I Got Rid of Everything and Started Over in My 50s

[@qroo]

Visit our partner trymintmobile.com/qroo to get 3 months of premium wireless for $15 a month.

[@timgillman]

With T-Mobile I get service in Mexico for the months we are there. Does Mint do something like that?

[@holly7797]

I have been using Mint for years! I am not changing.

[@jeremykey4563]

Classic Paul. “You see, they sell stuff. Everywhere”. 😂

[@Isolatedcockpit13]

I just sold or gave away a house full of stuff at age 62, including my coveted vinyl record and vintage stereo collection. I'm down to a suitcase of clothes, and an overnight bag filled with life's small essentials. I'll be slow traveling through Central and South America by late December for the Hell of it. Great video

[@beerlover6667]

You don't own your stuff, your stuff owns you!

[@Raschkodreamvacations]

OMG Paul you just told our story. Lived in Mexico 7 years, then Colombia 1 year and it was necessary to move back to the US. We sold everything to move to Mexico, then everything to move to Colombia. Then everything to move back to the US. Stuff and real estate. We are in WA state. Bought a house and a car here. Have gone back to work” part time and we are adjusting. At some point we will probably relocate again. Agreed with everything you said. Stay well and carry on!

[@2GringosOnTheGulf]

It sure was liberating brother, and still is. Everything we own fits in our Dodge Attitude. Cheers from 2 Canadians traveling around Mexico. ❤️🇲🇽✌🏼

[@josehurtado1044]

I quit my job at the end of the pandemic, I gave everything I owned away including my car All my possessions fit in two suitcases, 2 ½ years later the only regret I have is not having it done sooner.

[@MONICAANICA]

You have each other wherever you are 💃🕺💞 Most important 🙏

[@sunnybrookfamily6711]

I found, after moving to Mexico 2.5 years ago and having to buy all new "stuff" that I really missed my old stuff, things like books & photos and heirloom furniture. I found that these things ground me. Fortunately, I still have them in storage in the usa and have been slowly moving them down.

[@takeitzenman7894]

A Google Voice number can easily be added to your phone so you have a US-based number people can call. It just routes to your main number. We used this when in Mexico and the U.S.

[@Mhel2023]

I did this before I moved to the Philippines and it's working fine for making and receiving calls, texts and 2FA texts from banks. Google Voice needs to be set up in the US though. I ported my Verizon number to GV for $20, but they will generate a phone number for you if you need one

[@adriankung1625]

Thank-you!!! Best 8 minutes of advice I've ever heard on this topic, as someone who's planning on clearing out of an apartment to slow-travel full-time, but wanting a home-base not too far from family. Just finding it mentally hard getting rid of "stuff", so this helped alot! Cheers!...from North Vancouver

[@qroo]

I'm glad you enjoyed it. Cheers!

[@bamslerc]

Glad you popped up on my feed this morning. I wanted to thank you for the introduction/suggestion to use the immigration facilitator, Adriana. She put me in touch with her rep ( Marina) in Merida. Those two gals were fantastic. I was only down for a week in which I needed to finalize my residency card , and Marina had it all done in two days. Easy peasy , quick, efficient and painless. Fabulous gals!

[@jasonholloway7588]

That is funny... Most of us have all done this before.. And I have done this twice in my life.. Its called DIVORCE.. Yup... leave with nothing and start over.. hahahahaha.

[@daalfemc]

O man you made my day, I have drank from that same poison

[@wabisabisylvie111]

Same, at 50, quit a longtime stable job, and moved cross country with only what fit in my car… and ready do it again 😊. Great video!!

[@kateevansnomadicwriter]

I hope you two are okay after the hurricane. Love what you say about STUFF. I 100% agree and have gotten rid of everything I own 3 times in my life. Currently we're traveling for 8 months with only carry-ons. It's freeing.

[@qroo]

That's great! We look forward to doing something like that in the future.

[@luvablesweetnsassy]

I recommend digitizing old photos and making copies on thumb drives for family members. SO much easier than 100’s or thousands of old photos. Prayers to you and Linda 🙏 💕

[@mwhite1474]

Its been awhile since I've last watched your videos and was happy to see you pop up on my feed. I am a native Floridian living in New England with lot of stuff I like; however, as a frequent visitor to Quintana Roo Mexico and Florida, your philosophy of leaving the materials behind appeals to me. Glad you both are doing well and that family is an important focus for you.

[@jdjames7621]

Thank you, Qroo and Linda. I just signed up for Mint Mobile (and bought a new phone) using your link. This is Janell, a subscriber to the Qroo Crew Spanish channel.

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

Nice video Paul! All the best on your family situation.

[@jindandy7826]

Just did the same @ 69 & moved to Albabia. LOVING it!

[@laszlosandor3987]

Good luck Linda & Paul

[@andreamartin8832]

We sold 99% of our stuff in 2021 & moved to Mexico. Loved the freedom but returned to the U.S. for our son to finish high school & go to college. Hopefully we sell it all again. This country is cramping my new minimalist anti consumer lifestyle. 😂

[@qroo]

It is liberating selling everything, isn't it? :)

[@kayGriffith101]

I've had Mint Mobile for almost a year now. & I've started over a few times in life... even with children!

[@MikeS29]

Hi Paul, we are selling up everything in Florida and heading to Spain (dual U.S. and E.U. citizenships). We bought a home there and are taking limited, more personal, things with us. Thanks for sharing.

[@scubarocks2004]

After 3 years in Costa Rica which included building a home through COVID, selling it 4 months after we moved in, buying a villa and fully renovating it we decided to sell it fully furnished 2 years later (to avoid capital gains tax) and move to the Central Valley of Costa Rica with just some clothes, computers and my small kitchen appliances and rent fully furnished. We live off of $2500 per month which includes health insurance, food, rent, utilities, etc. (everything but our travel expenses). We now live the “lock and go lifestyle” and have no worries traveling through Costa Rica and other countries because we have nothing of value to worry about. We are happier than ever…I wish I knew how little material things meant to me sooner. This is absolutely not for everyone but we have found our happiness in memories vs. material items and if the AC or refrigerator goes…not my problem 😂

[@balikadam35]

I don't know why I love your videos. I always wanted to do videos like yours. Couldn't do it. You inspire me alot. I live in CA. I wish that we can meet. I wish you the best of luck. Keep going I will do it 1 day :) for my son.

[@qroo]

Thanks -- but you can do it. You just have to start talking to your cellphone and posting it. You'll get more comfortable at it with time.

[@cathyhunnemeder3064]

Love your attitude about “stuff”. It is the unnecessary necessary about life

[@christinedailey9254]

It's just stuff! We've sold everything, moved, and started over 5 times in 29 years; we've moved more than that but mistakingly took stuff with us. Within the next year, we will be doing it again. We love it! Move on and experience something new.

[@destinationmax]

Thank you Paul for your updates on adjusting to living in the USA again. It looks like you used a lot of your expert know how to find the best deals and get the condo through Airbnb. Sorry that you had to move out and move back in, but it sounds like it may have been worth it. ❤ I am also turning 54 and still residing in Mexico for 3 years now. I just took off to Lima Peru, two weeks ago to explore the country and meet friends in Punta Sal. I would be so bummed if I had to move back to the USA but I keep an open mind if I had to. This type of info helps. BTW I refer everyone I know that’s trying to get their Mexico RFC on their own to your video instruction on that. It sure helped me many think that they have to hire a facilitator or an attorney to get this done and that is just not the case as it’s not the same as getting residency. Thank you for all that you do.

[@Luigi13]

I completely agree about too much stuff will anchor you down. Less is always better. 😆😆

[@karav2879]

I’m getting rid of all my stuff over the next two months and moving to Mexico. I’m already feeling liberated.

[@rfink222]

I dragged all my stuff to Mexico in 2015. Big mistake. Then I dragged all my stuff back to the US in 2018. Big mistake. I should have done like Paul and not moved anything across the border, it is a nightmare and expensive. My US bank thought I was a drug dealer and wouldn't wire money to the customs agent at the border causing big problems. I will probably go back to Mexico eventually so if I take anything it will be very simple stuff with sentimental value.

[@Mr-lw7gy]

If you do, get a different bank too. US bank stinks! Lol

[@Jesse_Cee]

I’m following my family tradition. Buy a home in the US, pay it off and then start building one in Mexico. By retirement age I will be able to go back and forth for family reasons. Always keep in mind the family.

[@dina-barnese]

I'm in the process of liquidating... having a hard time letting go of the art I've collected over the last few years. But I find things each time I make a sweep through the house, and into the donation bin it goes!

[@luvablesweetnsassy]

Consider an estate sale. Your stuff is worth a lot to many people. We did this recently for our mom’s extensive belongings and she received thousands instead of just donating everything.

[@Ivar-V]

I'm in the process of selling all my things and starting over, too. It is hard letting go of everything but it's even harder holding on. Hope to be traveling light soon. Besides they sell stuff everywhere lol

[@stevel6420]

Well said.....don't allow your stuff to pin you to a place. I'm currently dealing with the "letting go" phase of my stuff so I too can leave the US and go someplace, really anywhere else. Watching KZbins videos with the theme "nobody wants your stuff" is helping. I'm starting to realize that I might sell a little of my stuff but in reality most people don't want my stuff and I'm going to have to give it away or trash it.

[@janicegreenwood664]

You're 100% right on. When I was opening casinos around the country, I was moving furniture, etc with me. My friend asked one day, do you own the "stuff" or does the "stuff" own you? I stopped moving stuff.

[@amen_ra6926]

My aunt and her husband has a somewhat similar situation. She's originally from Panama but lived in the states for a long time. But they decided to move to Panama. The only problem is for medical coverage reasons they had to move back to the states. Apparently Medi-Care doesn't cover everything. . I kind of admire people who can live that minimalist nomadic life. I owned a place for a while but prefer renting. I found home ownership to be overrated. Plus I could vacate whenever I need and not worry about listing a house and dealing with that headache. It would be hard to give up my garage gym. I put too much time and work into putting it together. And it's not just "stuff' you can get anywhere for the same expense depending on where one lives.

[@PeacefulMoments1844]

Don’t be attached to “stuff.” :)

[@JoansJunkJournalsAndMore]

Great little video. "It's all just stuff!" ☺♥

[@billobrien4680]

Aw! Tough call. Maybe someday you guys will be able to reverse your reversal.

[@bamslerc]

I posted a comment but it didn’t go. ? Will post again…. I wanted to thank you for the suggestion in a previous video for an immigration facilitator. Adriana put me on to her partner in Merida ( Marina), who in less than two days had me posing happily for a pic with my residency card in hand. I was only down for a week and was worried about getting everything done in that week. The process was painless, quick and extremely efficient. Those gals are fabulous! Can’t recommend them enough. Thanks. 😊

[@pbjsilverstudio4882]

For me, it’s just stuff, except my art. But ask my husband???? He brought 7 coats to La Paz!!! Seven! Because each one had something different to them. And lots of boxes of STUFF that are just being stored in closets and on shelves. His ‘stuff’ is sooooo important to him and he will not part with it. Even if he doesn’t use it. Jajaja! 🙄😩

[@theraptureisnearbelieveinj448]

I’ve had Mint Mobile for at least 5 years, and I’ve saved a lot of money! 🎉

[@nala3038]

Mint Mobile sucks!

[@theraptureisnearbelieveinj448]

@@nala3038 Hmm. I pay for unlimited internet, and it’s still only $30 a mth.

[@mireyam4661]

Great video!!! Thanks😊

[@scottwilliams6752]

I like the idea and need to learn more about Mint, but if you look at the coverage map on the website, there is no coverage in Mexico or Canada, huge areas of the western US and some decent patches of the eastern US.

[@USA-RE3]

You are right! I tried Mint Mobile last year and upon landing in Mexico I realized there is NO service. - So yes, Mint is good in the US but not so much for traveling abroad.

[@jackbaldwin3649]

T-Mo bought Mint Mobile just this year so perhaps that coverage will change.

[@maggiemay5510]

Great video !!!

[@troycopeland2170]

always enjoy your videos. funny, i was just about to check out Mint mobile myself. thanks for giving me a push!

[@anniesshenanigans3815]

You said SWFL... awesome. I am in Cape Coral and I bought my house with most of the 'stuff'. It's pretty common here. I moved with very little because I didn't want to cart a bunch of OLD stuff here. So now the weather will soon be turning perfect, and as that happens the snowbirds will descend and we will be back at it fighting for space. Actually this is a good area to learn Spanish because I work with numerous Spanish speaking people and being in MRI we have a variety of people coming in for their exams.

[@danielgalvan8381]

Wow! You really know your stuff! Loved it!

[@TLS-in-Japan]

This is great-very motivational! I’ve subscribed. Keep it coming, and thanks!

[@shareeharms5421]

Hey Qroo - true fact I was just studying Mint and then you talk about it? I was just giving away stuff ( Live in Mexico right now) and you talk about STUFF?! 😮👍 You Rock

[@shareeharms5421]

Looks like Mint doesn’t work in Mexico - will stick with Verizon ($30/mth )and my Telcel ( for Mexico) for now

[@uxb2001]

Mint Rocks!

[@justamanwithbeliefs]

I’m 55 from southeastern Ohio but worked overseas all my life. I have savings of $1,000,000 and I'm ready for retirement, only concerned about the soaring inflation. Is this enough to retire comfortably, or do I need some sort of money management?

[@justlikeasoldier]

Glad to hear from another buckeye! comfortable retirement depends on your lifestyle...

[@verycautiouspersona]

I would get money management just in case. You’re only 55. I think the average life execting in the US is 77.5 years, but many people live well into their 80s so that $1 million has to last you all of that and the unforeseen. $1m is a great start though. Good for you!

[@beautifulpeopleonearth]

I’m quite lucky exposed to personal finance at early age, started job 19, purchased first home 28. Going forward, got laid-off at 36 just after covid-outbreak, and at once hired an advisor with grit to help stay afloat. As of today, my portfolio has yielded over 300%, summing up $836k. Stay motivated friends

[@everceen]

@@beautifulpeopleonearth this is huge! your advsor must be grade A, mind msharing more info pleas? in dire need of proper asset allocation

[@beautifulpeopleonearth]

Can't divulge much, I delegate my excesses to someone of great expertise "Annette Louise Connors" preferably you can look her up on the web, her qualifications speak for itself.

[@Steve8105]

Do you think you’ll move back to Mexico someday

[@LaurieSequana]

I love e your personality, makes me smile a lot

[@steven_dekok]

Wifey and I are getting ready to move to Romania in 3 years after our youngest is done with high school. Romania is her homeland that she left when communism fell. We've been back quite a few times and I absolutely fell in love with the country. We currently live in California and are tired of being taxed to death with nothing to really show for it. We'll sell our home here and buy a small condo in Florida to use when we come back to the US to visit. We already have a flat in Romania and are spending all our spare income on buying investment property in Romania. We have both a US phone number and a Romanian phone number. I never realized how much of a hustle culture we have here in the US until I started visiting Romania. Long story short, I set a goal for myself to get rid of 1 material possession per day until I am left with only the necessary clothes and memory items of my kids. Shoes... your wife must know my wife!

[@petewick8627]

Did you research any other Eastern European countries?

[@steven_dekok]

@@petewick8627 Yes and Romania made the most sense since my wife is already a citizen and with a new law that just passed, I will be eligible for citizenship in 4 years. Along with that, the ability to make money doing what I already do here in the states was also a deciding factor. (I am a real estate broker and investor.) I'll be 55 next month and I don't want to work until I am in my late 60's. Cost of living is much cheaper compared to the US and add in the fact that the IRS allows us to make $120K a year from foreign income and not be taxed. With a Florida "home base", we will not pay any state income tax (compared to the 13% we currently pay in California). We go to Romania 3-4 times a year. I could write a book on everything I have learned and maybe I will someday!

[@jackbaldwin3649]

Isn't it a pretty big change in weather from California to Romania? I live in California and we are considering moving to Europe as well but I would like to find someplace with a similar climate, i.e., no snow! ;-)

[@steven_dekok]

@@jackbaldwin3649 Along the coast you will find milder winters/climates. We often vacation by the Black Sea. Personally, I absolutely love the winter. But if you want milder winters, Spain might be a good option.

[@BarnabyBarry]

Moved at 63 to Thailand-sold my condo-moved to a $400 month brand new condo-completely furnished -walk to the 🏖️-younger/pretty/thin women-gym/pool/steam daily-no stress!

[@KiKiQuiQuiKiKi]

😏

[@gerritdendekker1844]

Stuff mmmm....We, wife and I moved to Puerto Morelos Qroo 3/21 with 4 suitcases, and our dog sold everything in the USA and rented several places over the past 3 1/2 years and used other people's stuff with the exception of purchasing a vehicle. As you mentioned, stuff is just that stuff. The most important thing is that we have each other. As we continue to move forward, the only thing that is packed in our van is our suitcases and two dogs. Oh, we rescued a street puppy two years ago. Rentals are inexpensive vs. the USA and the money saved is invested. Paul, I have enjoyed your videos, and you and others helped in our decision to make the move to Mexico. I am fortunate that I can work remotely and collect my SS, and all our stuff live a very comfortable life even though we have downsized. Wish both of you all the best.

[@juddkennedy]

Yep exactly how this can be done. Without those financial elements you aint going nowhere.

[@WeDidntExpectthis]

Hope you are good Paul! I think you were living in Florida?

[@qroo]

Yes, we're in SW Florida.

[@WeDidntExpectthis]

@@qroo I hope your house is ok?!

[@SteveHartigan]

Hello! great channel. So, are there things (like hobbies, jobs, volunteering) that a person could do in the cancun/playa area? For me , my biggest thing is boredom. I like to be doing things and helping people. I think even in the yucatan a person would get bored after a bit of time. your thoughts?

[@samo8204]

Paul, what part of FL? We're just south of Tampa.

[@billiebowden1055]

How was shopping for insurance for car and house? Shocker! Recently moved from Tulum, leaving the house furnished as well, after 7 years. Flew in with a dog and cat that adopted us. Met you and Linda at your first meet and greet. Hope to see you again sometime, perhaps at the next destination! Will try mint, thanks for the review on them.

[@MexicanMovie]

I'm gonna tell my wife about mintmobile, she has been complaining about both the price and service of our cell provider.

[@carlalee1705]

Hi Paul, great to hear from you. The link isn't working for me. I will keep trying. I'm glad you all are reestblishing in the US.

[@azdbuk]

I'm in a predicament, I am always happier with less stuff, but, my Mom passed this year, and she was a stuff collector, but stuff with meaning from different places and phases....I have most of it now in my house now....I cannot get myself to get rid of it at this time as all of it is related to her and her travels and life. I just have to be a hoarder for now....we'll see how things shake out.....

[@Booboonancy]

I’ve gotten rid of 3 “households” over the years and it is never easy. It always feels like trying to rip industrial quality velcro 😬. I will say that the things I thought I couldn’t bear to part with, out of either true sentimental attachment or guilt, I was able to let them go. Once it’s done, it’s gone and out of your mind. We often keep things out of allegiance to a deceased loved one, as if getting rid of physical things was disrespectful. You can take photos of those things to remember and free yourself of the bulk. Some things of course you absolutely don’t want to get rid of and that’s perfect. It’s a process to be sure and not something to be done with in a week.

[@arlingtonguy54]

When you are at the end of your life you will regret the things you didn’t do not the things you did. 😊

[@qroo]

Very true! I feel the same way.

[@journeykendrick]

Miss you guys. Hope all is well. 😊

[@skipwaisner5808]

Will be switching to Mint once the Verizon phones are paid off.

[@MEN101]

You should also rename your channel to USA Paul or Florida Paul and Linda.

[@judyprocleaning]

My ex husband and me backpacked in Mexico for years about 24 years ago. He had a similar mind set as you.. he had nothing when traveled there only a car and clothes… he was like “ is just stuff”… I miss him

[@pascalguillembet297]

Your story is soooooo much like ours! We sold everything in SW Florida and moved to Merida Yucatán, great time, great food, great people!!! 3 years later we sold our house fully furnished, but we keep the car with Yucatán tags, way cheaper than us, registration free on line and insurance covering Mexico and US for a year. Now we bought a house in South Carolina and are super happy!! 😂

[@FeralineHydor]

You just jumped back into trouble. Good luck.

[@bonnyjanineweil9589]

I'm curious to know about how you kept your car because I may be taking my Mexico plated vehicle across the border as well...

[@petewick8627]

What was the reason For returning?

[@jlizcano3317]

Had to get rid of Mint because they changed their international roaming & their new plan is too costly for light usage overseas. In the USA their rates are great, but if you are like me and have a dual SIM phone w/Mexican SIM + US SIM then there are better options.

[@censoredeveryday3320]

What option did you go with?

[@discolemonade7716]

I have used Mint when I returned to the USA for the summer, but now I use Tello and I still have Telcel. I am not currently living in Mexico, but did for a long time.

[@Mhel2023]

I moved to the Philippines with a backpack after I retired at 58. Been here a year and now moving to Thailand so I have to downsize again lol. I'm just giving stuff away. I figure as long as someone can use it, I didn't waste my money

[@sarahmabal2629]

I love mint! Been using it for 12 years since I moved to Costa Rica and Mexico from Florida.

[@USA-RE3]

Hi Sarah! Does Mint work in Mexico?

[@sarahmabal2629]

@@USA-RE3 Yes, but they charge extra for that. I live in Mexico and I also have a Mexican phone number with Telcel for about $12 / month including text, messages and wifi.

[@AK-kz6wc]

Just watching your latest vid. When you said SW Florida, my heart nearly stopped.... Just kidding. We have spent 20 years in Naples area. Now on vacation in QR...

[@drewj4297]

Sold nearly all our stuff two years ago and moved to Puerto Vallarta. Doing my best not to buy a bunch more stuff. It feels good being light and able to go whenever I decide.

[@RioBahiaWilliams]

We had the same problem, but in reverse, we had US phones and had to tell everyone to call +1, but at least they we pretty familiar with calling the US. Finally got a Mexican phone as apps for services we not properly supported by our US based phones and we needed access so we could pay our monthly services (currently live in US 80% of the time). When we finally do move to our home in Mexico we will take little, but will keep much in the US as will continue to hold a home here for our adult kids benefit, and our impromptu visits 😂😂😂

[@roundpaws]

Do you rebuy all your electronics? Monitors etc?

[@sherrifisher7293]

Hahaha I need my stuff Paul. I mean…I get it but I’m with Linda on what that stuff is 😂. Glad things are working out for you

[@qroo]

Haha, it's just stuff! It's fun to look for new stuff.

[@checkeredflagfilms]

Does Mint have a hotspot capabilities for internet data?

[@emcphx]

Ever consider moving back to Mexico again?

[@garlandetheridge9902]

I've lived out of 1 1/2 suitcase for the past 16 yrs and love it. South America and Mexico. wouldn't have it any other way>

[@WayneGluyas]

🎉well done with Mint Mobile

[@martharamirez4517]

OH MY, THERE YOU ARE!!! Question: The health insurance you had in Mexico, would that cover you in the USA?

[@qroo]

No, it doesn't. I still had health insurance through my pension but we had to find a solution for Linda. We went with this: www.chministryplans.com/

[@jandoherty5299]

My daughter just got mint Mobile and she loves it

[@skipwaisner5808]

BTW, what model of monitor is that behind you?

[@abcjerilee]

You can't take is with you when you go. It becomes someone else's burden.

[@gbarraco8888]

Loved the info on Mint Mobile! Thank you!

[@adolfosilva3921]

Hello. I have some questions for you and Linda. I am a retired Internal Medicine physician. I have some questions for you because I have considered moving to Mexico.

[@petewick8627]

So Paul: based on your comment about “in the future moving somewhere else”, are you researching someplace besides Mexico?

[@CarlosJa]

I'm curious how you bought the house because if you have no debt. You credit score will be dead. I been living abroad for 8yrs and my score dropped to 500s because I have 0 debt and no credit cards.

[@mattjoseph2239]

Do you think you will ever return to MX?

[@SuzyRed6]

With Mint, are calls to Mexico and Canada included? My bank in the US says I must have an American phone number...weird world folks😊

[@jacobsavage563]

With recommending dolar app can you cover how crypto taxes work in Mexico

[@lottorabbit]

TELLO mobile is cheap. I pay $10.26 per month with taxes and everything

[@DenLD]

I moved to Mexico with 8 boxes. Now I have a whole houseful of furniture again. If I sell this house, I’ll also sell all the furniture with it. I invested in nice things for that reason. Do you think you’ll ever move back?

[@xaviercarrillo3088]

is this a repeat of your first few videos?

[@ericrose540]

Love Mint Mobile - been using them over a year. While the rest of the fam stays on AT&T - expensive!

[@DrAJ_LatinAmerica]

Fun stuff 👍. Be careful on Florida golf courses....

[@qroo]

Haha, will do.

[@susannbasta2972]

Another place? Did you sour on Mexico?