U.S. Cost of Living is a SCAM!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Skip the waitlist and invest in blue-chip art for the very first time by signing up for Masterworks 🖼: masterworks.art/ameliaandjp

[@lacha608]

Liked the video, but I don't to think this is good investment advice.

[@stevebbuk]

@@lacha608 I agree and the irony of plugging this organization when it goes against the thrust of the video.

[@peteguichard6161]

I don't think it advisable to promote this investment scheme. People suckered into it will likely get burnt.

[@phillisik4426]

Excellent video, terrible add. Do not invest in art, buy art because you like it.

[@seymorefact4333]

🇺🇸 Denver, CO resident.... IT'S CRAZY CRAZY HERE. Wife and I have 6 digit income. FEELING very POOR! Btw, our govt is now tracking all 600$ transactions. Right... insurance in USA IS A SCAM!

[@ELgrandiabloblanco]

Here in Thailand we have a housekeeper. In the states we would be housekeepers.

[@vincentzacks9584]

Very funny 😂

[@mimi1o8]

@@Jj-gi2uv because they can

[@climeaware4814]

Can a American work in Thailand and still not struggle with income?

[@odapty]

😂👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🤣🤣

[@LiMuBai]

@@Jj-gi2uv because it is super convenient, it makes your life easier and it's affordable.

[@TS-rd7oy]

I am 62. Life in the USA has declined so much in the past decade. It's all about greed here.

[@rons5319]

It makes me ask, who is getting the extra money for doing nothing more than they did before?

[@BOULDERGEEK]

@@sparklemotion86 Correct. And I commend your committment to Sparkle Motion.

[@ka-peach7945]

@@rons5319 The money is fake and getting less valuable each day. It disappears into the air, the same way it was created.

[@tomyum6163]

Could not agree more. Greed is rampant.

[@PolPotsPieHole]

not that greed isnt a problem, but the real reason? cant say that on KZbin....but you know

[@ms.gabrielareads6974]

The priorities in the U.S. are skewed: subsidies for corporations, so much money for the military industrial complex, and bailing out Wall Street.

[@GTRrocker84]

Absolutely, and everyone here seems to be content in it.

[@jeffs4483]

A recent study was done post-pandemic and 2/3rd's of the worlds wealth went directly to the top 1%, for the past two years.

[@LIVdaBrand]

Boom. Slid the monopoly board

[@yikwonjang2978]

I think it is sad for the top 1% too. They still eat the food produced from agriculture like everyone and they see the decline of 95% Americans. Unless they are sociopaths, they hate it too. Just like I hate seeing increasing homeless people, the top 1% hate seeing the decline of the most part of the country.

[@Newworld1492]

THE BIGGEST PROBLEM IN THE US THAT I SEE IS THAT PEOPLE STAY QUITE, NO PROTEST.

[@marytica123]

What good does "protest" do ? Or "voting the bastards out ?" They just give some lip service, promise to change, and then go on doing the same things !

[@Offthbadan]

Totally agree 👍🏿

[@dl1130]

Not necessarily. Lots of criminal protests of burning buildings etc with little to no repercussions. To stage a peaceful protest or voice your opinion that is not in the agenda of others, you can be "cancelled". Thus, the majority choose to remain silent.

[@timisaac8121]

@@dl1130 Please allow me to ask you: Hasn't nearly 1000 arrests been made and 100s now are in prison or awaiting sentencing of the protest of January 6 at the Capitol? Felon convictions are severe repercussions. I know you must mean something else. Have a great day. I hope you aren't offended at me.

[@Newworld1492]

@@dl1130 yes, people protest for the wrong reasons. Here we r talking about high cost of living, health insurance been too high, etc...we r not talking about crime.

[@Mexicobeanpole]

I paid $4k a year for my homeowners insurance for my house in a town 6 miles from the beach in Florida. Then 2022 , after the hurricane, it was $7k. And no, my area didn’t get the brunt of it. I’m planning my escape from the US this year, before the cost of living completely erodes everything I’ve worked for, for the last 40 years.

[@manie3232]

That's crazy. For a townhouse I pay less than $500 or about.

[@vitocorleone8323]

@@manie3232 $500 for where?

[@RetireandGo]

I totally understand what you are dealing with The cost or US home ownership in insurance, mortgage and taxes is eroding long term investment gain.

[@hipsterkennyrogers909]

We had a similar deal in Boulder, CO. Their was a terrible wildfire that severely damaged about 500 homes. My house is about 4 miles from that fire zone and we had no damage and made no claim. My insurance went from $2200 to $3400 per year. Auto insurance went up 30% also and again no claims and no new cars or anything.

[@tatialo37]

I live in Puerto Rico and it's cheap!

[@RetireandGo]

Very true. Rent 2000 Medical 600 Car and gas 1000 Food 600 And that’s the beginning I’m in Thailand now and continuing through Southeast Asia this year Cheaper and more peaceful

[@DenLD]

Moving to Mexico is the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. If I had stayed in the US, my entire social security check would have gone to utilities and property taxes.

[@edgar.n]

That's awesome!

[@DestinationRetirement]

Mexico for me too!

[@marryellenmonahan5585]

@@Syzygy-Transit look into a tourist visa. As long as you leave the country every 6 months, your good. Live near a border.

[@user-qb7ms6vs7s]

Out of interest how much is property tax on a 3 bedroom house in the us

[@DestinationRetirement]

@@user-qb7ms6vs7s It depends on what state. Property tax can be 5,000-10,000USD.

[@lasserchris]

I'm 51 and have lived in Germany half my life(was raised in California and Kansas till age 18). I have three kids and when our family of 5 travels to Kansas to visit my mother the prices of some stuff blows me away now. I don't consider gas prices there high, because we pay 8 bucks a gallon here in Germany, which is why I ride a bike everywhere. What got me was the tipping. Going to a restaurant is like having a sixth person with us at all times. Crazy. And health care sucks compared to Germany. We pay for it enough but I just hurt my hand this morning, went to the doctor, gave him my insurance card,he gave me stitches, and I'll never know what it cost. My mom had to go to the hospital and was charged like 5 dollars for ONE aspirin. Food and utilities here have grown expensive, but when my mom says Iceberg Lettuce cost 5 bucks a head. Damn. It's ICEBERG LETTUCE. My house is paid off, so our budget has a cusion but I feel sorry for my kid's generation when it comes time to buy, well, ANYTHING. Germany is far from perfect, but I have zero desire to move back to the States.

[@Kevin_Carlson]

My wife and I live in Guayaquil in a house that's paid for, no car and no debt. Our monthly income is modest, but we have a comfortable life. There is a crime problem here, but I never worry about going to the mall or most public places. I doubt we'll ever live in the States again. I love the USA, but grateful to live in Ecuador.

[@tsakurshovi6676]

So true! My wife and I spent two months in Italy where we rented a two bedroom apartment in a town between Firenze and Pisa and our morning cup of cappuccino and fresh baked pastry cost $2.70 and we didn't need a car since everything we needed, laundromat, restaurants, dry cleaners, and groceries were all within a few blocks of our apartment. When we went out to stock our apartment with food and drink, we brought it home and I placed it on the kitchen table and took a photo. I sent the photo to some friends back in the states with a caption that said, "70 dollars worth of groceries for $32 dollars".The only thing in Italy that costs more than in the states is gasoline. Not to mention the cheap cost of excellent public transportation and excellent health care which is a fraction of the cost of in the states, even if you're a foreigner. We're planning to go back to italy and search for a place to retire.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks for sharing, that sound wonderful!

[@rayvogensen2983]

Good for you. You are making the right decision. Regarding public transportation, we visited Rome a few years ago and I couldn't believe the cost of public transportation. At the time it was one euro but now it is €1.50 per ride. In Madrid, a single ticket also costs €1.50, while in Paris it is €1.90. Of course, people who live there have special prices and pay much less. For example, in Madrid children, young people under 26 years old, people with any disability, and people over 65 years have a reduced fare. If you are under 26 years old, a Monthly transport card includes all zones and it currently costs only 10€.

[@francesfarmer736]

I loved Firenze (Florence) Italy & Pisa when I visited years ago!

[@Hammocktraveller]

Best food in the world

[@nygardenguru]

Only thing I heard electric bill can be $500 a month no bueno

[@christopherbranski1720]

I’ve lived in Mexico City for a year and a half now, and what I don’t miss about the US at all is paying 5-star prices and getting one, two-star crap in return. And this goes for both the public and private sectors, I wouldn’t mind paying the taxes and the prices if I got my money’s worth but it just keeps getting worse

[@stevebbuk]

It's the same in the UK Christopher. Taxes are at a 70-year high yet public services have reached rock bottom.

[@judymckee5992]

Christopher, I left too, it is pure garbage in US now.

[@Mysticaltyger]

Exactly. I'm glad you mentioned that this is prevalent in both public and private sectors. So many people pick on one or the other, but truthfully, it's both.

[@jenniferlorence185]

Christopher Branski: I've been wanting to move to Mexico City, but I am Not Sure, I hear So many bad things happening to Women, and that's what's holding me back, and also, I am not sure if I can rent an Apartment there.

[@christopherbranski1720]

@@jenniferlorence185 for a rental, I started renting my apartment as an Airbnb, then I asked the owner if I could continue renting as a traditional tenant. (It’s cheaper of course to rent as a traditional tenant). As far as safety goes, consider that CDMX has a lower homicide rate than many American cities. Sure there are ‘no-go zones’ like every city, but basic precautions should keep you safe

[@johnbruenn8755]

We are SO getting screwed in the US! We don’t want to leave but retirement is close at hand. We are SERIOUSLY considering becoming expats.

[@marytica123]

DON'T WAIT TOO LONG ! Uncle Sam is considering elimination of DUAL CITIZENSHIP, and may also put restrictions on sending pension money abroad.

[@zeemc2751]

I'm leaving. It's nothing here for me. So many people have left the U.S. for good. If they take away dual citizenship or retirement funds, I still would not stay in the U.S.

[@timisaac8121]

@@marytica123 Hey Mary. I saw that!! The SS pension is usually direct deposit to any USA bank account, then accessed by ATM outside USA. But you are quite correct- The land of the Free? In near future? not so much. At Davos, they proposed Passports to include digital medical information such as "do you have Covid (or other) vaccines required to travel!! Grim days coming!!

[@timisaac8121]

@Joe Thibodeau so true!!@! Everyone does make that decision. My friend, a multi millionaire, works, but never seems to live. No matter how big his pile is, no matter how far above average his income and assets grow, he seems driven for more.

[@judymckee5992]

John, Do it. I was living in Valencia Spain, u can go near Alicante ( cheaper, nice too ), now in coastal town in Kent. Eggs 1 dozen $1.60

[@BrisLS1]

I had a fall and hit my head. Two days later, dizzy spells and felt like I was going to fall out of my work chair. Went to the hospital for one night - $6000 just for my initial cut, and who knows what else they charge when the insurance company and hospital start fighting each other. It is ridiculous. I just wanted not to die alone in my home 2 days after the fall, and all they did was hook me up to a heart monitor and pump me with a saline IV. No ambulance service, took an Uber, just a bed and a device squeezing the crap out of my arm once an hour. 6 Grand. Welcome to the USA. $6 for a dozen eggs. Try to get a raise, all the big tech companies are laying off 10,000 employees.

[@user-qb7ms6vs7s]

Sounds like hell, compared to the netherlands

[@jnwilliams1986]

Where do you live that eggs are only 6$? It’s 12$ for free range eggs here.

[@afrikanheritage99]

​​@@jnwilliams1986I live in New Jersey and one dozen large organic brown eggs is $5.99.

[@12567NoYouCannot]

The USA is A Huge Scam.

[@ScottsdaleSushi]

@@user-qb7ms6vs7s I love where I live - my mortgage is less than 1K in a nice neighborhood. I have a ranch market for my produce. I shop the sales for food & go to a dented can type store to save a huge amount on my groceries. Only whiners come on here to complain - the rest of us are out living life.

[@jeffs4483]

Wages have been suppressed for decades while prices have increased for everything and income inequality has worsened.

[@rons5319]

That's called a reduced standard of living. We are working more and getting less for the money we get.

[@judymckee5992]

@@rons5319 , As a former foreigner, it is true. I never knew that Americans work so hard and long hours with outrageous living expenses. I used to pay $20 for house insurance yearly and my house is worth $60k in 1997.

[@benitshi]

💯

[@rbnhd1144]

Isn't that the Truth.

[@CharlesMuccia]

Agree 100% with everything you guys said! I'm absolutely planning on leaving the US as soon as I can because I can't afford to live here when I retire. I live in California and I honestly don't understand how so many people can afford it here. Where do so many people get so much money? Might be an unpopular opinion, but everything in the US seems like its designed to make as much money as possible from everything. It's not a sustainable economic model.

[@marytica123]

YUP - the USA is "the Land of the Dollar Bill" , except NOW it's the $100 dollar bill !

[@CasaFassa]

You are exactly right. Thats all US is designed to do!

[@cudafish9594]

If you live in California, you have already left the US! 😂

[@robotinthebrain]

Don’t go to Ecuador you might be disappointed. Everywhere where the dollar is the main currency will be expensive. Go to Pesos countries …

[@jecabrer]

@@robotinthebrain the basic salary is 400 USD. You would not be able to do anything with that money in the US.

[@detch5307]

Amen! I just got back from the States and was SHOCKED at the prices. It seems everything is double or even triple. I found myself walking out of some stores refusing to pay the prices. And restaurant foods...forget about it! How can people remain in the States.

[@lcsw1377]

Where did you go?? Remember we have 50 States and vast differences in costs within each of those depending on location!

[@detch5307]

@@lcsw1377 Las Vegas, Nevada. I have a home there. I was there at Thanksgiving and all of December...couldn't wait to get back to Cuenca.

[@michaelsix9684]

consumers in America are crushed by corp. monopolies

[@afrikanheritage99]

Great question 🤔

[@afrikanheritage99]

​​@@lcsw1377o where is cheap in America. Even those places you thought are cheap are humongously expensive in comparison to other countries. You could live big and like a king/queen on the same budget you spent in those " cheap " US states. It's tough to navigate through life counting pennies keeping a tab on every dime. That's no life my dear.

[@rexx9496]

Just one caveat that I feel is fair to mention. While things may seem cheap to an American in Ecuador, to a local getting paid local wages(less than $500USD/mo ) the things that seem cheap to us are very expensive to them. It's only cheap if you're making your money from sources abroad.

[@LIVdaBrand]

Right. But we are bringing money into their economy so that helps

[@Michael-bx7hb]

who cares

[@rainbowodysseybyjonlion]

This is a pointless statement. The whole point of this channel IS MOVING ABROAD! Commenting on the local populace is literally pointless and somewhat prejudice. Its like saying youre in a middle class suburb in usa and someone says "well theres this poor person a few neighborhoods down who cant afford the car you have or bike you have or clothes you have so that means youre a bad person". Theres always poor people everywhere you go that cant afford thinfs every single one of you has! It doesnt mean anything! Do ehats best amd successful for your life and screw the haters!!

[@rexx9496]

@@rainbowodysseybyjonlionI say this because people in the US complain about how ridiculously expensive things are here and how "cheap" they are in developing countries. As if America is ripping them off or overcharging them for things that should be cheaper(though you can probably say this is the case for health care). I'm just saying those things are expensive to the people that live in developing countries just as much as American costs are to people in America.

[@rainbowodysseybyjonlion]

@@rexx9496 ok now i get you. Except your two points are just wrong. People are no assuming that america is ripping them off (except home prices and prop tax that actuallly is a rip off). Secondly the things in those developing countrys are not so bad if those poor people just get a freaking job. Ive been to 6 different countrys in 4 continents. A majority of poor abroad dont work at all or work few hours. The ones that work full time and most of their day are practically always provided for.

[@eiia3894]

Unless you make millions per year, many people don't realize the costly low standard of living in the US because they've never lived abroad. I was lucky to have lived abroad as an adult and didn't want to come back but my husband's job brought us back to overpriced California.

[@williamshaw8106]

🇩🇴

[@yikwonjang2978]

At least weather is good

[@patprokop7035]

Spot on. Lived and worked in Asia for 10 years. Loved every minute of it. Returned to USA in 2014 and can’t wait to get out. Wife currently overcoming cancer. Looking at Nicaragua. Love you guys.

[@kirkz9317]

It's true. Cashiers are asking for tips at local restaurant where you're already expected to tip the server. Five Guys and Jersey Mike's ask for tips at the register. Very annoying.

[@ricks3344]

Five Guys in Buffalo NY has sign on thedoor for help starting at $20.46 /hour and then there is a tip jar on the counter. You order Subway online and they automatically add a 15% tip. If you notice it you can take it off.

[@pinkiepinkster8395]

@@ricks3344 don't buy from big corporations... it's junk food. Just eat fresh fruits and veggies and nuts and seeds.

[@Chahlie]

I don't mind tipping at my local Mediterranean deli/grocery as they were a lifesaver during Covid. The owner is a good person and keeps prices lower than the supermarkets, and everyone there is so kind. I buy everything I can there just to support them :) I also tip my water delivery guy :)

[@autobotdiva9268]

Went to jersey mikes today and it had suggested tips on the screen 😂😂. Decline

[@Eric-ej3oy]

Tips were designed by companies as a con to get customers to help pay thier employees salary as pity. "They" ? say life is a scam. And everything is a scam but scams. BTW. Do anybody know who "they" are?

[@one100billNEOONE]

Cannot wait to get out of the US. Everything you say is 100% true.

[@IAmHisBeloved5]

@@one100billNEOONE people in other countries have said cost of living is expensive as well. But I’m sure there are a few reasonable places.

[@davidhudnall6802]

The root of the problem with the cost of living in the US is the tremendous income inequity. People who have money are used to overpaying for everything from housing to tipping just to get what they want. Doing so raises the prices for everyone. If someone pays $100,000 over asking price for a house, it shuts out the average person who is living on a much more modest income.

[@yikwonjang2978]

The whole government works for powerful people with money. Americans are so divided politically they can't come to any agreement.

[@gregj1241]

Yep it's one big money grab. Corporations treat us like atm machines

[@trehugr4life]

🎯

[@allsouls5997]

Thomas Jefferson warned," "If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around them will deprive the people of all property until their children wake up homeless on the continent their Fathers conquered." and we have one and its called deceptively the Federal Reserve

[@duancoviero9759]

Yes, the average citizen is a financial asset.

[@edwardmiessner6502]

Exactly. It's not a sustainable business model!

[@jimcrawford3185]

The Amerikan way

[@caddothegreat]

Healthcare in USA has been a scam for years. The last 2 years it has even gotten worse. The doctors are not as good as they once were. Most work for the corporation now. Insurance companies run the system. You better stay healthy. My wife and I are almost 74.

[@joy4118]

I no longer trust doctors since 2020 and the three-year psy-op that followed.

[@caddothegreat]

@@joy4118 Our distrust started before that. We knew the 2020 was just pure crap. Money maker for many. At human lives cost.

[@timisaac8121]

Stay healthy is RIGHT!!!! USA doctors still can't answer: "Gee, Doctor. Where did I get this cancer? Where did it come from? Did my diet cause cancer?" They can't because McDonald's has direct line to every Political office. Sugar, Cheap Cooking Oils, processed foods? They ALL have trade groups to prevent the doctor saying which one of them gave you cancer.

[@williamshaw8106]

It's WORSE having to rely on the VA for medical care!!

[@greensorrel6860]

True

[@SpiffyHeart-vc8kb]

Guys, I’m visiting in the States right now, as I watch your video. I’m in Dallas, then going to Louisiana. Been here 48 hours, and bought groceries at Walmart. $6 for a dozen eggs! I was CRAVING oysters! One pint of oysters was $21!! $4 for half gallon of milk! Can’t wait to get back home to Ecuador! 😢

[@edwardmiessner6502]

If you're in New Orleans shop at Rouses. They're the least expensive because they're local, based in Houma. At least here 1 doz eggs is still under $5. Half gallon of milk, under $3. Even Sav-a-Lot, the "welfare" supermarket, is more expensive!

[@joemontero725]

Hello Sarah since your experience with Ecuador I'd love to learn from you and gain a friend. I now live in miami and speak English and Spanish fluently. Can you please share more with me. Thank you.

[@jdtravels5140]

Recently retired. I’ve had it with the US. I’m returning to the overseas life I miss. Through careful planning I have a great pension, high social security, and enormous stock portfolio. I can afford to live anywhere, but I’m choosing Southeast Asia.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Sounds great!

[@mr-vet]

Yep, tipping in the US is out of control. At the local baker when you pay with a card, you’re prompted to select a tip amount….really…a tip for putting a baguette or pastry in a bag…come on! I’ve seen tip jars in McDonald’s and other fast food restaurants and even in 7-11s.

[@josephbrown9685]

That’s because these greedy corporations won’t pay their workers enough and want the customers to make up for it.

[@eggheadegghead]

Agree, buying coffee, getting a cup of milk tea, they are all asking for tips…..WTH is going on here in the US?

[@WEICH-f7m]

Not from the states so I don’t quite understand: do you have an option (a button let’s say) not to tip? Do people tip because of a peer pressure or because you basically have to?

[@josephbrown9685]

@@WEICH-f7m Some table service restaurants will add a certain percentage tip automatically for large groups at the same table, but it’s generally optional to tip. There is some degree of peer pressure, I suppose, but it’s more of a cultural expectation than anything else because we are aware of how much servers rely upon tips for their income.

[@Sno_opy_ten_14_29]

I agree that prices in the USA have gone nuts.

[@Vera-dg3hf]

UNLESS you're a millionaire, you have a business generating over 500k and your home is paid off, you will struggle living in the USA. Even people making 100k are struggling right now. Nurses going on strike, scarcity of doctors and nurses, teachers quitting their jobs, etc. Cost of living in the USA is ridiculous and youll be paying over 500k for a crappy house built in the 1800s.

[@ScottsdaleSushi]

Well, voting for a nursing home patient who shut down oil & gas & spent money we did not have is the cause. Look in the mirror if you voted for the culprit.

[@peteguichard6161]

I live in San Francisco. In 2022, my basic, no thrills, lifestyle (beans and rice; no guacamole) cost over $5,200 per month. Dios mio! That's is a lot.

[@dennynisevic7848]

No guacamole, hahahaaaa, I like that. Pura Vida amigos

[@amgooder]

I heard that there is now a new fee for just saying ..."San Francisco"

[@djzrobzombie2813]

​@@amgooderit's the gay fee

[@stephanledford9792]

I have made comments before on videos you have posted because I lived in Peru as a child from age 5 to 15, in the 50's & 60's, when my dad worked there. My family has been following the current instabilities there with interest because we love the Peruvian people and the country as a whole, but it also points out something that needs to be factored in by Americans moving to a Latin American country, and that is the fact that (1) no matter how long you live there you will be an outsider, (2) whatever your income level, you will be viewed as rich, and (3) your future is tied to the country you are living in. When I was a child, Peru was going through much more political instability - we were there when the country nationalized much of the foreign investments there and when Che Guevara was active in the Indian areas. My parents would be notified by the US embassy (not sure if it was a letter or a phone call) and told to consider leaving for a while, but if not, to keep a low profile till things settled down. When that happened, I would stop going to the nearby park where I would join pickup soccer games, and instead of walking to our private school in Lima (Roosavelt), our parents would drive us there. The only problem we had was that once someone painted anti-American slogans on the walls of the house we were renting at the time. We had a steady stream of Peruvians living in our neighborhood who stopped by to apologize and say that they hoped this didn't ruin our view of Peruvians, and the Miraflores police were quite upset that this happened. I never felt unsafe there, but then I was a child. We came back to the US in 1966, and while Peru and most of South America has changed for the better since then, the truth is that the three points I listed at the start of my post are still valid today, and the political factor must be taken into account along with the economics. Let me list these three again: (1) No matter how long you live in the country, you will always be a Gringo. (2) No matter your income level, you will always be viewed as rich. (3) Your future is tied to the political stability of the country you are living in. Ask Americans who retired in Venezuela what that is like. Love your videos, BTW. I am praying for Peru and the wonderful people living there.

[@davisholman8149]

This comment is EXCELLENT. Everything said here is 100% the truth. The USA has small, more rural areas with wonderful people, cost of living, & lifestyle. My friend purchased a darling little 3 bed 1.5 bath home in a small town in South Carolina. It was a very reasonable price($72,000). It needs a little work, but she can do it a little at a time. She loves her garden & volunteers at a couple of places in town and has already made many friends. She has an Obamacare health insurance policy for a little less than $100 per month. She is like me - shops the sales for food & stocks up to keep a bit of emergency stash.

[@greensorrel6860]

Very true, people moving there from wealthy countries have an artificial advantage with a higher income, pension than the locals and the more that relocate there the market will also correct and increase in prices

[@afrikanheritage99]

There are economic & political instability too in the US. Every nation have their own demons 😈 they're fighting. They're not all perfect. Talk about exclusion and discrimination, you should ask us the US immigrants about our experiences of how we're treated no matter how many decades you've in this country. It's worst here including exclusion of certain demographics of America 🇺🇸 African-Americans precisely. So, please you're not in a position to judge nations. Let people go where they want to go. Global citizens across the globe are friendly to foreigners except angry and paranoia Americans.

[@afrikanheritage99]

Also, your family's attitude may be the reason for societal exclusion. Many Americans in foreign countries tend to disrespect the locals and their cultures and you expect inclusion with this kind of attitude?

[@christophercobb249]

The tipping thing in the US is because so many workers are subsisting on non-livable wages. Some restaurants are now including a "living wage" surcharge for meals, which just goes to show how horribly broken the US is in so many ways. I once had to survive on minimum wage in Michigan, which at the time was about $7.50 per hour. It was a horrific time in my life. I agree with everything you both said. I love traveling abroad. I've considered moving to Latin America. The only question I would have is: do you think the extremely inexpensive cost of living for Americans in some foreign countries is related to global wealth inequities? In other words, would the extremely affordable cost - for Americans - of Ecuador feel extremely affordable to the average person who is from Ecuador and lived there their whole life? When I visited Colombia, the extremity of the wealth inequities exceeded anything I have seen in the US. And I have worked in social services with homeless youth, who live in extreme poverty here. I am very curious about moving abroad sometime, but I'm just curious as to whether the high quality of life for US expats abroad is in some cases connected to global inequities.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Life isn’t fair and it certainly isn’t equal. Should we all stay in situations that are oppressive or should we escape if given the choice? By spending our money in countries like Ecuador and Colombia, we help spread the wealth and fuel the economy. These countries like having us because we create jobs and fund social programs with all the money we spend. It’s a win-win, except in certain places where too many wealthy foreigners congregate like Mexico City and cause gentrification in neighborhoods. It’s not great for the small number of people forced from their homes, but it’s good for the larger economy.

[@faustinreeder1075]

I never tip and I get a lot of enjoyment pushing 0% and looking the person driving the cash register in the eye and then smiling. No tips ever for anybody

[@Chahlie]

I'm in western Canada, and I find our public transit is such a blessing, and so few people use it, aside from kids who don't drive. I'm about 40 minutes from the nearest shopping area and there is a direct bus 3 times a day and a connecting one more often, and you can go all day for 5 bucks. I love it. It's our lack of medical care here that is driving me to move elsewhere. I'm lucky enough to have a GP, but I've been waiting a year for an ultrasound, and heaven help you if you need to go to Emergency. I know people who just get their medical stuff done in Mexico while on vacation :(

[@lauras8674]

I saw your video and am sick of getting gouged left and right! Yes here in Colorado. Prices are through the roof!! I have no plans on retiring here. Eggs are now $5.00 a dozen!! I agree with you on everything!

[@nala3038]

Man I’m glad I don’t eat eggs!

[@trehugr4life]

Eggs are $ 5 or more/ doz in WI too

[@sschreck08]

I’m so glad I don’t eat eggs or any animal products. My groceries are so much cheaper! 😁

[@mick1581]

I'm paying around $7-10 for organic eggs here in Australia.

[@timmmahhhh]

Egg costs are thanks Avian flu creating the need to slaughter a lot of hens so the lack of a source on top of inflation has created sky high prices. Yeah I bought a "cheap" dozen at Aldi for $5 last week.

[@clayfree7428]

The more you print money……..the less valuable it becomes……

[@marytica123]

The US dollar has devalued 70% since 1970, after Nixon took the dollar off the gold standard and allowed it to "float" against other fiat currencies. We watched with amazement as the US dollar declined 35% against the weak Costa Rican "colon" currency ! What a disgrace for America !

[@allsouls5997]

Thomas Jefferson warned," "If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around them will deprive the people of all property until their children wake up homeless on the continent their Fathers conquered." and we have one and it is deceptively called the Federal Reserve

[@marytica123]

@@allsouls5997 ABSOLUTELY CORRECT - many have said that JFK intended to abolish the Federal Reserve, and have the US Treasury take over its Constitutional duties. And he was assassinated..

[@angelastewart9497]

You guys are giving good information. Thank you … there are so many people living on the streets here in the USA . Seniors are getting beat up .. I’m ready to go .I’m 58 . Was trying to wait till 62 .. get some retirement.

[@dlwilliamson5644]

First, I love your videos and your content. Regarding tipping, I am working as a waitress after being a public school teacher for 22 years to supplement my income. Every tip we get on any credit card, we the servers who make $2.13 per hour (40 years ago we made $1.86 per hour) have to pay the credit card fee for whatever tip we receive. To clarify, we do have to claim all tips for tax purposes and this includes the occasional cash tip. On a great note, within 18 months, my child will graduate from college with no debt. With him being on his own, I am moving to Cuenca. This November, I will be making my initial visit to determine where I will explore the area. Again, I genuinely appreciate your content. After living in Spain and in China, which I loved, I am certain that I will love Ecuador and look forward to taking your online e-course. Thank you for all of your content. Cheers,

[@stanspb763]

I have been back in the US(California) 5 times in 22 years for a total of 10 weeks and every time I think I would be shock-less due to having been shocked by how much more it costs with increasing costs but also increased number of costs. It is literally impossible to recreate my life inside the US because one of my interests is culture and love being able to attend quality drama, opera, ballet, jazz, symphonies, clubbing, fine dining, world class museums and great art, all things unavailble to 95% of Americans. I am single and date a lot, and what would be $500-2000 for a date for a play and dinner in the US is $28 for better quality, and have a choice of 250 theaters. Americans do not have access to good museums or art for the most part so do not appreciate it. The cost of living is a major problem but so is the lack of options and lack of privacy with every aspect of life requiring being monitored and tracked, and everything is on contracts instead of pay as one goes. Americans are the most constrained, contained, least free people on earth with media and government that is 90% deception, lies and propaganda. I have been in 92 countries and see every place that is current not being regime changed or attacked by the US(currently the US is attempting to overthrow 57 democratically elected governments, including the one I live under.) and justified by convincing the people of the US of lies. Every war that is reported, less then 1/10 are reported, only years later does truth come out if one digs, only to find out it was all based on lies. But Americans are always willing to believe any current wars are truthful this one time. Over and over again, Americans fall for it despite having a 100% track record of prior wars were based on lies. Do not move outside the US if you want to be shielded from the fact that you will learn how destructive and untruthful your government has been to the rest of the world. Stay in the bubble where reality never intrudes.If you watch TV(in most countries TV is not so popular because there is so many options for information, entertainment, culture etc outside the home) you have a very distorted view of the rest of the world. I have yet to find a society that was not far far better than Americans are told, and unless under active covert or open attack by the US, every region of the world gets better every year, while quality of life in the US EU UK etc gets worse. The collapse of Europe that is going on now, all traces back to the US orgins. So if one leaves they are well advised to consider countries that are not dependent on the US. So going to countries that do not have US military bases is almost always better than going to countries do have them. It is better to live in countries with a rising expectation than declining so any country connected to the BRI, BRICS, SCO and other independent trade pacts are having rising quality of life, currently that is 74% of the world population and increasing with new members applying every month. All of South America will eventurally be in that grouping, all the middle east, all of Africa , Central Asia, Asia except Japan. Russia, and the 'Stans" such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan or Kyrgyzstan(a personal favorite is Kyrgyzstan as a really cool place to live with great food, calms, low cost, friendly with mx of all the cultures of the old Silk Road) are low cost, safe and highly cultured and a lot of English is spoken with better access to health care, great food quality, highly educated. For the most modern cities and services, China is amazing with a very high quality of life and happiness index and no serious poverty. Some areas in Asia are expensive such as Singapore. Vietnam is a growing region for ex-pats with low cost of living, good medical, growing economy, stability etc. I picked St Petersburg Russia and love it. It has a large ex-pat community and English is spoken a lot, with far lower cost of living, 100 times the access to culture than western countries, safe, great for families with children, no need for a car, friendly and lack of homeless or poverty. The stress level is almost zero and it is cheaper than Moscow and much smaller population, higher quality of food, wide range of cuisines to choose from, great and easily available health care and Americans get a 3 year visa that can be renewed. Current one has to leave the country every 6 months and they return the same day for another 6 months, unless they apply for residency.Great schools, universities(some degrees can be pursued in English such as computer science or economics. The medical care is very good, even free house calls. 600 clean safe beautiful parks, 44 islands, more world class museums than the entire US combined, easy to start a business, low taxes(ex-pats do not pay taxes however and in fact residents don't either since income taxes and social security are paid by the employer so nothing is deducted from the salary) In the next few years, major changes to the world economy is expected as the US dollar will not longer be the world reserve currency. That will have the most impact on the US because unlimited printing of money without inflation will end. Most of the world and all the growing economies will be in trade pacts outside of the US control so the dollar value will primarily be based on domestic factors, not world trade as now. The producer countries are working out the details of a new commodities back reserve currency that will be self-regulating based on the value of the essential commodities value such as gold, silver, food, oil, gas, uranium, steel, aluminum, water, timber, etc. This has been needed for a long time, a reserve currency disconnected from any one country. As the demand for one or more essential commodities increases or declines, the currency it backs will automatically change in value, and having enough different essential commodities included in the basket will be a smoothing or moderating effect. Most of the wars of the last 70 years have been to maintain domination of the dollar so that source of conflict will be removed. So it is better to think of the value of your assets now, and how will they be affected with the dollar no longer king in deciding where to move to. But move you will if you want a secure and low-stress life in retirement or for those just starting a family

[@marla396]

I agree

[@yikwonjang2978]

Only the number one country in the world can control the currency. Even if most people hate dollars, they can't ignore the military power of USA. Too bad America used to value Christian faith which taught the value of hard work, honesty, honor, love and sacrifice. Now the American greed is hurting everyone.

[@JOSUEEOFFICIAL]

I didn’t read all that bro

[@larryjean45]

Enjoyed your video, I agree with you, things are really getting crazy here, it's just not the same anymore.

[@stevenwomack9574]

You guys are amazing. And every time I see one of your videos, I get a little bit closer to pulling the plug on the U.S.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

You can do it!

[@showcaseSampa]

Leaving the US is a mixed bag. You need to weigh in a lot of factors.. 1.For one, your lifestyle will change, some people are creatures of habit. 2.Your earning power overseas goes to zero. If you don't have a retirement nest egg, you can be cornered with a no way out. 3.It's a long term commitment. Americans are not used to adapt outside of their bubble. 4.Your network is gone. You go into a rebuild mode. 5.You will be forced to learn a new language. Once you can overcome the above outlined factors, then it is a matter of choosing the right place. I am a dual US and Brazilian Citizen, outside the US for the past 10 years. Best advice i can give you.... 1.Chose a place within a shorter flight to the US to be close enough to your family. That puts Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Canada, and Ecuador/Colombia in your playing field. 2.Europe is kind of overdone. There are good places. Portugal's cost have soared on rents because of expats ( Brazilians, Americans, Russians, Ukranians, the EU, Africa ). Greece, possibly, since the crisis the Country gotten a lot cheaper. Italy is undergoing the same fate with their Banking Crisis. Young people are out of work out there. The Slavic Countries might be a good place to look after. Russia and Ukraine, forget about them Japan, you possibly can afford rural towns. Everywhere else housing is expensive. Ireland has gotten expensive. If you can travel farther past a 10 hour flight, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Chile come into play. I would definetively do the homework in Uruguay if you a. Are carnivore b.Want a slower paced environment c.Don't mind retail hours. The country literally goes into siesta mode at lunch , Sundays and Holidays.

[@honeybeejourney]

Me, too.

[@gnomuka]

It’s insane brother! I am not able to really go out! So i just stopped drinking period and eat home and thats it, no new clothes nothing just social media. Working out, work and home! Thats life

[@traceyb715]

You guys yet again confirm my sentiments! We are moving to Mexico this year. Family and friends think we are out of our minds. I think they are out of their minds for staying! I realize not all are able, but don’t shun the ones who want to run! Thanks for the video!

[@timisaac8121]

hey Tracey B: Best to you!! I live in Baja Mexico the past 20 years. It is a very good time for you to come. About 1M Americans live in Mexico. There are Americans live north and south of me, but in my town of about 5,000, I am usually the only white person. I really like it this way. Food is local produced and I buy steak, filet mignon for about $5 a pound. The Butcher slices very thin, so you have to insist and ask several times for thicker cuts. I grow food, collect rain water (for plants) and have chicken. There are no building codes. I don't know anyone who borrows from a bank to build their own home. Best wishes to you and yours!!

[@traceyb715]

@@timisaac8121 that’s awesome Tim! Sounds like you are living your best life! Mexico is a magical place and the ones who take the time to really discover it will find that out. To me Mexico is about getting back to the things that have been lost in our own cultures along the way. Mexico has preserved so much of all the things I crave! Take care and thanks for sharing!

[@timisaac8121]

@@traceyb715 Wow!! Exactly!! You put that so right: "....getting back to the things that have been lost in our own cultures along the way. Mexico has preserved so much of all the things I crave! "!!

[@missmomus]

I remember seeing a tip jar at a gem and mineral show, at a booth selling dinosaur fossils. 🤣🤣🤣 I should have asked if it was going to the paleontologist who dug it up.

[@bluebutterflytravels191]

We are in Mexico now...at the moment a 2 month stay in Mazatlan. In Oregon, 2 or so years ago I had a retinal detachment and just had to choose blindness in my left eye because even if I would have had great insurance and/or lots of money in the bank there was such limited access to care I would have also needed be be flown into a hospital in Eugene or Portland (I was in Gold Beach) IF they would have taken me. Well, it was also during the first part of the covid thing and they were not accepting anyone for non-lifesaving surgeries (plus all the other scary stuff that was going on in hospitals at the time to top that all off). I know of others who have had the same thing happen. So, I found a great ophthalmologist that speaks English here in Mazatlan to get sort of a debrief of the damaged eye and a thorough assessment of my "good" eye. Took less than a week to get an appointment with him AND my cost was 900 pesos or around $45 US. I'm grateful but kind of pissed off at what's going on (planned implosion) in the US... At least now if I have that happen to my other eye I can get into a hospital and get it addressed here in Mexico.... We do not consider ourselves "ex-pats", either. We are refugees from a country that is falling apart.

[@elihuyoungblood2943]

As a Mexican I dislike the -ex pats term as well.

[@outlawbarber]

Keep spreading the word. Great work.

[@hildamontana4990]

I already have shared this video with people living in their vans and 🚗. Eternal blessings.❤

[@Eric-ej3oy]

Confused. Eternal blessings?

[@carryjosh8890]

I’ve been in Quito for 3 days… everyday I’ve seen at least one young person helping an elderly lady across the street or a young person walking with there what it seems to be their grand parents with their arms locked.. you could see how much they care for their elderly

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We see that all the time! Ecuador highly respects there tercer edad (elderly) 😊🇪🇨

[@anthonymanderson7671]

Interesting. This is what Americans should be doing to homeless people as well.

[@rons5319]

Companies charge as much as people will pay. The only way to stop high prices is to stop buying the overpriced items -- or severely cut back. That will send the message that they can't get away with it. I was recently in Arizona on I40 heading west toward California. I stopped at the last gas station in Az and the price was $3.39 per gallon, knowing from the gas buddy site what was coming. Twenty miles down the road in California in Needles, the price was $5.89 per gallon. And every station I saw in town was that much. What a scam. What a ripoff.

[@ttc99wilson]

Those companies would probably layoff staff before cutting prices.

[@cudafish9594]

Yeah, tell that to people on fixed incomes that have to go to grocery store for food!

[@manie3232]

I stayed at the cheapest motel in my life in Needles when I drove out to California in 99. With tax even the price of the motel room for the night was less than 20 bucks! And several around the one I stayed in were about the same.

[@virgobro2025]

How about some government regulation?

[@patnewman1]

In Cuenca I was buying 30 eggs for $3.40. I arrived back in the US and am paying $4.99 per dozen. I went to a local Ecuadorian restaurant in Connecticut and paid $13 for Seco de Pollo. The US is completely out of hand control regarding pricing. I am leaving for Thailand in 2 weeks for a 1 year stay. Ecuador has some of the best public transportation that I have seen. 1/25/2023 Update, I am in Connecticut and had to take a cab 21.5 miles, the charge was $87.25 plus a tip of $10.00. I am staying with a friend while I await leaving for Thailand next week. She just received a $400 electric bill. She heats her home to 68 degrees during the day and 60 degrees at night. I do not understand how people can afford to retire with any quality of life in the US anymore.

[@alesul2007]

If you can make US money and not live in the USA you are living like a king if you are smart.

[@kram4now962]

JP and Amelia, I absolutely love you guys - and especially when you’re exploring and sharing places many can only dream of seeing. So I hope your subscriber count grows to the point where you’re able to do that full time. And just a thought: As a retired military officer, you may want to consider hosting an episode focusing on Veterans. Many Veterans have overseas experience, so the shock factor really isn’t a factor. And for retired military, “TriCare for Life” (essentially Medicare for retired military), unlike Medicare, covers health care overseas. I have zero doubt you’d have problems finding qualified Veterans living in Ecuador (or any country South of US) willing to host with you and share their experience.

[@marcelarendon6741]

Hello. I new an older US retired militar that came to work in Manta military base on 2002, he really loved Manta and stay for 10 year more untill he passed away. He really enjoy Ecuador and had a happy life here.

[@anitamendez116]

Great Video! Thank you for being so honest and trying to help others to realize that they have other options in this world to live comfortably and get the health care that every human being deserves.

[@ramjet5192]

I've been watching you guys for a while, and have decided to affordably retire in Ecuador, then... I'm 67 and partially disabled as of about 4 years ago. My monthly Social Security benefit, my only income now, equals my rent. The max disability I MIGHT be able to collect is $800 per month. MAYBE. See the problem? I'm looking forward to new adventures, but I'd prefer not to be forced to take them because the US lacks sufficient safety nets. Most older folks today lack pensions and certainly have little savings for retirement. After working hard and paying taxes for 50 years, you would think...But, no. Too many hungry corporations and foreign countries to support. Fed up with the US and glad I'm leaving soon, at least before greed and corruption totally crushes it.

[@rons5319]

The US has been in decline for probably 30 years. I don't expect things to improve.

[@MrJx4000]

@@rons5319, _"...don't expect things to improve."_ depends on your point of view--if you work for or are the gov't, then you're set for life.

[@ramjet5192]

@Evral Tatum-Mcfield It's fed money, I believe, but funneled through the state. I live in Wyoming, one of the most red states and not so generous with these kinds of things. But it sounds like I need to take a deeper dive and investigate a bit more. Thanks.

[@Nami66148]

Exactly how does the US benefit by giving $ to Ukraine or other countries and let us sink ?

[@alipainting]

@Evral Tatum-Mcfield it all depends on how much you earned, rather than the amount of years.

[@FritzKrieg888]

I live in Saskatoon, Saskatchewa, Canada. Diesel fuel is $8 a gallon Reg Gas $6. $7.50 for 375 grams of bacon, lunch meat is $4 per 100grams for the cheap stuff. loaf of bread is $5, dozen eggs $4-5. 1 pound of low quality water injected ground beef $5-7. Cell phone 70-100$ a month limited data. Internet and cable 200$ a month for a entry level package. Yes we have free med care up here but not drugs or dentist.$ 250-350 for a filling, 1 pack of 25 cigarettes $25 yes 1 dollar per cigarette. 1 dozen beer 25-30$, 26 0z bottle of hard Liquor $30-35. Minimum wage is $13 per hour in this province. WE also have a carbon tax thanx to Justin Trudeau and it is just hammering us . 98% on our natural gas bills so yes what used to be 100 is now 198 but he also adds gst 5% tax on the carbon tax what a nice guy eh?

[@christineguttilla6465]

And yet 65% of Canadians voted for him… what is up with that? Are Canadians closet masochists?

[@raiz91]

Thanks Amelia and JP for this important information. Definitely, these facts are going to help people to redefine their goals and make crucial decisions.

[@jacobhamilton4888]

Love your videos. The cost of living here is crazy. I live in Colorado. Getting tired of the inflation, gas, oil changes, brake pads, blah blah blah. Life is so complicated here. Thanks for putting things in perspective and letting people know there is an escape!

[@thomasmorrison3279]

The real problem appears to be fiat currency. The dollar is not backed by gold. Now, the dollar is only backed by IOUs on treasury bonds that people buy as investments. This allows banks to legally print money with nothing to back the printed money, except for a promise to repay it to treasury bond owners. With the ability of banks to print and lend money, the supply of money and interest rates are artificially controlled. This results in inflation. In order to pay back the treasury bonds, taxes must be increased, and debt and inflation spiral out of control as time goes on. Higher debt results in more taxes and increased debt.

[@rayvogensen2983]

In the U.S. the average cost of private health insurance for a forty-year-old individual is $477,00 a month (I don't know how much the deductible is). In the Netherlands, it is about €135 (euros) per month. Everyone with basic health insurance has a standard, obligatory deductible excess of €385 euros (in 2023). In Portugal, private health insurance varies but the most expensive plan on Medis is €91,00 euros a month. That has a 10% co-pay for hospitalization with a minimum of €250 and a maximum of €500. The problem with all the private health insurance plans in countries like Spain and Portugal is that many will be canceled around the age of 70. In the case of the Medis plan, there is no age limit but the maximum period to start the insurance is the age of 75. So, buy your private insurance when you are still young.

[@hipsterkennyrogers909]

(In Boulder, CO) I have a long-term medication that I take. It cost $35/month... until January 2023. This past week the pharmacy told me it is now $641/month because my company has taken it off their "magic list". I priced it in Ecaudor and it appears to be $105/month.

[@EasternDreamer615]

I’ve been in Southwest Europe for a couple weeks and have marveled at how much cheaper it is here than in California. I always assumed Europe would be substantially more expensive but it’s not really. Gas is expensive but I don’t intend to drive as an expat. Other than that, everything else is cheaper.

[@NK72TO]

Salaries for professionals are a lot lower there.

[@EasternDreamer615]

@@NK72TO similar to Ecuador

[@psychologie1054]

What`s up with all these Americans in Portugal? I hope it's only a temporary thing...

[@EasternDreamer615]

@@psychologie1054 ask the politicians of Portugal, they make the decisions for the country

[@mina_en_suiza]

As you mentioned education and universities. I don't know the situation in Ecuador, but in Argentina there are also private and public universities. If you're just looking for a fancy looking diploma or a bullshit career like marketing or business administration, you're fine with a private university if you can afford them (compared to the US, they still cost very little). They look nice and clean, and you don't have to deal with politics. On the other hand, if you take the subject of your study seriously, it has to be a public university. Some of them, like Buenos Aires and La Plata, are world-class academic level. In most of Europe, the situation is similar.

[@Americanpatriot723]

The Savings Rate just collapsed down to 2.2%, the lowest level ever. Means Americans are running out of money. Last time it was this low was 2006-07. Right before GFC. Major Recession Warning. Expect a big decline in consumer spending in 2023. In five years, I would be retiring or working less hours, so I'm just curious about how people divide their income-specifically, how much goes to investments, savings, and consumption. I make about $165K a year, yet there is now nothing to show for it.

[@IAMBETTERTHANYYOU]

I can't tell from your post if you have a 401(k), but with $165K in income annually and nothing to show for it, it sounds more like you need to review your monthly budget because you are living beyond your means. Seek financial advice, reduce your monthly expenses, and any money you save should be invested wisely.

[@Americanpatriot723]

@@IAMBETTERTHANYYOU I'm self-employed, therefore I sponsor my 401k companies, and I'm open to multiple income streams. If you've worked with an advisor before, how was your experience with them? Is it as profitable as you make it out to be?

[@MIchaelGuzman737]

In other words, an advisor-managed portfolio would average 8% annualized growth over a 25-year period, compared to 5% from a self-managed portfolio.

[@IAMBETTERTHANYYOU]

@@Americanpatriot723 Yes, a Fidelity financial advisor named "LISA ELLEN SHAW" put an end to my fears about investing, and after making more investments, I was able to reach the seven-figure mark in less than 3 years. A licensing advisor satisfies the necessary security criteria; hence, reimbursement is guaranteed if I'm dissatisfied with the service, so I'm much better off hiring one.

[@Americanpatriot723]

@@IAMBETTERTHANYYOU Thanks for this advice. Finding your financial advisor was easy after looking her up. I found her website afterwards, left a message and hopefully she will reply soon.

[@TheXJ12]

Gas prices here in Europe are roughly $7.50 a gallon (1.85€/L) but we have fuel efficient cars.

[@alexrabines3947]

Finally someone told the truth about. Health Care. Should I call them , Money Care. ? Thank you, so very much. Great way to present the misery in our country. I'm retiring this year. Thinking South America or Philippines.

[@nala3038]

Greece is pretty good too.

[@emigarcia8142]

Everything they say is pretty much true but I would not like to be in Ecuador with a serious illness or emergency. It will be cheap but the negligence is real. Let’s keep things fare. Living in a third world country has its pros and cons.

[@sheilayungk7815]

Hi guys. I do follow your channel. You always talk about speaking Spanish. Well, I live in Florida and we have so many people from all over!! Spanish, Russian. Most of the people that work for our maintenance are Spanish speaking. We can't even communicate with them!! Many people who live in my building in Delray Beach are Russian and they speak it all the time! Our HOA just went up almost $40.00 for each condo. I'm paying around $450.00 per month! One of my pet peeves is the landscaping that goes on here. It was so noisy today if I wasn't feeling good (just had a tooth pulled) I would have left my condo. My mom lives nearby so I go to her home. Also, everyone has a dog here!!! When I moved in we were not allowed to have dogs. There was never any amendment added in our by-laws to allow them either. I just want to live in a place where I can't hear my neighbors and there is peace and quiet. I have been to Ecuador. I believe I shared with you a while ago. I went to do Ayahuasca, plant medicine, with a group of women. We were in the mountains. I never saw so many stars. It was wonderful!!

[@kram4now962]

If dogs are a pet-peeve, Central/South America is NOT for you.

[@sheilayungk7815]

@@kram4now962 I was in Ecuador. Dogs run around in the streets. Where I live now, people keep them in their homes. Some continuously bark. I'm sure I could find a quiet place. If not oh well.

[@dianelevario6943]

It’s true! I Never thought that at 68 years of age I would be so broke all the time, after a lifetime of working as an educator. It’s a shame. I just want to give up

[@AdventureWalk4K]

The cost of living is insane for sure. I'm hoping to spend a few months in Thailand later this year, if all goes well. Working a seasonal job in Alaska for the summer, and then maybe teaching English online p/t when I'm there. Would like to start spending half the year overseas to explore options. Thanks for the great video! 😍🔥👍

[@timisaac8121]

Hey!! HP Walker (not Drifter? LOL) how do you get a hook up with Alaska seasonal? I think of that every spring but never get it together- Have you done that before? How is the English teaching online? I'm not sure I have the patience of that. Best of wishes. You really have an great attitude!

[@tomyum6163]

I plan on moving there in late June/July from NOLA. I've visited BKK twice and love it.

[@AdventureWalk4K]

A lot of places are interviewing and hiring now. The summer season in Alaska usually starts around April/May and goes through September

[@AdventureWalk4K]

@@tomyum6163 Sweet! I'm hoping to travel to BKK in October

[@timisaac8121]

@@AdventureWalk4K So you go there, work as many hours as possible, and walk with a pile of cash in September?

[@vanessaprovost1112]

Great video guys !!!! I used to pay 6 thousand dollars!! for my mother in low nursing home care , but the worst part she was being abuse , her room was always smelly and I had to wash her clothes and much more cos they wouldn’t do , in fact they never washed her blankets once ! Awful experience

[@amgooder]

6K a year?

[@vanessaprovost1112]

@@amgooder monthly, it was awful.

[@user-qb7ms6vs7s]

@@vanessaprovost1112 wow that's criminal. 6k is intense

[@turtleanton6539]

Ouch😮

[@M1Fortunes]

As of today in SD , Cali. Rent 2400 2bd , elec 350 (70% increase over the last month) Internet 105. Food 800 p/m for 2 Gas 4.99 /gal Car ins 276 Dental and Medical prices (Mafiosa) spousal support 2k and the list goes on..

[@mikefigures5075]

I live in the US. Last summer I fell off a ladder and was in excruciating pain. My girlfriend wanted to call 911. First thing came to mind was the horror stories of people getting ambulance bills for thousands of $$. Instead I crawled around looking for my insurance card (cause I knew could be issue if I showed up at hospital without it ) and we drove there !

[@AmeliaAndJP]

That’s a great example of healthcare in the US!

[@C1K450]

If your in the middle class in the USA, your either going to get richer or going to get poorer.

[@tinabraxton4906]

I left Denver 3 years ago for Malta, where I have citizenship by descent. I will never go back. My small SS check gets me a 2- bedroom flat here. I almost never had any healthcare before and stopped eating things like broccoli and fruit decades ago. But I have all that here. Free buses, too, and they go everywhere.

[@dafawty9thstate830]

This is why I'm going to move to Colombia, ASAP.

[@stevebbuk]

Why did you choose Colombia Dafawty9th State? I have researched Latin America and am torn between Ecuador and Argentina, but open to suggestions.

[@dafawty9thstate830]

@@stevebbuk my wife is from there, and I've already been going there for 25 years and own a condo down there. Will be buying a house in the country very soon, as soon we find the place we like.

[@amarilloaristocrat8435]

In Colombia, the peso is valued at 4,600 to one dollar.

[@stevebbuk]

@@amarilloaristocrat8435 Maybe, but surely there's more to moving to a different country than just a monetary figure? By the way: your moniker wins a prize for originality.

[@karengranados280]

I totally agree with you on costs. I doubt I could every get my husband to leave his hometown. My kids also use me a lot for babysitting grandkids. It's still in the back of my mind, but probably won't happen until we both retire, if at all:( I'm going to keep working on him and researching:) Thanks for your information!

[@afrikanheritage99]

I get what you're saying Ma'am. At some point, you've to live your life one time before we exit this earth. You did your job as a parent probably without help, your kids should keep up to their role. I don't think it's fair for grandparents to be direct caregivers and babysitters for their children. What time do you get to rest? If you end up in the nursing home your kids will probably not going to be visiting you everyday. Live your life when you've the chance and chose when you want to hang around with your grandchildren.

[@Walter37165]

I love this couple! So glad to see them again! It's been awhile.

[@gringo848]

prices going up and the dollar is going down. When the mex peso goes to 13 per us dollar the living standard will be similar in the two countries.

[@bdstratton1979]

it's happening all over the world, even in Australia

[@TheFire1202]

We are in Brooklyn NY right now paying $1550 looking to leave for a Northern State. The rents are the same or even higher than what I'm paying now. I'm over the US at this point.

[@defcon1742]

Lived in the US my whole life. Everything in this video about the US has been this way for OVER 50 years from my experience, putting this video at least 50 years late.

[@joannacurran8475]

Tips is something that we in Europe pay only for when the service is extra good. Why do you subsidize the owners, who should be paying a living wage. You cannot compare the prices which include salaries between a 1st world and 3rd world when the salaries and property costs are so different.

[@whacked00]

The US has areas of true brilliance in Health Care - but most of our health care delivery is too expensive and of average quality. When My son needed heart surgery we were happy to be in Houston and able to go to Texas Heart Institute. Luckily Blue Cross Blue Shield covered the vast majority of cost for two procedures totaling around $150000(!). Generally,, we have fantastic research hospitals. But the vast amount of healthcare delivery is not in that category, and for that stuff we have long waits, ridiculous prices, and (in many cases) arrogant and unresponsive doctors. The US model for pricing and insurance - and even salaries for doctors - is out of line with reality. I doctor friend told me that as a doctor he deserved his princely salary ($400K 20 years ago or so) because of all his schooling. I reminded him that as a PhD in Engineering I actually had more school than he did . Silence..... I really worry about the future. And I hope it becomes feasible to move to EC at some point. But as that would mean leaving our large family behind, it doesn't seem feasible. Buckle up folks, the right is going to get rougher before it gets better, I fear. EC looks better each day.

[@emerislinmer]

Ive been sleeping outdoors in my truck for much of the past seven years since I became disabled. I have had some savings to get away for winters to preserve what is left of my health. Im currently in Mexico for the winter where I am using up the last of my savings to have a roof over my head for one last winter. Have to sell my truck and all my possessions when I go back because I cant afford the gas and upkeep of the truck and the storage for my possessions that I hoped to one day put back in a house or apartment. From living abroad for a few winters, its very true, we are being raped financially in the USA in every way. And no where in the world do you see the depravity of what it is like to be homeless in the USA. Im not getting any help with housing , despite being disabled. There are a few countries that I could at least get by on with my SSDI (at least while there is still a dollar, but that concerns me) and health care would be an issue too, since my income is only $1000 a month. And I have to clear it with Social Security as well to be able to leave the country.

[@tamaramadelin4831]

I did not leave the US because of the costs, but I cannot imagine going back because of how expensive it is!! Portugal checks off all of these boxes...We bought a house and live a very comfortable life at a fraction of the cost of California and France, where we moved from! My husband's medication is 750€/month here and $3,000/month in the US...Luckily we pay ZERO!!! California is now just a vacation!! Great video!

[@catherine7637]

how are you able to pay zero?

[@tamaramadelin4831]

@Catherine...He has a chronic illness and it is covered by the public system at 100%...Normal here!

[@djzrobzombie2813]

How is life in Portugal so far ?

[@glennmorgan937]

I'm a disabled senior citizen or worked hard all my life and now two-thirds of my income goes to taxes and insurance

[@jb-qi8fz]

You are so-so-so-100% correct !!!!! I left 6 years ago and live in Eastern Europe now (NOT WESTERN EUROPE). On a modest fixed income we live like kings, want for nothing, and shockingly, without even trying, bank 1/2 of our income every month. And we drive our car anywhere we want with $2/gallon propane for fuel. Also I just had a complete 4 wheel brake job done , rotors , pads, calipers, the works , all for under $100. The day of reckoning is coming soon in the U.S.

[@youngyhasard3219]

Profiter vous êtes arrivés juste à TANT en Europe

[@traceymarshall5868]

I am 62 and am seriously considering moving out of the country. I enjoy your videos and they are helping me with my decision. Thank you!

[@justineharper3346]

I’m a 37 year old American with three kids. My husband and I have worked our entire lives and have absolutely nothing to show for it. We’ve been living in poverty the last five or so years after a series of bad occurrences completely bankrupted us, and I don’t think we’ll ever get out. We moved back to our hometown in WV (something I swore I would never do) because it’s so cheap to live here, but we’re STILL not out of it. This video was depressing. I guess at least we’re poor enough to get Medicaid and food stamps. I’m trying to look at the silver lining lol

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We were right there with you before we left the US. Is leaving an option? Can you work online? We just met a family in Cuenca Ecuador who moved here with their 3 kids to give them a better life. We know several parents who feel like it’s better for their kids to live abroad than to stay in the US. Good luck!

[@johnrenoveillon3841]

We live in Nueva Gorgona, Panama and it is SO much cheaper to live here. Ecuador is on our list to visit next. Great job Amelia and JP!

[@marcuscole4394]

Living in Chicago, IL. I hear you loud and clear. My spouse is from Colombia and does not want to move back. I'm retired, but they are not and employment doesn't come easy in Bogota. Oh well, guess I'll have to remain here and make of it what I can. Love your channel and all the good work and information that you share. I'm happy for you folks. :-)

[@marytica123]

There are lots of Latin nations besides Colombia !

[@bananapatch9118]

Moving…first stop Nicaragua. My Eliquis, with insurance is almost $100/month. But $39 for it in Nicaragua without insurance ! Crazy !

[@jamesstrong5952]

I agree with you entirely, I have been living in Costa Rica for the last 18 years and I know that I could not survive on my pension in the United States, but I knew that beforehand and that was the reason I moved here. Trying to convince people of the obvious is not an easy thing to do, but keep it up. Pura Vida!

[@elizagal7451]

Just saw a 72 yr old woman in Mass that has lived in her car for a year. Rents are around $3000. Older single woman are so vulnerable

[@suntoyfull64]

You are so spot on… why the hell is everything so expensive and the quality so poor in the US.

[@AlesJulalanie]

I'm completely done tipping. I never dine or order delivery. Yet I get spammed with tip requests for everything else. I completely ignore it.

[@_Wai_Wai_]

A wise man once said, the four basic needs of living (Food, Shelter, Medicine, Education) should be cheap and easy for everyone. Otherwise, you can't call it a Civilized society.

[@Eric-ej3oy]

Then life wouldn't be hard. No pain, no gain.

[@juanarenas5440]

Thanks!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thank you so much!

[@anitamendez116]

You two are so brave. You are honest, researched and passionate about your content. I have lived in Mexico for over a year now so I know first hand that everything you talk about is true and not exaggerated. Thank you for opening up the “real world” to help others.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thank you so much!

[@UsurpersAndAssassins]

This is all around the entire world. Every country. Those low cost countries have prices rising fast.