Greg Kitzmiller and his wife, Jen, dreamed of retiring early after years of hard work and enduring chilly Michigan winters. However, since they were still in their 50s, they faced the challenge of securing affordable health insurance, as their jobs would no longer cover it once they retired. In their search for a warm, budget-friendly destination with excellent healthcare, they found Coronado, Panama. This charming beach town offered stunning condos, a relaxing atmosphere, and a lower cost of living. The couple found their perfect spot in a condo community with a country club, and they couldn't be happier with their decision. Tune in to Episode 204 of Retire There with Gil & Gene to explore the ins and outs of condo living in Coronado, Panama!

Greg’s website about living in Panama is 2RetireInPanama.com. His book on the subject is Retired in Panama: A Comprehensive Guide for Retiring and Adventuring in Panama. Murder in Eagle Cove is Greg’s first mystery novel.

#retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #coronado #coronadopanama #panama #retiredinpanama #2retireinpanama

Karen Espig took early retirement from her government job in Ottawa, Canada, to dedicate more time to her passion for art. Concerned that her pension wouldn’t provide a comfortable lifestyle in Canada, she explored more affordable options in Europe. She initially settled in the small town of Pogradec, Albania, which met her financial criteria but ultimately felt isolating and unfulfilling. After two years, Karen discovered a far better fit in Arles, a charming town in the south of France renowned for its rich artistic heritage. It seems she has truly found her place in Arles! To hear more about Karen’s journey from Albania to France, tune in to Episode 205 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

Learn more about Karen’s art and travels go to Karen’s website, KarenEspig.com. Karen has written two books on Albania. They are Albania: A First-Timer’s Guide for Visitors & Expats and Pogradec, Albania: Tips for Tourists, Slow Travellers, & Digital Nomads. She has also published a number of date and birthday books.

#retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #arles #arlesfrance #france #thesouthoffrance #southoffrance #pogradecalbania #albania #karenespig #karenespigart

Retire in Istanbul, Turkey!

Lisa Morrow is a travel writer whose work has appeared in The New York Times, CNN Travel, The Guardian, and BBC Travel to name a few. She grew up in a quiet leafy suburb of Sydney, Australia but caught the travel bug at a young age. With a world to choose from, Lisa, and her husband Kim, fell in love with Istanbul, Turkey, the land of grand empires, monumental mosques, breathtaking churches, stately palaces, and where fortune tellers use live rabbits to foretell futures. Find out what attracted Lisa and Kim to Istanbul on Episode 194 of Retire There with Gil & Gene - Link in bio.

Lisa’s website is https://www.insideoutinistanbul.com/.

She has authored a guide book titled Istanbul 50 Unsung Places and her memoir is Istanbul Dreams: Waiting for the Tulips to Bloom. Go to Amazon for a list of all of Lisa Morrow’s books on Turkey.

Lisa also created and produced an audio self-guided walking tour called Stepping Back Though Chalcedon: Kadikoy Walk.

#retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers#turkey #istanbul #istanbulturkey #insideoutinistanbul #visitistanbul #travelinistanbul #solotravel #solotravelturkey #solotraveltipsturkey #istanbullife #MalaysiaAirlines @malaysiaairlines #go_istanbul @go_istanbul 

A murder in Philadelphia set Theresa Conroy on an unexpected path to discovering her love for France. But the story behind this revelation is likely not what you think. Over the years, she returned to the country multiple times with her husband, and it wasn’t long before the idea of living there took root. During a trip to Rennes, France, the couple instantly felt it was the place they were meant to be. To learn more about their journey and what drew them to France, tune in to Episode 202 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

Theresa and her husband, Don Russell, write about their transition to life in France on their blog called “Yo France,” found here: https://yofrance.substack.com/

Theresa’s website on yoga for people with Parkinson's disease is YogaForParkinsons.com.

#retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #rennes #rennesfrance #france #bretagne

Doreen Hall Vann is a native Hawaiian who has always loved the state and thought she would never leave. That all changed when one of her daughters relocated to the mainland. Doreen pulled up her stakes, along with her husband and young son, and moved to North Las Vegas, Nevada to be closer to her daughter who was starting a family. However, her daughter later returned (!!!) to Hawaii but Doreen decided to remain in Nevada. Hear why Doreen stayed in North Las Vegas on Episode 201 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

#retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #northlasvegas #nevada #lasvegas #hawaii 

Diane made a life-changing decision—she was done with suburban living and yearned to return to the energy of the city. She initially considered condos and co-ops in New York City, where her three adult children lived, but quickly realized the Big Apple was out of her financial reach. Declaring that she had “broken up with New York City,” Diane expanded her search to cities within a two-hour train ride of New York.

Her journey led her to Philadelphia, where she found herself drawn to the charm of Old City—a neighborhood renowned for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and affordable living. Diane purchased a one-bedroom condo in a renovated factory building for $306,000.

To hear more about why Diane fell in love with the City of Brotherly Love, tune in to Episode 206 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

Additionally, if you’re interested in publishing a book, check out Diane’s company, Rebel Books Press at https://rebelbookspress.com/

Diane has authored fiction and non-fiction books, including The Last Invention: The Day Death Died and How to Stop Project 2025

#retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #oldcity #oldcityphilly #efrethsalley #philadelphia #philly #pennsylvania #visitphilly, #historicphilly #libertybell #phillygram #igers_philly #rebelbookpress

Patty Blue Hayes was living in San Luis Obispo, California, recovering from a “near-death” divorce. Seeking a fresh start, she bought an RV and embarked on a cross-country journey across the United States. During one of her late-night real estate scrolling sessions, she came across a listing for a home in Panama that caught her eye. Intrigued, Patty parked her RV at the airport, booked a flight, and flew to Panama with the determination to see the house in person.

However, Patty never did visit the property. Instead, she fell in love with Panama the moment she landed. Her love affair with the country was instantaneous. Eventually, she sold both her RV and home and made the bold decision to move to Panama.

But the journey to find her dream home wasn’t smooth sailing. Several homes she was interested in fell through, and Patty admits it was the hardest time she’d ever had trying to spend money. After much searching, she finally settled on a dilapidated fixer-upper in El Valle de Antón, Panama.

Tune in to episode 207 of Retire There with Gilen & Gene to hear the story of what it's really like to purchase and renovate a home in Panama.

Find out more about Patty by visiting her website, PattyBlueHayes.com. Her books include: (1) Wine Sex and Suicide-My Near Death Divorce; (2) The Self Care Workbook for Emotional Healing and Self Discovery After a Breakup; and (3) How to Change Your Life With Easy Mindfulness Micro Habits-Declutter Your Mind Stop Negative Thinking and Empower Yourself.

Patty’s casita in El Valle de Anton “Spacious Casita with Bamboo View” can be found on Airbnb.

#retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #elvalledeanton #elvelle #elvalledeantonpanama #elvallepanama #panama #pattybluehayes

Jennifer Oliver O’Connell and Lynn O’Connell were living in southern California and were hit hard by the Great Recession of 2007-2009. They had thought long and hard about relocating to a less expensive part of the United States. After doing extensive research, in 2023 they finally made the big move to a small town in Alabama: Muscle Shoals. It may be rural there but it is known around the world for the music made there. It is home to two famous recording studios and is known as “The Hit Recording Capital of the World.” Find out why the O’Connell’s left the glitz and glamor of southern Cal for the beautiful and friendly little town of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, on Episode 198 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

Check out Jennifer’s inspiring website: AsTheGirlTurns.com.

#retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #muscleshoals #muscleshoalsalabama #muscleshoalsal #alabama #asthegirlturns #jenniferoliveroconnell #thehitrecordingcapitaloftheworld #theshoals #theshoalsalabama #famerecordingstudios #rickhall #theswampers #muscleshoalssoundstudio #aarpmagazine #aarp #aarpalabama @aarp @aarpny @aarpalabama

Retire in San Antonio Tlayacapan, Lake Chapala, Mexico - EP 192

When we first interviewed writer Janet Blaser about living in Mazatlan, Mexico in June of 2021, we were convinced she had found her forever place. There, she had a large apartment a stone's throw from the beach for under $500 per month. Needless to say, we were surprised to learn that Janet had moved to San Antonio Tlayacapan, a small Mexican town on Lake Chapala. It turns out that Mazatlan is not the sleepy little city it once was when Janet first moved there. Hear what triggered Janet’s move on Episode 192 of Retire There with Gil & Gene. 

Check out Janet’s website: https://janetblaser.com/

Why We Left An Anthology of American Women Expats: Collected Essays of 27 Women Happily Living in Mexico is her book

To learn about moving to Mexico, contact Janet at GoingExpatGuides@gmail.com

Working on your memoir? Writing a novel? Want a fresh set of eyes? With 30+ years of journalism experience, Janet is now available for Content & Copy Editing, Proofreading Reader Services at thejanetblaser@gmail.com 

#retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retireabroad #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #ajijic #mexico #ajijicmexico #lakechapala #movetomexico #simplelife #expatlife #expatsmexico #thejanetblaser 

Carol Fahy had always dreamed of living in the tropics, and after talking to expats, she decided to stay in the U.S. She and her husband, Gene, moved to Oahu, Hawaii, but Gene, a car enthusiast, missed long drives. To satisfy this, they bought a second home in Prescott, Arizona, which is a unique rammed earth home. You can learn more about their experience of splitting time between Hawaii and Arizona in Episode 203 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

For more about rammed earth homes, check out the website of Aerecura Sustainable Builders or https://www.aerecura.ca/.

Carol recommends two books on Hawaii: (1) Big Happiness: The Life and Death of a Modern Hawaiin Warrior, by Mark Panek and (2) Plague Doctors: How Hawaii Battled the Pandemic, by Jonathan Dworkin, MD.

#retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers #prescott #prescottarizona #prescottaz #arizona #rammedearthhomes #aerecurasustainablebuilders #kaneohe #kaneohehawaii #oahu #hawaii

Retire in Frankfort, Michigan!

Mike Andersen had lived in Chicago for many years but he loved exploring small-towns. Whenever he had a chance, he would take short car-trips staying at hamlets along the way. Those excursions led him to an eighteen-month trek across the United States visiting villages. Those towns and more are featured on Mike’s website, BestSmallTownsInAmerica.com. When the opportunity to move to a small-town arose, he jumped at the chance to settle in Frankfort, Michigan. For more about Frankfort, and other quaint small-towns, check out Episode 196 of Retire There with Gil and Gene.

#retirethere #retiretherepodcast #retirewhere #retirehere #wheretoretire #retireearly #bestplacetoretire #retirement #retirementplanning #babyboomers #genxers, #frankfortmichigan, #michigan, #bestsmalltownsinamerica #interlochen #interlochencenterforthearts #crystalmountain #retiretherepodcast

You retire with limited income and savings and don’t wish to live overseas, what do you do? Consider “senior housing?” Joan and Steven Reid moved from a small apartment in the affluent community of Pearl River, New York, to a senior housing complex in Vero Beach, Florida. In this community, the Reids pay under $900 a month for a very nice 2 bedroom apartment with a pool in the complex. The catch - to qualify for their unit - is that they have to be 62 years or older, have limited assets but enough in income or assets to afford the rent. Find out more about the Reids’ road to affordable living in Vero Beach, Florida on Episode 70 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

Joan B. Reid’s book is Joyful Passage: A Woman’s Path to Retirement.

The Reids were the subject of two articles in NextAvenue.org:

1. Retiring on a Shoestring: How one couple is doing it, and what financial advisers suggest; and 
2. Retiring on a Shoestring: How it’s Going 2 Years Later.

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When Americans think about places to retire, few would consider Krakow, Poland. They might visit there for historic reasons, but not as a place to live full-time. Grace Nagiecka and Greg Spring would beg to differ! They fell in love with the place and moved to Krakow to retire. What is not to love about Krakow? It is a big, fun and cheerful city with a small city vibe, contains history around every corner, is full of greenery with great places to walk, an easy place to make friends, somewhere you will become cultured without knowing it, and if you get tired of the city - mountains are nearby. Find out what drew Grace and Greg to Krakow on Episode 71 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

Grace Nagiecka writes a blog called Why Poland?

Grace also has a blog about wanderlusting dreams, being a bohemian at 65 and planning for the expat life.

Greg Spring’s photography may be viewed here.

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Would you retire to a rural mining ghost town? Pearce, Arizona doesn’t have a supermarket or a movie theater, but it has musicians Donna and Gary Brown for entertainment. The couple grew up in Chicago; formed a band when they were young; got married and had long non-musical careers while living in Colorado; had their band rediscovered, put out an album, and toured while they were in their sixties; retired and traveled the country in an RV; and finally settled down by purchasing a home in Pearce, Arizona. Find out more about the Brown’s mind-blowing journey to a rural town in Arizona on Episode 72 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

Donna F. Brown’s memoir is Finding Medusa: The Making of an Unlikely Rock Star.

Donna’s suspenseful murder mystery is One Moonlit Night.

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You desire to retire in France, but it’s prohibitively expensive, where do you go? Rosemary Bointon and Ian Cole opted for the cosmopolitan, cultural, yet charming, city of Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. It is the largest city in Portugal and one of the oldest cities in the world. It is home to majestic cathedrals, colorful city landscapes, mild climate and friendly neighborhoods. Rosemary and Ian purchased a home on the outskirts of Lisbon, where it is less pricey and less congested than the city center. Find out more about living in Lisbon, on Episode 73 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

Rosemary blogs about finding fun in a long life at LongLifeFunLife.com. There you may request a copy of her free ebook, 20 Eating Habits for a Longer Life Span.

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You live in a pricey northeast city which you find is becoming more expensive to live in, what should you do? Barbara Winard and Martin Kozlowski felt that way about Jersey City, New Jersey but they had to figure out where to go. They landed in New Castle, Delaware which checked off many boxes on their list of wants but also gave them, what Martin described as, a tingle. New Castle, a place which made HGTV’s list of 2021 Most Charming Towns in America, has lower real estate taxes and less expensive housing than Jersey City. Learn more about New Castle, on Episode 74 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

Barbara’s article about moving to Delaware, in TravelAwaits.com, is Six Months In: What I Learned After Retiring To A New State. A list of Barbara’s other articles is available here.

Martin’s artwork may be found here:
http://www.martinkozlowski.com/

And some if his work is included here: www.inxart.com

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Karen Blue (Blue) worked a stressful job and lived in a very expensive city. At 52, she was ready to retire, but her accountant advised that she’d be unable to do so if she wished to stay in California's Silicon Valley. Blue then has a premonition about living in an enclave. A few days later she read an article about expats living in an “enclave,” known as the Lake Chapala area of Mexico. She visited the town of Ajijic on the Lake. The rest is history. It has been 26 years since Blue sold her California home and moved to Ajijic, known for its idyllic weather and stunning views. Find out more about living in Ajijic, Mexico, on episode 75 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

Karen Blue authored two books on moving to, and living in, Mexico:

1. Midlife Mavericks: Women Reinventing Their Lives in Mexico; and
2. Baby Boomers: Reinvent Your Retirement in Mexico.

She blogs at Mexico Blue: Imagine Your Retirement in Mexico.

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Peggy Cleveland grew up a military brat, served in the Army for 12 years, and was a military spouse until her husband retired from the service. It’s no surprise, Peggy has literally been around the world and has moved 33 times. Being exposed to so many locations, where would such a person choose to retire? Not long after she and her husband Richard saw the place, they knew the quaint town of Steilacoom, Washington was for them. Find out more about this gem of a town in the Tacoma, Washington area of the Pacific Northwest, on Episode 76 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

Peggy Cleveland’s travel blog is Peggy, Where Should I Go?

Peggy’s article in TravelAwaits.com, on selecting Steilacoom, Washington as her place to retire, is Where I Decided to Retire After Moving 33 Times During My Life.

A list of all of Peggy’s articles on TravelAwaits.com may be found here.

Peggy’s first book was published in 2022.  It is titled 100 Things to do in Tacoma Before You Die.

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We all expect to be respected at every age, especially when we retire, perhaps even revered. We also wish to spend less, but not compromise on healthcare, culture, traveling, our accommodations and safety. If you’re a single woman/man/person, safety may be on or near the top of your checklist. Deborah Tobin, teacher and travel journalist, found all of the above and more. She even bought a condo, gutted and renovated it, all for under $70,000 USD! Oh, and that pool … and over 100 temples …yummy street food, Parisian coffee and dessert, and dinner for less than 5 bucks! Learn more about the friendly, beautiful, peaceful city of Chiang Mai, Thailand on Episode 77 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.   

Follow Deborah Tobin’s YouTube Channel Mobile Dispatches, where she’ll teach you everything from retiring in Thailand, how to apply for a retirement visa in Thailand, how to buy a condo there, and so much more! 

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You love to travel, but you also love spending time with your children and grandchildren who are spread out mostly in the Western United States. How do you split your time? Carol and Bill Colborn decided to spend 6 months per year in a permanent home, 3 in a timeshare in Mexico and 3 visiting family. Due to its location, weather and cost of living, the well-educated, well-traveled and well-budgeted organized couple decided to purchase a modest home with great amenities in Mesa, Arizona. Find out more about the retirement adventures of the Colborns, on Episode 78 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

Carolina (Carol) Esguerra Colborn authored three books:

• Carolina: Cruising to an American Dream;
• Cruising Past Seventy: It’s Not Only About Outer Journeys, It’s Also About Inner Ones;
• Cruising in an RV: The Basics You Need to Know

Carol’s Blog is Carolina: Cruising Past 70

See TravelAwaits.com for Carol’s articles here

An article about Carol and Bill is here

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Craig and Melanie Briggs were what some may describe as early adopters of the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement years before they knew what it was. Twenty years ago, while they were both around 40, the couple gave up their jobs and moved from the industrial town of Huddersfield, England to the beautiful rural countryside of the Northwest corner of Spain, known as Galicia. Craig and Melanie love the slow pace, luscious green landscape, warm people and scrumptious wines of Galicia. Find out more about life in Galicia, Spain, on Episode 79 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

Follow Craig and Melanie’s journey in Galicia on Craig's website, Journey to a Dream.

Thus far, Craig has authored eight books on the adventures he and Melanie have experienced in early retirement, they are: 

1. Journey To A Dream: A voyage of discovery from England's industrial north to Spain's rural interior (The Journey Book 1)

2. Beyond Imagination: When the adventure of a lifetime becomes a lifetime of adventures (The Journey Book 2)

3. Endless Possibilities: Sunny skies and mountains high (The Journey Book 3)

4. Opportunities Ahead: Learn from the past, live in the present and always look forward to the future (The Journey Book 4)

5. Driving Ambition: Life in the slow lane (The Journey Book 5)

6. The Discerning Traveller: Let every new day broaden your horizons (The Journey Book 6)

7. A Season To Remember: Finding the right balance without tipping the scales (The Journey Book 7)

8. An Excellent Vintage (The Journey Book 8)

In 2021, Craig published his first novel, Pandora’s Box: A Taylor & Swift Saga.

Craig’s Facebook page is here.

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You are fortunate to be part of the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement and retire in your 40’s, but the American health insurance available is either inadequate or prohibitively expensive. What do you do? Tim and Amy Rutherford decided to sell their home and the vast majority of their belongings to live as global nomads in the U.S. and around the world. They accomplish this by travel-hacking and spending part of their time living rent-free as house-sitters and part-time renting on a short term basis. Find out more about this resourceful and enterprising couple on Episode 80 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

TIm and Amy Rutherford’s YouTube channel is GoWithLess.

Their Facebook page is here.

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Sally Carrocino started traveling later in life, but she made up for it. She traveled extensively in Europe and even married in Italy. When her husband passed away, she was devastated but it did not stop her from pursuing her retirement dreams. California’s high cost of living motivated her to look at other states, but none seemed to meet most of her needs. Then she had an epiphany. While she couldn’t figure out where to move in the U.S., she knew precisely the neighborhood in Florence, Italy. Shortly thereafter  Sally rid most of her material possessions, and moved with her dog Zoe to Florence and she has not looked back. Find out more about Sally’s life in Florence on Episode 81 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

Check out Sally’s life in Florence from a SeniorPlanet.org article titled Aging Out of Place in Florence, Italy. 

Sally blogs at espresso to prosecco.

Along with Sting, Francis Ford Coppola and others, Sally Carrocino appeared in a PBS special about living in Italy titled Dream of Italy: Travel, Transform and Thrive. To find out more about the show, click here.

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Lorrie Cox moved to Woodburn, Oregon because her husband found a house in a 55+ community and promised to renovate it to her liking. Her husband made the home beautiful. Sadly, he passed. Lorrie stayed on in Woodburn, as she loved the warmth and generosity of her community, beauty of the region, and many things to do. Lorrie became a real estate broker and she stands out when showing properties to house hunters in her 4-person, heated, purple and yellow golf cart. Find out more about Woodburn, Oregon, on Episode 82 of Retire There with Gil & Gene. 

Lorrie’s real estate website is here. 

For real estate information, she may be contacted at lorriecox.realtor@gmail.com or 503-989-1986.

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Bill Mauro and Marcus Laurence retired early while living in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. They soon realized that the high cost of health insurance would make it difficult to maintain their lifestyle in America. A vacation to Spain convinced them that retiring there was the answer! However, due to Spain’s residency rules they surprisingly learned that health insurance would be costly there as well. They researched and found they could move to Portugal and immediately use that country’s government healthcare. So, before ever visiting Portugal, they decided it was the place where they would retire. They boarded a plane bound to Portugal with six suitcases. The road to their home in the mountains of Portugal has not been completely smooth, but they now love, and are loved in, Portugal. Find out more about Bill and Marcus’ path to Salgueiro da Lomba, Portugal, on Episode 83 of Retire there with Gil & Gene. 

Bill created a Facebook group called Bears Retiring in Europe.

Bill and Marcus have an Instagram page, dedicated to their home, called CasaDaLomba050. 

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Have you ever seriously considered getting rid of almost all of your stuff and moving to a tiny home. Brandy Beverly had been intrigued with tiny homes for over 30 years, ever since she met a client who made flat-packed living quarters for oil field ‘man camps.’ When Beverly unexpectedly retired in 2020, she sold her 1,700 square foot home in Houston, the land of McMansions, and purchased a home in the Village Farm Tiny Home Community in Austin, Texas. Learn more about Beverly’s route to a minimalist home lifestyle, on Episode 84 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

Watch Brandy featured on a YouTube episode of Tiny Home Tours here

View the Village Farm’s Tiny Home Community

The artwork of brandy’s father, Kerry Beverly, may be found at https://kerrybeverly.com/. 

Check out Brandy’s upcoming art exhibit of her Dad’s work here. The exhibit is to be held on June 11, 2022 at the Village Farm Tiny Home Community. 

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Have you always assumed Hong Kong would be  prohibitively expensive to live in? When Brits Ben Zabulis and Hilary Garland spent nine hectic years living and working in Hong Kong, they didn’t consider retiring there. The worklife in the city grew tiresome and the couple returned to England. Unbeknownst to them, that move would mark the beginning of their retirement while still in their 40s. Eventually, they returned to Hong Kong and found ways to make living there pleasantly affordable. Find out more about the surprising retirement destination of Hong Kong, on episode 85 of Retire There with Gil & Gene. 

Ben Zabulis authored Chartered Territory: An Engineer Abroad.

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Peppy Castro, one of the founding members of the legendary rock band Blues Magoos and a lifelong New Yorker, dreamed of living on the water but he couldn’t afford most waterfront price tags. A few years ago he happened upon a one-bedroom waterfront condo in Lake Worth Beach, Florida and his life changed immeasurably. The beach calms the musician and there he met his partner, Jeanne McNaney. Peppy is now selling his one-bedroom condo, as he purchased a larger unit in the same building. On Episode 86 of Retire There, hear Peppy and Jeanne talk about the eclectic town of Lake Worth Beach and his one-bedroom condo for sale.

Peppy Castro’s website is PeppyCastro.com. 

Jeanne McNaney has authored two children’s books: Legend of Honey Hollow and Miracle in Sumatra: The Story of Gutsy Gus.

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When Mark L. Hinshaw and Savina "Sunny" Bertollini were seeking a vacation in Italy, they desired the beauty of Tuscany but without all the tourists and high costs. They stumbled upon the small ancient hilltown of Santa Vittoria in Matenano in the le Marche region and purchased a beautiful home with stunning views at a very, very affordable price tag. In the few years they have lived there, the couple has fallen in love with Santa Vittoria and the town has equally embraced them. Learn more about the hidden gem known as the Le Marche region of Italy, on Episode 87 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

Mark L. Hinshaw’s illustrations of and stories about living in Santa Vittoria in Matenano can be found on his website.  His forthcoming book, titled Navigating Paradise, will consist of stories about the venue, which will be available Summer 2022. Mark’s two other books are: Citistate Seattle: Shaping a Modern Metropolis and True Urbanism: Living In and Near the Center.

Sunny’s website, which includes photographs of le Marche, and so much more is available here. 

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Bob Wheeler and Kurt Kleespies lived and worked in San Francisco for years. When they retired, they desired a warmer climate and great outdoor activities without compromising excellent medical care and longtime social connections. Naturally, they were drawn to the quintessential Southern California city of Santa Barbara. They purchased a home and are loving everything about their new city. Find out more about living in Santa Barbara, California, on Episode 88 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

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Ever fantasize about living on an Island in the middle of an ocean? At some point you probably talked yourself out of it, believing that it would be too isolated, too expensive and too hot. According to Bill Strickland and Sam Palmer, the Portuguese island of Madeira, off the African coast, is none of those. Bill and Sam retired to the city of Funchal on Madeira in 2021 without ever having stepped foot on the island. The couple described Funchal as having the feel of an old European city, even though it is on an island and surrounded by beautiful mountainous land. It is no surprise that this archipelago has been called the Hawaii of Europe. Find out more about how Bill and Sam found their paradise, on Episode 89 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.  

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Some retirees long for the luxurious amenities and numerous clubs of a 55+ active adult community, but also want both the culture of cities and the natural beauty of rural areas. Marsha and James Cuddington seem to have found it all at On Top of the World in Ocala, Florida. Marsha especially loves its fully-equipped wood shop. Outside the community are great parks, hiking/biking trails and hundreds of thoroughbred horse farms. Ocala is also home to a museum of art, a theater, a ballet company and its own symphony orchestra. Find out more about living in Ocala, Florida, on Episode 90 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

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What would you do if your other half dreams of living in Europe but the thought hadn’t even occurred to you? This happened to Nancy Hampton! Instead of dismissing the idea, she broadened her mind and ended up loving life in Europe. First in Germany, where her husband Luther found a job, and thereafter in Italy where the couple retired. They stumbled upon the 16,000 resident city of Umbertide in Umbria. Umbria was chosen for its beauty, reasonable cost of living and great location close to transportation hubs. Find out more about living in the charming region of Umbria, on Episode 91 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

Nancy blogs at Nancy Goes to Italy: A record of an American's dream to live in Umbria. The blog shares great insight into living in Umbria, photographs and recipes. 

Nancy’s article in Dispatch Europe is Want to live in Italy? Small-town Umbria is an affordable, beautiful option.

Information about Nancy and Luther’s apartment for sale, in Umbertide, Umbria, Italy, may be found here.

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Mel and Patricia Schlesinger love Mexico but they wanted an inexpensive home in the States to come back to annually, so as to not lose their Medicare benefits. They ended up purchasing a casita in one of the many 55 plus communities in Green Valley, Arizona, 30 miles south of Tucson and 60 miles north of the Mexican border. Residents of the city love Green Valley Recreation, an entity which consists of 13 busy hubs, seven golf courses and miles of hiking and biking trails.

Mel Schlesinger’s website, concerning Medicare Advantage plans, is available here.

Mel Schlesinger’s book on Medicare is The Better Medicare Solution: How to Minimize Your Costs So That You Can Maximize Your Healthcare Coverage, What No One is Telling You.

For information on Mel’s insurance practice, he may be reached at mel@melschlesinger.com.

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Linda Correll had traveled around the world, but when it came to selecting a place to retire she narrowed it down to two countries: Spain and Portugal. Its more liberal visa and resident requirements gave Portugal the edge. Of the many wonderful cities available, Linda chose Porto for its cool weather and myriad of activities. Check out the more-popular-than-ever city of Porto, Portugal on Episode 93 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

For more of Linda’s story, read She Left The Country She Knew and Created Unfamiliar Lifestyles in Unfamiliar Places from the blog, She has not finished yet!  Note - this article was written when Linda lived in Spain, prior to her move to Portugal.

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Jim and Rita Santos retired to Ecuador and loved it but missed their 9 grandchildren back in the U.S. When searching for a home in the States, they wanted a mild winter climate, great healthcare, a good airport and scenic hiking trails. Knoxville, Tennessee checked all the boxes. Learn more about Knoxville, The Marble City, on Episode 94 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

For Jim’s life as an author, traveler and voice over artist, visit his website. Jim Santos’ books include:

Living Abroad: Challenging the Myths of Expat Life

Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (Travels with Jim and Rita)

The Galapagos Islands: On Your Own and On a Budget (Travels with Jim and Rita)

An Uphill Climb: Survivor’s Guilt and the Inca Trail

Moving Overseas: Ship or Mule? (Travels with Jim and Rita)

My Struggles with Stage Fright

First Tango in Buenos Argentina (Travels with Jim and Rita)

Three views of LIma Peru (Travels with Jim and Rita)

Love Never Dies

Foolish Mortals

The Body Remembers: A Baseball Story

Jim’s articles in International Living Magazine, are available here

Jim’s Author Facebook Page

Jim’s YouTube channel is available here

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Do you dream of living like the Jeffersons, ‘in a deluxe apartment in the sky?’ Most of us would be unable to afford such a place in New York, London or Singapore. For city loving retirees who desire residing in a large and luxurious apartment, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia may be the answer. Former Pittsburgh residents Jessica Coup and Scott Bergstein now call home a magnificent four bedroom, 5 bath apartment with maid’s quarters, in Kuala Lumpur - all for under $1,200/month. Listen to their adventures on Episode 95 of Retire There with Gil & Gene. 

Scott Bergstein’s book on moving to Puglia, Italy is Soul of the Heel: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Puglia.

Scott’s novel is Mis(s)pellings: A Magical Comedy.

Scott blogs here.  

Check out Jessica Coup’s photography website which also includes her Reiki work. 

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What would it take for you to retire in a small rural town? How about free land? Lincoln, Kansas is giving away free build-ready plots of land in an effort to get people there. Bradley Roberts relocated to Lincoln from - WAIT FOR IT - San Francisco! While Roberts didn’t take advantage of the deal, he purchased a converted barn home for $22,000!! What else drew Bradley to Lincoln, Kansas? Listen to Episode 96 of Retire There with Gil & Gene to find out!

See what Bradley’s up to on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iambradleyroberts/

And here for Bradley’s Honeydo contracting services! 

Here for information about free build-ready plots of land available in Lincoln, Kansas and here for the same on the city’s website, and follow the city’s instagram page

We learned of Bradley Roberts from this article: Would you take free land in rural America?

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Retire early and dedicate more time to your passion? Is the fear of not having enough retirement savings holding you back? That was the case for Alyson and Dave Sheldrake of Devon, England. The couple crunched the numbers and determined doing it in England would be difficult, but they pulled it off in the Algarve region of Portugal, a place they loved. They retired and moved to the Algarve in 2011. Alyson is flourishing as a painter and writer and Dave is a prosperous photographer. Find out how these two artists are thriving in Aljezur, Portugal, on Episode 97 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

View Dave Sheldrake’s photography work and follow him on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook.

Explore Alyson Sheldrake’s art and books and follow her on Instagram, Twitter,
Facebook.

Sign up for the couple’s free monthly newsletter. 

Alyson Sheldrake books include:

1. Living the Dream in the Algarve, Portugal: The story of one couple’s move from the UK to live in the sun;
2. Living the Quieter Algarve Dream;
3. A New Life in the Algarve, Portugal: An anthology of life stories; and
4. Kat the Dog: The remarkable story of a rescued Spanish water dog

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Do you really know The Villages, the world’s largest retirement community in central Florida? There have been numerous depictions of The Villages by those who don’t live there. Jack and Pam O’Brien moved from Pittsburgh and say The Villages is the perfect place for them to work on their writing, volunteer, enjoy fun ways to exercise, and spend time with their new friends. Hear our guests share what it’s actually like to be residents in The Villages, on  Episode 98 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

In December of 2021, Jack O’Brien published The Roundabout Way: Stories from the Villages, Florida, a compilation of fictional short stories with The Villages as the background.

The Answer to Each Is the Same is one of Pam O’Brien’s books of poetry.

For more information about The Villages or make a visit to check it out.

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Dreamt of living on a little Caribbean island? Has the fear of being distant from city conveniences prevented you from realizing your fantasy? Isla Mujeres in Mexico may be the answer. The island is a short commute from the stores, restaurants and services of Cancun. Dawn Fleming and Tom Clifford moved to Isla Mujeres and claim it’s an 18 minute ferry ride and a world away from Cancun. While around 25,000 tourists set foot on the island each day, solitude is found. Learn more about Isla Mujeres on Episode 99 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

Dawn Fleming’s book is Claim Your Dream Life: How to Retire in Paradise on a Shoestring Budget.

Dawn’s website is Overseas Life Redesign.

Dawn also has an Overseas Life Redesign podcast.

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Where should you retire if you wish for a place with water warm enough to enable you to swim in the ocean year round? Oh, and you don’t want to leave the United States. Don and Linda Hurzeler discovered their ocean paradise in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Too expensive, you say? Don scoffs at that notion, maintaining that living in Hawaii is doable if you are flexible with some of your must-haves. Learn more about living in Kailua-Kona on The Big Island, on Episode 100 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

Donald J. Hurzeler’s books include:

• Suddenly Retired: A Roadmap for What Comes Next

• Smells Like Retirement: How to Create a Rock-Solid Plan for the Best Years of Your Life

• What’s Left of Don, A Memoir

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Hugh Donagher and Brian Rountree were living in San Antonio, Texas and wanted to settle down in Spain but not quite ready for retirement. Brian had little trouble securing a tech job in Barcelona. Obtaining a work visa is another story. They discovered that since Hugh achieved Irish citizenship through descent, the married couple could live and work anywhere in the EU without difficulty. The couple have fallen in love with Barcelona and could see themselves retiring there. Find out more on Episode 101 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

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When does “forever” last only a few years? When your “forever home” in your dream destination, among the red rocks in the Arizona sun, turns out to be a nightmare. After long careers on the East coast, Bob and Irene Peake retired to the picturesque town of Sedona, Arizona. The couple loved it there, but a change in the real estate laws and Bob’s new fascination with horseback riding (he learned how to ride at age 71) had them looking for a home with more land. After 5 years in Sedona, they sought a home which could be converted into a working horse ranch and they found it - about 20 miles away in Cottonwood, Arizona. Find out more about the charming town on Episode 102 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

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As a child growing up in Canada, Perley-Ann Friedman dreamed about living on a tropical island. Throughout her life, she traveled extensively around the world, but on her first trip to the southern Thailand island of Koh Lanta, she knew she had found her magical island. Listen  to how Perley-Ann transformed from tourist to local expat on Episode 103 of Retire There with Gil & Gene. 

Perley-Ann Freidman’s book on retiring to Koh Lanta is Retired Way Out There: My Evolving Life in Koh Lanta, Thailand. Her book on fundraising is Volunteer Fundraising Simplified: How to Raise Money for a Cause You Love. 

Perley-Ann’s website is The Happy Cat.

Check out Perley-Ann’s incredible garbage art sculptures made out of colorful plastic cigarette lighters here.

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You unquestionably love the music, food and spirit of New Orleans, but prefer a rural area … oh, what to do? Musician Ben Redwine and his artist wife, Leslie Redwine, believe they found the perfect compromise. The couple moved to Covington, Louisiana in Tammany Parish - which offers a quaint country location and is only 40 miles from downtown New Orleans! Find out more about the laidback lifestyle of Louisiana in St. Tammany Parish on Episode 104 of Retire There with Gil & Gene. 

For Ben Redwine’s performances 

View Leslie Redwine’s art

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Dream of living somewhere surrounded by beautiful scenery with temps that are never too high or too low? If so, seek out that perfect elevation in the stunning mountain town of Boquete, Panama where neither air conditioning nor heat is required. Correct, you can have a comfortable year-round climate and it’s AFFORDABLE! It is no wonder the place is full of expats. Hear what brought Jackie Lange to Boquete and what kept her there, on Episode 105 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

Jackie Lange’s company Panama Relocation Tours is available to help you along the way. 

Jackie's Travel Awaits article lays out 6 Reasons You Should Retire in Panama, Plus 4 Reasons Why You Might Mark Panama Off Your List.

Jackie’s company is on Facebook https://m.facebook.com/panamarelocationtours/

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Dave Hughes and Jeff McKeehan had independently moved to Arizona to escape freezing winters. Jeff contends that “snow is for snow globes.” When they got together, they searched for a place that would support their love of playing music and gardening. They chose Chandler, Arizona for its proximity to Phoenix enabling them to enjoy all of its culture but far enough to avail themselves of less pricey real estate. Find out more on Episode 106 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

Read Dave’s book on The Quest for Retirement Utopia: How to Find the Retirement Spot That’s Right for You. Dave’s additional books on retirement include Smooth Sailing Into Retirement: How to Navigate the Transition from Work to Leisure and Design Your Dream Retirement: How to Envision, Plan For, and Enjoy the Best Retirement Possible.

Check out Dave’s website: Retire Fabulously.

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Is it possible to live in two of the most expensive areas of the world? Yes, but it helps to be organized and frugal. Regina Ang and Sue Davies, high level stressed out executives blissfully retired in Clementi, Singapore and Jersey City, New Jersey. In Singapore, housing is pricey but expenses may be saved by food shopping at wet markets and dining at hawker centers. In the New York City area, the couple cut costs by crossing the Hudson River to move from Manhattan to Jersey City. Learn more about their bicontinental retirement on Episode 107 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

Regina Ang and Sue Davies have a travel website called Travel For Life Now. The website focuses on their travel experiences on - and off - the beaten track.

Regina and Sue also write articles for Travel Awaits.

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Do you fantasize of having a home right on the beach? Oh, you don’t have millions to plop down on a seaside place in the States? Perhaps you should explore Mexican beach towns. Brighton and Kat West started living their dream after they purchased a beachfront home near La Paz, Mexico. For under $200,000!! Find out more about the couple’s Mexican oceanfront retreat on Episode 108 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

West’s popular Youtube channel Almost Retired in Mexico and his site  AlmostRetiredInMexico.com captures life in Mexico. 

Brighton’s virtual videographer company is Brighton West Video.

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Do you wish to live in Panama, but find the housing prices of Panama City, Boquete or Coronado too costly? Try David, a fairly large city, with a small town feel due to its low population density and lack of skyline. Joyce Barr retired to Panama and has lived in several Panamanian cities, but recently moved to David for its low rental costs. Learn more about Joyce’s love of Panama’s people and places on Episode 109 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.  

Learn about Joyce Barr’s company, BLAST! Tours & Coaching, which assists retirees who wish to explore living as expats.

Joyce has written several articles about living in Panama for Travel Awaits.

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Would you enjoy a small getaway house, near New York City, for under $150,000? Check out some of the former bungalow colonies north of the city. Marcy Kahn, and her wife Diane Churchill, found such a place in the northern Westchester County town of Mohegan Lake, just 50 miles north of their Manhattan residence.  Their community, the Mohegan Woodlands Cooperative, includes a swimming pool, rights to the private lake, tennis courts, and, soon, pickleball courts! Find out more about living in a bungalow colony on episode 110 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

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Do you long for an inexpensive oceanfront city? There aren’t many left in the States, so check out Huatulco, Mexico. The town is quaint, friendly, affordable, clean and a naturally beautiful place on the Pacific Ocean in southern Mexico. Cindy and Fred Ouellette settled in Huatulco four years ago. They love it, think it’s “almost heaven,” and say they live a great life on Social Security alone. Check out why the couple loves the lesser-known city of Huatulco on Episode 111 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

Cindy Charles Ouellette educates expats and wanna-be expats about living in Huatulco on her YouTube channel, Life in Huatulco.

Cindy offers video calls "Any pressing question?” on PalTap. Https://paltap.me/retireinmexico

And for questions about moving to Mexico? 30 minute chats $25 USD. Email her for an appointment at retireinmexiconow@gmail.com

Cindy’s “Retire in Mexico” Facebook page also contains helpful information about living in Mexico.

Cindy’s stunning photographs of Mexico may be purchased from Fine Art America.

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Is it attainable to live on a beach in New York City without going broke? Sharon Lew has proven so. Sharon grew up near the water on Long Island, but spent most of her adult life in Manhattan while having a beach house in Fire Island, New York. In an attempt to be on the ocean, near Manhattan, and without debt, she sold her Fire Island home and purchased a fixer-upper apartment in Rockaway, Queens. She loves hearing the sound of the surf and the security of having low monthly costs. Find out more about Sharon’s route to a low-cost life on the beach on Episode 112 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

See Sharon Lew’s creative talent management agency, Lew & Co, for her latest works. 

Sharon Lew ‘s article in the New York Times, Heading to the Rockaways for the Sand and the Subway. Which Apartment Did She Choose? is about her search for a home in Rockaway.

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Does living in a small, quaint village on a bay in the Algarve sound dreamy? It’s still doable but, as housing costs rise and the ever growing number of expats invade Portugal, the best way to find a reasonably priced home may be to have your feet on the ground and locate property by word-of-mouth. Brits Karen and Nick Telling went on holiday in the former fishing village of Carvoeiro and soon found themselves settling there. On Episode 113 of Retire There, Karen explains that she was smitten with the picturesque town while on vacation, but it was  the warmth and kindness of the Portuguese people that truly captured her heart.

Karen Telling’s book, Another Day in Paradise, explains how dealing with a life-changing-illness opened her eyes to the goodness of the Portuguese people.

Karen’s second book, Our Little Piece of Paradise, begins with the purchase of her home in Carvoeiro, Portugal and tells the story of life in a small village on the Algarve. 

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Joy and Brent Fletcher were living in Berkeley, California but dreamed of retiring in wine country. Of course, they thought about the nearby Sonoma wine region, but it is prohibitively expensive. Then, they stumbled upon the town of McMinnville in Oregon’s wine region and fell in love with the area. They purchased a home in McMinnville and are enjoying the beautiful wineries, charming downtown, low congestion, and slow pace. Find out more about life in Oregon wine country on Episode 114 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

Joy Fletcher’s business, Agile 4 Life Fitness, specializes in virtual fitness for seniors. Joy’s mission is to touch the lives of a million seniors and give them a more active lifestyle. 

Joy has written a number of fitness-related articles for Travel Awaits. 

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Would you like to live in a small European city with a surprisingly mild climate and views of a beautiful lake and stunning mountains? Many people who could afford to live anywhere, including Freddie Mercury, adopted Montreux, Switzerland as their home. Lynn Denton went to Montreux for a job, but ended up loving it and staying after retirement. Find out what keeps Lynn in Montreux on Episode 115 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

From Lynn’s airbnb Montreux Music BNB you can see views of the Lac Leman and the  Alps.

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Happy 2023! In Episode 116, Gil & Gene discuss how the Retire There podcast continued to grow and evolve in 2022. In the episode, we discuss what goes on behind the scenes of Retire There, 2022 statistics, the press we received, highlights of episodes from 2022, and what is upcoming in 2023. 

If you enjoy the Retire There podcasts, please make a donation at buymeacoffee.com/retiretherepod. Each cup of coffee costs $5 and goes towards bringing you more Retire There podcasts in the future.

An article about us was published in Travel Awaits.

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How much thought have you invested in thinking about where you will live during your retirement years? Ryan Frederick, an expert in the field of aging with a particular focus on the role of place, believes that where you live can have a major impact on many aspects of your life. Find out more, as we interview Ryan Frederick, author of Right Place, Right Time, on Episode 117 of Retire There with Gil & Gene. 

Ryan Frederick’s book is Right Place, Right Time: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Home for the Second half of Life.

Ryan’s website is Here.life.

Check out the Right Place, Right Time assessment and Ryan’s blog.

If you enjoy the Retire There podcasts, please make a donation at buymeacoffee.com/retiretherepod. Each cup of coffee costs $5 and goes towards bringing you more Retire There podcasts in the future.

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Where would you retire if you loved Spain and purchased a home there but the Spanish visa requirements made it too difficult to gain permanent residency in the country? This was Bruce Joffe and Russ Warren’s experience so they relocated to the small inland city of Castela Banco, Portugal. Castela Branco is quaint, affordable, and located not far from their other home in Spain. Bruce and Russ are homebodies who highly recommend inland Portugal. Find out more about their journey, on Episode 118 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

Bruce Joffe is the Publisher and Creative Director of Portugal Living Magazine and the author of Expat: Leaving the USA for Good.

Bruce also administers a Facebook page called People of Faith Online Congregation.

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Gerri Almand believed she was happily retired, while living in Tampa, Florida and tending to her flower garden until her husband, Michael Hamlin, persuaded her to take some short vacations in an RV. She went from being a reluctant RV wife to selling their Tampa home and completely embracing the full-time RV life. The couple loved this new lifestyle until health concerns convinced them to find a home that wasn't on wheels. After considering some of the many towns they had visited, they concluded that Eugene, Oregon was the place for them. Gerri believes Eugene is the friendliest town in America. Find out more about Gerri and Michael’s RVing adventure on Episode 119 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

Gerri Almand’s three memoirs about RVing are: The Reluctant RV Wife; Home is Where the RV Is; and Running from COVID in Our RV Cocoon. 

More information can be found on Gerri Almand’s website.

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Imagine being a highly specialized physician on the top of your game in your 40s. You are well respected by your patients but feel overworked and burnt out, can you retire? The answer probably depends on your financial situation. Regina Arvon was a Prenatal Diagnosis and Genetics physician in the San Francisco Bay area when she gave it all up to retire at the age of 47. How was she able to do it? Regina pursued a life of financial independence before discovering the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement. After retiring, Regina relocated to Barbados where she loves her new less-stressed life. She’s passionate about deep house music and says her life has gone from doc to disco. Listen to Regina’s inspiring story on Episode 120 of Retire There with Gil & Gene. 

Read how Regina Arvon retired early on her blog, Doc To Disco.

Regina’s AirBNB in Barbados is Avon Bleu Barbados.

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What comes to mind when you think of San Diego, California: the zoo, the beach or the weather? For Susan Lewallen it was unquestionably the weather. After working as physicians for over two decades in Africa, Susan and her husband Paul Courtright decided to move back to the States for retirement. Their wish was for perfect weather - not too hot and not too cold. San Diego won out. Find out more about retiring in San Diego, the climate capital of the United States, on Episode 121 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

Susan Lewallen wrote two novels set in Tanzania, based, in part, on events she witnessed in Africa: Crossing Paths and Distorted Vision.

For more information about Susan and her books, check out her website.

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Chuck and Mary Casselman left San Diego, California to retire in Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica. You may be asking yourself why anyone would leave the beautiful beaches and near perfect weather of San Diego. The Casselmans had enough of California’s ever increasing taxes, high cost of living and horrible traffic. In Costa Rica, they love their beautiful modern home with a pool and the warm people of Costa Rica. Find out more about what brought the couple to Costa Rica, on Episode 122 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

Chuck and Mary Casselman's informative website about relocating to Costa Rica is Going Pura Vida.

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The population of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico rose from 12,000 in 1964 to 300,000 today. That should be no surprise, given the Mexican beach resort city consists of great weather, warm people, reputed excellent healthcare and mountains which offer stunning ocean views. Robert Nelson fell in love with Puerto Vallarta when he began visiting in the 1970s. Living there has been a dream come true for him. Find out more about Robert’s love for Puerto Vallarta, on Episode 123 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

Robert Nelson’s two books on Puerto Vallarta are Expats in Paradise: Life in Puerto Vallarta and Boomers in Paradise: Living in Puerto Vallarta.

Robert Nelson also created the online magazine, Expats in Mexico, though he recently sold it.

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Bocas del Toro is a province in northeast Panama comprising an archipelago of 9 islands. If you dream of living on an affordable Caribbean island and love boating, this may be the place for you. Doug Marcy and Anne-Michelle Wand were both immediately enamored with the islands and settled there. Traveling everywhere by boat and working to restore the coral in the ocean has given them an idyllic island life. Check out what it is like to live in Bocas Del Toro, on Episode 124 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

Doug Marcy is the founder of the Caribbean Coral Restoration Center. If you would like to donate to the  Caribbean Coral Restoration Center, please go to their GoFundMe page.

Anne-Michelle Wand wrote a Travel Awaits article about why she and Doug chose to settle in Bocas del Toro.

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For many, Boca Raton, Florida is a dream retirement destination with its beaches, warm weather, a classic downtown featuring great shopping, restaurants and entertainment. Solo retiree Mary Ellen Morgan relocated there and is loving it. Although the real estate is somewhat pricey, Many Ellen saves money in a variety of other ways including having dinner during restaurant “happy hours.” Join us as we talk to Mary Ellen about this quintessential Florida beachside town on Episode 125 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

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According to recent statistics, Italy has one of the highest income tax rates in Europe, with the top bracket taxed at 43%. However, for those who are deterred by the high tax rates, there is an option to consider. Italy has implemented a 7% tax regime for select towns in Southern Italy, specifically municipalities with populations under 20,000 in regions such as Sicily, Calabria, Sardinia, Campania, Basilicata, Abruzzo, Molise, and Puglia.

In particular, Carovigno, in Puglia, has been highlighted by Mary and Tom Hanson for its affordability and welcoming community, in Episode 126 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

Check out Mary Hanson’s Facebook page.

Mary’s hairless dog is on Facebook as #TravelsWithANakedDog.

Mary engaged 2 Italian real estate agents, Donna Mignon and Alex Norton; and Nick Matta, an attorney.

Information about 7% towns in Puglia can be found in Samantha Wilson’s book, Discovering Puglia’s Best 7% Towns.

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Guy and Melissa Hoagland desired to retire to an environmentally sustainable place with a temperate climate, a college/university, and to be in a city, but not a big city.  The couple landed in Asheville, NC, a place with all of the above and more. They rented for a year to ensure it was a fit. Thereafter, they zeroed-in on exactly the part of town they loved and purchased a home there. Check out what else drew Guy and Melissa to Asheville on episode 127 of Retire There with Gil & Gene. 

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Jean Roberts yearned for a home in Spain, but her husband, Adrian, was not so keen on the idea. He was content living full-time in their home in England. Finally, he agreed, contingent upon the property being 30,000 euros or less believing Jean would never be able to meet the challenge. Adrian underestimated Jean’s desire to live, at least part-time, in Spain as she purchased a fixer-upper townhouse in a countryside town in Seville Province. Find out more about the couple's Spanish adventures on Episode 128 of Retire There with Gil & Gene. 

Jean Roberts’ two lighthearted and uplifting books about moving to and living in Spain: A Kiss Behind the Castanets: My Love Affair with Spain and Life Beyond the Castanets: My Love Affair with Spain.

Jean captures their life in Spain on her website.

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Ted and Kathy Bergman, comedy writers in their 70s, felt they were being forced out of Northern California by the ever growing high cost of living. They researched beautiful, yet inexpensive, places to live and decided on Roatan, an island in Honduras 40 miles off the mainland. So enamored by the Island, the couple moved there  without ever visiting it. They love it so much they have remained for five years. Fondness for the locals and expats on the island supersedes their disdain for the bugs and bad roads. Find out more about retiring to Roatan on Episode 129 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

Ted Bergman is the author of 3 books: (1) The Real Roatan: Inside the Caribbean’s Laughing Island.: Two comedy writers retire to the Honduran island of Roatan. Here is the good, the bad, the beaches, the bugs and the funny; (2) The Billion Dollar Tallywhacker: When the Mar-A-Mansions, Super Yachts and Private Jets Aren’t Enough; and (3) Confessions of a Rogue TV Comedy Writer: Forty Years of Fame, Fun and Combat Inside The Writers Room.

For more information on Roatan, Ted recommends Roatan Travel / Support Roatan Discussion Group on Facebook.

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Retire There begins a series of special topics, where we step back and explore subjects that impact retirement. In Episode 130, we invite Law Professor Lawrence Frolik to address aging in place versus moving during retirement and elder law.

Lawrence A. Frolik is Professor Emeritus of Law and Distinguished Faculty Scholar at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. His specialty is Elder Law about which he wrote or co-authored 15 books. His two latest are “Wise Moves: Checklist for Where to Live, What to Consider, and Whether to Stay or Go” (Sally Balch Hurme, co-author) and “Why Did I Walk Into This Room: A Thinking Person’s Guide to Growing Older” (Kenny Hegland, co-author).

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Have you ever dreamed of residing within the walls of a walled city? If so, Lucca, Italy, might be the perfect destination for you. With its lively cafes and medieval architecture, living within the historic wall seems glorious. Ilene and Gary Modica moved from Arizona to Lucca and consider this Tuscan city their true home. To learn more about the alluring “cafe culture” of this amazing city, tune in to Episode 131 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

Check out Ilene and Gary’s award winning blog, Our Italian Journey, about moving to and living in Italy. Their two books on the subject are Our Italian Journey: Living Our Dream in Italy for One Year and When Your Heart Finds Its Home: The Journey Continues.

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Did you know Cape Coral, Florida has more canals than any other city in the world? Even more than Venice? Native Chicagoans Candy and Will Mattingly retired on one of the 400+ canal miles! With ample opportunity for recreational water activities and nature, the couple absolutely love their new home - while soaking up the warm weather and enjoying the tranquility of living on water. Join us on Episode 132 to hear Candy and Will share their exuberant story.

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You wish to live in Portugal, but not in a big city or a small country town. And you’d love to be near the coast though any beach area is going to be dramatically costlier. Have you heard of Caldas da Rainha? A small historic city in Portugal’s Silver Coast region with a 20 minute drive to the water. Diane Jacobsen moved there from Seattle, Washington. Caldas da Rainha is no longer a secret, as many Americans now call it home. Learn more about this lovely city on Episode 133 of Retire There with Gil & Gene. 

Also, check out Diane’s townhouse rental, which is inside a castle, that she renovated in Castelo de Vide, Portugal, now available on Airbnb as Romance Inside Castle Walls with Private Garden. 

Diane highly recommends Martin Page’s The First Global Village, How Portugal Changed the World, a 2006 book that explains in depth the rich history of Portugal to appreciate the country in modern times. 

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When Jen and Dave Hardy, residents of the Nashville area, encountered health issues and decided to retire early, they embarked on a thorough search for their ideal place to spend the rest of their lives. After exploring various options, they found Indialantic, a charming small town situated on a barrier island along Florida's Space Coast. They knew their search had come to an end. Join us on Episode 134 to hear about Jen and Dave's blissful life in their own island paradise.

Jen Hardy’s podcasts are: (1) Fabulous Over Fifty and (2) Medical Gaslighting.

Jen also sends out a Daily Video Email for women over 50 feeling lonely, isolated or sad.

Jen’s website is JenHardy.net.

Jen Hardy’s books include: (1) Path to Happiness - The 5-year journal that guides you to finding your joy; (2) How to Live Well with Chronic Illness - The Journal For Moms; (3) The Sick Mom’s Guide to Having Fun Again - If I can do it, you can too! and (4) 5-Year Daily Plan For Success Business Journal - Dominate the compensation by setting monthly goals, tracking progress, and innovating for success.

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Nashville residents Zeneba (Zen) Bowers and Matt Walker, symphony musicians, quit their jobs, sold their home, unloaded their possessions, and moved to Italy. All in 6 weeks. Whew! One would expect sophisticated urbanites, who needed to keep working, would relocate to a cosmopolitan city like Florence or Milan. THAT is not at all what happened. Zen and Matt fell in love with, and moved to, Soriano nel Cimino, a small picturesque and out-of-the-way village 57 miles north of Rome. Join the couple’s captivating and amusing story on Episode 135 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

Bowers and Walker wrote I Can’t Believe We Live Here: The Wild But True Story of How We Dropped Everything in the States and Moved to Italy, Right Before the End of the World. 

The couple also authored four guidebooks: (1) Tuscany, Italy: Small-Town Itineraries for the Foodie Traveler; (2) Italy’s Alpine Lakes: Small-Town Itineraries for the Foodie Traveler: (3) Emilia-Romagna, Italy: A Personal Guide to Little-Known Places Foodies Will Love; and (4) Ireland: Small-Town Itineraries for the Foodie Traveler. 

Zen and Matt own and operate Little Roads Europe, creating personal itineraries for travelers who seek to get off the beaten track in Italy and Ireland.  

Watch the couple on CBS Sunday Morning playing music on their Italian balcony during the lockdown. 

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Peter Walsh is a professional organizer,  television personality and New York Times best-selling author who has made a career of helping people organize, declutter and downsize. In fact, Gil was a fan of his television show, “Clean Sweep.” We invited Peter to the podcast, as we believe the mere thought of decluttering is overwhelmingly stressful for many retirees. Listen to Peter Walsh try to tackle Gil and Gene’s chaotic struggle to get rid of their stuff on Episode 136 of Retire There. 

Check out Peter Walsh’s website, YouTube channel, and books including his latest, Let It Go: Downsizing Your Way to a Richer, Happier Life.

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Join us for an exciting adventure as Retire There ventures into uncharted territory! We had the pleasure of hosting Mary Oluonye, a remarkable dual-citizen of the United States and Nigeria. Mary's decision to retire early and pursue a life she had always envisioned has led her to combine her love for business with her research and writing talents, both in the US and Africa.

Mary's true passion lies in listening to individuals share their aspirations, providing them with valuable insights to help them navigate their own journeys towards realizing their dreams and goals. According to Mary, nothing brings her more joy than introducing you to the wonders Africa has to offer – its captivating landscapes, diverse people, and rich cultures. She also candidly explores both the rewarding experiences and the challenges that come with living in an African country.

Tune in to witness Mary's contagious enthusiasm as she shares her captivating stories and experiences about her new life on Episode 137. 

Mary published in 2018: Moving to Ghana: The Essential Things You Need to Know;

Mary is Co-Owner of Celmar Travel & Tours: Africa Travel Planning & Tour Operator based in the USA and Ghana;

Check out Mary’s webpage and blog at https://maryoluonye.com/blog/; and for

Mary’s articles and tips: https://maryoluonye.medium.com/.

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Have you dreamt about residing in a picturesque small town nestled amidst the majestic Rocky Mountains? Embarking on such a remarkable journey, however, entails embracing the challenges of harsh winters, encounters with untamed elk, and the absence of certain modern conveniences. Nonetheless, Martin and Judy Smith traded their bustling life in Southern California for the serene ambiance of Granby, Colorado, seeking solace in a more tranquil and unhurried existence. Tune in to hear about the Smith’s delightful rural community in Episode 138 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

Martin J. Smith is a journalist and author of both crime novels and non-fiction books. His latest non-fiction book is Going to Trinidad: A Doctor, a Colorado Town, and Stories from an Unlikely Gender Crossroads. All his books are available on Amazon.com. 

For more about Martin and his work: https://martinjsmith.com/

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Daniel and Timm McBride searched for a place that offered both sophistication and culture, yet spared them from the chaos and commotion of a bustling metropolis. Upon discovering Portugal, they realized it was the perfect place for them. After spending a few months in Lisbon, the vibrant capital, the couple found themselves drawn to Almada, a quaint city nestled on the opposite side of the river. Compared to Lisbon, Almada offered tranquility and a lesser degree of congestion. Additionally, the couple loved that they could reach the city with a mere ten-minute ferry ride. Tune in to hear more about the McBrides’ captivating journey on Episode 139 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

Daniel McBride is the author of So You Want to Move to Portugal: Your Ultimate Guide to Retiring in Portugal. 

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When thinking of cultural European cities, Paris and Florence may come to mind. However, many would not have imagined Plovdiv, Bulgara, but those in the know would. In fact, Plovdiv was recently named the best cultural destination in Europe by EuropeanBestDestinations.com. This came as no surprise to our guest Cathy who developed a passion for Bulgarian music and dance while growing up in Chicago. When deciding where to live during retirement, Cathy knew she wanted to be in Bulgaria and in a city. Tune into why she selected Plovdiv as her home, on Episode 140 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

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Its proximity to great bird-watching is what first led Gayle and Ralph Padgett to move to Saint-Remy-de-Provence, France, but the couple soon fell in love with many other aspects of the quaint French town. Whether you're an ornithophile or not, the quintessential European town may be the place that seduces you to move to France. Find out more about everyday life in Saint-Remy, on Episode 141 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

Gayle Smith Padgett’s two books about living in France: (1) Passion for Provence: 22 Keys to La Belle Vie and (2) The Birdwatcher’s Wife: A Quest Across France for Birds and La Belle Vie.

For more about Gayle, visit her website.

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If you think downsizing and decluttering is daunting and depressing, you have never done it with Matt Paxton. Matt is the host of the Emmy-nominated PBS series Legacy List with Matt Paxton, author of the best-selling book Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff and was a featured cleaner on the hit television show Hoarders for 15 seasons. He uses stories and humor to ease the usually intimidating task of downsizing. Listen to Matt make us laugh our way through this unnerving topic, on Episode 142 of Retire There with Gil & Gene. 

Check out Matt’s website I Am Matt Paxton for so much more!

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Canadian Karen Espig wanted to retire early so she could spend more time pursuing her passion: painting. Her dream was to live in Europe and be on or near water, with a very limited budget. It appears she accomplished all of her goals by retiring at the age of 52 and moving to Pogradec, Albania, a small city which sits on a large lake. Karen now has time to focus on her art in her impressive apartment in Pogradec, for which she pays under $400 per month including utilities. For more about Karen’s fearless move, tune into Episode 143 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

Check out Karen’s paintings, photographs and writings on her website. 

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Are you a beach bum? Move to Sitges, Spain, a coastal town with 17 beautiful  beaches. It’s also famous worldwide for its film festival, carnival, LGBT culture and seafront promenade lined with grand mansions. Northern Californians Leo Boni and his husband moved there and are loving it. Tune in to hear Leo’s enthusiasm about their journey on Episode 144 of Retire There with Gil & Gene. 

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You pursue your dream of retiring on a boat, but there are a myriad of more decisions to make. What type of boat would be best for you? All of the most obvious choices have flaws. Sailboats are difficult to operate, trawlers are not the most stylish sea vessels  and houseboats can’t go anywhere. And where in the world would your land base be? Tim Bull and Karina Rook chose to split their time between a trawler and a home in Athens, Greece and they seem incredibly happy. Find out more about their European adventure on Episode 145 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

Keep up with Tim and Karina by visiting their website.

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When Stacey and Rebecca Woelfel’s children moved to Los Angeles for their careers, the couple wanted to be near them so they decided to leave their college town of Columbia, Missouri and headed west. The astronomical cost of LA housing deterred them so they checked out all nine cities of the Coachella Valley. They found some areas to be too touristy, while others lacked a charming downtown but La Quinta seemed just right. Learn more about the Woelfel's California dream on Episode 146 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

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Before Keith and Joe knew each other, they independently dreamed of moving to Costa Rica and opening a B&B! Sounds like the beginning of a rom-com but it’s a true story. They met, fell in love and discovered each other's obsession with the central American country. The only question remaining was whether they would live on the beach or in the jungle. The couple found the best of both worlds. Their home and B&B, Nature’s Edge Boutique Hotel, are located up a mountain, just a short drive to the charming beach town of Uvita. Find out more about this Costa Rican adventure on Episode 147 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

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When people move from one place to another, oftentimes, they forego some benefits and gain others. When Scott and Shanda Fuller moved from the San Francisco Bay Area to Gilbert, Arizona, they gave up unmatched weather and a stunning coastline for a much lower cost of living and far less traffic. Scott is now helping others leave California with his businesses LeavingTheBayArea.com and LeavingSoCal.com. For more about Gilbert, a charming town with big-city amenities, tune in to Episode 148 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

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When you think of Cancun, Mexico, the out-of-control Spring Break party scene and luxurious all-inclusive hotels may first come to mind. Truthfully, Cancun offers so much more. There are activities for nature lovers such as diving and horseback riding and historic cultural locations such as the Mayan Ruins in Chichen Itza and the Cancun Underwater Museum. Retirees have discovered that they can live comfortably in Cancun for a reasonable price. Nadia Norris moved to Cancun from Atlanta and is enjoying a caviar life for hot dog prices. For more on Nadia’s paradise, tune into Episode 149 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

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Yes, we know Nantucket, the small island off the Massachusetts coast, is known as one of the most expensive real estate markets in America. But as reggae legend Jimmy Cliff says, “you can get it if you really want.” Greg Creedon and his partner Jamie Howarth purchased a home there and they are far from trust-fund babies. Whether you can afford the place or not, you will have a newfound appreciation of the naturally beautiful and historic island of Nantucket after tuning into Episode 150 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

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How long does one need to sense a true feel for Paris? For some, a week will suffice, for others perhaps a month, yet there are those who spend 3 months in the city of love and beauty and yearn for more! Mike Duffy was so drawn to Paris, he upped and sold (almost) everything and retired there! That move was over five years ago and Mike’s still finding new reasons to love the city.  

Also, Mike spends some of his time volunteering for the American Library in Paris. He writes “Library Culture Picks” -- where he reviews Paris art exhibitions for the Library’s website. See one of Mike’s reviews: https://americanlibraryinparis.org/library-culture-picks-june-2019/.  

Listen to Mike’s exciting journey on this re-airing of Episode 16 of Retire There with Gil and Gene.  

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The thought of living in Japan is considered by many to be prohibitively expensive. That may be the case in Tokyo and other large cities, but not everywhere in the country. Check out “akiyas,” abandoned or vacant homes in rural areas available for very low cost. The type and condition of these houses vary drastically depending on each property, but there appear to be many hidden gems among them. Lawrence and Chiyoko Covian moved from North Carolina to Iwakuni, Yamaguchi where they purchased an akiya for $36,000 US and renovated it. They are now enjoying a beautiful traditional Japanese home. Learn more about the couple’s Japanese home purchase and renovation adventure on Episode 152 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

Watch stages of the Covians’ home renovation, and much more, on their YouTube channel, Coco Lencho Japan.

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Bridget and Davlyn Boyd, residents of Houston, Texas, were in their early 50s, held frenzied jobs, and dreamed of living on a Caribbean island. Their goal was to find an affordable island with a large population of people of color and a middle class - not a place with solely rich and poor inhabitants. After a thorough search, the Boyds discovered Punta Cana, Dominican Republic checked all the boxes. They sold their Houston home, retired earlier than expected and relocated to Punta Cana where they are thriving. Find out more about the Boyds’ dreamy island life, check out Episode 153 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

Learn about living in Punta Cana on Bridget’s YouTube channel, Ebony Ladies in the DR. With her life coaching company, Let’s Talk About It, Bridget is available to talk about a variety of subjects, including moving abroad adjustments. Bridget also owns Boyd’s Wedding Dresses, Punta Cana’s only bridal shop.

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Having a career in the military enables one to see the world and may provide a glimpse of where to retire. Michele and Branden McAloon’s military service offered the opportunities to live among numerous cultures and they are currently residing in Wiesbaden, Germany where Branden is engaged with the U.S. Government. While the couple is enjoying the spas, beer and schnitzels in Wiesbaden, they will be retiring back in the U.S., specifically Fairhope, Alabama. Fairhope is a charming southern town which overlooks Mobile Bay. Join us as we talk to former Army pilot turned canon lawyer, writer and podcaster Michele about living in Alabama and Germany, on Episode 154 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

Check out Michele’s podcast, Cross Word, where she interviews authors about faith, politics and life.

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Janet Sussman stands as an inspiring testament to resilience in the face of adversity. In 2006, she and her husband were on the verge of realizing a cherished dream: the construction of a log home nestled within 5 acres of woodland in Florida. However, their dreams were shattered when her husband suffered a stroke and one of her sons tragically lost his life in a construction accident. To compound their woes, the 2008 financial crisis dealt them another crippling blow. Faced with mounting challenges, Janet began exploring entrepreneurial avenues to secure her financial footing.

In 2009, a glimmer of hope emerged when she learned of opportunities in Panama City, prompting her to embark on a life-altering journey. While her trip resulted in the birth of a successful business, what truly resonated with Janet was her profound connection with Panama and its people. Tears streamed down her face throughout the journey back to Florida, as she sensed that Panama had become her destined path. Tragically, shortly after her return, her husband passed away, leaving her with two surviving children who continually reminded her of her love for Panama.

In 2012, Janet took a courageous leap of faith and relocated to Panama. In a quest to make Panama even more affordable, she chose house-sitting in and around Panama City over traditional homeownership or renting. Janet's extraordinary journey and her unwavering determination are a testament to the human spirit's ability to triumph over adversity. To hear more about her inspiring story, tune in to Episode 155 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

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After Anthony Casablanca retired in 2015, he and his wife, Linda, started traveling the country in a 45-foot RV from their home in Batesville, Indiana. Their love for the Cincinnati Reds drew the couple to Pueblo El Mirage, an active 55+ RV and golf resort in El Mirage, Arizona and near the Reds’ Spring training facility. Although the RV brought them to many communities, El Mirage felt most like home. So in 2019, they purchased a manufactured home there and became snowbirds. 

As an extra added bonus, this episode includes a discussion between Anthony, a grief expert, and Gil about how to deal with tough times in retirement. Learn about El Mirage, Arizona and more on Episode 156 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

Read this AARP article about how the Casablancas and others researched retirement destinations.

Anthony is co-author, with his brother, of The Dying Art of Leadership: How Leaders Can Help Grieving Employees Excel at Work. The brothers also created a consulting company called GriefLeaders, focused on helping leaders navigate the emotional component of personal and organizational change. 

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If someone were to create an international version of the old TV show “Green Acres,” it might be about a couple who moves from a big city to a small rural village in Italy. Anthony Paonita and Kathy Scozzare relocated from Staten Island, New York to Valfabbrica, Italy, in the Umbria region, and they are having far less problems than Eva Gabor and Eddie Albert ever had. In fact, the couple love the Italian countryside. Learn about their journey from a metropolis to small town Italy, on Episode 157 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.

Anthony and Kathy’s informative and entertaining blog about living in Italy is (Not) A Year (Not) in Tuscany.

And check out Nancy Steele’s Podcast and Facebook page “Affordable Italy: Living La Dolce Vita on a Bootstring.”

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Would you enjoy life on a beautiful Caribbean island without breaking the bank? Renate Solomon chose Cozumel, Mexico as her retirement destination and it appears she couldn't be happier. Her monthly social security income covers her $350 cozy studio apartment and all living expenses. While high-end real estate options certainly exist in Cozumel, there are also affordable rental opportunities. The city is conveniently accessible with its international airport and ferry service connecting to Playa del Carmen, a mere 12 miles away. Discover Renate’s exciting and budget-friendly life on Episode 158 of Retire There with Gil & Gene. 

Check out Renate Solomon’s book, “The Stocking Strangler: The Truth Behind the Secrets,” a true crime story about a serial killer in Columbus, Georgia during the late 1970s.

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