What Most Expats Miss With Low Cost Rentals !!! It’s Not Just The Savings !!!

[@aaba1473]

This is a very meaningful video. A retired man can easily upgrade a small place like that by himself. Honestly it would be a fun activity. Thanks for sharing this video.

[@garyk3765]

People in America are living in cars and on the streets. $60.00 a month to house someone is less expensive than even operating a homeless shelter. It’s all about perspective!

[@waterheaterservices]

True!

[@TomBTerrific]

Those people have bigger problems than cost of rent! We need to stop thinking everyone is a victim. We use to have a saying “you made your bed now sleep in it!” Very few people who are without have not contributed to their condition. Most of the time you get what you deserve.

[@andrewlange5785]

"I can live in my car , I can't drive house "

[@josephputnam7586]

I love the way you talk about giving to the community.

[@RichTravel1010]

Keep in mind this is right next to the Mayors House in Trece Martires City also. Guards are everywhere around here.

[@frederickosby7432]

Thanks for the video. There's all of great information in it for me, as I'm looking to visit sometime next year and if I like it, make my move. I'm 50 and have been retired for about 10 yrs. Again love your videos keep up all the great work👍🏽

[@kentfonda8245]

Love your spirit of giving philosophy... thanks for another informative video.

[@RichTravel1010]

Thanks 🙏🏻

[@fazbell]

Outstanding explanatory video.. Ameri-Pino is the way to go.

[@jaygladysadventures7312]

Thank you Steve for sharing your life with all of us. Looking forward to meeting up with you someday. Stay safe and healthy 🙏 God bless

[@robertt6327]

Steve I like your place it seems to be very cozy. And as far as you giving money to help other people that makes you a philanthropist and I'm proud to say I'm the same way

[@joenorman8320]

I just want to add my voice to compliment you on what you are doing. Enjoy your life. You are obviously happy. Let the nay sayers and name callers drown in their own negativeness. Good luck always!

[@jasonguy8895]

Thank you for a great video Steve. A lot of good advice.🙂💜

[@DHarri9977]

The trade-off in putting some of your own money into a place is minimal along with the fact that you get that connection to your home when you put some work into it. Given the low rents in this particular area, it would simply free up your money to entertain yourself while contributing to the community including having personal connections with your actual neighbors, friends, and family. Very good topic covering the simple daily life aspects of living in the Philippines.

[@joshuarizalforeman816]

My wife an I own a few properties in the Philippines - well legally she does, I just provided the capital!- from which we get income. One of our tenants has made various improvements, such as building a decent dirty kitchen. This has increased the value of the property. The benefit to him is that we gave him a long-term contract and fixed his rent for three years with an option to renew so even though rents in the area are going up he pays the same. It gives him security and us peace of mind knowing we have a reliable tenant.

[@mightywhitey7266]

Like Steve Montelli says “ Welcome to the Philippines, prepared to be underwhelmed”

[@greenarmy561]

We really enjoyed watching. Yes you can start with a place and make it look good.. we agree you don’t have to have everything from the west. your a good person and we enjoy watching.

[@Stagger-One]

With you having a good/informative KZbin channel, I had imagined you in a much more luxurious place, especially with kids involved.. But still, it's very quaint and comfortable looking. The price is amazing.. Very simple living, I'm envious (in a good way) and hope to be down there in the very near future.. Great insight on expectations, longer leases and the renting process in general.. Soaking it all in like a sponge here. Thank you so much! Still loving that hat btw 😁😂 If you had 30 seconds to drop the brand name I would be ecstatic. 😀 Look forward to more :)

[@RichTravel1010]

I could live much better but I’m happy here. When you come I’ll give you a hat or send you one. My email is [e-mail]

[@randysmithnarvacan3113]

Empathy..... It's a shame that many people today have no idea what that means........ God Bless Buddy!

[@RichTravel1010]

Very true !!!👍🙏🏻✌️

[@kevindonaghey4276]

good vlog as always. What a deal on rent in ur area. Little bit of sweat equity & its a home run. Always preached to my kids tp give back & it comes full circle Blessu guys Enjoy U dont have to keep up the

[@DogWalkerBill]

FYI Steve McQueen died in 1980. The Great Escape (which is where that motorcycle toy comes from) was made in 1963. That toy may be worth a little money. (It's more like 40 to 60 years, not 20.)

[@RichTravel1010]

It was put out in the 90’s

[@prairiemark4084]

Thanks for the video Steve. My wife has started to watch you some now. Our situation may be different than most. We own a spacious and somewhat opulent house in the Philippines but we live in a small one bedroom rental apartment in the USA. It is so easy to move when you live like that! We like it both ways. There is a lot of freedom in a minimalist lifestyle. My health is improving a lot and I hope to be well enough to return to the Philippines some months from now. I miss the beautiful country and my wife's family. They are the best in-laws I could ever imagine.

[@stecar9122003]

I don't have lots of money but I do help others there in the Philippines not because I feel sorry for anyone but because I enjoy helping those who haven't been as fortunate as I have been. I have a house and when I leave this world I want the house to help my wife's side of the family. I don't care that I paid for the house as I can't do anything with it when I'm gone. I know that my wife and her family will make good use out of the house no matter if any of them live there or if they use it as a rental. We are all free to do whatever we want to do with our lives and our money. I also feel that too many people don't understand how good they have it and that life in the Philippines is different from where they come from. The people in the Philippines are happy with what they have especially when they have a roof over their heads. It would be nice if everyone could just be respectful to everyone and try not to be so ignorant with your comments.

[@TomBTerrific]

I don’t see ignorance in peoples comments anymore than I see Pollyanna in yours. There are many people in the Philippines that are as productive and motivated as anyone in other countries. However the Bahala na mentality is so prevalent that it’s basic meaning become an excuse. I’ve known American Filipino ladies who’s foreign husbands has died so they return to the Philippines, build a beautiful house and end up giving the house away and leave the country they loved because the families needs were never ending and they couldn’t say no. How sad is that. I plan on GI my money to my wife when I pass also but don’t want it pissed away in one generation. So it will be in an trust and not a one lump sum. That way perhaps many generations can benefit from it.

[@tramonte]

That's a nice house for $60, like you said, some elbow grease, an AC and furniture and it is good to go. Definitely decent enough for a bachelor.

[@DannyB-cs9vx]

I once fixed up an apartment with my time and money. The landlord raised my rent. They said they could now rent it to someone else for more money. A long term lease would solve that. Paint is one thing, putting in a shower, Air Con, Water heater, etc. is an investment. Paying month to month you could be told to leave in 30 days.

[@SchutzeAmon]

wow, the audacity and ingratitude

[@ricksivley7047]

But that's why he was saying make sure it's a long-term lease

[@jamesfrymier8205]

Depends on individual preference, I need a cool clean place to eat sleep and crap.. Being HAPPY with what I have and where I live is important, I'm not into impressing others. Minimalist stuff is easy to pack up..

[@NN-gx9ro]

Neat and clean and organized! Storage can come later but everything is in its place. I totally admire your perspective on moving and living in a foreign country. Thank you for all the help you do for the community and your local family.

[@johnandmariainmindanao]

Thanks for the tour. Great insight in making life bearable in the Philippines.

[@larrye2679]

What you're saying Steve makes a lot of sense. Even though that place needs some work if you lease it on a long term basis its worth the investment upgrades you put into it. For me that would be the way to go. As I have mentioned before one of my primary concerns is the safety and security of the general area. You could spend a lot of money on a place but if the area is not safe and secure its not worth it, just look at some expensive areas in cities across th US. Hope your available when I get over there this coming winter. I would like to see whats available in your town. In the meantime I will be watching your videos to keep up on whats happening there. Thanks and good luck.😀👍

[@James-sz3rm]

greetings ameri-pino! thanks for the tour and the guidance. fred rogers sent me. ;) 😉

[@rorybellamy2533]

"Give back a little bit" Good way to live . pay it forward , helping a young person thru school is very forward thinking . do some good and make a difference.

[@marcrichard7251]

Yeah your right just put some TLC into most places also you could offer to pay the whole year’s rent up front and ask for $50 a month…..

[@johnsinc6301]

“Giving back”. Nice. It was interesting to see the green, and getting a over height vision of “potential” Then to see the Blue (yours). Reality, 5 living very close. Live in Peace

[@keith4826]

Steve McQueen action figure 😎. He is why a wanted to ride. I got a 67 Honda Scrambler while still in High School. Steve McQueen set the bar for Coolness

[@WendellD00]

Great video Steve!

[@dodgerblue7381]

Steve, you don't have a Commune or even a Community. You have a Little Slice of Heaven. I am sure that with the way you treat people you are quite Loved and Respected. You have helped many locals and Expats. The measure of a person isn't money, it is their actions and you my friend are squaring up as a giant. That being said, I would suggest renting the open place for $60 and put your daughter and the two boys in it. You and your girlfriend will be close enough to keep an eye on them and it will teach them a little bit of Independence. Your daughter is coming of the age of needing privacy andit will provide you and your girlfriend some privacy. Take care my friend. Keep up your good works.

[@RichTravel1010]

Most Filipinos have this situation and it works if you live it. It’s not as bad as it looks. We have privacy and white noise in the room.

[@danielwykowski6069]

Steve, your doing an amazing job of showing the potential for living in the Philippines. You don't need to make any excuses, too many people live with the idea that the " glass is only half full". Thank you for being there.

[@osros]

For $60 a month I would be happy to clean and fix up the place and in a nice location with what I want close by even better. I rather start on the low side and thrive and if I want/can upgrade later I will. With that said for a single retired guy having something to do like fixing a place can go a long way to getting settled in and feeling good in general. I'm no handyman but alittle money and KZbin how-to videos you can do a lot.

[@Theravadadann]

Great video! You are so right! My wife and I have been married since 1990. We have put a good number of her relatives through college. Not that expensive. A VERY important part of their culture. We call them “scholars.” Nurses, teachers, and even a computer science grad. We have limits but the rewards we have gained are priceless

[@zpatrickz81]

Doing the right thing never goes out of style, some forgot it long ago... remember that.

[@norrisbethke7770]

No problem for the price and you don’t have to sleep standing up….everything good 🤓

[@dougc9427]

Steve, you have a nice place , and it looks like a really nice home. thanks for sharing.

[@manilamartin1001]

your place looks fine. I live on a farm and even though my land is big my place is only 80 meters. It lives bigger because I have a porch in the front and back and a dirty kitchen in the back. I also have a greenhouse attached to the house and a garage. I have no desire for a 3000 foot house again like I had in the states.

[@rabukan5842]

Steve, this is a wonderful tribute to the Filipino community. You are recognizing the value of living “amongst,” not “above” a native community. I worry about the western gentrification of the Philippines, and Asia, where westerners want to live as they do back home, completely pricing out the native people around them. I’ve lived in different countries and always try to live amongst the country people and not only in expat communities that are detached from the realities of their surroundings. Super wealthy gated communities say a lot about the attitude towards neighbors. Not for me. I do want certain things that I am used to, probably would want a bit more space and privacy, but I can still have those things without standing so far apart from those who were born and raised there. Important video Steve.

[@Hijoe-pq3go]

We got a long term lease and added a Dirty Kitchen. I agree that its better to get a long term lease then make it the way you want. We are happy and the Owner is happy because he gets his rent every month on time W/ no BS and. we made improvements and are taking care of his property. Its amazing what Paint and window Coverings will do.

[@danielnor5508]

Very good points! I have done the same myself here in the west. If you are planning to stay a while it is usually way better to have a lower monthly cost and instead pay for, or do some work yourself.

[@anthonymoody2897]

With a little time and effort and elbow grease anyplace can be made to look nice. Way to go Steve…

[@leonardmarlin4330]

Your right you have to be happy wherever you live. Renting an apartment for $60.00 or $300.00 or buy land and build your home the way you want it. You can never go wrong helping family to help them improve their lives. I never ever have given money that I can't afford to never see again. It doesn't take a lot of money to change a person's life for the better here.

[@amiripino4578]

Our house here in Gentri. Is 64 Square meters. In the US it would be considered a small house. My neighbors here in Gentri always ask me, how many people live here. When I tell them it's just me and my wife they say wow that's a big house, 😂. My wife calls me Ameripino because I eat anything here, even the street food. I've been following your channel for quite a while. My user name used to be Uncle Charles. I appreciate the information you share on here. Thanks again.

[@MrSparsilis]

It's fine I will build a house from the ground up and fix that but I agree 100 %

[@arttapoc1612]

Steve, your perspective in this video and going onwards can be best described as “Becoming Filipino in mind and in heart”. Thank you for this and hopefully others will follow you. Living amongst the Filipino people, taking into account there pros and cons, is a cool way of living your remaining best years in life. To let you know, I’m a born Filipino, migrated here in the states with my family, already in my early 50’s, when retirement calls, I will go home to live with my siblings. More power and God Bless.

[@RichTravel1010]

Thanks 🙏🏻

[@thomasrobson6370]

my main complaint (thinking as a single guy), is the bedroom makes the "living room" small. I'd much rather have one room for a more open space. But I see nothing wrong with it, and if it looks like I'm going to be single for the rest of my life, I'd live in it and "make it mine".

[@bobarnold5992]

I fully understand your position Steve on "as long as you got your moneys worth who cares" and I agree but as I stated yesterday I'm one of those people that those tiny apartments just won't float my boat. We spend a little more & get way more, with room to spread our wings. To each their own.

[@mochapoundcake]

I’m pretty sure Steve understands your position, so this video is not directed at you. Those people need to understand that if they want something nice, then be ready to pay for it. ☮️

[@Sunmoon-gj9gy]

Great Video and thank you for inviting us into your apartment 😊

[@ziggarillo]

With a bit intelligent adaptation that would easily become a modern "tiny house" , far more important would be how well you would fit into what is effectively a family compound. Buildings are far easier to build and maintain than relationships.

[@RichTravel1010]

That’s exactly the way I think

[@alr818]

All credit to you for keeping a minimalist lifestyle. Anyway I think most guys from the west would prioritize an apartment with a kitchen and a good living room. For me I would have a budget of 500 for a place with something more similar to what I’m used to. I think this is completely up to each and everyone. Anyway I totally get you point to use some money to upgrade this apartment.. I also admire you for being able to live in such a small place with your family. More credit to you for that!

[@mightywhitey7266]

Love the bars on the windows, so ghetto

[@barryinthepi390]

Hi Steve, those lizards you speak of are Geckos, which most Phiilopinos let live in their homes. Thy eat insects...lots of insects. I have one that lives behind my bathroom mirror, one that lives behind my file cabinet. They don't bother me at all. Rent and buying a home are much cheaper here than in the USA. I an very happy living here, the people are great, and the weather is better here than back in the USAm.

[@franktaylor7617]

😎👍 🇺🇸 I read some of the comments you're talking about. Yeah they were pretty rude and inconsiderate. Many locals would probably love to have that apartment. When people are saying it's a dump. They're really insulting to the people on a lower income. That's not cool. Those people deserve respect too. Hey man! There's nothing wrong with pushing 2 shopping carts down the street. One for your aircon and one for your giant TV. 🤭 JK. The people bashing these cheap apartments. Need to look at them with "house flipper" eyes. Instead of flipping for profit. Your flipping for yourself. Doesn't matter what's on the window sill. What matters is where the window is located in the wall. Because when the paint is applied. The sill will be clean. If I had that place. I'd install a Standard toilet, shower and water heaters in the CR and kitchen. Add a kitchen faucet. Cabinets on the right and shelving over the sink. Retile the counter top. Add some rod iron fencing atop The Wall in the back to add a little security and a places to hang laundry. Figure out how to add screens to a couple of widows for evening breezes and keep out the bugs. Or maybe a screen door. Looks like there might be parking on the side. Maybe add something to lock up your many motorcycles (I have 9). There's plenty that could be done to make that place cool. No sense in bashing the place. I know, blah blah blah, no one care of my opinion. Too bad. You already read it😆

[@randysmithnarvacan3113]

Hey for the price, paint, hardware and imagination and you have a nice place! I can visualize it being nice as you want it to be!

[@NITBAN]

I grew up in India, then I moved to the US for university and work. In India I have seen my parents helping out their not so fortunate siblings many times, that's natural to me. In the US I learned that this is a foreign concept. If you don't help family (in-laws)when needed you are not part of that family.

[@retiredcryptohunter9031]

3400php is a great deal for a small place like that and its a great starter place to live BUT if you want to live in a nice house it should cost around 16000php like what i am paying. My house is a 3 bedroom on a 400 square meter lot with a nice gate and covered garage. My place also has a huge covered dirty kitchen and laundry area in the back and the community that i live with my wife is a beautiful place. That place you're showing there is a great deal for only $60 and is perfect for someone and his girlfriend. I started off in a small apartment when i got here and we had the usual filipino furniture but we had to upgrade to a bigger house we could get an american style sofa with recliners because I have a broken tailbone and bad lower back so it was painful for me to use to sit on our old sofa's. You have a nice setup as well and we call it Fil-Am style not Ameripino lol but your name is also correct.

[@ShadowMebs]

I've rented rooms and apartments looking worse than that for a much higher price here in norway. All needed is a apartment that you can see the potential on, vision how it could look, and just do it. I'm certain that finding a cheap place with potential and fix it up would be cheaper over 1-2 years than finding and renting the "perfect" place.

[@andrewlange5785]

I came to the Philippines 7 weeks ago and my wife's parents have one of these government give away houses after Typhoon Yolanda. We were offered the place to stay while looking for something else. I'm near Basey Samar and they built these place with no running water or easy access to a public well. To make the place semi-liveable I had a well drilled and running water. Who build thousands of supposed houses with out access to water? Had it not been my wife's parents home I would of just checked into a hotel. It took 2 different locals to get the well semi correct. As I wrote before I left Rex my seeing eye dog back in the States and not blind to the culture here. I had told my wife before we came I'd do some fix up because her parents are poor rice farmers and nice people. Since I'm the bank I make the family help out with labor on fix up.

[@SnowmanRH]

Steve you can install a ductless or ducted AC, maybe a 1.5hp would cool the whole house.

[@GoodMan-fq2rf]

Hey Steve, I did the math and here is the results. 12 month’s rent X $60.00 USD’s = $720.00 USD’s. If an Expat pay $300 USD’s for 12 months it equals $3600 USD’s. $3600-$720=$2880 USD’s that the Expat will have to fix up the house or the rental. After the first year the Expat will have $2880 USD’s extra in their retirement budget to spend on whatever they want. This wisdom that I’m sharing is for New Expats that are at or below what Steve considers the sweet spot($2000 to $2500 USD’s).

[@Chu6um]

Some folks just don't understand that if you're planning on settling in one place for a while, you may have to make a few changes to adapt it to your needs. If they want the bells & whistles right off the bat, the rent budget is going to be seriously higher than those who are more inclined to make a few changes to suit themselves. Even when I spent months in a tent, putting in those few items that make the stay more comfortable make life much easier, and doesn't cost much. Personally, I plan on grabbing a hotel for at least a few days, while I get a chance to look around for a place I can settle down at. I may end up with a Vrbo or Airbnb for a few months as I travel around to look for that long-term place. No matter where I end up, you can be sure I'm going to see if I can make some changes before I accept that long term agreement. If I can't make changes, then I'll just keep looking. Thanks for pointing those views out to the few who don't understand the differences between their home country and their expat life.

[@timsretirementjourney8323]

At those prices who could ever complain? Even if a person had to put a couple of thousand bucks into it to make it the way they want it that's no big deal. For a nice studio style in a lot of high-rises in the city it's going to be $500.00+ a month, so if the budget's tight those make good sense.

[@richardperritti5916]

In Sicily Italy you had to fix up your rental. To include putting the full kitchen and putting in the bathroom. People use to fix them up really nice. There is not a since of community in the US anymore. It is all about me, being offended and being oppressed. The government and other people owe me.

[@Hijoe-pq3go]

I Never give to Charities. I think its better to give Direct. If my Neighbour Needs food, I will throw a Bag of Rice on his door step. I always Tip very well because that person is trying to make an honest living and I respect that. If someone is in need, I will find a way to help. It will always come back to you.

[@e49grafix]

I WOULD LIVE THERE. A HOME IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT. KEEP THEM COMING MATE.

[@edic2619]

Your home is very nice.

[@RichTravel1010]

Thanks 🙏🏻

[@jaredkyle5987]

Yea that’s a nice cozy place… I could easily live like that to save that extra money… a house is just basically a place to sleep anyway …. Good job! Looks great…

[@DrDlane]

Good job, Steve

[@kellycamp27]

good on you Steve.. it's all about sharing and you don't have to have major luxury to be happy or comfortable... as long as it meets your needs and you are comfortable and happy who cares.. it is your life. if you need the luxury you might want to rethink your decision about where you retire..

[@hanshansen5789]

It’s not a dump and, yes, it’s what you make of it. Fine for a couple on a budget, and even if not, if you are comfortable living simply. An amazing number of people with resources do live well below their apparent means. Living without a good plan and on the edge is ultimately not comfortable or simple, especially in retirement. Community is a huge enhancement to a simple lifestyle, because is a primary part of our genetics. I would argue it’s where a lot of meaningful gratifying living lies. Humans are fundamentally social creatures. Americans are quite a as individualist of a culture as any in the western world, Filipinos are at the other end of the spectrum, which is one of the love about Filipino culture, but also one of the things I’ve had to get used to. The negative response to the idea of community doesn’t surprise me. It’s about balance and allowing oneself to adjust at their own pace. About the lifestyle mindset Steve describes. In my view, that mindset has a lot to do with why Steve was able to retire early in the first place, and why he will likely be one of the last expats surprised to see their resources shrinking faster than expected. Stuff happens, but you create a plan to roll with those possible contingencies. Personal health realities, longevity of the US Social Security system, stock market volatility and your 401K? What’s the plan if any of those variables goes south? Got to have an emergency buffer/fund, as Steve has mentioned often. Steve’s advice is consistent with retirement advice I’ve gleaned. You’ve heard the stories of super wealthy people, like Warren Buffet, who still drive old modest model vehicles, and otherwise live simply. A tad eccentric perhaps, but not a bad strategy or plan, if you learn how to enjoy living simply, know what really fills your heart, joy and life gratification tank. The people I love are a big part of that, many are simple living Filipinos, and their families. Living modestly fits right in.

[@hanshansen5789]

…forgot to mention. T-shirt. Bold headline. Proud Ameripino. Sub-line. Philippine Information Channel. Art background. Thanks for speaking up about the happiness and joy in caring for and helping others. Love you brother. Suggestion for future commentary. How to do express your empathy, compassion for family, others in the community wisely, without shooting yourself, your retirement in the foot. You got to have clear boundaries, be smart…

[@TomBTerrific]

All that is true to a point. There is lots of need in this world and I don’t think Warren is a bad or stupid man. I’m sure he gives to charity but giving is metered just as much as is his electric bill.

[@robertm.9633]

Living rated on the Filipino curve. Being former mil (like many here) your apartment is better than an O-6 “Deployed” quarters. It’s all about perspective.

[@paulgibson4991]

Quick clean,few renos,and you got a safe clean place to lay your head, you dont need a mansion, mansions need to be filled,who needs unnecessary shit,,keep it simple, love your vermeer .

[@alanjohnson6369]

For 60 to 100 bucks what the heck do they expect ? I think these are great deals Steven. Thanks for sharing.

[@chroniccasino]

When I get over there I want to visit your community and see if its for me, gonna spend about a year roaming around southeast Asia and see where I'd most like to settle.

[@briangreen8200]

Totally agree with your take on things. The rents are low and materials are far cheaper than where I live in the UK. I would be more than happy to spend some money to improve a rented apartment because as you said, you will get it back maybe 10 fold over the time you are there and surely you are doing not only for you but for your family.

[@OurMindoroJourney]

People that have never been there don't understand what to expect. I love the Philippines and have seen some places that needed a good cleaning and some paint and they are just fine. It all depends what your comfortable with. If potential expats what to live a western lifestyle they are going to pay alot more than 60 dollars a month. Some people can't lower there standards. I think it'll be just fine with a little cleaning and some paint.

[@Hicks-g1m]

I'm used to living in bigger places Steve fixing a place up like that is no problem for me but yeah it's just too small for me

[@johnharding9605]

I agree it is to small even for one person, but I do agree that anywhere you lay your head you need to make it the way you want it, I have always invested time, labor, and money to make it the way I want it.

[@rbuck9]

the great escape love that movie

[@MrJrweir]

Steve, I don't think you had to show your apartment for viewers to "get the message". You made a point of comparisons, the USA vs the Philippines, if one cannot understand, culture/lifestyles are different and anyone coming to the Philippines must adapt yes, you can live the " American lifestyle" and those that can afford to, do it but the guy who has a $1500.00 budget must understand the message, put in a little elbow grease/sweat, what's the cost of a Filipino tradesman/worker, and it your palace. We do comparisons, $60.00 vs $2000.00, I do think the average person would commit to investing in their place in the Philippines 🇵🇭.

[@RichTravel1010]

I wanted to show the difference after being fixed up. It’s really about making the place yours and being happy in it. I could live much bigger but don’t want too. Thanks for the comments

[@caparn100]

I think your time on a submarine must be helpful for living in such a small apartment.

[@RichTravel1010]

Lol

[@AlQahira]

@@RichTravel1010 Steve, were you a bubble head?

[@ph5915]

Doesn't make much sense to me to disparage those apartments. For example, I've seen other videos of brand-new, high-rise luxury condos in Manilla with all the amenities. And, you're going to pay for that, not cheap at all. If one of the main concerns is living less expensively, then a place to stay for less than my electric bill alone in the US sounds like a bargain to me. Also, I like the idea of living more within the local community vs behind a gated fortress with only ex-pats. Not really experiencing another culture/country like that.

[@waterheaterservices]

It's all good deep in tha province 'hood. It's where I am going in Mindanao.

[@Synfulz]

Those that begrudge a person's free choice in life need to look at themselves first. If you are happy in your choice for yourself then no one has the right to belittle you. Those that make these choices are being true to themselves and their budgets. More power to those that make themselves happy. To each their own.

[@TomBTerrific]

Hey Steve don’t get me wrong. Like you have said many times everyone is different. Im 72 yrs old. There was a time in my life where I would have been happy or at least willing to live in the apartments you’re living in. For me that time is not now. My pleasure and enjoying life is my priority. Money is not as big of a concern for me. At my wife’s families homes are similar to yours. We always stay there because my wife wants it. I usually sleep on the floor which is actually more comfortable for me than taking up a bed. Of course they seem to like sleeping with each other. I prefer sleeping alone or with my wife. You hit on it. If you get your money’s worth. Of course we all have our own ideas of what that means. My wife owns several small houses in her home town that she rents out. I told her we should remove the renters and fix it up for us. She never seems to like my ideas! Hahaha unless its lets go get some halo-halo. Hahaha Well my point is I’ve been frugal most of my life. I’ve given more to others than to myself. Just like Hector said “This is Macho Time”! It’s time for me to spoil me…

[@RetireesHelpingRetirees]

New Sub .. thanks for the information and personal perspective. You and I think alot alike. Home is what you make it .and it's also what your real budget / finances can manage ... Retired here and considering a trip to the islands to see what I think and feel .and go from there. Anyway.. thanks.. if you have time and see my comment can you either guide me to a reliable source .. of rental I formation ..etc... Thank you .

[@RichTravel1010]

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[@robocop581]

Been there, done that in college and a decade after graduating. No reason to go back and live in a tiny place. Plan carefully and wisely for retirement so that you can live in comfort with no compromises and still be able to help other people. Besides, if my goal was to live in such a tiny place in retirement I would've just coasted in my day job and not invested as heavily.

[@GoodMan-fq2rf]

The second video Steve is full of important and practical information that Expats need to understand when they move to the Philippines. You want to live in the Philippines In a way that allows you to enjoy your retirement without spending all your retirement money on bills and necessities that leaves you no money to enjoy your retirement. Getting into a fixer-upper would allow new Expats to enjoy their retirement money for the long term.

[@skiprat63]

Hey Steve £50 a month that's a steal mate well worth the money keep em coming and thanks for the info .Take care u and yours .

[@rudes440sb]

To each their own. I'd enjoy something roomier for entertaining company. $60mo is a steal when you consider I pay $65mo for my phone alone.

[@joshuarizalforeman816]

I spent years living in relatively small apartments in the UK and HK. It didn't bother me because I was never there, too busy working. Now I have retired in the Philippines I have loads of space - houses, dogs, cars, garden etc., but still find myself camped out on the landing with my fridge, bookshelves and computer.

[@christopherbradley5575]

You're right when you talk about what people see. For about 10 years I've been doing real estate on the side. I've had a few rentals and I've flipped five houses so far. I've always found it strange how I can look at a pile of crap and see how it can become a really nice place with the potential for big profits While others can only see something worthwhile if it's brand new. Anyway, I think that looks like a great little place and it wouldn't bother me at all to stay there. However, the lime green really has to go. Lol! What were they thinking?? Great video!

[@bigjohnson7415]

Nice, how much was the Air Con? For anyone from the US, you could put $1,000 in it, or an additional $85 a month and make it more "Americanized". I'd really screw them up and paint it "Off White!" Great video my man!

[@RichTravel1010]

$620 for AC

[@bigjohnson7415]

@@RichTravel1010 That's not bad for a mini-split. Did you install it yourself?

[@marksjourneytothephilippin9574]

People need a little bit of creativity and not to judge. I had a crappy apartment near DC (still costs $1.2k omg) and with some $90 sound panels. And a few nanoleafs for $300 I had a pretty sweet office and KZbin setup. Got a nice cube shelf from target and could put my cameras and drones on display.

[@KingRat71]

The geckos (lizards) are great. The clean up the ants and small spiders without needing poison.

[@mochapoundcake]

People want mansion-like dwellings for dirt-cheap prices. The old adage, “You get what you pay for” applies everywhere you go.

[@pa4765]

Thanks for the good ideas.. God Bless you and your family, Steve.

[@justininarkansas7792]

Dang, I did not know that I was getting a pet gecko included. The apt is getting better all the time. And I do not consider it a fixer upper. I have owner many apt buildings in the US and renters would often leave them trashed and damaged. All this needs is cleaning and painting. It is only 4 years old. Add aircon and water heater and change toilet. about $1000 total, and stay there at least 5 years, that works out to only $17 a month,

[@RickyFuller-wq6os]

Mr Steve. I don’t think is that bad for $60 it is nice a little tlc. Of course the color has to go. It could be vary nice. Working construction like I have a month here and 2 months there you should have seen some of the places I have lived. I think that place would be nice if a person put there touch on it. Good video Mr Steve God Bless you and your family.