WE SURVIVED 6 MONTHS of RETIREMENT. Here's What We Learned!

[@FIREWeGo]

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[@GLifestyle50]

Celia and Rob here... Great vídeo!!!

[@FIREWeGo]

HELLO!!!! How are you guys? We just went to Bercy the other day, and we're talking about you two! How is it being home again?

[@karenmac8661]

I’m definitely a planner in situations like you are in. I really don’t like feeling like I’m wasting time waiting for something to happen. I like to maximize my time and have things to look forward to, even if it’s a lazy day to relax. I feel unsettled if I don’t know what is coming up and stressed that I’m just letting time drain away.

[@FIREWeGo]

Those are very valid points!! Gean is smiling, he found a kindred spirit! 😉

[@tendegreeswarmer]

Great video! We frequently go through that phase of "I feel like we should be doing more tourist stuff", but we always snap out of it! It is great to go adventuring, but it is also ok to take your time and just live your life. You can always go back to do more stuff.

[@FIREWeGo]

Hey guys! Thanks for reaching out! You have definitely been doing this longer than us, and we find the advice you provide on your channel so valuable.... you're right, we are now at the time when we can always return to a spot and do more stuff!! We hope you're having a fantastic time, too 🤗

[@MichaelPrudhomme-u7x]

Another couple I follow said this as well. Whereas on vacation, time really is money. You feel the pressure to maximize every moment. But this slow travel and retirement is a chance to enjoy things, be more economic than rushed and paying more to save that limited time.

[@MichaelPrudhomme-u7x]

Enjoyed watching you two talk about this adventure from finances, to planning, to cultural adjustments. Seems like a good balance of planning and going with the flow. As a single man that is 10 months away from my own slow travel retirement, I am for sure more go with the flow with general plans and strategies. If I can say personally, I got some "ha ha" in this discussion as well, as I lived for 10 years in Minnesota and every time she said "about" or "out" the pronunciation felt so familiar 😅 I seem to have Michigan, Minnesota, California, and now Texas all mixing together.

[@FIREWeGo]

10 months!!! Congratulations, that is so exciting. The time is going to fly by, and before you know it, you'll be leaving tomorrow! Where are you thinking of heading to first? Lol, the "out and about" does have a Canadian accent to it 😉🤗

[@OneWeekGetAway]

For me, planning is part of the fun - and there are places I want to get to - but being willing, and even happy, to be flexible in the plan is part of the fun

[@FIREWeGo]

So true! We actually love the planning process as well. There are so many options out there! That in itself can sometimes provide analysis paralysis! Hopefully, this will become less of a problem once we really start moving around a bit!

[@LiveandGoWander]

You're both still very young, so no rush. We're closing on our home sale next weekend and are slightly over 55...and are feeling that urge to do it NOW a little more than you should. Enjoying your perspectives on all aspects of simplifying, retiring, and traveling. Thanks for the videos. See you out there.

[@FIREWeGo]

That is amazing! Congratulations on the sale of your house. Do you guys have a first destination for your travels?

[@LiveandGoWander]

@@FIREWeGo Retiring next April and may do a cruise to Europe and hang out there for a while. Sound familiar?

[@FIREWeGo]

Lol, it does sound rather familiar! And an excellent plan!! 😉

[@staceyward3338]

Great video ! Thank you for your honesty.

[@FIREWeGo]

You're very welcome! Thank you for taking the time to let us know 😉🤗

[@PassiveEarnings]

Great video! I want to travel and take my kids and visit new places. 17 years is my goal for FIRE, maybe 15 if I push a bit. But thank you for sharing your experiences

[@FIREWeGo]

What a great idea, no doubt your kids will love traveling and seeing amazing things with you!! 17 may seem like a long time, but it's amazing what consistent investing can accomplish! Good luck, and keep us posted!

[@PassiveEarnings]

@@FIREWeGo yes, that’s the plan. After 17 years, hopefully we would be living just on dividends and options premiums without touching the principal investments. Thank you for your amazing content!

[@FIREWeGo]

We appreciate your support as well!

[@dividenddaddy3769]

You both look great! Enjoyed the update.

[@FIREWeGo]

Ahhh, thank you!! 🤗😉

[@Cathy-nr5qi]

Great video as always, love your videos Kristine and Gean! Kristine I can understand where you are coming from being far from family is hard. My husband and I are Irish and have being living in USA for over 25 years. We are moving to Lagos, the algarve Portugal at least initially, we might move elsewhere in Europe later. We just have airbnb setup for first month so have to find a place, it will be quite the journey. My husband and I who are 53 and 49 are finally retiring earlier than we planned, leaving the US on January 31st. We had planned to retire in June 2025. My parents have both unfortunately passed, my Mum last year, so don't have much family back in Ireland. I have a sister and her family over here in San Francisco so will miss them, am getting jitters a bit, we know nobody in Portugal so would be a complete fresh start. You are so right health is so important, I have type one diabetes need to look after that and it is scary going to new country with health conditions as it takes time to get set up etc. Even with the jitters we are excited to join you in retirement on this journey as my stressful job has not been good for my health where it has been impacting my sleep etc. can't be good long term. Can't wait to do long hikes, exercise and just relax and not answer to anyone. I am starting to just learn the basics of Portuguese, am total beginner. so I am sure that will keep me busy for a while as languages are not my strong point lol.

[@FIREWeGo]

Jan 31st is so close! You guys have to be getting so excited. Congratulations! We were in Lagos two years ago and li es the city a lot. That part of Portugal is so beautiful. It's true that there will be some homesickness, but Gean always reminds me that we are only a flight away! And we have time on our side kow, so can literally go home wherever we need 🤗 We can't wait to hear all about your journey!

[@Patrick-xo8ht]

Thank you for being so open and frank. ❤

[@FIREWeGo]

Thanks, Patrick! We definitely want to let people know that sometimes things are always easy.

[@JeffMelsonVlogs]

I really enjoy you two! I like watching down to earth, honest people tell their story. I hope to start FIRE late next year or early 2026 and following your journey has really helped. I am also working on getting my TEFL certificate as a backup in case I need some supplemental income.

[@FIREWeGo]

Ahhh, thank you so much for the lovely comment! And congratulations on have a date for your journey too! You will love it, and your TEFL will no doubt come in handy, even if you just want something to fill a little of your time and don't necessarily need the mieny. Great job!

[@travelspot06]

I am a planner too, but when traveling, I do like the option to pivot. So lately, I have been booking refundable/cancelable accomodation, and no transportation until closer to the date (unless its a huge international flight, but then I just puddle jump within the region, or take the bus/train), which gives me more flexibility to change later.

[@FIREWeGo]

That's a great compromise for us to try! We live this idea... we are going to give it a try, thank you!

[@AK-gx4fh]

Woohoo! Lets go Brazil!, way to go guys! you seem so happy! best of luck!

[@FIREWeGo]

Yes! Let's go, Brazil! It's amazing here, we are really enjoying our time for sure 🤗😉

[@acirka]

You're a great couple, thanks for the feedback! Espero que você tenha o melhor!

[@FIREWeGo]

Muito obrigada! Thank you so much for the lovely comment!

[@sarahthompson5066]

Good video, you touched on a lot of "Deep" points. You really got me thinking. I was wondering if you were homesick. I imagine changing your entire world (people, place, routine) could be stressful and lonely. You didn't comment on how it is interacting with friends/family who are still working and don't have as much availability (time during the work week) as you do. I think that would be hard and it's important to remember a lack of response from them is not necessarily due to anything to do with you or your relationship with them. It's probably due to their schedule and business so keep that in mind. Assume any lack of response has to do with them unless they tell you otherwise. In regards to your comment "I thought we might be doing more" Kristine, I agree with your conclusion on that. I think running like crazy to experience new tourist spots every day (and filming them) would be exhausting and would ruin the experience. I like the idea of "slow travel". Remember, you can touch a lot of stuff lightly or do a few things very well. In terms of travel and experiences, like you, I used to run, run, RUN to get every second out of my trips. That was when I was younger. No way anymore. I am too old for that. I even like the idea of building in time for being spontaneous. So in other words, as you plan your travels, don't do it back to back. Rather plan for breaks in your schedule to allow time for the unexpected. And if it doesn't happen, that is fine too. But I think now you have the opportunity to "go deeper" in everything you do and that is really a gift. I also like the fact you don't have to do everything on the weekends but can do it during the week when others are working (so it's less crowded) and "relax" and "stay at home" on the busy weekend. Anything you are willing to share about your daily experiences in Brazil would be interesting. It's fun to get a glimpse into another culture. Ok, this is long enough. Take care.

[@FIREWeGo]

Thank you Sarah! It's true, we definitely need to keep in mind that our family and friends back home are really busy with their own lives, and we are trying to work with their schedules as much as possible :) We have slowed down our need to DO everything for sure, and it has been very beneficial! We are feeling more rested, and have finally reached a point where we WANT to get back out and do a few "Touristy" and start to really dive into the daily life in this great city! This week coming is going to be full of firsts, so we can't wait to share them with you on the members update video! :)

[@mrsjuliemasse]

My husband and I did a month long trip to the east coast of Canada in late May to late June. We booked a one way ticket and booked accommodation on the fly sometimes on the day of. I would probably not have attempted that in July being peak season though but we had a fabulous trip. There's an excitement and freedom of not knowing where your sleeping that night.

[@FIREWeGo]

Kristine agrees! 🤗😉 how was the East Coast? We gave always wanted to go!

[@mrsjuliemasse]

​We really, really loved it! It was something that was on our bucket list for a long time. ​You definitely have to visit. Too many great places to see especially Fredericton, Charlottetown, Murray's Harbour just before you take the ferry to NS (stayed on a houseboat), Shediac, the Cabot Trail, Peggy's Cove, Dartmouth NS, Halifax and Sydney. I recommend going before schools let out for the summer so accommodation rates are cheaper. @@FIREWeGo

[@FIREWeGo]

@mrsjuliemasse, that's a fantastic tip! Thank you! Everything we see a video from. The East Coast and nfld, we say we need to get there!!

[@Growing-Our-Retirement]

Hear you on the Homesick issue. We are pretty dug in with kids, family, Church, and longevity where we are. That said more travel would be fun! You two look so much more relaxed! Maybe working to 65-70 isn’t the best plan. Not long ago people rarely lived to 50. God bless, Larry

[@FIREWeGo]

Thanks so much, Larry! It is definitely hard to leave that support behind! You guys could always do shorter trips when possible, if you can find people to help at the nursery! Maybe get away for 3 to 6 weeks, see a new place, then come back home 😉

[@Growing-Our-Retirement]

Yes, We are good to travel Oct-Feb, certainly for a few weeks at a time. Still have day jobs!

[@hogroamer260]

Homesick, yup! When we moved to Florida from NY, we left a lot of family behind. We bought a 25' travel trailer, put it on a seasonal rental site, several miles from them and stay there in July and August. Other than that, we/they visit every couple months. Works well for us. Many of our friends have to have a full "dance card". We are more layed back with the philosophy that we are NOT on vacation, we are retired. This is our life and we're loving it, 7-1/2 years in.

[@FIREWeGo]

Lol, yes! We are definitely not on vacation... this is now starting to really settle in, and we are finally starting to feel more comfortable. We are planning on being in Florida in Nov/Dec. We are thinking of trying to set a meet-up and get to know people in person if you guys are around! We will post it in the community area!

[@hogroamer260]

@FIREWeGo would love that! Great seeing you two loving life.

[@TracyBirds]

Does your family watch your videos? 😊 I’m researching a RV trip from Alberta to Atlantic Canada next summer, so exciting!

[@FIREWeGo]

They do watch.. lol most of the time! 🤗 Your trip.will be epic! It is truely a beautiful country, lots of amazing parks. Make sure to stay a few days in Algonquin Park... (book your spots in the provincial parks early in Ontario if you can!)

[@jamesbott3788]

Very informative content 👍

[@FIREWeGo]

Thank you for reaching out! We appreciate all of your support 🤗

[@macdaddymgiarc]

I enjoyed this video, thanks for sharing! To Gean's point about planning.....my nickname is "Planny" by many. Because I like to plan too. For me, also a function of career and education. I would suggest that you plan at a macro level. Since you will be slow traveling, you do not have to rush to get it all in. Macro-plan the quadrants of the world you will be in and at what time of year, maybe the next level of what country(s) too. But leave the big details of the places within the country until you are there. Sure, the first few days can be picked and booked for peace of mind, but you will run into fellow travelers who will make suggestions that you will want to take advantage of, and that isnt possible if everything is planned to the very final detail. I plan, but I love to have the flexibility to wander and see where the heart takes you. I would love to see "a day in the life" of how you do all your day-to-day activities there in Joao Pessoa. Groceries, the mall, the beach, etc. etc. Give us a sense of what a non-Instagram day of just living without a timeline looks like. This change of pace is what I think all of us still grinding away pre-retirement dream of..... Take care, Craig from Hamilton

[@FIREWeGo]

Hi Planny!! Thank you so much for the amazing comment. We love that idea of macro planning and the quadrant idea. We are definitely going to give that a try! Also, we are trying to figure out ways to bring you guys with us on our day-to-day day, so stay tuned! We really want to show all of you what Joao Pessoa and our future stops look like!

[@FIRE_DrNinjaTurtle]

I now have an RV on a lake near home and this is the perfect second home for my wife and I. I can fish daily when I am here, so I am in heaven. 😊

[@FIREWeGo]

That really sounds amazing! And extremely relaxing, we are very excited for you!

[@FIRE_DrNinjaTurtle]

@@FIREWeGo I am doing retirement on a budget.

[@dominiquetheeasyminimalist]

Thank you so much for sharing your honest thoughts, wow 6 months flew by! I'm finally in Siem Reap Cambodia after a 36 hour journey with my dog. People are asking me where I went, what I visited, when in reality I'm still jet lag and my tummy has a hard time with all the new spices 😂. I'm chilling at a nice resort for a while, and my only priority is to find a long term rental. The millennial temples will still be there next month.

[@FIREWeGo]

Omg!! CONGRATULATIONS! Cambodia looks so amazing, and you're definitely doing the right thing by taking it slow. You now have all of the time in the world to see those temples and try the next food (this is what we are learning now, just don't rush ourselves) 🤗

[@LiveLifeLori]

I am a planner, especially for vacations. I like to plan a year in advance, so I can usually get the best airfare. But spontaneous is still good.

[@FIREWeGo]

Advanced planning is definitely a good thing for things like airfare and cruises because you're so right. You tend to get a better deal that way!

[@LiveLifeLori]

@@FIREWeGo yes, plus I get excited researching trips :) It's **almost** as fun as actually travelling, lol

[@gurrrrlish]

i just started my early retirement - 13 days ago.... my only immediate plan is to simply be.... chillax & putter around my beach cottage... not going anywhere till i really feel the desire burning... probably after the holidays - head to Europe & spend time with family there - also hopefully renovate the roof of an old farm house i own there.... after that - - - head to far east with another early retiree...but only when i really want to go... i am completely luxuriating in my precious day-to-day life.... i am in complete awe of this amazing gift of my time belonging to me - - - being mine...mine for the rest of my life...

[@FIREWeGo]

Congratulations!!!!! You will love it! And the plans you have sound fantastic, you'll have to keep us posted on how everything is going for you!

[@baronsilas]

I'm a roll with the punches type of guy, BUT I do tend to leave planning to my wife who needs to plan to a larger degree :). We 100% relate to your video and you having to change your own expectations of 'not having' to have an action packed day, every day.... Go with the flow. We try to plan 1 thing a day, if more happens to materialise then it's a bonus. I think a Nomad lifestyle choice does take a certain 'getting used to'. Enjoy.

[@FIREWeGo]

We love the idea of making "one plan a day"! That way, you aren't putting too much pressure on yourself, and if that one thing doesn't happen, you can always fit it somewhere else! A nomad life is definitely a large adjustment! But we are really starting to love it now!

[@jessiquilla1]

Good points you both brought up! I think missing family and friends will be a big one for me, how often do you guys plan to spend time at home? We were thinking perhaps 4 months abroad, 2 months home, repeat. That way we don’t overspend on big international flights but still get quality time home too. Also, my husband and I are the opposite of you two, he’s the chill person and I’m the planner! My hopes are that after a couple years of travel, I’ll be able to “go with the flow” a bit more. Curious to see how you guys evolve!

[@FIREWeGo]

Lol, planning is good too! (Don't tell Gean I said that! 😉) Right now, we will get to see our Canadian family next month in Florida! Moving forward, it will probably be once a year... Since our families are on different continents, the flights can really add up, and we still want to travel around other countries too! If we can find cheap flights ho.e to visit or really great point flights, we will definitely look into getting home more often! Let's see how this goes!

[@jessiquilla1]

@@FIREWeGo "Let's see how this goes" is a good way to view the whole experience! Lots of room for personal growth by allowing ourselves to expand our ways of thinking. Enjoy time with family next month!

[@FIREWeGo]

Thank you so much!! We are looking forward to it for sure 🤗

[@pilotgirl5953]

LOL My Brazilian side of my family has the same time issues. And me being ex military, I'm always on time or early. It does drive me crazy at times...

[@FIREWeGo]

Lol... we are trying our best to adjust! We know that we will find this in more locations than just Brazil 😉

[@dancurran8977]

I am happy for you!

[@FIREWeGo]

Thank you so much! We really are very grateful to be able to live this life for sure.

[@JP7onEarth]

Hey you guys. We feel the same way. Where to go and when? Living here in Porto, Portugal so close to many places. Went to Japan last month...Amazing. Considering Argentina, heard you say you are going, when? Also, studying up on Thailand, which is amazing. JP Porto

[@FIREWeGo]

Japan is in our list for the next two years, and yes, we will be in Argentina in January. How was Japan? Did you have fun? Take care!

[@JP7onEarth]

@ Hey. Japan was amazing. Food, People, Shinkansen, Shops and so many historical sites to see. Going back to Japan in Late October/ Early November. Going to be warm in Argentina in January. We are considering Argentina and Brazil in February. JP Porto

[@ca4270]

I'm a planner...so i can totally relate to being uncomfortable "winging it" But i also get "analysis paralysis " 😂 My husband is the spontaneous one, but he also appreciates my research and planning...just not 100% planned I think we are a good blend

[@FIREWeGo]

Lol, this is the key! Blending both so that each person feels comfortable with the plan!

[@lindadorman2869]

When I traveled full-time, my friends and family treated it as a long vacation. It took them a long time to accept it was my normal day-to-day lifestyle. I also learned to balance out my spending better after the first full year. What has been hard for me was when things outside my control changed due to the pandemic, weather, local strikes, etc...now 4 years in, my struggle is to find new things to keep me busy. What do you do after you've done everything you wanted to do?

[@FIREWeGo]

Four years! That is fantastic. We imagine that could be a challenge once you've had the chance to see and do so many things that you have wanted to accomplish for so long. Have you come up with a solution?

[@ErikaDoss]

Did you both travel a lot before retiring?

[@FIREWeGo]

We did try,as much as our jobs and money allowed! 🤗 How about yourself? Do you enjoy traveling as well??

[@freedom27s96]

Congrats to you both. You are living the dream :). How do you finance your $60k budget? Is it strictly from dividends income? I recalled from one of your videos that Christine has defined benefit pensions.

[@FIREWeGo]

So we actually commuted the pension, and it is completely in growth funds now. The dividends are what is currently providing the funds for retirement... and so far, so good!

[@freedom27s96]

@@FIREWeGo excellent……Perhaps future videos you can review that decision (taking your pension vs taking the commuted value and DIY its investment). I have considered those two options but will probably take the pension simply for minimizing the risk as pension funds typically have access to some asset classes where majority DIY investors do not. It is 6 degrees in TO right now…. Remember that when you are home sick :)

[@maggie-gardenhappiness8608]

You guys look really good

[@FIREWeGo]

Ahhh, thank you!

[@thumbodyelse21]

winging it is the best.

[@FIREWeGo]

I can't agree more!! (Kristine 🤗)

[@sandray7609]

​@FIREWeGo I am more like Gian and would find it stressful not having a plan for transportation and accommodation. I need to know how I will get from A to B and not worrying where I will sleep at night. I am less stressed about filling in the time with museums, tourist attractions, etc and other than a couple primary places, I have a habit of winging it. That is why I like the idea of slow travel and just taking in a place and it's culture

[@karenmac8661]

Omg, I just can’t do the winging it thing. If there is one thing that gets to me it’s going somewhere for a limited time and then people asking you when you get back whether you saw this thing, visited that place or ate this particular thing and I haven’t. I have major FOMO so I need to plan so I’m sure that I didn’t miss something super cool 😂

[@FIREWeGo]

@karenmac8661 lol... FOMO is a very real thing!!

[@MwMarketing-z5g]

can i ask something?

[@FIREWeGo]

Sure!

[@MwMarketing-z5g]

@@FIREWeGo yeah sure but i can,t share youtube comment section

[@FIREWeGo]

You can always send us an email at [e-mail]

[@User12345fan]

Survived, hmmm what a choice of word. I mean, you are hardly suffering 😂

[@FIREWeGo]

Thank you