoppers. In practice, my grocery bill for two ran 300 to 350 a month. Uh at for two ran 300 to 350 a month. Uh at for two ran 300 to 350 a month. Uh at the western supermarket buying the same the western supermarket buying the same the western supermarket buying the same quality and imported package, it quality and imported package, it quality and imported package, it probably would have been 4 to 500, maybe probably would have been 4 to 500, maybe probably would have been 4 to 500, maybe 600 a month. The difference is roughly 600 a month. The difference is roughly 600 a month. The difference is roughly $4,000 a year going into the portfolio $4,000 a year going into the portfolio $4,000 a year going into the portfolio or not, decided entirely by where you or not, decided entirely by where you or not, decided entirely by where you buy your meat or vegetables, right? I buy your meat or vegetables, right? I buy your meat or vegetables, right? I set a monthly budget target before I set a monthly budget target before I set a monthly budget target before I start, not a vague intention to spend start, not a vague intention to spend start, not a vague intention to spend less, a specific number that I'm going less, a specific number that I'm going less, a specific number that I'm going to write down and I'm going to track to write down and I'm going to track to write down and I'm going to track like religiously. And you have to review like religiously. And you have to review like religiously. And you have to review it weekly, monthly, however often is up it weekly, monthly, however often is up it weekly, monthly, however often is up to you, but you have to look, right? In

to you, but you have to look, right? In to you, but you have to look, right? In the years where the income is going up, the years where the income is going up, the years where the income is going up, a performance review, a better position, a performance review, a better position, a performance review, a better position, a raise, whatever, the lifestyle budget a raise, whatever, the lifestyle budget a raise, whatever, the lifestyle budget stays flat, right? The increase goes stays flat, right? The increase goes stays flat, right? The increase goes straight into additional investment straight into additional investment straight into additional investment contributions. This is the single most contributions. This is the single most contributions. This is the single most important behavior rule of a high important behavior rule of a high important behavior rule of a high savings rate. So, let me say it plainly, savings rate. So, let me say it plainly, savings rate. So, let me say it plainly, every time your income rises, every time your income rises, every time your income rises, your lifestyle cannot follow it upwards. your lifestyle cannot follow it upwards. your lifestyle cannot follow it upwards. You have to reset and keep it flat. You have to reset and keep it flat. You have to reset and keep it flat. Every time income rises, lifestyle stays Every time income rises, lifestyle stays Every time income rises, lifestyle stays flat, and then your savings rate jumps, flat, and then your savings rate jumps, flat, and then your savings rate jumps, it shoots up. That's the whole game, it shoots up. That's the whole game, it shoots up. That's the whole game, folks. So, I eat local food the majority folks. So, I eat local food the majority folks. So, I eat local food the majority of the time, com tam, pho, bun bo Hue, of the time, com tam, pho, bun bo Hue, of the time, com tam, pho, bun bo Hue, banh mi, uh bun cha. Vietnamese food is banh mi, uh bun cha. Vietnamese food is banh mi, uh bun cha. Vietnamese food is like world-class delicious, and even a like world-class delicious, and even a like world-class delicious, and even a bun bo Hue place like that is going to bun bo Hue place like that is going to bun bo Hue place like that is going to cost $3 instead of two bucks. So, I'd cost $3 instead of two bucks. So, I'd cost $3 instead of two bucks. So, I'd order it on Grab from a cheaper place, order it on Grab from a cheaper place, order it on Grab from a cheaper place, right? When I went to a western right? When I went to a western right? When I went to a western restaurant like Jimmy's Pizza over restaurant like Jimmy's Pizza over restaurant like Jimmy's Pizza over there, my favorite, it's a once-a-week there, my favorite, it's a once-a-week there, my favorite, it's a once-a-week treat, it's not habitual. Eating local treat, it's not habitual. Eating local treat, it's not habitual. Eating local isn't a sacrifice here, it's arguably isn't a sacrifice here, it's arguably isn't a sacrifice here, it's arguably the better choice, it costs a fifth the the better choice, it costs a fifth the the better choice, it costs a fifth the price, and it's more healthy. Uh I did price, and it's more healthy. Uh I did price, and it's more healthy. Uh I did not own a car in Saigon, a motorbike not own a car in Saigon, a motorbike not own a car in Saigon, a motorbike gets you everywhere faster, costs almost gets you everywhere faster, costs almost gets you everywhere faster, costs almost nothing to run, maybe a dollar a day, nothing to run, maybe a dollar a day, nothing to run, maybe a dollar a day, under 40 a month easily. A car between under 40 a month easily. A car between under 40 a month easily. A car between purchase, lease, fuel, parking, and purchase, lease, fuel, parking, and purchase, lease, fuel, parking, and simple fact that cars are slower than simple fact that cars are slower than simple fact that cars are slower than motorbikes in this traffic, he's a motorbikes in this traffic, he's a motorbikes in this traffic, he's a multiple of that cost for a worse multiple of that cost for a worse multiple of that cost for a worse outcome. So, even if you just take a outcome. So, even if you just take a outcome. So, even if you just take a Grab car, say you're not driving Grab car, say you're not driving Grab car, say you're not driving yourself two, three times a day, every yourself two, three times a day, every yourself two, three times a day, every time you get in a Grab car, it's going time you get in a Grab car, it's going time you get in a Grab car, it's going to be $3 to $5. Great, seems so cheap, to be $3 to $5. Great, seems so cheap, to be $3 to $5. Great, seems so cheap, $3 taxi. But, if you take four or five $3 taxi. But, if you take four or five $3 taxi. But, if you take four or five of those a day, you're talking 12 or 15

of those a day, you're talking 12 or 15 of those a day, you're talking 12 or 15 bucks a day for transportation, times bucks a day for transportation, times bucks a day for transportation, times 30, 450 a month, what? Times 12, all of 30, 450 a month, what? Times 12, all of 30, 450 a month, what? Times 12, all of a sudden you're spending $7,000 a year a sudden you're spending $7,000 a year a sudden you're spending $7,000 a year to get around instead of me and my $400 to get around instead of me and my $400 to get around instead of me and my $400 a year motorbike. These are the a year motorbike. These are the a year motorbike. These are the decisions, they're real. None of them decisions, they're real. None of them decisions, they're real. None of them feel like deprivation in isolation, but feel like deprivation in isolation, but feel like deprivation in isolation, but together they hold my monthly spend together they hold my monthly spend together they hold my monthly spend under the $1,200 or $40 a day budget I under the $1,200 or $40 a day budget I under the $1,200 or $40 a day budget I had for so long, and my income climbed had for so long, and my income climbed had for so long, and my income climbed up to 5,56,500 up to 5,56,500 up to 5,56,500 a month, right? The space between those a month, right? The space between those a month, right? The space between those two things is that's it, that's the two things is that's it, that's the two things is that's it, that's the whole map. You know, if you're bringing whole map. You know, if you're bringing whole map. You know, if you're bringing in 5,500 a month, in 5,500 a month, in 5,500 a month, and you're only spending 1,200, you're and you're only spending 1,200, you're and you're only spending 1,200, you're saving 4,300 a month, which is a saving 4,300 a month, which is a saving 4,300 a month, which is a ton. It's more than $50,000 a year in a ton. It's more than $50,000 a year in a ton. It's more than $50,000 a year in a place like this, and most importantly, place like this, and most importantly, place like this, and most importantly, it's four years of living, right? So, I it's four years of living, right? So, I it's four years of living, right? So, I get to this point where every year I get to this point where every year I get to this point where every year I work here is buying four years of work here is buying four years of work here is buying four years of freedom. That's what an actual 80% freedom. That's what an actual 80% freedom. That's what an actual 80% savings rate does for you, as long as savings rate does for you, as long as savings rate does for you, as long as your actual expenses and burn rate stay your actual expenses and burn rate stay your actual expenses and burn rate stay flat. Expense line near bottom. The gap flat. Expense line near bottom. The gap flat. Expense line near bottom. The gap between them, that's the 70 to 80% between them, that's the 70 to 80% between them, that's the 70 to 80% savings rate. It's all that matters, savings rate. It's all that matters, savings rate. It's all that matters, folks. I'm just going to hammer it over folks. I'm just going to hammer it over folks. I'm just going to hammer it over and over again. Okay, mechanic three, and over again. Okay, mechanic three, and over again. Okay, mechanic three, investment routing. Every dollar of gap investment routing. Every dollar of gap investment routing. Every dollar of gap between income and expenses goes into a between income and expenses goes into a between income and expenses goes into a portfolio. You can also open bank portfolio. You can also open bank portfolio. You can also open bank accounts here in Vietnam or whatever accounts here in Vietnam or whatever accounts here in Vietnam or whatever country you're in, and just have a country you're in, and just have a country you're in, and just have a high-yield savings account. So, a high-yield savings account. So, a high-yield savings account. So, a high-yield savings account here kicks high-yield savings account here kicks high-yield savings account here kicks off roughly between 7 or 8%. So, again,

off roughly between 7 or 8%. So, again, off roughly between 7 or 8%. So, again, it's just safe money, right? You put in it's just safe money, right? You put in it's just safe money, right? You put in the equivalent of $100,000 into one of the equivalent of $100,000 into one of the equivalent of $100,000 into one of these accounts here. Just talking about these accounts here. Just talking about these accounts here. Just talking about a member, friend, an audience guy who a member, friend, an audience guy who a member, friend, an audience guy who had coffee with me last week. He just had coffee with me last week. He just had coffee with me last week. He just came over, sold a house, put his money came over, sold a house, put his money came over, sold a house, put his money or a lot of it here in Vietnam. Has a or a lot of it here in Vietnam. Has a or a lot of it here in Vietnam. Has a Vietnamese wife. They're getting an 8% Vietnamese wife. They're getting an 8% Vietnamese wife. They're getting an 8% return on that annually. Doesn't sound return on that annually. Doesn't sound return on that annually. Doesn't sound crazy, but if it's the amount of selling crazy, but if it's the amount of selling crazy, but if it's the amount of selling a house, you're talking about whatever, a house, you're talking about whatever, a house, you're talking about whatever, 40,000 a year off of 500,000 from a 40,000 a year off of 500,000 from a 40,000 a year off of 500,000 from a house. Or if it's more than that, a house. Or if it's more than that, a house. Or if it's more than that, a bigger house, maybe a $900,000 house, bigger house, maybe a $900,000 house, bigger house, maybe a $900,000 house, you're talking about $72,000 a year to you're talking about $72,000 a year to you're talking about $72,000 a year to live off of, which is balling by any live off of, which is balling by any live off of, which is balling by any standards, okay? It can't sit in a cash standards, okay? It can't sit in a cash standards, okay? It can't sit in a cash pile, right? 3 to 6 months of expenses pile, right? 3 to 6 months of expenses pile, right? 3 to 6 months of expenses max in your operating cash buffer. The max in your operating cash buffer. The max in your operating cash buffer. The rest has to go into some investment rest has to go into some investment rest has to go into some investment account or high yield saving. The account or high yield saving. The account or high yield saving. The structure itself doesn't have to be structure itself doesn't have to be structure itself doesn't have to be exotic. For me, it's index funds as the exotic. For me, it's index funds as the exotic. For me, it's index funds as the core, building a compounding base and core, building a compounding base and core, building a compounding base and growth over over a decade. Dividend growth over over a decade. Dividend growth over over a decade. Dividend paying assets if you're ready to cash paying assets if you're ready to cash paying assets if you're ready to cash out. Right now, I'm not taking cash out out. Right now, I'm not taking cash out out. Right now, I'm not taking cash out of my accounts. So, I'm not keeping of my accounts. So, I'm not keeping of my accounts. So, I'm not keeping anything in dividend incomes anymore, anything in dividend incomes anymore, anything in dividend incomes anymore, right? Like, I wouldn't be holding right? Like, I wouldn't be holding right? Like, I wouldn't be holding something like UMAX cuz I'm not trying something like UMAX cuz I'm not trying something like UMAX cuz I'm not trying to take cash out of the accounts. I want to take cash out of the accounts. I want to take cash out of the accounts. I want the base to grow at this point. So, I'm the base to grow at this point. So, I'm the base to grow at this point. So, I'm keeping it in general ETFs growth. But keeping it in general ETFs growth. But keeping it in general ETFs growth. But basically, we create a layer of income basically, we create a layer of income basically, we create a layer of income that runs regardless of which way the that runs regardless of which way the that runs regardless of which way the market is pointing. I have a crypto market is pointing. I have a crypto market is pointing. I have a crypto position. It's conservative. I've broken position. It's conservative. I've broken position. It's conservative. I've broken it down more on the other channel, The it down more on the other channel, The it down more on the other channel, The Cost of Living Abroad, but the specifics

Cost of Living Abroad, but the specifics Cost of Living Abroad, but the specifics of each of those things in my portfolio of each of those things in my portfolio of each of those things in my portfolio aren't necessarily what matters. It's aren't necessarily what matters. It's aren't necessarily what matters. It's the routing decision that sounds simpler the routing decision that sounds simpler the routing decision that sounds simpler than it is. When money arrives, it goes than it is. When money arrives, it goes than it is. When money arrives, it goes into the portfolio. Not after I decide into the portfolio. Not after I decide into the portfolio. Not after I decide to spend it on Not after I see how the to spend it on Not after I see how the to spend it on Not after I see how the month shapes up. On the first of the month shapes up. On the first of the month shapes up. On the first of the month, the investment contributions go month, the investment contributions go month, the investment contributions go out the door automated, always. Whatever out the door automated, always. Whatever out the door automated, always. Whatever is left is the operating budget, right? is left is the operating budget, right? is left is the operating budget, right? It's the automatic savings and investing It's the automatic savings and investing It's the automatic savings and investing first. It's the single most important first. It's the single most important first. It's the single most important behavioral tool for otherwise, behavioral tool for otherwise, behavioral tool for otherwise, investment contributions just never investment contributions just never investment contributions just never happen. If you wait till the end of the happen. If you wait till the end of the happen. If you wait till the end of the month to invest, you won't do it. By the month to invest, you won't do it. By the month to invest, you won't do it. By the end of the month, the money is already end of the month, the money is already end of the month, the money is already spoken for. You've to get paid and then spoken for. You've to get paid and then spoken for. You've to get paid and then directly invest, right away, right off directly invest, right away, right off directly invest, right away, right off the top. In other words, if that's not the top. In other words, if that's not the top. In other words, if that's not clear, the structure is this. $5,000 clear, the structure is this. $5,000 clear, the structure is this. $5,000 hits my account, I immediately invest hits my account, I immediately invest hits my account, I immediately invest $4,000. Get it? Then I'm forced to live $4,000. Get it? Then I'm forced to live $4,000. Get it? Then I'm forced to live off the remainder, off that other off the remainder, off that other off the remainder, off that other thousand dollars or fifteen hundred thousand dollars or fifteen hundred thousand dollars or fifteen hundred dollars or whatever it was. It's not a I dollars or whatever it was. It's not a I dollars or whatever it was. It's not a I get 5,000, live tight, you know, tighten get 5,000, live tight, you know, tighten get 5,000, live tight, you know, tighten the belt buckle for a month, and then the belt buckle for a month, and then the belt buckle for a month, and then whatever's left over at the end is whatever's left over at the end is whatever's left over at the end is magically $4,000. Not enough. That's not magically $4,000. Not enough. That's not magically $4,000. Not enough. That's not how it goes. Investment first, then you how it goes. Investment first, then you how it goes. Investment first, then you live off the rest, okay? It's really live off the rest, okay? It's really live off the rest, okay? It's really easy to live off a thousand dollars if easy to live off a thousand dollars if easy to live off a thousand dollars if that's all you have in your account.

that's all you have in your account. that's all you have in your account. Seriously, in the Vietnam years, this Seriously, in the Vietnam years, this Seriously, in the Vietnam years, this routing applied to 70 to 80% of my routing applied to 70 to 80% of my routing applied to 70 to 80% of my salary. The big variable for me was how salary. The big variable for me was how salary. The big variable for me was how much I would make in any given month much I would make in any given month much I would make in any given month doing my side hustle, my online doing my side hustle, my online doing my side hustle, my online tutoring, and my original YouTube tutoring, and my original YouTube tutoring, and my original YouTube channel. But that money over time channel. But that money over time channel. But that money over time compounded really hard and really fast. compounded really hard and really fast. compounded really hard and really fast. The years of consistent contributions do The years of consistent contributions do The years of consistent contributions do an enormous amount of quiet work while an enormous amount of quiet work while an enormous amount of quiet work while you're busy living. Let's talk a little you're busy living. Let's talk a little you're busy living. Let's talk a little bit about COVID and the acceleration bit about COVID and the acceleration bit about COVID and the acceleration because it matters and it's not because it matters and it's not because it matters and it's not something I usually lay out in full. For something I usually lay out in full. For something I usually lay out in full. For a lot of people, myself included, when a lot of people, myself included, when a lot of people, myself included, when the COVID lockdowns began in the 20s, I the COVID lockdowns began in the 20s, I the COVID lockdowns began in the 20s, I was here in Vietnam. At first, I went was here in Vietnam. At first, I went was here in Vietnam. At first, I went home for a bit, then I returned. The home for a bit, then I returned. The home for a bit, then I returned. The international school shifted to online international school shifted to online international school shifted to online teaching. So did tons of industries teaching. So did tons of industries teaching. So did tons of industries around the world, right? For me, it around the world, right? For me, it around the world, right? For me, it opened up my schedule. I started a opened up my schedule. I started a opened up my schedule. I started a YouTube channel focusing on teaching on YouTube channel focusing on teaching on YouTube channel focusing on teaching on English language and literature English language and literature English language and literature instruction, the exact professional instruction, the exact professional instruction, the exact professional niche I'd spent almost 20 years in. niche I'd spent almost 20 years in. niche I'd spent almost 20 years in. Channel grew. Teachers and students all Channel grew. Teachers and students all Channel grew. Teachers and students all over the world looking for online over the world looking for online over the world looking for online resources, direct services, direct resources, direct services, direct resources, direct services, direct tutoring. That private online tutoring, tutoring. That private online tutoring, tutoring. That private online tutoring, which I charged at a rate reflecting my which I charged at a rate reflecting my which I charged at a rate reflecting my international school background rather international school background rather international school background rather than entry-level rate, the income shot than entry-level rate, the income shot than entry-level rate, the income shot up. Vietnam's lockdown, expenses low, up. Vietnam's lockdown, expenses low, up. Vietnam's lockdown, expenses low, went lower. When I went home, I was with went lower. When I went home, I was with went lower. When I went home, I was with my parents for a brief point. But, the my parents for a brief point. But, the my parents for a brief point. But, the extra compounding in the COVID years extra compounding in the COVID years extra compounding in the COVID years basically stacked on top of the Vietnam basically stacked on top of the Vietnam basically stacked on top of the Vietnam years before it, and that's what pushed years before it, and that's what pushed years before it, and that's what pushed the portfolio past my very small the portfolio past my very small the portfolio past my very small retirement plan in 2024. The plan didn't retirement plan in 2024. The plan didn't retirement plan in 2024. The plan didn't require COVID. COVID just sort of pushed

require COVID. COVID just sort of pushed require COVID. COVID just sort of pushed it forward up a couple years. it forward up a couple years. it forward up a couple years. Now, let's do a bit of a counterfactual. Now, let's do a bit of a counterfactual. Now, let's do a bit of a counterfactual. I went back to Calgary about a decade I went back to Calgary about a decade I went back to Calgary about a decade ago for 2 years, and mechanics make ago for 2 years, and mechanics make ago for 2 years, and mechanics make complete sense when you see the cost of complete sense when you see the cost of complete sense when you see the cost of not applying them. So, the opposite, the not applying them. So, the opposite, the not applying them. So, the opposite, the counterfactual, right? If you watch the counterfactual, right? If you watch the counterfactual, right? If you watch the video I made recently about why I left video I made recently about why I left video I made recently about why I left Canada, uh the path hurts, but I told Canada, uh the path hurts, but I told Canada, uh the path hurts, but I told the story already, basically. A Zoom the story already, basically. A Zoom the story already, basically. A Zoom call on the beach in Koh Tao. call on the beach in Koh Tao. call on the beach in Koh Tao. Canadian public school job offer. The Canadian public school job offer. The Canadian public school job offer. The moment I took it, I already knew it was moment I took it, I already knew it was moment I took it, I already knew it was the wrong move, but I did it anyways to the wrong move, but I did it anyways to the wrong move, but I did it anyways to be near family, to be with a Canadian be near family, to be with a Canadian be near family, to be with a Canadian girlfriend, uh on emotion, basically, girlfriend, uh on emotion, basically, girlfriend, uh on emotion, basically, over finances. 2 years in Calgary with over finances. 2 years in Calgary with over finances. 2 years in Calgary with another year uh doing graduate school in another year uh doing graduate school in another year uh doing graduate school in Canada. 3 years of disruption in Canada. 3 years of disruption in Canada. 3 years of disruption in compounding. The savings rate during the compounding. The savings rate during the compounding. The savings rate during the Calgary years dropped to basically Calgary years dropped to basically Calgary years dropped to basically nothing until I later cashed out my nothing until I later cashed out my nothing until I later cashed out my pension. Public school teaching in pension. Public school teaching in pension. Public school teaching in Canada has no international housing Canada has no international housing Canada has no international housing allowance, obviously. There are no allowance, obviously. There are no allowance, obviously. There are no international tax breaks from international tax breaks from international tax breaks from non-resident non-resident non-resident FEIE. Living in Calgary is dramatically FEIE. Living in Calgary is dramatically FEIE. Living in Calgary is dramatically more expensive than here or China or more expensive than here or China or more expensive than here or China or wherever else I was before, like Mexico wherever else I was before, like Mexico wherever else I was before, like Mexico and Thailand. My savings rate dropped to and Thailand. My savings rate dropped to and Thailand. My savings rate dropped to basically nothing, right? To the point basically nothing, right? To the point basically nothing, right? To the point where I wouldn't be retiring for decades where I wouldn't be retiring for decades where I wouldn't be retiring for decades or for never. And the gap between those or for never. And the gap between those or for never. And the gap between those two rates compounding is real money. I'm two rates compounding is real money. I'm two rates compounding is real money. I'm not going to pretend I can calculate it not going to pretend I can calculate it not going to pretend I can calculate it to the exact dollar, the exact timeline, to the exact dollar, the exact timeline, to the exact dollar, the exact timeline, but compounding math is obviously but compounding math is obviously but compounding math is obviously sensitive to the assumptions you feed sensitive to the assumptions you feed sensitive to the assumptions you feed it, but the order of magnitude is it, but the order of magnitude is it, but the order of magnitude is definitely the difference of like 2 to 3 definitely the difference of like 2 to 3 definitely the difference of like 2 to 3 years or hundreds of thousands of years or hundreds of thousands of years or hundreds of thousands of dollars, right? That detour of 2 to 3 dollars, right? That detour of 2 to 3 dollars, right? That detour of 2 to 3 years cost me six figures in money,

years cost me six figures in money, years cost me six figures in money, right? I just switched off a 70 or 80% right? I just switched off a 70 or 80% right? I just switched off a 70 or 80% savings rate I could have achieved a lot savings rate I could have achieved a lot savings rate I could have achieved a lot earlier. And essentially what I'm saying earlier. And essentially what I'm saying earlier. And essentially what I'm saying to you is you might think you're being to you is you might think you're being to you is you might think you're being financially safe and conservative by financially safe and conservative by financially safe and conservative by staying home longer, you're actually staying home longer, you're actually staying home longer, you're actually doing the opposite by putting off the doing the opposite by putting off the doing the opposite by putting off the mechanics we talked about. By staying in mechanics we talked about. By staying in mechanics we talked about. By staying in your real job, your normal job, by not your real job, your normal job, by not your real job, your normal job, by not being financially independent or being financially independent or being financially independent or geographically free, you're costing geographically free, you're costing geographically free, you're costing yourself years of money. So, I tell the yourself years of money. So, I tell the yourself years of money. So, I tell the Calgary story over and over again Calgary story over and over again Calgary story over and over again because it's the most expensive and because it's the most expensive and because it's the most expensive and avoidable mistake in my entire life and avoidable mistake in my entire life and avoidable mistake in my entire life and financial biography. Not expensive cuz financial biography. Not expensive cuz financial biography. Not expensive cuz Calgary's bad, it's fine. Expensive is Calgary's bad, it's fine. Expensive is Calgary's bad, it's fine. Expensive is because I interrupted the geoarbitrage because I interrupted the geoarbitrage because I interrupted the geoarbitrage and the compounding and the high savings and the compounding and the high savings and the compounding and the high savings rate for the wrong reasons, for rate for the wrong reasons, for rate for the wrong reasons, for emotional reasons, right? And there's no emotional reasons, right? And there's no emotional reasons, right? And there's no making that up later. There's only making that up later. There's only making that up later. There's only resuming it from a lower base 3 years resuming it from a lower base 3 years resuming it from a lower base 3 years down the line. Basically, just hit down the line. Basically, just hit down the line. Basically, just hit pause. So, that's the whole thing in one pause. So, that's the whole thing in one pause. So, that's the whole thing in one frame, right? The path I actually frame, right? The path I actually frame, right? The path I actually walked. The three mechanics applied in walked. The three mechanics applied in walked. The three mechanics applied in the right environment can produce the right environment can produce the right environment can produce retirement decades earlier in your 40s.

retirement decades earlier in your 40s. retirement decades earlier in your 40s. You apply them You apply them You apply them not as often and you get stuck. That's not as often and you get stuck. That's not as often and you get stuck. That's it, right? I actually have a cost of it, right? I actually have a cost of it, right? I actually have a cost of living calculator where you can do this living calculator where you can do this living calculator where you can do this own math for yourself. I'll show it on own math for yourself. I'll show it on own math for yourself. I'll show it on the screen here, but the mechanics never the screen here, but the mechanics never the screen here, but the mechanics never change, right? When you compare side by change, right? When you compare side by change, right? When you compare side by side your own city back home with the side your own city back home with the side your own city back home with the city here, you're going to see that you city here, you're going to see that you city here, you're going to see that you can literally retire decades sooner. can literally retire decades sooner. can literally retire decades sooner. It's just about how consistently and how It's just about how consistently and how It's just about how consistently and how soon you apply the mechanics. That's the soon you apply the mechanics. That's the soon you apply the mechanics. That's the exact framework I teach inside of my exact framework I teach inside of my exact framework I teach inside of my 10-year retirement plan course, which is 10-year retirement plan course, which is 10-year retirement plan course, which is inside membership. It's nine different inside membership. It's nine different inside membership. It's nine different lessons built with all this stuff, burn lessons built with all this stuff, burn lessons built with all this stuff, burn rate, geoarbitrage, income, expenses, rate, geoarbitrage, income, expenses, rate, geoarbitrage, income, expenses, investment structure, actual timelines, investment structure, actual timelines, investment structure, actual timelines, the actual path I walked structured so the actual path I walked structured so the actual path I walked structured so you can map your own variables onto it, you can map your own variables onto it, you can map your own variables onto it, find your own thresholds. Um the find your own thresholds. Um the find your own thresholds. Um the membership comes in three, six, or membership comes in three, six, or membership comes in three, six, or 12-month tiers, and you get a call with 12-month tiers, and you get a call with 12-month tiers, and you get a call with me in some of those as well. The other me in some of those as well. The other me in some of those as well. The other side of all this, what actually replaced side of all this, what actually replaced side of all this, what actually replaced the salary when it stopped, the salary when it stopped, the salary when it stopped, the income that pays for the $280 a week the income that pays for the $280 a week the income that pays for the $280 a week budget. I also go over that in some budget. I also go over that in some budget. I also go over that in some other videos I've made before. If you other videos I've made before. If you other videos I've made before. If you want the cost of living calculator, cost want the cost of living calculator, cost want the cost of living calculator, cost of living abroad calculator is linked of living abroad calculator is linked of living abroad calculator is linked below. I'm Ebanana, retired early in below. I'm Ebanana, retired early in below. I'm Ebanana, retired early in Vietnam. You watch this video on why I Vietnam. You watch this video on why I Vietnam. You watch this video on why I left Canada, which I just talked about, left Canada, which I just talked about, left Canada, which I just talked about, or this one where I break down my weekly or this one where I break down my weekly or this one where I break down my weekly budget and spend here in Vietnam.