EPISODE · Jun 23, 2024 · 1H 27M
E83: Retiring Abroad vs USA: Insights from Portugal, Panama & Arizona
from El Podcast · host Terry Coles, Clyde Coles, MaryEllen Lee, El Podcast Media, Jesse Wright, El Podcast, jodie filogomo
Five retirees share real-world stories of how they left the U.S. to retire affordably and joyfully in Portugal, Panama, and Arizona—exploring costs, healthcare, safety, and the meaning of home.👥 Guest Bios:Clyde & Terry – Former firefighter/paramedic and writer duo who retired early and spent two years as global house-sitting nomads before settling in Tavira, Portugal.Mary Ellen – Painter and pickleball enthusiast who retired to Panama’s Pacific coast after exploring Central America.Rob & Jodie – Former Denverites now living in Sun City, Arizona; Jodie runs a popular fashion and lifestyle blog JTouchofStyle, while Rob assists with content creation.🗣️ Topics Discussed:Cost of living and healthcare in Panama, Portugal, and ArizonaHouse-sitting as a global travel lifestyleVisa requirements, insurance, and elder care abroadBuilding friendships, finding purpose, and new hobbies in retirementCultural integration, safety, and the emotional aspects of leaving the U.S.Differences in infrastructure, food, and daily lifeLong-distance family dynamics and coping with being far from kids or grandkids💬 Top Quote:"If you have to see your grandbaby every two weeks, don’t move out of the United States—period." – Clyde 📺Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xcltBH-DJ2A 🎙 The Pod is hosted by Jesse Wright💬 For guest suggestions, questions, or media inquiries, reach out at https://elpodcast.media/📬 Never miss an episode – subscribe and follow wherever you get your podcasts.⭐️ If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the show. It helps others find us. Thanks for listening!
What this episode covers
Clyde and Terry Coles share their journey of choosing Portugal as their retirement destination. They initially considered Panama but found the cost of living and healthcare to be more affordable in Portugal. They have been living in Portugal for six years and have found the healthcare system to be excellent, with affordable insurance that covers pre-existing conditions. They also discuss the cost of living, including rent, utilities, and other expenses. They emphasize the importance of finding a good landlord and taking safety precautions against petty crime. Portugal is ranked as one of the safest countries in the world. The conversation in this part focuses on the safety and security aspects of living in different countries. The speakers share their experiences in Mexico, Costa Rica, Belize, and Portugal. They discuss incidents of theft and crime in some places and the differences in safety measures. They also touch on the topic of healthcare and elder care in their respective countries. The conversation concludes with a discussion on hobbies and entertainment options in retirement communities. In this conversation, the participants discuss their daily lives and activities as expats in different countries. They talk about their hobbies, social lives, and the various opportunities for entertainment and recreation in their respective locations. They also touch on the importance of adapting to the local culture and infrastructure, as well as the benefits of living abroad. The conversation concludes with the participants sharing their contact information and encouraging others to say yes to new experiences.
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E83: Retiring Abroad vs USA: Insights from Portugal, Panama & Arizona
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