DREAM OF RETIRING YOUNG & TRAVELLING? WANT TO REMOVE 90% OF THE STRESS FROM YOUR LIFE? MY FORMULA!!

(CHAPTERS ADDED) www.buymeacoffee.com/stevetime
Retire early and travel on a small budget: Is it REALLY Possible? (Budget Breakdown Included)
How I retired early to live my dream life in Spain, You can too!
I get asked a lot "How can I afford to retire early and travel the way I do without a 9 to 5 job?" So do you ever dream of living life on your own terms, like living in Spain without a job? Going by how often I get asked this question, you're not alone. In this video, I'll reveal my secrets that took me from paycheck-to-paycheck to living the dream in Spain.
I'm Steve, and the question I get most is: 'How can you afford it?' The truth is, I used to be a spendthrift, prioritizing experiences over saving and I never had savings. While it gave me some amazing adventures, it also meant constant debt and stress.
Great times for sure! I owned homes, drove decent cars, but it came at a cost. As I got older, I craved a different life. So, I made a massive change in my mindset that I now know anyone can make...
Now, I'm living proof that a financial shift is possible. Want to know how I did it? Stick around and let's unlock my life shift together!
RELATED VIDEO'S SUGGESTED IN THIS VIDEO.
1. • I ALMOST DIED IN A THA...
2. • TO TRAVEL FULL TIME ON...
You can support the channel with “buy me a coffee”: www.buymeacoffee.com/stevetime
If you're thinking about traveling solo, or if you're just curious about what it's like, then this channel is for you. I hope you'll join me on my journey!
I want to improve and grow the channel. If you would like to support The Rambling Irishman financially you can do so by clicking this link: www.buymeacoffee.com/stevetime
UK Government Travel Advice Site: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
I retired early, I'm on a budget and I'm probably a bit crazy, but I sold up and I'm living In Europe full time with my dogs Molly and Buster
If you enjoyed the video and want to join in our adventure please subscribe on the link above. Comments will be much appreciated and a thumbs up would be great. Thank you for watching and 'bye for now'.
00:00 Introduction
04:51 What made me decide to go for it
14:05 Formulating idea's and tactics
18:10 My money saving strategies
25:15 Potential income streams
28:45 How I finance my lifestyle
31:10 Final thoughts and encouragement

[@nickvincent3029]

One of the best videos I’ve ever watched on this subject. Highly recommend Henry David Thoreau’s book Walden; or, Life in the Woods. Life changing.

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Hi, thank you so much for saying! And I'll look up the book 😊💚

[@sunnybeachwalks4k2022]

Sold my house in London bought a property for less than half the price in torrevieja 🤙 enjoy your new life ❤ 5 years in Spain now, been the best 5 years of my life too ! ❤

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Oh wow! I'm sure you love every minute of this fantastic lifestyle. 😊👍

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

I've added chapters to this video as it is a little longer than usual for any of you who may want to skip parts, enjoy.

[@karensmyth3405]

I love you ❤

[@karensmyth3405]

I don't know what to do?

[@karensmyth3405]

Help

[@derek22]

Hi steve I've subbed going back and didn't watch all the vlogs to be honest , but always have an interest in spain as I hope to at least have a holiday home out there one day or live full time , never married no kids , own house work hard , traveled to Thailand meself on occasions, you've done all the right moves to get you way you are and fair play , I needed to see this vlog 😅 tonight I was going to buy a tv for 2000 euros, do I need it no the TV I have now works just fine 😂 looking forward to seeing your new place all the best Derek in meath 👍

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Lol, and that's exactly how my brain works now, too! 2000 euro in the bank 🤣😂👍

[@commuterbranchline8132]

Indeed you’re right Steve, we are all addicted to buying crap we don’t need. You have broken free and simplified your life, well done and keep up the good work!

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Thank you! 😊

[@saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555]

It was good listening to him reinforcing the point. I have so much stuff and only 9 months to get rid. 3 cars, 2 motorbikes, 9 bicycles and l can't even get to the bikes because the garage is full of crap! 😂

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

@@saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555 You'll get through it and feel much lighter in the process...good luck!

[@user-eq9qn2ee3q]

The video I wanted to hear, Yes fear is my problem 😮, change takes courage 😢, I have both but not in Abundance, I have around 1380 a month of Pension, English and Irish, Property paid for in Altos de Limonar. Still need Bathroom 🚽 updating, Not content in present circumstances , I will buy you a coffee soon as out in Mid July, like to meet up and see how you are getting along, When you getting Keys for Villamartin If you are Happy and Healthy you are Wealthy 😊, it sounds like you are Wealthy 😅 Thanks for great insights in to your Financial situation, must get a bottle 🍾 of courage 😊

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Glad you enjoyed it and get that bathroom, most important room in the house 😂🤣

[@bigaldo8187]

Absolutely outstanding video Steve. I also retired early, and went through the same process of "what are my outgoings versus what's coming in". Like you, with a bit of tweaking, I realised I could make it work. I really liked your comment that "Peace of mind brings contentment". I totally agree.

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Hi Aldo! Glad you enjoyed it, I thought it was about time to do this video. 😊

[@dacelticcross]

Very incite full,been wanting to do this as I’m 56 now ,no debt except 4 g on mortgage ,own my own van paid cash.Btw I live in Tyrone a painter/decorator by trade. Seriously considering saving hard from now to 60 and selling up!

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

I love to hear that, you've nothing stopping you...good luck 😊

[@martinoneill5622]

Superb video m8. Well done.

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Thank you! 😊

[@Mylifeinspainover50]

Jesus I thought I was the only person who was spendy with money! Relating to your story on so many many levels! Loving the channel!!!

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Thanks glad you're enjoying it! And yeah, I was amazed too once I realised 🤓🤯

[@MrSheymie]

Very enjoyable video Steve. Great to hear your transformation and your road to freedom. I agree that it is possible to live on much less than we think we can. Working less also costs less! I discovered that when a job I was in came to an end and I had to start looking for work on my own. I now spend winters in Canaries or mainland Spain. I love the simplicity of waking up to sunshine every day, three square meals and no drama. That probably explains why I enjoy your channel. All the best to you.

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Well said! And glad you enjoy the channel....thanks 😊👍

[@MrFrobbo]

Great journey and story, thanks for sharing fella. Something to bear in mind; even high interest cash accounts will lose purchasing power rapidly, a better plan would be to research investiment strategies, such as inexpensive mature investiment platforms and funds from Vanguard. I've just consolidated several pensions and by using funds which have returned on average 10% to 16% over the last 15 years, allowing my hard earned money to grow. In cash, no matter what interest they pay, you'll always lose and it can be a rapid depreciation. For example, cash will depreciate in purchasing power by around 50% over 15 years. Keep up the great work and relax.

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Thanks for the advice 👍

[@Johndoe10007]

Further to your advice . An investments performance in previous years means not a lot looking a head . The previous 10% plus returns you mention were all to do with a zero interest rate environment that went on for over 15 years and that drove up all assets . That period has passed and although no one can predict the future it’s looking those assets / stock prices are due to drop ….. you are right that historically cash under performs other assets over time but it looks like in the short term cash 💵 is going to increase its value and all other markets will fall. So listen and remember rambling Irishman what I am saying …… cash is king 🤴 for the next while , take the 5% interest savings rates for doing no work or taking no risk . Cash savings rates are now beating inflation so keep your cash in the bank and relax and times change again it will be obvious and no great secret 🤫 and then consider investment in assets other than cash 💵

[@MrFrobbo]

@@Johndoe10007 feel free to back test over 150 years of stock market data against bonds or worse still cash in the bank, you will find cash loses purchasing power at 50% over 15 years and stocks ALWAYS out perform assuming a c.10 years investiment period. You'll also be aware of tax implications of savings too and that the real CPI and assets increase annually at around 10%. So if people want to remain in the matrix and wage slaves, then save hard earned money in a depreciating asset such as cash, if you want to preserve wealth for yourself and family then stocks and higher volatile assets are the only way. Cash is trash.

[@MrGearoid65]

This is an inspirational video, Steve. I'm on the verge of making big positive changes following the death of my father. Both parents gone now. Am 59, no kids, single. Need to leave a lot of negative people behind. Your story is giving me hope that a better life is genuinely possible. 🙏 Thank you. 😊

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Thank you for saying, and best of luck yourself! 😊👍

[@Johng56]

Brilliant video mate, you've made a wise choice, lots of people get stuck chasing money and lose out on their best years, only thing that matters is HEALTH. Enjoy that ☀️🍻

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Absolutely 😊👍

[@user-jq2iy6xk9m]

Fair play, many think and talk about doing it, but not so many do it 😊

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Thank you 😊👍

[@TheMarcsplace]

Well done! You are living an authentic life now

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Thank you 😊

[@Jamesatruett]

Excellent video. Truly inspiring, Steve! First retired in my early 30s and took off sailing. Best decision ever! Now, getting ready to retire again, and might end up in Spain. Life is too short - YOLO!

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Thank you, and best of luck! 😊👌

[@ijvmontgomery2872]

Good to see you are enjoying your life, better that driving to Enniskillen to have your car MOT'd!

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Hi again lol, and it passed that day! Yes, definitely much better 😊

[@marievague9169]

Great video Steve 👍 we are just waiting for our NLV to come through. Sold our house cashed in some pensions and moving out at 55. We’ve put a reservation deposit down on a little bungalow. Money will be very tight but hoping we can make it work. Your little flat in Villamartin is perfect for you and your doggies 🐶🐶. Well done fella you’re an inspiration 👍 ps I’ve bought you a coffee while I’ve still got money in our little pot 😂😂 xx

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

That is awesome! Thanks for the coffee and I'm glad your enjoying my videos! Best of luck with your new life move, exciting times ahead 😎💚👍

[@noeleenoneill]

Brilliant video Steve and very thought provoking. I have so much stuff that it’s stressing me so having decided to sell my house I hope to get rid of most of it( including 2000 books I inherited!!)life is way too short as you say and I know only too well 💔You are looking well and am so happy for you x

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Thanks, Noeleen 😊. I hope you're doing OK. Yes, dump it all. It's like clearing out your brain! X

[@Johndoe10007]

I read that book in 1999 and have never smoked since …. It’s a life changing experience

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

It's amazing! It was like magic lol 😊

[@Johndoe10007]

It really was like magic 🪄 the years I spent falling to stop smoking , the stress of giving up smoking was a white knuckle experience and then I read this book that tells me in the 1st chapter that as I read this book 📕 I will be so excited about the prospect of giving up smoking I will hurry to finish reading the book and that’s exactly what happened… amazing 🤩 I could not believe it but it was true

[@mishho9831]

My favourite video to date ;) I wish you luck in your new adventure and your new home. Will continue to watch your journey in Spain, make more videos and the algorithm will be on your side and you will get more subs. See u in the next one :)🎉

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Thanks so much! 😊 And thanks for saying! Much appreciated 👏

[@user-wh3oj5sz1n]

Great video whit good advice like you say be brave and go for it definitely following suit. I’m saving every penny I can to retire early and enjoy life while I can down in Greece. There is no perfect place everywhere has its problems but wonts you except this you worry less about silly things that hold us all back.

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

I agree completely! Best of luck 🙂

[@Dublin10]

Great advice apart from getting rid of debt. Don’t worry about paying off finance,credit cards,bank loans.keep to money,your going to need it when you start over.the banks are the last people you need to make right before you leave the country.

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Lol, I've no love for financial institutions, but I'd always be looking over my shoulders lol 😊

[@angelamckinney7814]

You've come a long way. Loved watching and listening to your story Steve keep up the good work. We're free Friday if you're about in Villamartin to help you with moving and getting things sorted with the car, medical and pardon 👍

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

I have Angela, and at last I'm going to be finally settled in a few days! I'm looking forward to having a chat 😀

[@nickaspell563]

Hiya Steve, Im not one to comment on you tube but this latest video was your best to date. I arrived in Spain in feb 2019 off the back of a divorce and realising the house in Bristol full of clutter and memories wasn’t for me. So I too did the ultimate life laundry selling the house it’s contents even the car. Weeks later I was on the motorbike and having arrived in Santander on a ferry rode south to Guardamar and a new life. I had a flat here that became my home and months later with covid everywhere found myself trapped here in Spain. Not trapped of course a much more relaxed lifestyle and like you had seen the futility of owning stuff versus my freedom and peace of mind. I hope someone else hears your wise words and as you said ‘go for it’ Good luck with your life here in Spain and perhaps push the budget on the coffees for the chats and people watching.

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Thanks Nick, the video has had a great response, it's hit a cord with a lot of people like yourself. And well done on making such a big change to your future...aren't we lucky we realised! 😊👍

[@nickaspell563]

Hiya Steve, One odd thing I’ve found is for many that leap into the totally different is meet with admiration but often seen as mad or foolish as the idea of relinquishing the material aspect of modern life is beyond them. Having watched all of your Spanish adventures to date I feel more brave and less mad and certainly happier, good luck like minded soul😊

[@gerryomalley2341]

Well said, not many Life Coaches could get that message across so clear. Gerry (mayo)

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Thanks for saying! Glad you enjoyed it 👍 😊

[@IamMiXeM]

I'm inspired. Good Man. Maybe see you some time for a beer. 😀👊 Keep her 100er 🌎❤☘️

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

That would be cool! Glad you enjoyed 😊👍

[@kenbyrne1355]

Well said

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Thank you 😊

[@SusanWootton-cv9jq]

Hi Steve just came across your video by chance, I have been struggling to change my life for quite some time now. To retire and be happy and content in Spain. I first came to Spain in 1981 and never got rid of the feeling of being in the sun, cost of living cheaper than UK Also I love the people and the culture/food. How did you get over the issue of Brexit? when that happened I felt that was the last straw as I have never voted or trusted any of them. I do feel trapped here in UK things are getting worse with everything and I cant stand the weather or the people very depressing. Nice to chat / thanks Susan.😎

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Hi Susan, brexit is a nightmare for people. I was fortunate because I have an Irish passport, which is EU, so it doesn't affect me. If you have a look at some of my earlier visit you can follow my story

[@howardatherton3889]

Wonderful video. Thanks for posting

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Glad you enjoyed it👍

[@AndFrancis17]

Great video. Just watched it very inspiring Good luck in Spain.

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Awesome! Thank you! 😊👍

[@user-ub5uq7ok3q]

Brilliant video Stephen. You're amazing.

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Hiya Colleen 😊, great to hear from you! I hope your keeping well. X Sure, I've been telling everyone for years that I'm amazing, lol 🤪😉

[@shaunduffy900]

Love you and all you do ! Well done keep on going !!!

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Thank you, and it's much appreciated. I'm glad you enjoy my videos 😊

[@saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555]

I'm doing similar. I don't understand financial mechanisms so advice to go to a financial advisor goes in one ear & out the other. I'd be giving my cash to a stranger to invest in things that l don't understand. That to me = stress. I don't care if my £ devalues, l've enough till pensions kick in. No offence intended, but we are all different.

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

You may have misunderstood but no financial advisers for me, I've gathered everything into one place, no hassle no stress. That's the point. 😊

[@saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555]

@@TheRamblingIrishman l replied after reading another comment advising you to invest. Everybody keeps telling me to get a financial advisor when my mind doesn't work like that. I've enough and like yourself, it's in one place. 👍

[@annalytic]

@@TheRamblingIrishman That's exactly what we have done - it's so freeing! And there are no FAKE promises of lots of interest coming our way. We're in our 60s and have lived long enough to know that we want SIMPLICITY. One account each. It's an absolute joy.

[@cathalsmyth721]

Watching from county Laois. Just came across your channel by chance. Starting to play catch up now on your videos😂... i enjoyed this one a lot. Would love to hear from you regarding the expense of owning/running your apartment going forward.. 👍

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Hi, I'm glad you enjoyed! I'll be doing a full cost video in the near future 😊

[@seangriffin7042]

Love your videos. Very informative. Hope to do something similar in the future. Best of luck

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

You can do it! Best of luck to you, too 👍 😊

[@BobVerboom]

Wise words Steve!

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Thanks Bob 😊

[@bundeo2]

Steve fantastic video thank you for the inspiration we done exactly what your doing back in 2002 and sold everything and moved to Javea on the Costa Blanca . Unfortunately a few years later due to financial pressures we returned to the rat race. We will be back in Spain in two weeks in our motorhome. Well done to you live your life 👍

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Thank you, and I'm sure you can't wait to get into the Sun! Enjoy 😎

[@karenorr3404]

Absolutely love this! You can see how happy this has made you. So so pleased for you. Enjoy x

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Thank you so much Karen!! I didn't think you'd be watching 😊 I'm so lucky, in saying that....all this heat and blue sky, it's tough 🤣😂. Nice hearing from you x

[@ingo.loftus8471]

Enjoyed that one Steve. I've trimmed down all the monthly expenses. And it's amazing how things /stuff holds you back. So give it a few years. I'll have to take the plunge. And would you believe it. Both of us dieing with colds . 🥴. I think we caught it on the plane home. I'll have to get rid of that part of the journey. 🤣

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Just on its own, that's a good reason to just live here, lol. I got covid flying a couple of years ago, planes are definitely a breeding ground! 😮

[@skymanste7630]

Very inspirational Steve. I enjoy your vlogs. I'm also thinking from the UK to Spain. I have dual UK/EU citizenship, which helps. Mortgage free, just cashed in a small pension and receive another defined benefit pension monthly. Single with no ties. So, in a fairly good position. However, I was wondering about health care in Spain. Is it private or national health? How does it work? What are the costs? Keep up the great vlogs Steve.

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

I haven't looked into it fully but i will do soon. 😊

[@alanwellsphotography]

Fantastic video Steve, fair play ta ya mucker

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Thanks Alan 👍

[@carolinecampbell4684]

I have been following your channel and I find your honesty and down to earth approach is very insightful. I might bump into you when I am over the end of June visiting family 🎉

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

I'm glad you enjoy the channel! And if you see me out and about, just say hi 👋 😊

[@seamusmullarkey5996]

I have such admiration for what you've done. What an accomplishment! Thanks very much for breaking this down so clearly and giving your step by step process. It's giving me ideas and inspiration. I had just assumed you needed some kind of Beverley Hills income to do what you’re doing.

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

You're very welcome! Thank you 😊

[@PATThaiA]

Liked นะครับ..

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

ขอบคุณมาก 😊

[@Jimmy-po5fh]

Some pup br👍

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Thanks 😊 👍

[@alanbates338]

Hi Steve love your videos just a wee question when you took your dog to Spain from Ireland watt was the protacall and what was the cost if you don’t mind me asking I am a Irish passport holder looking to buy sum thing Valmartin toraveca cheers Alan & Christine

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Hi, I'm glad you like my videos. There is a small ferry charge for pets, I can't remember how much I paid but it wasn't much. Dogs do need to have a pet passport, which is issued by your vet. It tells customs what vacations they have had but it's all you need to do to take them anywhere. I hope this helps 😊

[@kehindeemiabata4032]

I dont know if you ve mentioned it before, but what made you choose to live in spain over Thailand?

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Long long story, you'd have to watch through my videos! 😊

[@patrickconnolly5051]

hi i recently started following your channel which I enjoy. Is it still possible to buy apartment near beach in Spain for under 100k. Thanks Pat from Louth

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Yes, absolutely. For me, I found that the apartments you can buy in that price range close to the sea tended to be quite old and in a lot of areas hard to park. But certainly there are places under 100,000

[@carolharkness5023]

When l was about to start chemotherapy, the oncology hospital told me very firmly to stay far away from not only smokers, but even people smoking e cigs. They explained that as a Cancer Hospital they spend millions of pounds every year on cancer research, and 100% e cigs and their vapes are a serios damage to your health...they said, the Gov wont tell you this, but we will ! So there you go, l hope this helps you save some more money each month....and your health to boot ! Also, on KZbin, l watch a lot of The Ramsey Show / Dave Ramsey videos re how to save money and exactly how to line up the 'debt ducks' and which order to pay them off...seems like youre debt free now, but nevertheless his videos are soo interesting !

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Ok thanks

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

Ok thanks

[@user-wh3oj5sz1n]

Sorry I forgot to ask fellow Irishman When you sat down and done a budget to retire early how far ahead have you allowed for ? I’m only asking as like I said in my previous comment I intended doing the same as you . I’m definitely budgeting for what I need monthly to pay all the bills plus have a little left over but looking ahead I have a 30 year plan which may sound over the top. Now I know no one can foresee the future etc but for me not going broke in my old age is just as important as been brave to retire early. So my question is do you have a pension for later on in life or is it saveing etc no need to get to personal on your financial side.? At what age did you retire if I may ask all the questions are genuinely going to be helpful I’m in my early 50s . What about health care insurance! Meany thanks in advance

[@TheRamblingIrishman]

All the information I am comfortable giving is in my videos.

[@user-wh3oj5sz1n]

@@TheRamblingIrishman ok