Snowbirds Share Secrets

Snowbirds make up a large part of Florida's retirement population. How does it work? How do people maintain two homes? How do they handle the finances? Taxes, utilities, insurance and more are discussed in this important video. Join Jerry and Linda as the Newcomers interview an active Snowbird couple from Wisconsin.
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Jerry and Linda bring you information that they hope will enhance your retirement.
The channel is more than just The Villages. It features episodes designed to inspire retirees to make the most of their golden years. Bicycling, kayaking, hiking, golfing, music, travel and other things of interest are featured.
“See you when you get here!”
Mailing address:
Villages Newcomers
P.O.Box 888
Fruitland Park, FL 34731
email: [e-mail]
The information in our videos is not guaranteed as accurate, but as our opinion.

[@A1Adaydreaming]

As a guy who would totally consider the "snowbird" lifestyle if we can afford to do it with 2 homes (still working, not retired...probably have 3 or 4 more years), this session was extremely interesting to me. As a Michigan guy, not a big fan of the Wisconsin Badgers, but aside from that, what a delightful couple! Their insights and experiences were very very interesting. Just little things like travel with your golf clubs but leave the bags behind and have a separate bag at each place...brilliant. That move alone opens up significant room in a vehicle. Thanks, Jerry and LInda, for putting this interview together. Awesome content as usual!

[@TravelinVinny]

Linda is the best she didn’t miss a beat when the phone went off.

[@cathypaul5349]

She’s a retired teacher. (Nerves of Steel)

[@customprc]

Brenda is totally wrong about the ceiling fans, as a retired electrician I can assure you that running them 24/7 is the best thing for them for a multi-decade service life. Snowbirds should definitely leave their ceiling fans running as well as their AC on 78 degrees when they go North.

[@travelingwithrick]

That is great, important, and solid advice. Thank you.

[@auroranite]

Concern keeping fans going 24/7/6months or longer is Fire hazard of electrical wiring. I’d rather replace the fan than risk a fire.

[@Batmandabomb]

Make sure they leave the lights on and an ice maker running too

[@mykvalentin]

It’s always nice to see people enjoy their retirement. I’ve seen other people who retired “too late”. Also, as the saying goes, it is not how much you make, it’s how much you spend, especially in younger days. Thank you for another informative and fun video.

[@brendao2588]

We are savers and it has enabled us to move here. My husband retired and I continue to work.

[@derbuckeyetribe9789]

Getting my dad settled into his new place here near Brownwood. Got the internet installed yesterday. Woohoo!

[@barbaraebner5889]

OBTW your living area is decorated beautifully.

[@CynthiaMUrban]

I never laughed so hard as when we saw Linda in "Panic Mode"! Not once...but twice! The first one was the best! LOL! Seriously though, very nicely done. Very informative for people that are thinking about snowbirding. Thanks for sharing and God bless!

[@cathyphillips7606]

I am so glad you made this video because I am in the process of putting all our finances together to get prequalified and start looking for our “winter” home in The villages.

[@brendao2588]

You will love it here!

[@bobbyt749]

Also getting excited for our move eight days and counting down..

[@karenlarry6962]

Ha, we’ve got you beat; 7 days for us! 😁

[@brendao2588]

Enjoy!

[@ReneeB5]

Happy For You!

[@katherineb.3140]

Wayne and Brenda thank you for sharing your experience with us. Years ago friends of my parents bought a retirement home in Colorado (they are Texans). They ended coming back to Texas as their children got married and grandchildren arrived. So even at retirement their life was still evolving. Grandchildren were a huge factor. Everyone has an idea of what they want for retirement. It is SO refreshing to see people that have worked hard but also have done financial planning to give them options and flexibility at retirement. Well done!

[@brendao2588]

Thank you for your comment. We have planned for this move for decades, worked hard and saved.

[@brendao2588]

Thank you Linda and Jerry for letting us share our story and tips we have learned as snow birds! We love your videos! So much info and entertaining!

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

You guys are the best!😁😁

[@margannaful]

It's always a good day when I see Gizmo!!

[@quiltme10]

Fabulous show today! So much valuable info for all of us on our way to TV. Thank you, Jerry & Linda. Thank you to your guests Brenda & Wayne for all their experiences in TV, lists, and things we all need to attend to.

[@brendao2588]

Glad you found it informative!

[@carolynw4814]

I really enjoyed this video, it was so informative. They were so candid and willing to share. Jerry and Linda you guys are a such blessing. You both make me laugh a lot, too. It’s so nice to see fun and interesting videos instead of the drama on mainstream TV. Thanks so much!

[@lizzabbott]

Right ? Who needs TV ? Much of it is so negative anyway !! I love youtube !! Loving learning about The Villages. Maybe it’s in my future. At least to visit.

[@jlt1160]

Another wonderful video! Thank you for sharing your friends with us, great job Snowbirds!

[@larryhall83]

Lively people, this couple. Jerry, you're a funny dude. Linda is the good humor lady...

[@gayleolson3566]

I just found your video blog and I am really enjoying it. When we were 65 we were at a wedding in Maine, my husband looked out over the water and said, "how many good year do we have left?, maybe 15?" Now we are 78 and the good years are still here. We live in Miami Beach and on a lake in Mn. We keep going, in the last 3 years we have sold 2 of our homes in Va. and built 2 places on lake property we have owned for 45 years. As Ruthie, said, you gotta keep busy, active and be grateful! Like her ( and you two) we worked hard and are enjoying the our lives today.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

Wow! A lake home sounds nice during the summer months! 😁😁

[@Miguel195211]

We too felt on our lifestyle visit that TV was like a vacation resort and had a wonderful time. I see the enthusiasm in this couple.

[@brendao2588]

Glad to know you felt like we did!

[@eileenashe4775]

They were great your videos are getting better and better. I always look forward to them

[@Jorgeola757]

Hi Jerry & Linda , there was a lot of good information on the video. Thanks for sharing.

[@joannebarnes7943]

College with money ,is a great line ,very interesting vlog as usual thanks

[@terrie1226]

Yes, Brenda did talked a lot but with great info.....we have friends that would travel back & forth from North to South but finally decided it was a bit much doing it every year so now the live South all the time and just visit us up North for a short time.....thanks for the video

[@brendao2588]

I’m a talker,😍 It’s how you meet amazing people. I am very outgoing!

[@kathyberardino4501]

Thanks for the tips! We are part-time snowbirds now but in the fall we will be full-time snowbirds. Great show... nice people!

[@kathykaufman1244]

What a nice couple, thanks for having them share their thoughts and ideas. (I come from Wis., too!)

[@rbdiaz]

This was a great video. Very informative, personable couple. One of the best Villages videos I've seen so far.

[@joshuapeterson6072]

My grandparents were Florida Wisconsin snowbirds for 20 years. Go Badgers. Nice couple and the interviewers look familiar. 👏

[@garyfarm]

My aunt and uncle were also, back in the 80's and 90's.....from Wisconsin too.

[@brendao2588]

Love Wisconsin summers! Beautiful state and friendly people!

[@carolapostolos8929]

What an enjoyable conversation. That was a lot of excellent information. Thank you Wayne and Brenda. Also Thank you Jerry and Linda.

[@brendao2588]

Thank you!

[@lizzabbott]

Wonderful folks ! All of you !

[@stevenwilburn235]

Outstanding show! Thank you for sharing

[@TexasGirl1633]

Lots of great information! Great video....love different perspectives! Thank you!

[@staciecampbell5078]

I retired at 55 just a few month ago. I love my garden in Kansas so that keeps me busy but I was SOOOOOO bored in the winter and that is what will bring me to the villages. I hate being bored.

[@brendao2588]

One of the reasons I still work is that I love the challenge!

[@nylonguitar]

That was great information! Thanks to Jerry and Linda for posting. Well yes, if you ask me since I've been there 2 winters in a row, It would be ideal to do the snowbird route, but we are all getting older, so at some point it would be either here or there. I am not happy mowing my big yard and snowplowing my long driveway. Still a lot to consider with your kids and grandkids as well. Thanks again for posting.

[@markhetz1119]

Happy anniversary y’all thanks for sharing your special day💕

[@ltcmoose2001]

Thanks for doing this video. My Dad, a WWII PT Boat Sailor. was a snow bird until he passed in January. I have the winterization of his mobile home here up north down to a science with a plumber just like these folks. I was thinking about out how to summerize his home in FLA. Great tips.

[@patk811]

I’m not a snowbird but plan to do some traveling while I’m here and there were a lot of good ideas to do when I’m not here. I’m watching again and taking notes. Thanks!

[@brendao2588]

Thank you!

[@JohnHoganN8]

Linda out of the blocks like Usain Bolt ⚡️. 😂 Very interesting thank you. 🇬🇧

[@patricialynch6532]

Getting excited for our move 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@wademckinnon2429]

That was really interesting. I am amazed at the energy level Brenda has.

[@richardc488]

thank you guys always a great show

[@thomasdee3119]

We have been your fan from the BEGINNING. Loved all your videos. Your guests on the current one were superb. Smart, knowledgeable, forthcoming and simply wonderful. Perhaps its an age reality, but we were reminded of all the COORDINATION required when you have a place eg TV and a home up North. Your guests were younger than us and our conclusion on owning two homes with everything involved would be challenging, again given that there is an age difference between us and them. Thank you for your outstanding work in spotlighting these issues.

[@brendao2588]

Thank you for your comment, we are not super young, just to clarify😃

[@sharonpoe675]

Fantastic video! Thank you Jerry and Linda, Wayne and Brenda for easing our concerns. We are thinking seriously about a winter home in The Villages. We live next to our grown children up North but hate the snow.... but love the summers with our family.

[@brendao2588]

You will love it here!

[@mattjohnson3988]

Linda needs to run the 100 meters for the US this summer at the Olympics. That was full speed!

[@disneygirl2302]

I watched this one with great interest. i live in Minnesota and I too have three sons almost the same age. BTW, Jerry and Linda, are you aware that there's a youtube vlogger, who calculates "how much $$$ does this or that youtuber make"....well, he did one for you guys. Glad you are making $$$ on your wonderful informative vlog.

[@angelaterranova1577]

Snowbirding Goals - Brenda and Wayne! Thx for the great interview Linda and Jerry!

[@brendao2588]

Glad you liked it!

[@captaina9155]

Excellent Video Jerry and Linda. As snowbirds arriving here a year before your guests, and heading north also in a few weeks, your guests sounded like us. And also we have very mixed feelings about heading north. We have obligations and family there, but I'm betting the six months there will feel much longer than the six months here. We love The Villages, and are so glad we decided to call this home.

[@brendao2588]

We may only make it 4 months up north!☺️

[@gregorynp]

That was great!

[@richb.1453]

Just retired and just subscribed. So far a ton of great info. Thanks for this channel. Keep up the great work.

[@brendao2588]

We had a lot to share in a short amount of time.

[@barbaraebner5889]

Exactly why its hard for some to stay full time. Family. We are still waiting for a lifestyle opening. Covid has really made it hard. Jerry and Linda just draw the great people. Good people always attract good people.

[@jilllily8177]

Linda sure moves fast when she needs too! Such good information!

[@robertmurphy8041]

Jerry and Linda are the best. My wife and I are snow birds and sold our home in the Villages a few years ago. Worst decision of my life

[@patriciamclaughlin5973]

Thank you Linda and Jerry. We loved your segment on snowbirds we are seriously thinking of doing that. Thank you for the answer on pools. You two are wonderful. :)

[@brendao2588]

Jerry and Linda are the best!

[@bobwhite2003]

Good job Linda, you’re Jonny on the spot. Lot of great information.

[@rodneyskinner7741]

Another nice video, I would never go back up North, but to each there own. Thanks! Happy Easter! 🐰 🙏Boca Raton, Florida

[@brendao2588]

We will be close to our 3 sons who are 24,25,26.

[@louislandi938]

I learned quite a lot. Many things I never thought of. Great show!

[@brendao2588]

Great to hear! I am always learning!

[@ginnythurler2616]

Very informative! Thank you!!

[@paulrogers5639]

Great discussion and viewpoint.

[@cathyphillips7606]

Linda cracks me up:)

[@ms1212100]

Great advice! Thx for sharing.

[@craigvernon5932]

well done.

[@richnitto8905]

Thanks. Very informative.

[@raymond3855]

Great interview guys!

[@brettm8970]

Nice videos thanks for the honest information.

[@kristenschnese698]

Peeps from my home state I wonder if their lake home is on Shawano Lake? Lol thank you for interviewing Brenda and Wayne

[@kristenschnese698]

@@wo1885 ok I don’t know that lake but we go up to Minoqua at least once a year

[@karenmitchell9354]

Thank you so much!

[@robertwhite6311]

With the exception of your cart and bike rides, this was one of your best videos. Great info. Thanks. I have heard that running the fans is important in preventing mold during long absences.

[@brendao2588]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it. I would say if you want to run fans go ahead. We were advised not too. Keep AC on so it removes the humidity.

[@jamesgaul1022]

Great interview with very articulate guests.

[@bobde1120]

Great video! Just made our Lifestyle reservations yesterday for late June,can’t wait !

[@brendao2588]

You will love it!

[@garyfarm]

This was a FANTASTIC episode......of course we are from WISCONSIN !

[@brendao2588]

Go Badgers!

[@floridadreams263]

More Jerry, Linda and Gizmo! Yes, please! Thanks for the second video this week!! Your friends seem nice, even if they are Badgers fans.....lol

[@brendao2588]

Badger fans can be nice people!😉

[@cyclonemama3907]

Iowa State and Wisconsin... nice, nice! My son is graduating from ISU and got a great job in Madison. He's excited!

[@brendao2588]

Great school! Go Cyclones!

[@madusonkeeper]

Moving from Madison to Fl to retire Madison is a great city

[@thomasengland1701]

This was super insightful, thank you for this video!

[@nataliesmithhart4511]

Two lovely couples! 👫👫 Easy to see why you are friends. 🥰 Thanks for sharing such an informative video. Wishing Wayne and Brenda the very best as they travel back to their lake house. How perfect to enjoy life in both places! Happy Wednesday! ☀️🌴☀️

[@brendao2588]

Thank you so much! Will miss our lifestyle and friends when up north. Look forward to seeing our family and sons more when in Wisconsin.

[@nataliesmithhart4511]

@@brendao2588 I have 3 sons as well and completely understand your reasoning for keeping both homes right now. Truly living your best life in both places!! Enjoy!! Thanks for your sweet reply. ☀️

[@kathyalber9720]

Nice video. We can’t do 2 houses but looking forward to retiring to the villages😊 full time

[@bobbertolino3559]

Great interview, very informative!

[@williamlee1254]

This is a great one, lots of good information. Thank you

[@brendao2588]

Glad you found it informative!🌴

[@patdennis2586]

We see more of our family by having numerous 24 hour visits 4-5 times a year than we did when we lived near them. They are busy with their own lives, kids and work. We weren’t interested in being used for child care. Coming from Chicagoland, we found home prices in TV to be very reasonable. I think if one has been moving house numerous times throughout their working career, moving here permanently is easier to do. Our ceiling fans run 24/7 and have been working just fine for 17 years.

[@deloresebben2309]

My

[@deloresebben2309]

Max

[@brendao2588]

Good to know on the ceiling fans. We were informed by our neighborhood watch that leaving them run is a fire hazard.

[@coffeechocolate7364]

Great tips! Thanks

[@CR-ru1kw]

🤩🤩🤩😎😎😎 Thanks for the video! So very happy for all the ❄️ 🦅.

[@brendao2588]

Thanks a ton!

[@MrMcxray]

Great show, thanks!

[@janicekeller9609]

Enjoyed this video thanks for sharing.

[@johnhanson4494]

thanks for all the info...i didn't expect it...i enjoyed it so much i passed it on to friends...year two as snow bird for me...i tell people i drank the cool aide ... still loving it and learning everyday...so far life in the bubble is great..........thanks again for sharing

[@brendao2588]

We love it here!

[@oldsarge7836]

Great...Great Information...we are planting on being "small snow birds". Up north on 3 summer months

[@oldsarge7836]

planning !!!!!! OOPS

[@rachelt2482]

Great video, thanks! :)

[@oceandreamer1958]

Excellent video!

[@harryp1665]

Very interesting to hear from them and what that have gone through.

[@matt51402]

Real nice couple!

[@marshallhosel1247]

I like the idea of snowbird and summer lake house. Enjoyed the video.

[@michelet3039]

Thank you.

[@mwm3360]

Great video. Great information. We plan on snow birding starting this winter too Thanks

[@brendao2588]

Good luck! I’m nervous I will forget something really important that I need!

[@stephaniebohn9002]

It is exciting to hear these testimonies. Make me more curious.

[@MsLucky443]

This Villages looks awesome. Defiantly thinking about it in future.

[@brendao2588]

Best decision we made. Wish we did it sooner!

[@Taurusbabe9999]

Great information. I am planning to be a snowbird, and hope to be able to buy in The Villages.

[@joankeeler6163]

Great ideas

[@jws3925]

These people obviously are very well situated financially. First, the Villages is not inexpensive by any means and then they reveal they had three houses and one was a Lake home. These individuals are in the 1%. I'd love to have their life as would many but the vast majority cannot do what these very fortunate individuals are doing.

[@madaketmom]

Sounds like they have worked hard all their adult lives to be able to afford a nice retirement.

[@patdennis2586]

Nationwide, it takes an annual income of $538,926 to be among the top 1%. We had two homes and NEVER made that kind of income!!

[@auroranite]

Sure they worked their butts off. Brenda still is. Made sacrifices, rai$ed 3 boys, planned for this future retirement life. Bravo! Brenda & Wayne tks for sharing all the information with us. Glad you’re happy with the move.

[@brendao2588]

We have both worked our entire adulthood and have sacrificed by not taking expensive family trips, or having expensive cars. It has paid off.

[@Shumake303]

My parents are seen at 9:45. They are not remotely on the 1%...just managed their retirement well! I miss them here I’m TX but they are happy in a smaller home in the Villages.

[@egregal344]

Wonderful wonderful video- we need nice informative lovely videos - thank you! I am coming in the fall- possibly sooner- been planning for a few years and finally able to do at 53 years young- so want to start the next part of my life ASA son goes back to college! Thank you!

[@brendao2588]

You are young! Move here now!

[@bellabond3015]

It’s interesting to listen what other people have experienced. For me it would be rather annoying to have to go out every day for dinner or lunch, because that’s what I do every day , when I’m working. So my husband and I appreciate it to cook for ourselves and don’t have to make any commitments.If you’re 24/7 in restaurants, it gets very fast boring. No matter which restaurant, you know them all after a short while. So we enjoy leisure time at home or in nature.

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

We totally agree!

[@myjoysunshine]

Great interview! Very informative. Sweet couple.

[@brendao2588]

Thank you!🌴⛳️☀️

[@triciaallen3200]

Great couple with great information/tips. I've been working remotely for 5 years & she helped with working & living there. Great video Linda & Jerry :)

[@clararincon9249]

This was great information

[@nshaver24]

Such a nice couple☺️☺️...living the American dream 🇺🇸....and Linda....boy I want to be around her if I’m in trouble....she sure can run fast💪🏃‍♀️

[@JERRYANDLINDA]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@brendao2588]

Thank you! We had fun doing it!