My First Month into Retirement.

[bows00]

I have been planning my retirement to the Philippines for the past 7 years and it has finally come to fruition.  But it was also in my plans to spend my first month on Oahu to get re-acclimated with old friends and to make sure my aging mom will be taken care of before I ventured to the Philippines in February.  And to summarize, I will be the first to attest that the retirement life on Oahu so far has been just wonderful!   The time I have spent with family and friends were so satisfying, and I have enjoyed the beautiful picture perfect winter weather here!  So many things that will be missed... 

But I am still committed to move to the Philippines - but with a bit of contemplation now...   

So after my first month, I have decided to leave my options wide open, but still looking forward to the Philippines this month. 

Like John Lennon once wrote "Life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans"  

[JJReyes]

My wife and I considered remaining in Hawaii for our retirement years. The 40% Paradise Tax persuaded us to look for other places. Our eventual decision is to start with what is known as Roving Retirement by limiting the stay in any location to no more than 1 to 3 months. During the past 4 years, we have visited 48 states using a motorhome and numerous countries.

If we require assisted living during our latter years, the option is relocating to the Philippines.  Budget? The monthly expense is about the same as remaining in Hawaii. The difference is a significant portion of our money would go to paying a mortgage, taxes and high cost of living. By the way, the same budget, which includes annual increases to cover inflation, is sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in the Philippines with caregivers.

Our next foreign trip, starting this coming Monday, includes Leon, Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende, and Guadalajara. All are popular retirement destinations for Norte Americanos. We want to know, "Why?"

[sonjack2847]

Good luck I hope you eventually find your perfect place over here.

[bows00]

Currently in Bonifacio Global City (BGF) and this city is very impressive.  I don't mean it in a negative way, but this place does not feel like the Philippines at all.  So modern with sidewalks, nice infrastructure, very little street trash and tons of shopping and restaurants at walking distance away.  What's even more impressive is that the majority of city is handicap friendly (wheel chair ramps).  But with all this comes a cost.  Still way cheaper than Hawaii, but quite pricey.

And i'm finding it pretty easy to meet people here, everyone is so friendly.  I already have a date set up with someone I met at the Mercury Drug store.  Quite different from the US culture.

[Dave Hounddriver]

10 minutes ago, bows00 said:

Currently in Bonifacio Global City (BGF) and this city is very impressive.

I have not tried that area but I found Alabang to be the way you described and likely a bit less expensive (Definitely less expensive than Makati and Bonifacio looks to be an extension of Makati).  Easy to get to because of the toll road (Skyway)  If you are looking for options you may want to take a look.

[Snowy79]

1 hour ago, bows00 said:

Currently in Bonifacio Global City (BGF) and this city is very impressive.  I don't mean it in a negative way, but this place does not feel like the Philippines at all.  So modern with sidewalks, nice infrastructure, very little street trash and tons of shopping and restaurants at walking distance away.  What's even more impressive is that the majority of city is handicap friendly (wheel chair ramps).  But with all this comes a cost.  Still way cheaper than Hawaii, but quite pricey.

And i'm finding it pretty easy to meet people here, everyone is so friendly.  I already have a date set up with someone I met at the Mercury Drug store.  Quite different from the US culture.

Good luck with your date. I hope it was an employee you have a date with as you get a few freelance girls in that area and also in the Greenbelt. If there's a decent age difference you can bet your bottom dollar she's working the streets.

[bows00]

4 hours ago, Snowy79 said:

I hope it was an employee you have a date with as you get a few freelance girls in that area

She could be.  She approached me and was very aggressive.  I'll keep my wits and work with my big head.  I am planning to checkout the Greenbelt area tomorrow.  

[bows00]

I want to emphasize that I am NOT looking for freelance girls.  It was in my plans to walk over to Greenbelt tomorrow. 

[Jack Peterson]

Just now, bows00 said:

 It was in my plans to walk over to Greenbelt tomorrow. 

 say No more

[bows00]

7 hours ago, Dave Hounddriver said:

I have not tried that area but I found Alabang to be the way you described and likely a bit less expensive

Hmmm... very interesting.  And I am interested.  Thanks for the info man.