Life in USA, 2020 Plans & Looking Forward – Philippines

1. Private Consult w/Reekay.. http://bit.ly/reekayfacetimeconsult
   AirBnb Rental Listings.. http://bit.ly/airbnb-reekay
   Loctote Security Bag.. http://bit.ly/reekayloctotebag
   Support The Channel Via Paypal.. https://www.paypal.me/reekay

   How I Transfer Money.. http://bit.ly/transferwisereekay
   Get Vietnam Visa Online.. http://bit.ly/vietnam-visa-online
   Reekay’s Bachelor Course; http://www.phbachelor.com
   Translate Your Youtube Video Details into other languages.. http://bit.ly/Youtube-Title-Description-Translator
   Easily Create Your Own Youtube Channel.. http://bit.ly/Video-Content-Creator-Reekay
   My Facebook.. https://www.facebook.com/reekay.lifebeyondthesea

   My MP3 Audio-Series.. http://bit.ly/ReekaysTravelMP3s
   Need A Fiancee’ Visa? http://www.filipina-expat-visa4you.com

2. Good luck in your adventures in 2020. I hope that you will continue with your internet channels when you enter your new relationship with Vy. Please excuse if I misspelled her name. I hear you. Yes California especilly Los Angeles, law is out of control. There’s so many laws but no enforcement. You can’t get a policeman to help you when you need it. They prioritize the situation-murders top and everything else they MIGHT send a car by the end of the day. L.A. has really become a huge sewer with all the homeless littering the streets. Spending tax $$$ on failed programs suppose to help them. Why not just place them out in the Desert with housing. There’s so much room out there. Of course you have these people that say that’s inhumane. All well. I know the saying. If you don’t like it, than get out of here. You are doing just that. Congrats. I will continue to watch your channels. Thank you Reekay.

3. Reekey I feel you this because I am less stressed these days living in Asia. I have to return for 3 months to SoCal and don’t look forward to it. Btw have a Happy New Year!

4. I agree about nanny state tendencies in the west where governments especially local government loves to get in your face. I suspect that California is one of the worst places in the US for bureaucratic interference. On top of that they tax you to extinction in the once golden state. Same issues occur in Australia. I love being in Vietnam but I am a visitor without the responsibilities of citizenship. I wonder if my opinion would change if I had to go through the daily grind other Viets suffer? I know shopping at the co op (supermarket) can be a real pain with long lines at the check out.

5. More freedom in a communist country vice the US? Are you insane?

   1. In some of the countries most definitely more freedom now China is the opposite That’s the worst place

   2. They never lived in one.. it’s being used as a metaphor

6. Enjoy your videos. I will be retiring in 2020 October and trying to live with my gf for about 6 months in pigcawayan. I have had enough of the stresses you have talked about. I hope one day to do a chat with you about some things before I come there. Happy new year and congratulations on your new relationship!!!

7. Thumbs up…

8. Hi Reekay,
   What does it take to be an expat in SE Asia?
   Where are you currently based in SoCal?

9. Kuya. Reekay the expats can get a job here callcenter agent! No age limit!

10. The Harley davidson thing could have been noise pollution, but one needs too think too how do other people feel if it’s too loud? Ya I know everyones rights, spend sometime in Japan and that will be an eye opener,I spent 1 month in Okayama japan for work. It changed my way of thinking,the respect that the people have for each other,how clean and organized the places that I seen. It’s a beautiful place.

11. Health is the greatest gift,contentment the greatest wealth,faithfulness the best relationship.

12. A ticket for long grass? WT?!

13. Good luck for you theirs always hope in life if not work at first take as an experience so that we can learn from it…welcome back to Philippines once again!

14. Reekey have you seen the Documentary about Imelda Marcus and her familys return to
    politics in the Phillipines……very scary stuff……maritial law is set to return

    1. Marshal law ended on Mindanao Dec 31 2019

15. Did you enjoy Star Wars Ricky ?

16. Yeah driving commercial truck in the US you had to watch out for the DOT. The east and west coast states are the worst for harrassment. At least in PA you do have some wiggle room. PA state troopers tend to be lazy up to a point

17. Whish you all the best for 2020! Having a question to learn about way of thinking: some expats enjoying moving from one place to anothers then what do they think about the last day of life, what principles they are thinking? Enjoy 2020!

18. Stay healthy, get married soon and be married at least 10 years so your then wife will be able to collect social security (based on your income) when she reaches 62.

19. I used to live in Mennifee (15 minutes north of Temecula) so I know exactly the places you describe. Small world.

    I’m Filipino, grew up in the Philippines then moved to the US after graduating from a University in the Philippines.

    The way I feel living in America is, its great to work, and save for retirement here. But when its time for retirement, I definitely plan to go back to the Philippines.

20. Living more free in a communist country. That really hit home.

    Long time ago i ask a Cuban what does it feel like living in a communist country his reply was Just like here (USA)

21. Reekay you live an interesting life and I’d love to be able to do what you do. One thing us older fellows have to worry about is health. I’m a pharmaceutical rep here in So Cal and I call on a lot of doctors from the Philippines. They tell me that if something happens in the Philippines, like a heart attack or a stroke, the end result is usually death. Here in the USA the paramedics are at your door within a few minutes. I know it’s not pleasant to think about but its something to consider.

22. I’d venture to say most are in debt in California…even high income families living beyond means. I think I can do a pretty job creating lask of stress In the US. I’m 100% debt free so that’s a big help for sure.

23. What constitutional rights do we still have  They are disappearing daily.  I’ll bash America for you because there is plenty for us all to bash.  It isn’t the country my father went into the service and entered WWII to defend.  Thinking of the Lee Greenwood song from the 1990s.  What a dorky song the more you think about it, the dorkier it is.

24. If your trying to “keep up with the Jones”, I got news for you. The Jones are broke.

    1. @SETH ANDERSONSir. I agree, but if I was ever broke; I would rather be broke in the US than the Philippines. LoL!!!

    2. @SETH ANDERSON so they have more liabilities than assets, hence they are technically wage slaves.

    3. No, they are not broke, but worse. They are up to their ears in consumer and student debt.

25. Freedom is tied to your level of wealth. Liberty is another question in its self.

    1. Perfectly said, Oahu Guy!

26. ….When I went to Russia for a couple weeks, there was a sense of “the cloud has lifted”…When I got back, the cloud was back….It’s some weird cloud of feminism that chokes me…I lived in California for 25 years- the place is messed up. I got stopped 3 times coming down a mountain with a Christmas tree that I had a permit for….They let the whole town of “Paradise” burn up thru poor forestry, but boy, just try and haul a Christmas tree down….They are forever “staring” at crumbs, while a whole loaf is off to the side…Outlawed plastic “STRAWS”, but let raging fires and mudslides go on….Messed up place

    1. Feminism has nothing to do with things you mentioned California a messed up place they dont make the codes or rules. A feminist believe divorce optional equal rights what wrong with that . It not Philippines no divorce yet separated for a life time in some cases because they cant afford annulment.

27. California and New York are not representative of how life really is in this country. Go to the rural areas of this country and it is far different. California seems more like a foreign country than a state.

28. so, you are going back to Phils for awhile?

29. Good info…been to the Philippines multiple times and happily married. Bought a condo there so we can spend half time in US and half there. Thanks for sharing your insight!

30. REALLY enjoy your vlogs, Reekay,….I’m in Canada currently…you have REALLY peaked my interest in Vietnam.

31. Yes, I agree 100% with your comments in this video.

    I have lived in Europe, USA and Asia and find that more rules from city and state government reduces freedoms, even when it is designed to do the opposite.

    It seems, the more rules the less freedom to live a good life.

    And, it makes sense. Peaceful people do not need rules; they know how to live together in harmony. Only low-tone societies and political systems need lots of rules. This is one of main reasons I left my original home in Europe and now soon to leave my home in California.

32. The feminist woke diversity people make it unliveable in Canada or the USA. See you on Rizal ave or Davao night market, soon bud!!! Happy New Year.

33. This is why I save between 65% and 70% of my paycheck each month and have for many years. Slowly increasing the time that I can live without working when I choose to go that way. Retiring early is the only goal that keeps me motivated to go to work each day.

    1. Good job, my family does the same after awhile it’s not that tough.

34. It is political. Harsh reality.

35. There is a HUGE difference between the Peoples Republic of California and the Midwest. I’ve lived in both. Almost none of the issues you stress in CA exist here in WI… Come visit!

36. Stress is one of the major factors for multiple health complications! Happy New Year! Good luck moving forward!

37. Agreed ! Life in America is stress for a multitude of reasons , I get harassed by police just because I am driving a Hyundai Elantra with tinted windows , pulled over, questioned and no law broken , no citation .
    Since retiring to Philippines , I’m happier , and minimal stress , and way simpler way of life …I pay rent ,
    Electric, water , done ! No car needed here . No bills in the mail box ..

    1. No internet?

38. My plan is to be debt free in 18 months. That includes consumer debt and having my Penthouse in Manila fully paid off

39. Good info…but California is the worst state so…other places much less crap and stress to deal with. I’d like to when I retire live half the year in the Philippines and other half In the US. It be a good mix of the both.

40. I live in Thailand… My 5 year plan is to continue working as a remote Paramedic, as an independent contractor, complete my child support obligations to my children living in the U.S. then retire full time in Thailand with my Thai wife. Currently I work one month abroad, and one month home with my wife in Thailand. I too did the traveling thing and now I have started a house project in rural Thailand… my final resting place. I’m from Modesto, California. I left America 8 years ago. I lived all over the U.S. And I am listening to you going uha! uha! uha!! Yep. Yep. Yep. ha ha! I started this taxing list about 5 years ago. In addition to the way you perfectly described layer of expenses and the increasing loss of freedoms… the police state is what you were describing…
    This further puts some context on how Americans have become Corporate Debt Slaves. Bear in mind this list does not even include interest paid on things like loans, credit cards, house, car, college, or the ever increasing bankster fees.

    #1 Air Transportation Taxes (just look at how much you were charged the last time you flew)

    #2 Biodiesel Fuel Taxes

    #3 Building Permit Taxes

    #4 Business Registration Fees

    #5 Capital Gains Taxes

    #6 Cigarette Taxes

    #7 Court Fines (indirect taxes)

    #8 Disposal Fees

    #9 Dog License Taxes

    #10 Drivers License Fees (another form of taxation)

    #11 Employer Health Insurance Mandate Tax

    #12 Employer Medicare Taxes

    #13 Employer Social Security Taxes

    #14 Environmental Fees

    #15 Estate Taxes

    #16 Excise Taxes On Comprehensive Health Insurance Plans

    #17 Federal Corporate Taxes

    #18 Federal Income Taxes

    #19 Federal Unemployment Taxes

    #20 Fishing License Taxes

    #21 Flush Taxes (yes, this actually exists in some areas)

    #22 Food And Beverage License Fees

    #23 Franchise Business Taxes

    #24 Garbage Taxes

    #25 Gasoline Taxes

    #26 Gift Taxes

    #27 Gun Ownership Permits

    #28 Hazardous Material Disposal Fees

    #29 Highway Access Fees

    #30 Hotel Taxes (these are becoming quite large in some areas)

    #31 Hunting License Taxes

    #32 Import Taxes

    #33 Individual Health Insurance Mandate Taxes

    #34 Inheritance Taxes

    #35 Insect Control Hazardous Materials Licenses

    #36 Inspection Fees

    #37 Insurance Premium Taxes

    #38 Interstate User Diesel Fuel Taxes

    #39 Inventory Taxes

    #40 IRA Early Withdrawal Taxes

    #41 IRS Interest Charges (tax on top of tax)

    #42 IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)

    #43 Library Taxes

    #44 License Plate Fees

    #45 Liquor Taxes

    #46 Local Corporate Taxes

    #47 Local Income Taxes

    #48 Local School Taxes

    #49 Local Unemployment Taxes

    #50 Luxury Taxes

    #51 Marriage License Taxes

    #52 Medicare Taxes

    #53 Medicare Tax Surcharge On High Earning Americans Under Obamacare

    #54 Obamacare Individual Mandate Excise Tax (if you don’t buy “qualifying” health insurance under Obamacare you will have to pay an additional tax)

    #55 Obamacare Surtax On Investment Income (a new 3.8% surtax on investment income)

    #56 Parking Meters

    #57 Passport Fees

    #58 Professional Licenses And Fees (another form of taxation)

    #59 Property Taxes

    #60 Real Estate Taxes

    #61 Recreational Vehicle Taxes

    #62 Registration Fees For New Businesses

    #63 Toll Booth Taxes

    #64 Sales Taxes

    #65 Self-Employment Taxes

    #66 Sewer & Water Taxes

    #67 School Taxes

    #68 Septic Permit Taxes

    #69 Service Charge Taxes

    #70 Social Security Taxes

    #71 Special Assessments For Road Repairs Or Construction

    #72 Sports Stadium Taxes

    #73 State Corporate Taxes

    #74 State Income Taxes

    #75 State Park Entrance Fees

    #76 State Unemployment Taxes (SUTA)

    #77 Tanning Taxes (a new Obamacare tax on tanning services)

    #78 Telephone 911 Service Taxes

    #79 Telephone Federal Excise Taxes

    #80 Telephone Federal Universal Service Fee Taxes

    #81 Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Taxes

    #82 Telephone State And Local Taxes

    #83 Telephone Universal Access Taxes

    #84 The Alternative Minimum Tax

    #85 Tire Recycling Fees

    #86 Tire Taxes

    #87 Tolls (another form of taxation)

    #88 Traffic Fines (indirect taxation)

    #89 Use Taxes (Out of state purchases, etc.)

    #90 Utility Taxes

    #91 Vehicle Registration Taxes

    #92 Waste Management Taxes

    #93 Water Rights Fees

    #94 Watercraft Registration & Licensing Fees

    #95 Well Permit Fees

    #96 Workers Compensation Taxes

    #97 Zoning Permit Fees…

    #98 Internet retailer Taxes

    #99 Online Services Amusement Tax (Chicago)

    #100 Bicycle Tax (Oregon)

    What am I missing?

41. “The measure of wealth is how long could you go without working.” You do see some seemingly earning a lot of money but have debts up to their eyeballs. Others may not earn a lot but have a lot of savings and investments going on. I am learning more about being more frugal. It is important to pay yourself before others.

    1. I once read an influential book, “The Millionaire Next Door”, with the same concept. I retired when I was 50 and live debt-free in the Philippines. It is important to set a date for yourself when to retire and have an exit plan from the workaday world. A divorce crystalized my thinking on what I wanted the next 40+ years to be. Revelation. I actually developed a comprehensive life plan for the first time. Always try to plan for a decade ahead (two is better).

42. Brilliant vlog! This is one of Reekay’s best!

43. California gets worst every year, I’m ready to go in a few years.

    1. i’m leaving next year and just go to the philippines…cali as of now truly sucks.

44. I agree with what you say for most part but children are not better off raised in Philippines over states .The oppurnity not there for the children nor dad making a fair wage in Philippines

45. Hello Henry, listening to you ,I see what you mean, so many places in the US keep nibbling on you like a bunch of ducks!!I moved to Kentucky a few years ago because of the costs else where, I live in the country, a few acres,. My place is paid for and I spend about 1k a month total, this cover everything, taxes, insur. utilities everything That is why my filipina wife and I can travel to the Ph regularly.. I see everything you see,I’m almost 75 and see more and more deterioration in the standard of quality of life in the USA

46. Best Wishes for the New Year and Hope your new relationship will be what you desire

47. In my case the snowball effect which effectively pushed me out from Poland to the Philippines started in 2014.
    Loss of corpo job due to mass layoffs, in 2015 lost another job, in 2016 lost my mom (couldn’t afford to save my mother from cancer), in 2018 lost my family (2 kids) when wife decided to replace me with another man.
    Havent seen my daughter over a year, facing losing my house soon (my ex wife will take it over for pennies) and then I will most likely face child support court claim which will literally kill me financially and in reality.

48. The good ol american grind lol
    Watching your videos i see there is hope at least, simplify life as much as possible and keep on moving.

49. You are speaking the truth of living in the USA and i hate to say it but i am a living witness presently with this reality,We barely make a life but instead we work to make a living.

50. I like your video’s allot, You have great vision and experience to share.

    FYI, The New Direction that Star Wars has taken well I’m so done with it. I found out as well that I’m not alone and really it’s a shame. I watched 10 minutes of a new series called Deputy OMG just terrible I can do without the indoctrination aspect of the show. On the up side I’m going to save allot of money as i reduce my HD cable and movie watching never a bad thing for sure. BTW you are bang on again as I too that stress level in the eyes of people whenever i”m out and about. I think back to when i was a kid my parents never had that much. As my brother and I grew up we had our sibling rivalries but we both remember the family dinners we always ate together and we shared our day good or bad. Conversation was easy and laughter plentiful. Today the family dynamic has changed and the pressure seems to be so intense surrounding the need to have technology. Yes I’m older much older now. My needs growing up were mostly about footwear and blue jeans, having those White Adidas with blue stripes and Levis jeans aaahhhh life was so simple back then….LOL

51. As a long-term expat, I agree with your comments regarding freedom. I’ve long felt the same way. Governments in Asia simply lack the resources to become very intrusive in your life. And your neighbors aren’t busybodies sticking their noses into your private life. Life in the USA is like a pressure-cooker compared to life in Asia.

52. I had a friend who lived in gated community in Sarasota Fl who had a ticket from the HOA because when he got home from work he noticed his Jaguars temp gauge was high,he went in to get water and left the hood up while the car was on the drive cooling down,he made himself a sandwich and came out to find the president of the HOA has left a ticket on his car…for having his hood up for more than 30 minutes.

53. That’s another Great Video. I lived in Oceanside for 22 years. Great place. Near the ocean as it is named. Been to Temecula a couple of times for wine tasting. It is as you described it. You had said you were curious to your views plans. I am too Moving to the PI this month. End of the month. I will take yearly trips back as you do too, to visit family. I am moving to La Union, San Juan area for the beaches and surfing. I really dont know anyone but one person in the area. I mean i have acquaintances i met for 3 weeks, but no life long family or friends. I have a budget, found an apartment, I am excited to move there, but well, a bit nervous. I am retired. I have a limited income, but i think enough to live comfortably there. My goad is to be like you there. Less stress, surf, body surf and enjoy the beach and sunsets! I did stay there for 3 weeks for a trial run, and really love the area. Small town, little to no traffic. within 12 min of two malls and medical facilities. I am hoping to meet … well like you met Vi, i too am searching for my Vi.
    Happy New Year Reekay! If you are ever in La union / Northern Luzon, feel free to contact me. I would love to meet up for a dinner / beer and conversation. I have watched many of your videos. And your monthly living costs video for 2019 is pretty true.. at least i am basing my retirement there on it! 😉 Stay safe! and stress free! Cheers, M

54. Reekay I went to thailand and laos in 2010 for 3 months ….all these things ur saying is 100 % =:) …I actually felt more at home in a very different way …I am looking forwawd to living out there ..awesome vid

55. Another spot on video! 63 years in Northern California and the erosion is massive with paranoia mode much of the time. Now that i don’t need to work everyone else does so there’s no one to hang out with cuz everyone works and goes home to do it all over again all the while being subjected to the own and control mentality of California government and many of the people. Always worrying about the next petty encroachment for just existing. As you say the system wont allow a low stress environment. Hopefully I’m off to visit Philippines, Thialand, Vietnam, and China to relax and observe and experience the cultures.

56. That’s because you lived in Commiefornia. It’s better in other states.

57. Great video. America enjoys enviable political freedom, but less day to day social freedoms than much of the world. In most of Asia and Latin America, no one cares if you have a beer on the beach, have a tryst with an adult working girl, etc. Seems like in American, too many people have the intolerant attitude that if I believe something is a good idea, you should criminalize not conforming to my values.

58. Hey Mr Reekay,

    I lived in Temecula for a short time. Now I live in Vietnam. Great country, great people, great history, culture, food, art, nature, etc etc. Perfect …? Of course not. But so much better than “Bumafornia.”

    I have lived in Asia-Pacific most of my adult life, and cannot ever imagine going back to USA under the current decay of society there, I grew up in N. California (Bay Area) and let me tell you … the fruit has been spoiled. The political leadership has lost the plot (our constitution) and the state is in collapse, fully. Very very very sad situation.

    Temecula is beautiful, and my kids got a very good education there in the public schools (MVHS, go Nighthawks).

    But each time I come back to USA, I feel a sense of tension and unease in the air throughout society. It is no longer a nation led by those intent on ensuring every man and woman has a god-given right to freedom and happiness.

    I hope we will someday see changes in the leadership that will allow USA to truly be the country that it was founded as. All men created equal and no taxation without representation (by government leaders).

    They only care about wealthy people and corporate interests nowadays in USA. Don’t listen to what they say … watch what they do.

    Good luck in 2020 my friend, and enjoy your next adventure abroad.

59. So very true the stress of living in America as a Black man we are constantly harassed by cops and some crazy White people who has nothing better in life to do. In New York City for example alone the cops stops Black and Latino males and searched just being who they are…humans. The freedom of movement is the big thing for me in some countries like for example Korea is almost nonexistence. You able to walk around almost any place and no cops are called on you. Also this going to sound crazy but its like being in your own home and if you move to to the kitchen a person suddenly appear and starting asking you questions what you doing here?, what kind of foods you going cook here?, how much did you pay for that food, why did you buy that type of food, and on and on it goes. There are other things as well job discrimination and harassment.

60. Listening to loud Karaoke at any time of day or night, breathing smoldering trash the multitude of hassles and lack of legal protections in the Philippines I found very encroaching not mentioning the extreme pollution but it’s a matter of perspective. Also in the PH an American can’t own property nor has any right to express political views in public can also be shook down by police for cash and has very little healthy food choices.. Of course I live on a lake in South Texas and not Southern California.

61. LOL!!! Didn’t we fight Communism so other countries didn’t have to live in paranoia and have every moved watched by the State??? So true and sad…

62. My conclusion about this podcast post is that you’re feeling of more freedom in Asia is more of a situational lifestyle of being retired with plenty of money on vacation having no responsibilities and being a single man drifter doing whatever you want for 6 years but this has nothing to do with the country of the Philippines or Vietnam. It’s about your situation of where you are in life right now. You are basically on a 6 year vacation; this is why you feel more freedom. So your advice should not be to move to Asia for more freedom; it should be to be go on a 6 year vacation with plenty of money and no responsibilities!!

    1. Absolutely right you are.

       Reekay has minimal responsibilities in his life, save produce a vlog to generate money (and good for him), but to complain about responsibilities people have…. There are no money trees in the backyard, people have to work (unless you’re rich), live within their means, and hopefully save for a better life.

63. This is a great talk. It hits how I feel about Asia right on the head.

64. Half of the problem is the state of CA. The problems in that state are beyond repair, and life in the state is really antithetical to a “traditional” American way of life. But even life in other states isn’t as great as the life you can enjoy abroad these days. I moved out of CA last year and started traveling/living abroad. Ive never been happier :).

65. You hit the head on the nail, Filipino cops are very respectful, American cops demand respect.

66. Yea your right to bring up race, white men get pulled over by police 3 times the rate than other American minorities do. Hard to be white in America.

67. Have you covered supplements and vitamins on your blog. I wish to know.

68. Reekay. You need to relax. There are supplements for that. Love your vlogs I suspect you are drifting

69. This is not criticism Henry but I see you boomers keep trying on women so hard it hurts. You have been a bachelor for 7 years and when the honey moon phase passes you’ll be bored as hell. Still hope it works for you, many millennials like me are going our own way, we’ve been burned by women and feminism for too long.

70. The cost of living in Singapore varies greatly by lifestyle. For a single person renting a room in government housing block and taking public transportation, you can get by on US$1000 per month. Once you rent a whole apartment and buy a used car, you’ll need a minimum US$3,500 per month. Larger apartment, a newer/nicer car and a couple of kids in a top international school can easily push it up to US$10,000.

71. I know what you mean i feel more free in vietnam, thailand, spain other countries. Just spent last 3.5 months in thailand and vietnam …nha trang and da nang. found the people to be lovely. no looking over my shoulder….

72. I was born in the Philippines and grew up in Hawaii…. Now l am ready to move Philippines…. I am taking a few long vecations and scout it out…. I do have relatives in Palawan

73. Bro, come back to Valencia! it’s the best!

74. Was thinking bout you just wanted to wish you a happy new year 2020.

75. What part of the phillipines fo u live

76. A man of Substance! Always enjoy yer take on things!

77. Great insight Reekay,
    I was born in the U.S but left when 20 year’s old. But i keep in touch with what’s happening. I have lived in Australia for 2 decades. It has now ranked as one of the most expensive places on the planet to live. Example; petrol/gas is on average is $1.50 per litter, or $6 a gallon. The medium house price in Melbourne is $560.000- $720,000 for an apartment. The stress levels here are rediculous. Needless to say, my philippino partner are heading to the Philippines in the coming 12-24 months. We are so excited to live a more relaxed and stress free life.
    And good luck with whatever you decide brother.

78. America runs on the all mighty dollar whether it is right or wrong

79. I understand what Reekay is saying but I disagree with him associating it with living in Asia. One of the big, big reasons he experiences less stress is because he downsized, he now has less responsibility to take care of a house, if he needs a plumber he just calls the front desk and they take care of it . He can easily downsize in the US just as well. He also no longer relies on working an everyday job to make money because he put in his time and built a nest-egg. That nest-egg is partly responsible for his reduced stress , along with downsizing, not living in Asia. Let’s say he moved to Asia but needed to build that nest-egg over there, are you telling me he would have reduced stress because he is building that nest-egg in Asia ??
    Many people do the same thing in US, they buy those tiny houses , go google this, and report the same exact things Reekay is reporting, reduced stress and less weighed-down and more freedom. One lady said working a part-time job she paid off a stundent loan and a car payment. Another guy guy said he saved over a 100K in a short period. Another said he traveled all over the world because of the extra money and freedon downsizing to a tiny house provided him.
    Myself, I lived in one room in a house and saved good money, traveled the world and now was able to buy an aprtment building and living for free while actually be paid to live at home. Now that I have built that nest-egg , you bet life is far easier , less stressful, and I have more freedom, and I don’t in Asia. No disrespect to I think Reekay but I think he is a little BIASED.

    1. that’s great that you’ve created a happy life in the states. but i think you still missed what i’m saying. i don’t want the intrusions into my life that you accept. i have very little of that in asia.

80. Speaking of condo association when the sprinklers come on and the wind blows the irrigation water on to their patio at the wrong time people throw a fit. Rules and regulations are made from stress thanks to our corrupt government maximizing taxes for no reason every year due to their unfiltered spending we the Americans pay for a irresponsible leadership…

81. I know you have a life, but come on brother we need another video!
    I hope all is well with you Reekay

82. I finally put all bills on auto pay make life a lot simpler

83. I can sure identify with you about encroachment….in Canada we have to pay for our carbon footprint………pay to breathe…..left wing globalists creating a monster

84. Go ahead and bash!! I moved out of that shit hole (sorry, that was kind of Trumpian) 10 years ago for many of the same reasons you list here. I’ve never felt more free than when I left the U.S. and I went directly to Russia first. I’ve been traveling all over Europe/Russia and S.E. Asia and loving it. I’m now in the Philippines and I literally just went to the consulate at the Waterfront hotel here in Cebu to get another 10 year passport. You’ve some very astute observations on life overseas and it’s why I enjoy your videos.

85. As countries develop become more regulated.

86. The guy I work for living in a McMansion in the SF bay Area worth about 1.5 mil, has a fleet of cars (the standard one per family member plus one extra) and he’s on an endless treadmill. I think he has some form of ADHD and is fairly happy on the treadmill, but I’m bracing for when something happens to him because then I’ll be out of a job and jobs are damned hard to get here.

87. I’m white and I’ve gotten the ‘hairy eyeball” more than once for merely talking or walking with someone who’s black.

    In Hawaii where I grew up, if you’re white you’re going to get some hassles or at least it was that way decades ago, but I’d take it over the hassles on the mainland.

88. Great video great info

89. In the Philippines you can even pee on the side of the road with no problems. In the U.S. you could be arrested for indecent exposure, and could have to register as a sex offender. Crazy times we live in now! Can’t wait to be an expat.

90. My Post-communist ex-pat experience: KAZAKHSTAN. I escaped the stress-debt- high cost living cycle by moving to Kazakhstan (been here 10 years). Even cheaper than the Philippines; plus I have a well paid job here with a flat tax rate of 10%. Problem here is: 1) language – you really need to learn Russian 2) Weather – It is very, very, VERY cold here…..try minus 50 in the capital city; 6 months of snow a year. 3) Soviet mentality – no service culture at all; oppressive bureaucracy; little regard for social niceties. Long story short: it has been a fascinating experience, but 3 more years of stockpiling money and I’m joining you guys in Philippines.

91. Reekay
    After living in Europe in the 80’s.. I know exactly what you’re talking about..
    Part of it is the western lifestyle and part of it is that you’re living in Commifornia.
    I’ve been to the Philippines 3 times now and it reminds me of the old Europe I grew up in.
    By the way, I’m going back to the Philippines, this time for 6 months.. this is the last test run.
    Can you suggest a shipping company that I can use to ship some of my personal belongings?
    I guess a few hundred pounds worth, no furniture…

92. Im happy for you. Hope everything will be great. Trust your instinct and explore life with enthusiasm. Good luck.

93. Most of what you mentioned comes down to lifestyle choices. Do you need a new car, newest phone, expensive TV package, all that crap you bought using CC debt, etc. NO, those are all choices. I feel more free in California than I did in Thailand, can’t buy land, only 49% of condos can be foreign, trips to immigration, immigration to buy vehicles, border runs, no trust in the legal system, etc Not saying I wouldn’t move abroad today. Just that a lot of what you mentioned can be avoided. Being a slave to debt is a choice.

94. I hear your point. But you are talking about California. Which is ran by a bunch of very corrupt politicians. No I’ve never lived in California. I’m a over the road truck driver and I have been there more times than I have fingers and toes. I understand that was not your message that you were driving at. Just thinking what if you were born somewhere else here in America? Would you still have the same out look? Also, I just want to say I enjoy your channel. You have a lot of wisdom about the Philippines that I need to know before my first trip. Hope your year is going great my friend…..

95. Hi Reekay. Wonderful that you finally found the one in Vi after all your years of travel of Asia. The grass is greener in Asia for Westerners who had the opportunity to establish themselves from their home country. One of the many benefits that come with running in the Rat Race is the opportunity of a pension, a retirement plan, health care, and/or social security. With that said, comes with a level of stress.

    Many Filipinos dream that they were in the west because of the perception that people there are rich. On the flipside, many Foreigners/expats are happier or dream of a life in the Asia particularly in the Philippines. Two worlds, opposite perspectives.

    Freedom is not free, someone has to pay for it. The more wealthier you are, the more the freedom you will have. That is the reality!!!

    Regardless of it’s issues, may God Bless America and keep her safe; is the land of opportunity. Just my opinion, thanks for sharing.

Comments are closed.