Angeles City

The how-much-per-month topic is one near and dear to my heart; presently I'm 39 and I intend to retire at 41. The men on both sides of my family die young, so I've long planned an early retirement. I expect to have a retirement income of U$5000 per month. 2/3 of which comes from properties I own in 3 countries and the remainder will be earned from low-risk investments.

Firstly, and most importantly, is how diversified and risk sensitive is your retirement income? The plan is your foundation. In addition to covering your monthly expenses your retirement income ought to have a bit more to cover contingencies, emergencies, yada yada. If you own one property from which you collect rent your risk exposure is quite high. Anyway, I reckon most here are sensible enough to have planned things accordingly.

Most of the comments here on this topic are missing details so I figured I'll post my typical monthly expenses which I've kept track of for the past 15 months. I live in Makati, which is more expensive than AC or most any other place elsewhere, so this may not be entirely useful, but it'll give you an idea. I do not intend to retire in either metro Manila or AC; Davao is looking good.

I don't live like a king, but certainly I live very comfortably.

Rent: p25, 000 (this includes association fee, cable, and Internet. It's a 32sqm one-bedroom condo with common swimming pool, gym, etc.)

Electricity: p5000 (I run the A/C a lot)

Water: p400.

Load for phone: p250 (Smart's mega250 plan for 30-day unlimited SMS and 180 minutes of voice)

Drinking water: p1000 (I'm very stupid here, buying the 1l bottle rather than the 5-gallon jug)

Laundry: p1000 (I have a machine in my unit so I do my own, but I detest ironing)

Grocery: p14, 000 (there's a bit of imported food here)

Movies: p2500.

Dining out: p12, 000 (ex. two pulled pork BBQ sandwiches and 2 orders of Buffalo wings was p1000 the other night)

Weekend drinking out: p12, 000 (Most often I buy bottles of imported spirits, and it runs from p650 to p3000 depending on the venue)

Drinking at home: p5000 (wine, beer, etc.)

Transportation: p2500 (During the day and early evening I use jeep, bus, and rail. A taxi fare at night averages p100)

Coffee shop: p2000 (I'm a tea drinker but once or twice a week I find myself in a coffee shop)

Visa: p2000 (this is a monthly average, obviously I'm not paying for a visa every month)

Golf: p25, 000.

Squash: p2000

Misc.: p5000

I certainly could cut many of these expenses significantly. I haven't included health insurance costs.

Lastly, my monthly expenses would skyrocket if I was meeting girls in malls to have a coffee shop chit chat before bringing them home.

[QUOTE=Sammon;1510694]Even though you have $50, 000 to spend a year you will not do so once you actually live in Phi or Thailand. "[/QUOTE]Sorry to bring this up again, I realize this is the AC thread so one last thing. Don't forget if your income is in dollars, the USD hasn't tanked yet. I been enjoying what seems to be a 500 PHP a month increase. Wait till it falls out the bottom. Some of the biggest economies on earth have been making agreements secretly and not so secretly with each other to move away from using the US dollar in international trade. So there's a shift underway away from the US dollar as the world reserve currency. Furthermore, the economic policies that almost brought down the economy in '08 are still here. I'm planning on either getting fucked or having to work. I don't like either idea so I hope I'm wrong.

[QUOTE=PayForPlay21;1510482]On 50K a year I am thinking about moving to the Philippines. Is that sufficient to live like a king? Or should I just go with Thailand. I am kind of debating between the two.[/QUOTE]50K a yr you live almost anyplace on the planet at a pretty high level Thats a ton of money

[QUOTE=Slippery;1510893]On today's FX rates that's over 85, 000 php a month. There are many many expats living comfortably on less than that. Refer to Sammon's post below, especially about living like a king.[/QUOTE]I am thinking seriously of going over on $1000 a month if it was $2000 I would be there the day after my house s0ld here in the states

I am considering either Thailand or pi for post retirement living. I am considering moving between the cities. I should have +5000 a month for living expenses. Not sure it makes sense to buying a car / motorbike / house in these places or simply rent something. I understand medical care is available in PI but not sure of the level in Thailand. I down to a couple of years before I get to try these places out. Any other locations make sense?

I live in Angeles on 900 a month, could be done cheaper if I wanted to sign a 6 month lease but I don't want to be tied down.

Rough break down is a little over 300 for accommodation. 45ish for visa. 240ish for food. 15ish for miscellaneous and 300ish for girls.

I never pay barfines other than the occasional short time at Santos / Raymond, and I never go to the bars / buy ladies drinks, I am young so can get by approaching girls when I see them throughout the day and exchanging numbers.

As mentioned could sign a lease to get a cheaper place, and could cut food down, and get a girl one out of every 3 days instead of every other day and be pretty close to that 600 number. But I doubt many people would be happy with the life I live.

I'm a simple guy, downloading sports / tv / movies to watch and a sexy friend to come over every other day and I'm happy, I also work on the internet 8 hours a day which kills a lot of my time, if I didn't do that boredom would definitely set in.

Walking the streets of Fields Ave today I've never had so many wish me a Merry Christmas which of course is code for 'give me money'. The only guy who is not cheerful is the cripple with one limb who lumbers around on a make shift skate board. Too much competition for him.

[QUOTE=StillTrying808;1511346]I am considering either Thailand or pi for post retirement living. I am considering moving between the cities. I should have +5000 a month for living expenses. Not sure it makes sense to buying a car / motorbike / house in these places or simply rent something. I understand medical care is available in PI but not sure of the level in Thailand. I down to a couple of years before I get to try these places out. Any other locations make sense?[/QUOTE]I'm a fan of a motorbike outside any major metropolitan area, but you know doctors call a motorcyclist, don't ya? A donor. In the Philippines' urban areas the taxis are dirt cheap, and parking can be a hassle. Yet when it's raining heavily and I can't flag down a taxi I do wish I had a car. In the provinces it's trike and jeep.

Re housing. I have friends who own and friends who rent in both countries. Many of the condo owners have buyer's remorse because it was an emotional purchase; fell in love with the place on a short vacation, bought a condo thinking they could rent it easily before they retired, and it didn't go to plan. Some areas, particularly in Thailand, have been overbuilt so there's a glut. The happiest are those who own land (in the wife's name) and have built a few bungalows to rent. I also have a friend who lost it all to his wife in Sri Lanka. I'm not yet retired but I like the idea of renting because if I tire of a place I can simply pack up and more elsewhere. If you're determined to own I'd wait a long while to explore the different places and then dig into the details once you find a locale you want to settle in permanently. Probably a good idea to rent for 6 months in your dream location to make sure it's everything you imagine it to be.

Re hospitals. Metro Manila has St. Luke's and Makati Medical Centre that offer fine medical care. There's also Medical City but I've never been there. A good buddy had his valves replaced at Bangkok's Bumrungrad and he raved about the place. But, do you intend to retire to a megalopolis? I don't. I've been to hospitals in the provinces of both countries and though they're rough the care for non life threatening issues has been acceptable. It's just a lot easier to communicate with the staff in the Philippines.

[QUOTE=Screaming Beaver;1511574]Walking the streets of Fields Ave today I've never had so many wish me a Merry Christmas which of course is code for 'give me money'. The only guy who is not cheerful is the cripple with one limb who lumbers around on a make shift skate board. Too much competition for him.[/QUOTE]Yeh, I know the cripple you are talking about. The guy is no good, if you give him something, eg P20, he snarls at you. Never happy even if collecting. Its not a matter of competition, its his reputation for pulling an ugly face even if someone gives him something. Once you give him something, and you look like passing him next time without contributing, he will call out aggressively towards you. Consequently, I and many others look straight ahead and ignore him. Seen him in Ermita too, same guy, LOL.

[QUOTE=PussyFeelsGood; 1511552]I live in Angeles on 900 a month, could be done cheaper if I wanted to sign a 6 month lease but I don't want to be tied down.

Rough break down is a little over 300 for accommodation. 45ish for visa. 240ish for food. 15ish for miscellaneous and 300ish for girls.

I never pay barfines other than the occasional short time at Santos / Raymond, and I never go to the bars / buy ladies drinks, I am young so can get by approaching girls when I see them throughout the day and exchanging numbers.

As mentioned could sign a lease to get a cheaper place, and could cut food down, and get a girl one out of every 3 days instead of every other day and be pretty close to that 600 number. But I doubt many people would be happy with the life I live.

I'm a simple guy, downloading sports / tv / movies to watch and a sexy friend to come over every other day and I'm happy, I also work on the internet 8 hours a day which kills a lot of my time, if I didn't do that boredom would definitely set in[/QUOTE]So your breakdown is,

1. $300 = 12, 000 peso approx for rent- Is it in a nice area, gated, security or just an ordinary place?

2. $240 = 10, 000 peso approx for food. Do you cook yourself, buy from local markets, never eat out? Even breakfast alone costs 150 pesos in AC. Do not know how you manage it.

3. $15 = 600 pesos approx for misc. How about your internet, electricity, water bills? What about laundry, soap, personal hygiene items? Math does not add up.

4. $300 = 12, 000 pesos approx for girls. I am sure you can just give a girl monthly allowance and she will be happy to stay and have sex with you. You cannot afford to pay any barfine or go bar hopping which you said you do not do. But for other guys it is a must at least couple of times a month.

I think $2000 per month is the minimum to have a good life in Angeles city.

[QUOTE=Sammon; 1511732]So your breakdown is,

1. $300 = 12, 000 peso approx for rent- Is it in a nice area, gated, security or just an ordinary place?

2. $240 = 10, 000 peso approx for food. Do you cook yourself, buy from local markets, never eat out? Even breakfast alone costs 150 pesos in AC. Do not know how you manage it.

3. $15 = 600 pesos approx for misc. How about your internet, electricity, water bills? What about laundry, soap, personal hygiene items? Math does not add up.

4. $300 = 12, 000 pesos approx for girls. I am sure you can just give a girl monthly allowance and she will be happy to stay and have sex with you. You cannot afford to pay any barfine or go bar hopping which you said you do not do. But for other guys it is a must at least couple of times a month.

I think $2000 per month is the minimum to have a good life in Angeles city.[/QUOTE]$2000 a month is way more than you need.

I live in a hotel that does monthly stays and its nothing special, many will just ask them, so I don't have to pay for internet, and my electric and water are metered but they are in the little over 300 (usually 310ish) that I mentioned, soap and shampoo are free to!

Laundry is dirt cheap and I live out of a backpack, spend maybe 3 a month on that, unlimited texts for 5. 50ish.

Sure I eat out I just don't go to expensive places, the most I ever pay for a meal is 5ish, I generally eat 2 meals a day and a snack of nuts / bananas / raisins all very cheap. 75% of my meals are eating out.

What I do is once every week or two I have a cheap eating day where I eat ramen for one meal and something else cheap for another, if you go to sm you can get enough hamburger for 2 burgers for 1.50, you can get enough chicken to put in some noodles for. 50, its very easy to eat cheaply when most meals are 5 or less.

Again 2000 is just so much more than one needs to live here, even if I were to spend 250 more a month to overpay for Kandi suites, eat for 350 a month, and up my entertainment budget 250 more to allow for barhopping that would put me around 1500.

You have to remember the guy asking about this is hoping to live on 600 a month, I'm going to go out on a limb and assume he isn't expecting to get a life of luxury out of that, some guys need a nice apartment, flashy watch, nice clothes, expensive drinks, and to ring some silly bell, others just want a simple life and someone to join them in bed every once in awhile.

Even if I were rich I couldn't see myself spending 2000 a month in Angeles, if I did it was just because I felt like being a generous tipper and sharing the wealth.

Hello everyone,

First of all, thank you for all your posts.

I would like to give my opinion regarding retirement.

I have seen you speak about Philippines and sometimes Thailand.

From my opinion, the differences are:

Thailand is cheaper in housing; I pay 250 euro per month (plus elec. And water) for my mini one-bedroom flat well located. There are cheaper options but far away from the center, or even more expensive options near to the beach.

Here, girls are more expensive than in Philippines.

But the worst is the level of nice ladies is decreasing and prices are rising (of everything).

Philippines is more expensive in housing, although I have no experience renting a room for a month in AC, I have heard it is around 500 euro per month. (please correct me if I am wrong)

Ladies are cheaper, and better.

But something I do not like it is one has almost nothing to do in daytime except looking for girls, lack of different entertainment, plus a wise range of good restaurants.

And I say again; please correct me if I am wrong.

Thank you

[QUOTE=PussyFeelsGood; 1511791]. SNIP.

What I do is once every week or two I have a cheap eating day where I eat ramen for one meal and something else cheap for another, if you go to sm you can get enough hamburger for 2 burgers for 1. 50, you can get enough chicken to put in some noodles for. 50, its very easy to eat cheaply when most meals are 5 or less

. SNIP. .[/QUOTE]I acknowledge that obviously P F G has made this choice for himself but for me, this sort of life living on "the edge" regarding expenses is certainly not what I am looking forward to whenever I decide to retire.

I haven't worked hard all my life to then move to a place requiring me to exist on this daily regimen. I cannot imagine planning every day's meals down to the last 150 to 200 php and subsisting on cheap burgers or packet noodles flavored with chicken pieces.

At another level; one thing most guys don't seem to factor in is the eventual costs of medical care. No matter how resistant you are to everything (except Kryptonite) you are going to need medical care sometime (one day?). Even a simple hernia correction at a cheap hospital will cost you 50, 000 php or more. I can only assume they have some form of military pension medical insurance protecting them or they just left out the yearly premiums when they discuss the costs of daily living.

PFG is a classic example of the life I seek. I would live in a hotel also cause you get all the comforts it provides in the cost of the room. Free maid service, pool, exercise room WiFi, cable, AC, electricity, Hot water safety deposit box and privacy of a hotel guest. I am also going for a time limit of 3 min to up to 5 yrs max so I will have a escape plan and a length of time to budget for. I not seeking responsibility for another person so a live in girlfriend is out of the question. ST only with the 3 day limit on any girl I might want to be with. I really do want to be alone for a while without being tied down to anything restrictive.

[QUOTE=Red Kilt;1511875]At another level; one thing most guys don't seem to factor in is the eventual costs of medical care. No matter how resistant you are to everything (except Kryptonite) you are going to need medical care sometime (one day?). Even a simple hernia correction at a cheap hospital will cost you 50, 000 php or more. I can only assume they have some form of military pension medical insurance protecting them or they just left out the yearly premiums when they discuss the costs of daily living.[/QUOTE]Fully agree. Medical care for a foreigner in any country is very costly. If you can't show a golden credit card at check in, they will let you rot on the stairway. No one cares of you if you can't show $$$

Have an escape plan: keep your base care running in the country where you are a citizen and got rights. Then get a "home-fly-back" insurance, which does not cost you much but can safe your ass in case. And don't dream of a local nurse: the good ones will ask for 20. 000 Peso salary and the bad ones will kill you quickly.

To stay in a hotelroom over a long period is easy but it does not give you any privacy. Better look at airbnb. Com to rent an appartment.