Snow-birding in The Villages & Affordable Retirement Gems || El Podcast EP53

In this engaging podcast episode, host Jesse Wright sits down with retired journalist and adventurer Charlie Mathews. Sharing insights from his varied careers and extensive travel experiences, Charlie provides valuable advice on retirement planning, emphasizing the importance of living below your means. From navigating the vibrant community life in The Villages (Florida) to snowbirding in different states, Charlie sheds light on the financial considerations for a fulfilling retirement lifestyle. The conversation delves into the significance of maintaining social connections for longevity and happiness, while Charlie also offers practical tips on saving money and enjoying life to the fullest in retirement. Join Jesse and Charlie for a lively discussion that combines financial wisdom, travel tales, and the joys of retirement.
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CHAPTERS
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00:00 The Villages: Snowbird Sanctuary
10:47 Balancing Costs & Comfort
15:03 Snowbirding for Fun, NOT for Savings
18:37 Exploring U.S. Destinations Beyond The Villages
24:51 Hurricane-Proof Decisions
27:53 The Villages: Tied for top snowbird destination
29:58 Saving money and Navigating Hurricane Challenges
34:03 Debunking Stereotypes and Misconceptions (i.e the Loofahs)
44:49 From Dodger Dreams to John Wooden Encounters
49:01 Retirement Essentials: Health, Fiscal Discipline, and Connections
01:04:46 Budgeting $8k to $10K Monthly for a Vibrant Retirement
Special Thanks to Charlie Mathews
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#RetirementWisdom #FinancialFreedom #AdventureInRetirement #TravelInspiration #VibrantCommunities #SnowbirdLifestyle #LifelongLearning #HealthyAging #SocialConnections #LifeBelowMeans #RetirementGoals #ExploreDiscoverEnjoy #PodcastChat #JourneyToRetirement #FinancialTips #LiveLifeFully #ThrivingAfterWork #AdventureAwaits #RetirementPlanning #LifeBeyond9to5 #thevillages #thevillagesflorida #thevillagesfl

[@oceandreamer1958]

I live in The Villages full time. I want to make a few corrections. First, the average age here is 60. I would not say that most people are people “of means” living here. I think there are more people of means who are snowbirds, who can afford a home in their home state, and rent for several months here. This gentleman goes on a lot of exotic vacations that indicate that he’s a person of means. I don’t know anyone who lives here who feel like they have to stay in the bubble all of the time. Most people venture out, which is part of the reason we are in FL. Many people travel from here. We don’t lose the desire to vacation and have fun. I feel like this is not a totally accurate depiction of The Villages. I think that interviewing people who are snow birds AND owners who are full time in The Villages gives a better real depiction. The Villages has different types of people like every city in America. Most people don’t talk about politics here. It’s not for everyone, and that’s okay.

[@susanchristie9322]

I’m a snowbird but also an owner……I agree with everything you said.

[@fireandice1860]

How much does it cost? Approximately? Im 35 but asking

[@brendaberisha2634]

I agree with your comments. Interview someone who actually owns a home there and get your figures correct. There is way over 50 pools

[@Theguys1]

La la land!

[@susanchristie9322]

@@Theguys1 Your green-eyed monster is showing….😂

[@alejandrohazera7895]

I am 67. My wife and I visited recently visited the Villages. There are many amenities and recreational opportunities. So, I can see the attraction. However, I bike 30/40 miles per day, so we decided to buy a small beautiful vacation house in relatively nearby Inverness (next to the Withlacoochee Trail). The town also has a public/private country club. So we have friends and activities, without the rules, etc. The house is a fraction of the cost of renting for a few months in the villages. We also do a lot of international travel (we are multilingual), which can be a fraction of the cost and can be authentic (We work with universities in those nations). I prefer actually visiting Spain than visiting 'Spanish Springs." One can hear actual Flamenco. The Villages seem attractive, but too isolated.

[@debbiec6216]

This man has his act together !!! They are very lucky !!! *This man is a Kid at heart* !

[@yvonneg313]

I thoroughly enjoyed Charlie and all his amazing insights and knowledge of so many things. What an incredible man and this was the most thorough video on The Villages I’ve watched yet!

[@jeffb.2469]

We went to the Villages for a week on a lifestyle stay the last week in September last year. The weather was great and still warm enough to swim and listened to live music every night. The golf carts and trails were a blast. But, after some thought, I was not sold on buying a house and retiring there. I think there are a lot of hidden fees in real estate with the bonds and property taxes. The other thing odd is that the development is family owned. And, there are lots of rules concerning what you can and can't do to your property. I read that you have to get special approval to even plant trees or shrubs in your own backyard or display a lawn ornament in your front yard. It's like a homeowner association on steroids. I know its for the purpose of keeping the areas looking good, but it just gave me a bad vibe. We also don't golf, and I can't see paying a $200 a month fee to support those who do use those facilities. So while I can't see us moving there, it is a fun place to check out, and maybe rent for those cold winter months.

[@ronmcdowell4794]

I've been to many places and the villages is the most surreal, fantastic place I have ever been to. Very beautiful. I'm 69. Retired there 10 years ago when it was cheap. Now it's really expensive.

[@beingkitschroeder2507]

The Villages is an entire city, not a "community" or development. We love it!

[@monkeysuncle2816]

What color loofa do you prefer?

[@beingkitschroeder2507]

@@monkeysuncle2816 The kind that covers your face and mouth.

[@mucusofwanderhome6945]

Question is, why aren’t you interviewing all of those beautiful mature women in your thumbnail . Let’s hear their perspective of these villages .

[@monkeysuncle2816]

They're too busy hanging their pineapples upside down. 😆🍆🌮

[@garyglenn7011]

What a great guy! Enjoyed the conversation and picked up a few great tips!

[@janetpartyka5968]

Medical care is EXTREMELY important to my partner and I. Both of us are in our early 60s. We are in good health; we walk, and bike. Our diet consists of; fruit, vegetables, not a lot of meat. Diet and exercise (it isn't perfect) are at the top of our list when it comes to staying physically and mentally sound. We have excellent general practitioners and hospitals nearby. If we need health care, we are confident we are going to get the best attention. We vacation in a warm place at least two months out of the year and sometimes do side trips as well and enjoy the flexibility that it brings. Our summers are beautiful and have friends along with clubs we participate in. We are staying put.

[@tamieemmer2795]

Great Video! I'm also from Wisconsin! Hopefully I will be retiring soon after selling our business. We have been looking at The Villages also to buy, but after watching, I think renting is the way to go for now. We did visit Solivita 55+ in Florida in August, the place was beautiful and homes were reasonable priced, the downfall was once you left the gates, there was nothing around to do, traffic was a nightmare. So fingers crossed My husband and I can sell our place and find a new home here in Sheboygan, and then head down to Florida for the winter months!

[@lmb4876]

I am renting for 1 month starting December 1st… I found that the 1 week lifestyle visit was not enough time to explore the area. I am renting through a website “Rent from a Villager”..not sure how great the house will be~there are no reviews..Dec is an inexpensive month..then the rents jump from January through April

[@joerockhead7246]

I just saw Johnny Wild & the Delights a few nights ago at Spanish Springs. They were great.

[@jrecm4816]

Vin Scully, the very very best!!. I would like to visit the villages as I live in expensive California.

[@noreenn6976]

The villages are expensive especially for renters

[@ahagopian100]

Good stuff, helpful to fellow Wisconsin-ite, fellow former journalist, keen on healthy aging.

[@doc0875]

Wow, $5,000 - $6,000 per month to rent for the season? You could buy a modest place there (assuming cash purchase) and the annual taxes/fees in total would cost the same or less than you are paying for 3 - 4 months renting. Also, keep in mind that you could then also claim domicile in Florida if you stay there > 6 months and avoid paying state income tax in Wisconsin.

[@ScottHirschman]

The announcer has a voice that sounds sooo familiar to me, Ive heard that voice elsewhere, Couldnt figure it out the whole video then it dawned on me... Joe Rogan!

[@monkeysuncle2816]

I thought the same thing.

[@lowridinpacker]

Interesting. 140,000 people in The Villages and you find a guy who has rented a few times. Nice guy though. Very interesting guy. Maybe find some people who actually live there. We have two rentals in TV and spend 6 weeks or so there every summer. Retiring from my job in Wisconsin in about 18 months and moving there full time. You can rent way cheaper for the 6 decent weather weeks in Manitowoc and live in Florida the rest of the year. I lived in Manitowoc for 10 years and thats about it. 6 weeks. Seriously The Villages is awesome. Go there and visit.

[@flybirds2024]

I really wish I could have kept my house in the Northeast but I could not afford both so I am now a full time resident of The Villages

[@newtong579]

Excellent and informative interview.

[@susanne1756]

California has that High cost of living...! Would like to see info on Panama for seniors. Thanks for the great video.

[@XDetoursX]

I'm curious what their monthly expenses are normally in Wisconsin. Both in winter and non winter months. A breakdown would be nice. Also, $8000 - $10,000 per month seems awful high, even considering they need to pay for housing for a few months.

[@debbiec6216]

This man must be wealthy !

[@michaellancaster7923]

Great podcast

[@ahagopian100]

Re finances, great to have portable ever growing business into 70’s…..to go along w/ SS, investments, etc.

[@dibari22]

$8-$10k per month? Man, he's living big time if those are his expenses when retired.

[@ronniedelaplain6722]

I live here for the golf and able to drive my golf cart anywhere I haven’t taken my car out of the garage for a year and a half.

[@Pete-rs4yz]

"So Charlie, you live in The Villages, located in Central florida, which is the largest retirement community...." Charlie: I live in Wisconsin. 🤣😅😅😂🤣🤣😅

[@semicountryliving3095]

You should do affordable options in Florida for snowbirds 55+

[@davidoverholt251]

to funny for the snowbirds in the villages! However the insurance rates, taxes and all the Villages fees matter!

[@RamTrucks590]

I'm in Michigan. When I retire my wife and I might spend winters in Florida in our RV at a RV park.

[@Theguys1]

Yep, in the world as it now is - we have pickle ball courts!

[@robertreams3632]

8000 to 10k/ mo...are you high?

[@reebeeable]

The only problem for me are the politics in Florida. It would be hard to ignore.

[@ragoff]

move to San Francisco or LA then, or Chicago, or NYC....:) Maybe Austin...You'll love it.

[@janetpartyka5968]

We live in a cold climate.

[@anounimouse]

I'm an INTROVERT and my definition of HELL-on-Earth is living/associating with another 3,000 human beings!!! No, Thank You!!!!! EDIT: (At 55:55 min ) my BIL & SIL live in Wailuku, as she grew up there. It is possible to live there permanently - as they live frugally & probably still have the first dollar they earned in their teaching careers....

[@douglasbeam9704]

I want to buy a house in the villages I'm 71 years old my wife is 37 if I buy and I pass in about 10 years or so my wife well not be 55 yet what would happen would she be forced to move I want to know before I buy

[@WorkHardBeNice]

@douglasbeam9704: Don't you worry, she'll be fine! I'm sure she'll find another creepy old geezer to replace you. It's clear she'll do anything to be financially secure, including allowing herself to be pawed by some liver spotted old fool. Hey, beats trudging back to her home country to earn $9 a day!!

[@ahagopian100]

Many illnesses are preventable!

[@debbiec6216]

can you give examples ?

[@iron1215]

thought i was listening to joe rogan.

[@steveallen489]

Folks, do your own research, don't buy the hype and have regrets. i.e., move only once in retirement!

[@williambaker-xi8ph]

worried about nickles dimes

[@Theguys1]

Prices have dropped up to 10% now. The best part - it’s white, middle class la la land.

[@ronniedelaplain6722]

Why down you interview a full time resident of The Villages that can talk about the villages with more accurately instead of his world travel.

[@tod3msn]

You spend a lot of money for a smaller home in a warmer climate that you have in the colder climates. Hanging around a bunch of older people drinking and playing games seems shallow.

[@brianirle2392]

Your information is inaccurate. The Villages has 145,000 residents. 110 pools and 13 Championship golf courses, 10 of them have 27 holes.

[@yvonneg313]

He was close enough to not have to nit pick as if he said something wrong.