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Living (Well) on a Social Security Check in Southeast Asia: An Expat Tells All

Would it be possible to live indoors on US$500 a month, eat delicious and healthy meals, and perhaps get some form of medical coverage?

For many Americans approaching retirement and invested their life savings in stocks and bonds that were decimated in the aftermath of the 2008-2009 real estate debacle, or had their houses devalued so much that reverse mortgage (loan that allows homeowners of retirement age to borrow against the value of their house) is no longer an option, this question looms in the horizon. With possibly nothing else but social security check to rely on for their golden years, retirees may find it impossible to live golden lives if they hang their hats in the United States.

Those who have worked in nursing homes note that retirees often lapse into depression, alcoholism and ‘autistic activities’ (e.g. watching television). Retire Cheap Asia assures the generation of baby boomers that this need not be the case: Retirement, even with lack of sufficient nest egg, can be golden, at least in Southeast Asia.

For American expatriates and other nationalities who experienced the big economic crunch of the previous years, the low cost of living in Southeast Asia is indeed one thing to look forward to.

For one, decent housing is available for a fraction of what it would cost in the United States; $1 meals are available everywhere; sunshine can be had for most of the year; cheap but quality healthcare is easily available in capital cities; and taxes are close to non-existent. Plus, there’s usually a little room left for some happy hour drinks on endless sandy beaches. Nowhere in the United States can a retiree enjoy the comforts of living for so much less.

There’s some bonus too. Thailand prefers to hire native English speakers for ESL (English as a Second Language) classes, so earning a living wage is another option for expatriates well into their 50s. Philippines has an exponentially growing business process outsourcing industry, and a good handle with English is sometimes the only requirement, something an American expat can easily get into to earn dough.

Retire Cheap Asia shows expatriates that there are options to worrying about not making ends meet. With 9 years experience in the region and serious on-foot research around Southeast Asian countries especially Thailand, Retire Cheap offers useful and up-to-date collection of videos to help expatriates navigate the often confusing world of living in a new country. There are colorful detours along the way to give expatriates tips on how to immerse in a new culture, how to get work permits, and even how to start business. The journey can be fantastic, if one is willing to go through it.

Watch this introductory video for inspiration on why make that big move on a small retirement fund.

Article by Chris

Chris had a passion to contribute to society especially to fellow travelers like himself. He also had a passion for Southeast Asia and frequently visited. While brainstorming ideas, he decided that a travel blog dedicated to his favorite countries, Thailand and Singapore, could be more beneficial than any guidebook. Only one year later did the blog’s success bring in more writers, more countries, and more readers.

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