Being Rich, A Bad Vet, Linda Lane, and More on Mailbag Monday

Do you have to be rich to live in The Villages? Are there vets in The Villages? Who names all of the Villages streets? ... Plus questions about amenities, health care, rentals and more. Join Jerry and Linda as they take those and other questions from viewers.
The Newcomers have a brainteaser for you too! Be the first to answer and email it to them and you'll be featured in next week's shout out!
Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and Ring that bell! We'll let you know when we post a video!
Jerry and Linda bring you information that they hope will enhance your retirement.
The channel is more than just The Villages. It features episodes designed to inspire retirees to make the most of their golden years. Bicycling, kayaking, hiking, golfing, music, travel and other things of interest are featured.
“See you when you get here!”
Mailing address:
Villages Newcomers
P.O.Box 888
Fruitland Park, FL 34731
email: [e-mail]
The information in our videos is not guaranteed as accurate, but as our opinion.

[@disneygirl2302]

Are you aware that there's more and more recent youtube vloggers now from Villages but they just don't have the charm of you two. I could believe you have viewers from all over the world. Love from Minnesota.

[@nancyranels9552]

I noticed that, too, but thought maybe I’m so enamored with Jerry and Linda I had just overlooked the others. I agree that the Villages Newcomers are charming and informative. Also noticed, and maybe mentioned, reaching 30k viewers! Congrats to all involved!

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

You are always so nice, we really appreciate it!

[@ashleysmith6884]

It was a year ago that I was last in TV, a year ago since the US closed the borders to UK residents, a year ago that we completed the designs on our home... a year ago since GoldWingNuts started videoing the build of our lovely new home in Chitty Chatty a year that I have been religiously watching your videos to keep our dream alive so that one day when Covid is over, the UK\US borders re-open (we face a $7,500 fine just for turning up the airport without a valid reason to travel - holidays\visiting 2nd homes are 100% banned!) and we can finally see our lovely home on TV. Our restaurants have been closed since last November. I haven't been to a hairdresser in over a year. Until then keep these videos coming and keep our dream alive. THANK YOU.

[@mkulseth52]

Good Luck to you guys. Let us know when you get here.

[@ashleysmith6884]

@@mkulseth52 Good to hear from you. We are really looking forward to inviting you and Mary over to show you around our spin on the Mossy Oak. We got a lot of great ideas from you both when we met. Rather than leave our home empty to the end of Covid we decided to rent it - so now doubt we will return until early 2023. Stay safe - we are also looking forward to seeing how your garden has developed.

[@fampichler1]

You guys are really rich. I look forward to seeing you guys every week. Such friendly and fun people. Thanks

[@joyfullylivinglife7114]

A cup of coffee, a cozy throw and a Jerry and Linda Mailbag Monday video. A great way to start the week!

[@marklark8805]

We retired and moved from northern Indiana to Queen Creek AZ. The cost of our professional move was $8000/10000. We knew for years this was going to happen and budgeted for it. The movers were wonderful,on time and on budget. We love the sun and warm weather here in AZ and enjoy your channel.

[@dawnglusko7243]

We're moving in about 3 weeks. We decided to move with as little as possible. We got a 30 yard dumpster which was $670. Then we ordered a 16 foot POD which is costing us about $3500. We are moving 1100 miles from New York. My parents just moved from NY to Myrtle Beach and took everything with them and got movers like you did, but their experience was horrible! The movers charged about $5000 BUT tried to extort more money from them AFTER the stuff was on the truck. Moving is no joke and we will NOT be doing this again :)

[@pamsacco6299]

We did the POD 👍

[@janicekeller9609]

Thanks for the info we hope to move down from NJ in a year or so . Not going to bring furniture and rent the pod. In the process of getting rid of stuff , it's SO hard!

[@janjackson7732]

Your pup is added entertainment, for sure! He sits back there and dozes off-WAKES UP!!-dozes off again.. zzzzz... many times over. LOVE these videos. Might even convince the hubby to learn to golf because of these.. :D

[@hoosiermama3001]

Another great and informative video! Love that jingle, by the way. Very catchy! That gentleman did a great job!

[@joyceb9502]

Lol so cute and fun - glad you left it in 😀 you guys are the best and it is fun to laugh together even if it over you tube

[@tonia.5861]

I had to laugh at the Thursten Howell the 3rd reference. 🤣

[@texasmimi5566]

Oh, yea. Great analogy of "rich". LOL

[@lesliehardin7963]

Thanks for sharing the cost on everything! It is what we are curious about. Keep up the great videos!

[@stevenwilburn235]

Another great video with very good information. Thank you Jerry and Linda

[@derbuckeyetribe9789]

Speaking of moving. I’ll be in the Villages next week. My dad has decided to get a villa next to Brownwood. He’s decided it’s time to downsize.

[@5150skb]

Good afternoon. We usually watch you both over our morning coffee before heading out to work. We normally watch on our television and as such don’t comment on the videos. We just wanted to say thank you for the great content. We’re coming home permanently to our house in Osceola Hills this October. Hopefully we can see you both and say thank you personally for giving us a glimpse of home for these last two years. B “Apollonius” Smith.

[@Miguel195211]

I really like that you talk about prices because that way the viewers get an approximation of expenses to live in The Villages.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thanks Miguel!

[@rodneyskinner7741]

My late wife and I were going to the Villages, but our daughter moved to Boca Raton, so we followed her there. Have family that moved from Indiana to Iowa back in 1850.

[@johnwalker6888]

The better question would be how much of an income would you need to have a decent life at The Villages. It's not about how much capital you have. The more important factor is what is your cash flow. Someone with multi pensions, social security, etc., and not considered "rich" (money in the bank). Can have a very comfortable retirement and lifestyle in The Villages.

[@barbaraebner5889]

Jerry great analogy. Rich can be different for so many reasons, not just money.

[@matt51402]

Always enjoy mailbag a Monday!

[@fsuersal]

Always good to hear this stuff. Thanks again

[@maryferreira1926]

Hello Jerry and Linda, my husband and I love your videos. Looking forward to visiting the Villages one day soon. Stay safe from Ontario, 🇨🇦.

[@joannevans2505]

I’m a Hoosier living at Robson Ranch, which is a large 55+ community in Denton, TX. It’s interesting to watch you guys and hear how life is there at The Villages. We love it here at the Ranch! It seems like Sandy is the most popular female name here among the residents.

[@floridadreams263]

You guys look amazing today! Thanks as always for these entertaining and informative videos!

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thanks, FD! We appreciate ya!

[@team1drful436]

Good volume Jerry thanks for listening. Love ur videos hope u and Linda well.

[@katherineb.3140]

Jerry, your commentary about being rich was excellent and on point. Thank you.

[@lizburtelow1892]

Great video Thanks for all the info. We had an estate sale and downsized to 2 pieces of furniture and a LOT of boxes, only to find out that due to COVID furniture is hard to come by and may take awhile to get.😳We have our design meeting next Monday. Can’t wait to start living the Lifestyle!

[@kimt8162]

Sometimes the cost of moving your stuff can be so expensive, you almost wish you could just get rid of the stuff and buy new stuff when you get to your new location. And that was with us pre-packng ourselves.

[@Jyeagley1]

If I move there that is what I will do. Way too much stuff in the house I own now.

[@rachelt2482]

Another great video! Have a wonderful day! :)

[@csnanny1882]

Hi guys, it’s always good to see your smiling faces. Love ya

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thanks Nanny, and it's always good to read your positive comments.

[@barrycaldwell1630]

I'm learning more and more that there is a thing called Northern rich and Southern rich. Whereas our houses here in Georgia average $250,000, in some parts of the country the same house sells for $600,000. In this case, there will be a great difference in what some people can buy and do in TV compared to others who cannot do the same. I'm hoping that there will be people from both sides who get along great with each other. regardless of how much money they have.

[@officelady1]

My wife and I look forward to watching mailbag Monday every week. Its very imformative. See you if we get there !

[@ceciliapetrowsky2572]

Kudos to whoever decided to turn on all the lamps. It always looked so dark and gloomy back there. Much better! Thanks for another cool video.

[@michelles8861]

Good Morning, we always look forward to mail bag Monday’s! 😊 have a great week.. Ryan and Michelle from Solon Springs Wisconsin!

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Michelle, you would not believe how many people live here that came from Wisconsin.

[@KarenSmith-fe2fb]

Always enjoy listening to you each Monday. I am renting in the Villages from January - March, 2022. I cannot wait. I have picked up a lot of tips and info from you. I was an educator for 40 years. Something in common.

[@Jyeagley1]

Karen who did you go through for your rental?

[@KarenSmith-fe2fb]

@@Jyeagley1 I booked through Airbnb

[@Judes121]

Thanks for sharing 🌴🌴 have a great week☀️

[@robk1310]

Rich is VERY subjective. I would say a married couple, who has been working and saving their whole life, should have a 401k or equivalent, that has approximately $1.5 to $2 million in it when you retire, in order to do all the things that you want to do in retirement. If you are married or single, and have less than $1 million in your retirement when you retire, you can still live in The Villages, but you won't be going out to eat a lot, you won't be traveling, going on cruises, and you will have to live a more economical life. My best advice is to save, save, save while you are working. Nobody is responsible for your retirement, other than you.

[@lauralampe1664]

I think that information about your post retirement lifestyle applies to just about wherever you live. The cost of living in suburban Chicago is definitely higher than where I grew up in eastern Iowa. My money would definitely go farther if I retired to eastern Iowa rather than staying in suburban Chicago where I have lived for over 40 years. Reasonable cost of living and warmer winter weather/liitle or no snow are important factors for me in a retirement location.

[@markphillipson768]

Great as always, I just noticed your at 30K subs, wow that’s awesome you two.

[@downinthebayou2143]

Thanks again from your friends in Baton Rouge!!

[@nancyzahradnik6021]

Hi Jerry and Linda and Gizmo. Very interesting questions and so nice of you to give the best answers possible.

[@Frosty.1]

i all ways feel like im spending time with family , when i see your videos, Thank you!

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thank you Jay, what a nice thing to say. 😁😁😁

[@cathyphillips7606]

My husband and I stayed with friends in the Village Trace neighborhood 2 weeks ago and absolutely loved it. We are from Massachusetts and are looking to buy and be snowbirds. We met so many wonderful and friendly people :)

[@lauralampe1664]

That Viillage is in a great location...so close to Lake Sumter Landing. My friend lives in the next door Village of Caroline.

[@cathyphillips7606]

@@lauralampe1664 we’re looking to buy in the Spanish springs neighborhood 👍

[@lauralampe1664]

@@cathyphillips7606 I like the Spanish Springs area a lot. So convenient to shopping and restaurants. Hope you find the home of your dreams. I hope to buy in The Villages in a few years, depending on my family obligation.

[@kennethanderson1685]

Entertaining and informative. Thank you.

[@marysmith9934]

FYI, we moved from Massachusetts to Georgia with United Van Lines who were excellent. They boxed everything, put it all in the truck and they were at our new home at the time they said they'd be here. Nothing was broken and there was no stress at all. Great company.

[@debbiebrown2937]

Great vlog as usual! I was so into the vlog I forgot to look for the other you!

[@johnnicatra570]

Bless you guys.

[@diana7043]

Folks live within your means🤗

[@johnmccorkle1694]

We moved from Rhode Island right next door to Mass in May 2019. we sold or gave away most of our big items, used PODS to fill up one large pod. If it didn't fit it didn't come. They picked up the pod in our driveway and dropped it off in our new driveway. That plus our gas for the 2 cars ride down/hotel stays and food came out to 4285.96. All the quotes we got from movers were double that price. We were very happy with the experience. And I see many pods here from new residents.

[@richardc488]

Congrats guys, meeting Walley must have been a hoot!

[@rodneyskinner7741]

Great video , I enjoy you guy's & the dog thanks. Rodney from Boca Raton.

[@bozenatoloczko9289]

Thank You Linda & Jerry for information ! In June we are coming to Florida look for place to live 😀

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

See you when you get here!

[@madaketmom]

Gizmo steals the show! 🥰

[@mykvalentin]

Linda, your hair is beautiful. Jerry's looks good as well. Gizmo's perfect. Thank you for another light-hearted informative Mailbag Monday. Cheers..

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thank you, sooooo much!

[@genxx2724]

17:00 Jerry, I love your observation that if you spend your life preparing for retirement but your friends don’t, then “you’re gonna be the rich one.” It would be nice to live among people with a common mindset in that regard. Another commenter noted they’re not surprised you were teachers. I also enjoy your gracious clarity, even clarifying this particular question before responding.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thanks, Gen... so nice of you!

[@cindyjusseaume6089]

Love watching you !

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thanks, Cindy... so nice of you!

[@simonsolano617]

Good day from Saudi Arabia. Thanks for all the information the three of you share!

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Wow! All the way from Saudi Arabia! Thanks, Simon!

[@simonsolano617]

@@JERRYANDLINDA I’m in Saudi Arabia for one more year then retiring. I’ve watching your channel since after our first lifestyle visit at the end of 2019. We’re planning our second visit this year and you guys are a great source of information as we prepare for retirement.

[@sarahdodd7645]

Many of the roads are the last names of top sellers in The Villages as well as family I believe.

[@aprilterry861]

My sister, Mitzi Terry, is a real estate agent & she has a street named after her! 💗

[@denieseklinethatcher7361]

thank you!

[@joshuapeterson6072]

I've learned so much from you guys, no surprise you were professional educators.

[@lindapearl4792]

From a Linda born in 48, I went to school with so many Linda’s! I agree with a Linda Lane or Drive! I say yay! I too often wondered about some odd Village names. I had a friend back home in a beautiful over 55 community , who wanted a lot but, due to it’s name she chose another. It was Dog Leg Drive! Can’t say I blame her. My community in coastal NC has all nautical names. Another interesting segment, thanks again!

[@theresatitus-lawson3431]

Lazdowsky Way in The Villages was recently named after the sales rep. that found and sold me my house, Steve Lazdowsky. I sent him a card last week congratulating him. You are so right about being rich Jerry and Linda. It all depends on what you think rich is.

[@thomashopkins9995]

Always enjoyable.

[@MsLucky443]

I agree label!!! Many, many things were lost in several moves, oh well

[@lizzijansen6527]

Those of you who are moving please note it is taking 6 to 9 months to get new furniture due to Covid. There are plenty of resale used furniture stores.

[@ellena858]

All the pup and kitty Gismo lovers, so funny!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@karenseman8258]

A home on Gizmo Way sounds great to me! Lovely to see all three of you today! 😃

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

We sent you a thank you card that was returned to us!

[@karenseman8258]

@@JERRYANDLINDA Awwww that was so sweet of you guys! Hang onto it and we’ll get it in person in a couple weeks! 😉

[@BobVete65]

Hello from Nebraska enjoy your videos.....!!!

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thanks, Robert!

[@shariys1]

When I first moved down there, I was a gate attendant for a few months. The guy who worked with me at the gate turned out to be a retired autoworker from my hometown in Ohio. He lived in Orange Blossom Gardens, aka the "antique section.". You do NOT have to be financially wealthy to live in that district! A fair number of those homes, nice though they may be, are manufactured. (I'm trying not to use the "T" word. Yep, on a good day you can pay $190k or maybe even more for a "T"!!😱)

[@lauralampe1664]

There is a home for almost every budget in The Villages. Right now on The Villages app there are 48 new and preowned homes priced between $140K and $199K. There are 15 manufactured homes on The Villages listing service priced from $149K to $189K. I would not hesitate to buy a home on the Historic Side of The Villages.

[@joeselvaggi1835]

Jerry, check out AAA insurance, we do all of our insurance with them, and they secured our golf cart insurance, and shop it around every year for the best rate.

[@alexbloss4163]

Rented a truck from pods, 32 ft semi trailer. Dropped at house in cleveland. We loaded and only paid for how much we used. When ready they picked it up and off it went, cost 3200 . Called village movers in TV and they met truck here to unload, Cost 200 bucks. Very easy and didn’t have to worry about space.

[@marieg3865]

Linda, I don't know if this is convenient where you live, but did you know, you can take your Amazon returns to any Kohls? You don't even have to box it up. It's a great streamlined process, I used it the other day, and Kohls issued my refund to amazon right away and gave me a 25% off coupon for Kohls, so I purchased a few pillows that were already 1/2 off

[@suebigsby3722]

North American moved me 23 years ago from Las Vegas to Orlando for around $8,500. Again -- that was almost 23 years ago!

[@judyp4421]

Some of the streets are named for the sales agents.

[@carolapostolos8929]

We live in Michigan. When we were visiting TV we noticed some of the street names were from Michigan which makes sense because the Schwartz / Morse family are from Michigan

[@raguspug1]

Enjoyed the video. Here near Pensacola, the vets do charge when you bring the dog inside for anything. It's an office visit fee right off the top. I noticed that the prices at the vet started getting noticeably higher a couple of years ago.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

It seemed like a racket to me.

[@nancyorkeithm1518]

I just love sweet Gizmo!!! 💕

[@suebigsby3722]

Our long time vet died and his daughter took over the practice. I was so shocked when I went over the bill. The dog had vaccinations and his annual exam. The bill came to about $1,500. She did a test that she recommends for senior pets and oh my it was just ridiculous how much she upsold -- without my permission. Some of the charges included heartworm preventative medicine for one year and flea & tick meds for 6 months. But she added in $30 for a pro-biotic to sprinkle on his food and added some pills just in case he coughs. It has what is in people cough syrup. They sure are teaching vets how to bump up their incomes in vet schools these days!

[@rebeccamartin4267]

Your done so I hope your seating is better!

[@doccolorado]

Great Video ! and Linda where did you take Jerry for his nail trim and rabies shot again, I missed that part! :) (Just kidding), super informative, thank you for your time invested in your videos. I know how long it takes to shoot and EDIT, (former video editor)

[@sherrispringer9259]

Watching from Knoxville, Tennessee

[@marysebahar4277]

Regarding moving costs to FL, someone I know, who plans to move to FL from Indiana, recenty priced moving, and found prices vary GREATLY -- so shop around -- and the farther in advance you book, the cheaper it can be.

[@janolson3440]

Street names in Fenney are types of butterflies. We have heard that many street names are for prominent Villages realtors. And we also heard that Citizens First Bank managers get a street named for them once they make the 10 year mark.

[@trishfox4038]

We just bought in Marsh Bend. Live in Alden,Mi on Torch Lake Dr, about 10 minutes from the real Brownwood. Many roads are named after our friends and local peeps. Fun fact. I taught preschool to the Brownwood littles...our good friends were some of the first chefs here.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

That is great, Trish. Thanks for sharing that info. We knew that Torch Lake drive came from a Michigan connection… but did not know about Brownwood.

[@trishfox4038]

@@JERRYANDLINDA it is where the jams and mustards used to be made... they have a store and they sell homemade donuts on Sundays...we always go...

[@trishfox4038]

Do you have an email? I can share some fun stuff

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

@@trishfox4038 [e-mail]

[@marysebahar4277]

Linda, Amazon has (free) return drops offs in some Kohl's -- and looks like there is one in Lady Lake that takes Amazon returns.

[@kathleendudek2955]

I color my hair myself. And I get my hair cut only 3 times a year, pre-pandemic. I trim my bangs in between.

[@cindycookswithtupperware5482]

I'm sorry. I did chuckle at the statement about the humidity. I live in Mississippi. Our humidity slaps you right upside the head! Florida humidity is quite tolerable for me. In fact, it is my hope to one day to be able to move to the Villages and settle into that Florida humidity and all of the other offerings of the Villages.

[@kdevon4736]

Just a quick comment on moving costs. My mom moved from PA to CA. It depends on weight moved and miles. She paid a little over 10K. And she downsized prior and packed her own boxes.

[@petervisconti6121]

I finally found it, ugh, cant believe I missed that

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

😁😁😁😁😁

[@debbiehill2285]

Linda your hair always looks nice. I would love to pay your price. I pay 160 plus tip for highlight and cut. And 56 for a cut. Gulp.........She is so good and I have been with her for a couple years but it’s getting expensive. Thank you both. Blessings 😁

[@wademckinnon2429]

Gizmo is so cute just sitting there and watching. Nice show.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Thanks, Wade!

[@hummingbird6363]

Humidity is great for our skin...

[@Rbbrrmqn146]

Linda just about jumped out of her "car seat!!" Jerry, car seat?! Do you help buckle her in each time??!!😂😂😂

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Ha, I realized what I had said, right after I said it. I think I meant the car's seat.😁😁

[@texasmimi5566]

Yep, I picked up on that as well, and had to laugh......

[@eileenashe4775]

You hit 30k subscribers you didn't mention it congratulations 👏😉

[@sharonmckeown3046]

1-800- Clairol!! They give great advice for do it at home hair color!!!

[@penelopepitstop762]

I go to Fantastic Sam’s too! I think they do a fine job.

[@cynthiaamitrano8915]

I always hire movers and all but once, I did the packing. If the movers pack, they pack everything including trash. I haven’t moved for several years, but it’s usually based on weight and distance. It’s not cheap. $5000 was an excellent price. I don’t color my hair, but I just started getting gray about 10 or 11 years ago. It’s turned quickly.

[@HowardBeale1950]

We set our thermostat in our villa to 84 degrees. Neither my wife or I like it real cold. I might turn it down to 82 or 83 if we come home from out and about, we have ceiling fans in each room.

[@RA-zl6iw]

I've always wondered what subjects you two taught in school.

[@cametientaucoeur]

Hairdressers are expensive, especially if you go blonde. Prior to virus, I had a good one @ the mall = Regis salons, but now all gone. We use to trim our 2 Boston Terrier nails. They were not impressed. As a child in Indiana my husband’s mother got to name the street that they built their house on = Tuckaho Lane. We set our new ac on 79. After 21 years here & 20 in AZ acclimated. We kept flood insurance, as on an irrigation pond. Jeanne

[@robertamcroy7938]

My hair turns back gray fast , three to four weeks if I’m lucky! I agree $75 is expensive for dye job! When I can I use spray dye to extend next visit! Lol

[@pamsacco6299]

We are long term renters. In our second year in our home in Ashland