Queer Money®: How Gay People Do Money

Ready for a fabulous gay retirement in Ecuador?Thinking about retiring abroad? You’re not alone. In Ep. 616 we break down Ecuador—a country that punches above its weight with year-round spring weather, U.S. dollar convenience, solid healthcare, and a much lower cost of living. We cover legal landscape (marriage since 2019; gender recognition 2024), where stigma still shows up, and our Top 5 Ecuador cities for gay retirees—Salinas, Cotacachi, Guayaquil, Quito, Cuenca—with 2BR rent ranges, cost-of-living vs. U.S., and our Queer Money Retirement Rating for each.Key TakeawaysReal savings: Many Ecuador cities run ~50–70% cheaper than the U.S., with rents that can be a fraction of stateside prices.Climate win: Highland zones offer “eternal spring”—often no A/C or snow shovels.Queer reality: Legal wins exist, but visibility and safety vary by city; Quito leads for LGBTQ+ infrastructure, Cuenca for expat ease.Trade-offs: Big-city perks vs. crime hot spots (e.g., Guayaquil), beach life vs. tourist pricing (Salinas), quiet charm vs. fewer queer spaces (Cotacachi/Cuenca).Chapters:00:00 – Intro: Why Ecuador keeps popping for LGBTQ+ retirees02:29 – #5 Salinas (beach town, Vox gay disco): 2BR ~$500–$800 | COL ~50–65% ↓ | Rating 6/1004:37 – #4 Cotacachi (quiet Andean base): 2BR ~$450–$600 | COL ~60–70% ↓ | Rating 7/1006:29 – #3 Guayaquil (big-city energy): 2BR ~$620 | COL ~60–65% ↓ | crime caveat | Rating 7/1009:11 – #2 Quito (capital & queer hub): 2BR ~$675–$1,300 | COL ~54–63% ↓ | Rating 8/1011:40 – #1 Cuenca (expat favorite): 2BR ~$300–$600 | COL ~60–70% ↓ | Rating 9/1013:51 – Next up & wrap upLinks referenced in this episode:queermoneypodcast.com/citiesqueermoneypodcast.com/hgrcalcMentioned in this episode:Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Faster Here!Want a European passport with access to living in nearly any European country? Just click the link below to find out how. Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!

Navigating Expat Taxes: Insights for Dream RetireesSnagged a dream place in Puerto Vallarta or Mykonos… and now the IRS is at the door? Today we’re joined by expat tax expert Michelle Miele (Director of Paperwork) to decode how U.S. taxes work when you retire abroad. We cover Social Security, IRA/401(k)/Roth distributions, self-employment/online business income, countries with and without U.S. tax treaties, foreign tax credits, and common traps (like selling your U.S. home after you change tax residency). Three real-world scenarios—Mexico, Portugal, and Thailand—show you how this plays out.Key Takeaways:Filing ≠ owing. You’ll likely file in the U.S. even after moving, but credits/treaties can prevent double tax.Order matters: generally file where you live first, then the U.S., and use foreign tax credits to offset.Roth alert: some countries tax Roth distributions; plan timing and residency to protect withdrawals.Entity traps: your LLC/S-corp may be treated as a corporation abroad; confirm local treatment before you move.Real estate timing: if selling a U.S. primary home, sell while still a U.S. tax resident to preserve exclusions.Benefits trade-off: higher taxes in some countries may be offset by much lower healthcare and living costs.Related Queer Money Episodes:Ep 614 — Top 5 Cities for Gay Retirement in TaiwanEp 610 — Best LGBTQ+ Retirement Cities in GreeceEp 607 — The $6,000 “Boomer Bonus” Deduction StrategiesEp 599 — Affordable Gay-Friendly Cities in PortugalEp 542 — Gay Expats in Mexico: Pacific Coast EditionChapters:00:11 - Navigating Taxes as an Expat Retiree03:51 - Understanding Tax Obligations for Expats11:34 - Tax Implications of Living Abroad14:10 - Tax Obligations for Expats: A Case Study21:25 - Retirement Abroad: Tax Implications28:09 - Planning for Retirement AbroadMentioned in this episode:Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Faster Here!Want a European passport with access to living in nearly any European country? Just click the link below to find out how. Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!

Affordable Gay-Friendly Retirement in Taiwan: Top 5 Cities RankedThinking of retiring in Asia where gay rights have advanced and everyday life feels modern and livable? On episode 614 we head to Taiwan to explore one of the region’s most unexpected retirement gems for gay men: full same-sex marriage, vibrant queer culture, lower cost of living and global infrastructure.Hosts John & David walk you through the Top 5 Taiwanese cities for LGBTQ+ retirement, break down cost of living, queer infrastructure, and the trade-offs you’ll need to know.What you’ll get in this episode:Why Taiwan leads Asia for LGBTQ+ acceptance and what that really means for early retirement abroad.City-by-city breakdown of the Top 5: from tranquil towns to the heart of queer nightlife.Average 2-bedroom rent (USD), how the cost of living compares to the U.S., and our updated Queer Money Retirement Rating for each city.The one major missing piece for U.S. expats: no tax treaty with the U.S. (yet) and what that can mean for your retirement plan.How to weigh “affordability + queer culture” when choosing abroad instead of “cheap only”.Takeaways:You can find a modern, livable retirement location in Asia with strong queer rights and lower cost of living.Affordability is relative: even the “cheapest” Taiwanese cities are still going to cost something — quality housing, good transport, medical care matter.Legal equality (same-sex marriage) is a huge baseline win — but other elements (trans/non-binary inclusion, tax issues) still vary.Your personal “vibe” matters: Are you after quiet affordability or full queer community energy? Taiwan offers both ends of the spectrum.Always check the tax/financial dimension early when you’re planning overseas retirement — no treaty with the U.S. = extra research required.What to do next:If you’re ready to map out your path to gay-friendly early retirement abroad — whether Taiwan or elsewhere — grab your free Happy Gay Retirement Calculator today at: https://queermoneypodcast.com/hgrcalcJoin the conversation: comment, share your experience, or send us your questions about retiring abroad as gay men.Suggested other episodes you’ll love:Episode 610 – “Top 5 LGBTQ+ Retirement Cities in Greece”Episode 599 – “Affordable Gay Retirement Cities in Portugal”Episode 575 – “Understanding Tax Treaties Before You Retire Abroad”Episode 542 – “Bold Retirements: Gay Men in Mexico’s Pacific Coast Towns”Chapters:00:00 - Intro02:22 - Taichung05:16 - Kaohsiung 07:09 - Tainan09:10 - New Taipei (suburbs of Taipei)11:23 - Taipei15:14 - OutroMentioned in this episode:Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Faster Here!Want a European passport with access to living in nearly any European country? Just click the link below to find out how. Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!

How to Retire in PortugalPicture it: retiring fabulously in Portugal with LGBTQ+ protections, world-class healthcare, and the freedom to split time between Europe and the U.S.—without uprooting your life today. In Queer Money® episode 613, we sit down with Pedro Lino, CEO of Optimize Investment Partners, to unpack the Portugal Golden Opportunities Fund—a SEC-registered, PFIC-compliant mutual fund designed to qualify investors for Portugal’s Golden Visa (residency now, citizenship later). We cover why a Golden Visa can be smart “life-hedging” in uncertain times, how the fund works (stocks/bonds, no real estate), what’s changing in Europe, using self-directed IRAs, costs, timelines, and how one investment can include your spouse, kids, and even parents through family reunification.Whether your dream is six months in Lisbon and six months stateside, a second passport for your kids’ future, or a values-aligned Plan B if U.S. politics keeps fraying your nerves, this episode gives you the details to decide with confidence.TakeawaysA Golden Visa is optionality: live/work/travel in the EU now or later—without leaving the U.S. immediately.Portugal is consistently LGBTQ+ friendly, with significantly lower healthcare costs and robust protections.The current path is via eligible investment funds (no real estate); fund must meet strict criteria (≥60% PT companies, no real estate, long-only, five-year availability).Self-directed IRAs can be used; look for SEC-registered and PFIC-compliant structures to keep U.S. tax/reporting clean.One qualifying investment can include spouse, kids, and parents via family reunification, creating a multi-generational Plan B.Chapters00:00 – Dream setup & why a Plan B now01:22 – What a Golden Visa actually gives you (residency → citizenship)03:18 – You don’t have to move today: optionality for LGBTQ+ families05:02 – Why Portugal for LGBTQ+ safety, community & healthcare07:10 – Real-estate option removed: what changed and why funds remain10:12 – Inside the Golden Opportunities Fund (eligibility rules, asset mix)13:15 – Returns, risk, and diversification vs. buying a single property16:02 – Using self-directed IRAs; SEC & PFIC compliance explained19:04 – Demand, timelines, and potential policy shifts to watch22:31 – Costs, EUR/USD realities & creative ways families reach €500K26:05 – Family reunification: who can be included under one application28:40 – Downturn strategy: dividend-rich Portuguese market & bonds31:12 – What Optimize handles vs. what U.S. custodians/lawyers handle34:20 – Wrap-up & how to send us follow-up questionsDownload your free Happy Gay Retirement CalculatorMentioned in this episode:Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Faster Here!Want a European passport with access to living in nearly any European country? Just click the link below to find out how. Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!

Top 5 Cities for LGBTQ Expats Retiring Abroad in the NetherlandsLooking for a country that practically wrote the handbook on LGBTQ acceptance and tops global happiness charts? 🇳🇱 This week on Queer Money, we’re off to the Netherlands — the land of bikes, canals, and unapologetic inclusivity — to uncover the top five Dutch cities for gay retirees.From Amsterdam’s canal-side rainbow hubs to Eindhoven’s tech-driven calm, we break down where your hard-earned retirement dollars (or euros) stretch farthest while keeping you close to culture, healthcare, and community. You’ll hear why Groningen, Leiden, and Nijmegen are quietly stealing the spotlight from Amsterdam — with lower costs, easy travel, and a “being gay is a non-issue” vibe that makes daily life beautifully ordinary.Whether you’re a gay expat looking to retire abroad or simply dreaming of a Plan B where equality is a given, this episode explores what makes the Netherlands one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries on earth and what life can really look like after you hang up the briefcase and pick up a bike bell.Takeaways:Top 5 Dutch cities ranked for cost, community & queer comfort.Average 2-bedroom rents and cost of living vs. the U.S. average.How Amsterdam’s vibrant scene compares to Leiden or Nijmegen’s calmer pace.Why the Netherlands is a model for LGBTQ equality and safety.Key retirement trade-offs — taxes, healthcare contributions & travel costs.The Queer Money Retirement Rating for each city (1-10 scale).Tips for building your own “Plan B Abroad.”Ready to map your own finish line? Grab the Happy Gay Retirement Calculator and see how close you are to your dream life abroad. Then explore data on every city we’ve covered so far — from Costa Rica to Portugal to the Netherlands — at QueerMoneyPodcast.com/cities.💡 Catch past episodes: Costa Rica (#608) & Portugal Golden Visa (#611). Next up: Taiwan — the most surprisingly affordable LGBTQ haven in Asia!The Netherlands Chapters0:00 - Intro0:22 - The Netherlands1:28 - Amsterdam4:56 - Eindhoven8:45 - Groningen10:26 - Leiden13:00 - Nijmegen14:40 - Netherlands wrap upMentioned in this episode:Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Faster Here!Want a European passport with access to living in nearly any European country? Just click the link below to find out how. Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!

Portugal’s Golden Visa with Your IRA? David’s Path to Investing & Retiring AbroadWhat happens when a regular gay man says “enough” to U.S. chaos and starts building a fabulous Plan B abroad? Meet David Govacker, a medical professional who leveraged a self-directed IRA to invest in a diversified fund, qualify for Portugal’s Golden Visa, and set up a life with sunshine, safety, and equality—without Trump-era stress or American price tags. If you’re exploring investing for residency and retiring abroad, this episode is your blueprint.Top Takeaways:Why Portugal? LGBTQ+-affirming culture, stable politics, urban lifestyle, big airports, and easy U.S. access.Golden Visa 101: The €500k investment route, residency timeline, and minimal stay rules (think: ~14 days every 2 years).Investing via IRA: How a self-directed IRA rollover (not a taxable distribution) can fund a qualifying investment.Fund choice matters: Why a diversified, open-ended mutual fund (vs. private equity lockups) matched David’s risk profile.Logistics made simple: Paperwork, biometrics, realistic timing, and avoiding tax pitfalls with clean rollovers.Plan B → Peace of mind: Build optionality now so you’re not scrambling later.Real talk for LGBTQ+ folks: Looking for places where equality is both law and lived.Perfect for: LGBTQ+ professionals curious about Portugal, the Golden Visa, investing for residency, and retiring abroad—without giving up financial sanity or safety.Loved this? Share with a friend who’s Golden-Visa-curious, and subscribe for our Netherlands retirement countdown next week.Download: Get your Happy Gay Retirement CalculatorMentioned in this episode:Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Faster Here!Want a European passport with access to living in nearly any European country? Just click the link below to find out how. Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!

🌴 Costa Rica’s Top 5 LGBTQ+ Retirement HavensSunset cocktails, rainbow macaws, and a budget that doesn’t need CPR—Costa Rica’s Pura Vida isn’t just a postcard; it can be your retirement reality. In this week’s Queer Money®, we’re counting down the Top 5 Costa Rican towns for LGBTQ+ retirees—from the surf vibes of Tamarindo to the gay beach haven of Manuel Antonio.We break down which areas offer the best mix of affordability, healthcare access, safety, and queer-friendly community, all while keeping the tropical dream alive. Whether you’re after cool mountain breezes or jungle-meets-ocean sunsets, Costa Rica has a place with your name (and rainbow flag) on it.Takeaways:Why Costa Rica is one of the most stable, eco-conscious, and LGBTQ-friendly countries in Central America🏖️ 5 top towns ranked for livability, cost of living, and queer community vibes💸 How much you’ll actually spend on rent and daily life (spoiler: 30–50% less than the U.S.)🌈 Where to find the best nightlife, nature, and new queer neighbors💡 How to use our Happy Gay Retirement Calculator to see if Costa Rica fits your fabulous futureLinks referenced in this episode:queermoneypodcast.com/citiesMentioned in this episode:Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Faster Here!Want a European passport with access to living in nearly any European country? Just click the link below to find out how. Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!

Playing the lottery is just a tax on the poor, right? Wrong—at least for us. 🎰In this episode, we flip the “lottery tax” trope on its head. No, we didn’t win Powerball (unless you count $6 and a gas station coffee). But by treating the lottery as a game for our values, we got crystal clear on what mattered most—and that’s how we built our plan for early retirement.💡 Takeaways from this episode:Why “lottery talk” is actually a powerful tool for aligning money with values.How dreaming big (designer wardrobes, Audis, Palm Springs) led us to focus on what we really want—security, real estate, business growth, giving back.How to use fantasy conversations to get your partner on the same money page.Why clarity kills hedonic treadmill spending—and gets you closer to early retirement.The secret: those “lottery dreams” are often more accessible today than you think.🎧 Grab your free Happy Gay Retirement Calculator in the show notes and start designing your fabulous future—no lottery win required.Mentioned in this episode:Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Faster Here!Want a European passport with access to living in nearly any European country? Just click the link below to find out how. Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!

Greece for Gay Retirees: Beaches, baklava, and a big ol’ ✅ on marriage equality. Opa!We rank the Top 5 Greek cities/towns for gay retirement—balancing affordability with LGBTQ+ vibe—so you can swap doomscrolling for island sunsets without blowing the budget. Expect bars and beaches, Pride scenes, healthcare access, average 2-BR rent in USD, cost of living vs. the U.S., and our Queer Money Retirement Ratings (1–10).💡 Takeaways:Greece now has full marriage equality (2024)—hello, EU stability + rainbow rights.Crete = best value (Heraklion/Chania) if you want beaches without Mykonos prices.Athens wins for healthcare, community, and year-round living.Island glam = seasonal pricing—plan accordingly.A smart pick comes down to rent + COL + community fit—our ratings slightly overweight affordability.👉 Want your own Opa-moment? Grab the FREE Happy Gay Retirement Calculator and see if Greece fits your fabulous. 👉 For our running city cards, visit https://queermoneypodcast.com/citiesMentioned in this episode:Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Faster Here!Want a European passport with access to living in nearly any European country? Just click the link below to find out how. Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!

The $6,000 “Boomer Bonus” – fabulous tax break or political glitter bomb?Starting in 2025, Uncle Sam is dangling a shiny new $6,000 tax deduction for folks 65+, or $12,000 if you’re married. Sounds fabulous, right? Well… not so fast. In this episode, we unpack who actually benefits, how the phase-outs work, and why some in our community could see a nice boost—while others get stuck sipping house wine at The Abbey.💡 Takeaways from this episode:What the new $6,000/$12,000 retirement deduction really is (and isn’t).The income phase-out ranges that shrink your bonus.Real examples featuring single lesbians, married gay couples, and those bougie retirees with 1,000-thread count sheets.Why this isn’t a fix for Social Security (and how Gen X might get shafted… again).How to start planning so you keep more of your coins come retirement.🎧 Whether you’d use $6,000 for bills, travel, or a new pair of red-bottoms, this episode breaks down what this boomer perk means for you.Grab your Happy Gay Retirement Calculator for help starting your fabulous retirement plan. Mentioned in this episode:Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Faster Here!Want a European passport with access to living in nearly any European country? Just click the link below to find out how. Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!

Pack your sarongs and sunscreen, hunty—Queer Money is headed to Thailand! 🌴💅In this episode, we spill the (Thai iced) tea on the top 5 cities where gay retirees can stretch their dollars, enjoy top-notch healthcare, and live fabulously ever after. From Phuket’s beaches and Bangkok’s big-city energy to Chiang Mai’s cultural calm, we’re serving the Queer Money Retirement Ratings you’ve been waiting for.And honey—did we mention Thailand is now the first country in Southeast Asia with marriage equality? ✨ That’s not just fabulous, that’s historic. Whether you want island vibes, royal golf resorts, or drag queens at The Stranger Bar, there’s a Thai city with your name on it.✨ Takeaways from this episode:💍 Thailand is the first Southeast Asian country with marriage equality (2025).🌈 LGBTQ+ life is thriving: Pride in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya & more.🏥 World-class healthcare, with English-speaking hospitals that cater to expats.💸 Retiree-friendly visas—including a classic non-immigrant retirement visa (50+) and a digital nomad option.📉 Living costs are 36–60% lower than in the U.S.—yes, even in Bangkok!👉 Which Thai city would you choose? Tell us in the comments!👉 Want to see more of the cities and countries we've covered? Find details here: https://queerMoneyPodcast.com/cities🌈 Grab the Happy Gay Retirement Calculator and start mapping your fabulous plan.Mentioned in this episode:Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Faster Here!Want a European passport with access to living in nearly any European country? Just click the link below to find out how. Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!

We're Retired Girls! Kinda...We did it, queens—we retired early! 💅 At 51 and 54, we’re not sipping martinis on a trust fund (spoiler: one of us was disowned and disinherited 👀). We didn’t have cushy six-figure salaries either. Nope, we made some smart (and sometimes messy) money moves, and now those IRA checks are rolling in.In this episode, we spill the nitty gritty on how we turned basement living, pigeon-poop cleaning, and a Mini Cooper obsession into a million-dollar retirement portfolio. From avoiding the 2008 housing disaster to buying Apple stock when everyone else was just buying iPods, we’re breaking down the real tea on what worked—and what didn’t.If you’ve ever thought early retirement was only for the ultra-rich, think again. Tune in, laugh with us, and maybe pick up a few fabulous strategies for your own retirement journey.Top TakeawaysBuy the right size (for life and budget) → frees cash to invest.Kill lifestyle creep after paying off debt → redirect $1K+/mo to retirement.Invest consistently (especially in downturns) → time in market > timing.Complete the pyramid: stocks + income real estate + small business.Use a cash buffer (e.g., money market) to smooth withdrawals.72(t) strategy can unlock IRAs early—plan it carefully.👇 Grab the Happy Gay Retirement Calculator and start mapping your fabulous plan.Mentioned in this episode:Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Faster Here!Want a European passport with access to living in nearly any European country? Just click the link below to find out how. Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!

Best Places in Malta for LGBTQ+ RetirementPalm Springs is cute, but what if your retirement backdrop was honey-colored cliffs, café culture, and 300 days of Mediterranean sunshine?By popular demand, we’re spilling the limoncello on Malta—a tiny archipelago that’s big on LGBTQ+ rights (ranked #1 in Europe!) and just might be your queer retirement fantasy. From Pride parades in Valletta to drag brunches at Café del Mar, Malta offers more than just Game of Thrones vibes and tax shelters for Crypto Bros.In this episode, we:🌈 Count down the Top 5 cities & towns in Malta for LGBTQ+ retirees.🌈 Reveal the Queer Money Retirement Rating for each spot.🌈 Dish the perks, downsides, and local gay flavor you need to know before booking that one-way ticket.💎 Grab your free Happy Gay Retirement Calculator and start plotting your sunny, queer Mediterranean escape here: https://queermoneypodcast.com/hgrcalc🎉 Takeaways from this episode:Malta is 20–35% cheaper than the U.S.—but still pricier than much of Southern Europe.LGBTQ+ rights here are 🔝 in Europe. You’ll feel safe and celebrated.Each city has its vibe: nightlife, culture, chill, or everyday queer density—pick your flavor.Downsides: heat, water scarcity, high rents in hotspots, and healthcare limitations.Overall: Malta shines bright with a Queer Money Retirement Rating of 8–9/10.👉 Share in the comments: Which Maltese city feels like your retirement vibe?👉 Don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and ring the bell—Thailand is up next in our international gay retirement series!Mentioned in this episode:Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Faster Here!Want a European passport with access to living in nearly any European country? Just click the link below to find out how. Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!

Why Hasn’t the Economy Crashed Yet?The U.S. stock market is still tossing confetti like it’s Pride, despite Trump’s tariff tantrums and everyone waiting for the other (designer) shoe to drop. GDP’s up, inflation’s creeping, and the consumer is “resilient” (aka drowning in credit). So what gives?We’re diving into:Why the GDP looks sparkly on the surface (hint: imports are the messy drag wig underneath).How Trump’s on-again, off-again tariff “taco trading” makes economists feel like they’re cooking dinner with their stove knobs hijacked.Why Big Tech and index funds are propping up Wall Street while Main Street feels the pinch.What’s really hiding behind “consumer resilience” and why your credit card company is the only one clapping.💸 Don’t get blinded by the glitter—learn what’s really fueling this market and what it means for your wallet and your retirement plans.👉 Grab your free Happy Gay Retirement Calculator today and start planning your fabulous future here: https://queermoneypodcast.com/hgrcalc🎉 Takeaways for you:GDP isn’t as fabulous as it looks—imports just stopped weighing it down.Inflation’s creeping in (yes, even your coffee noticed).Big Tech’s billions and index funds are the sparkle behind the stock market.“Resilient” consumers = maxed-out credit cards. Don’t get fooled.Now’s the time to stack cash smartly and plan ahead—before the glitter fallout.Mentioned in this episode:Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Faster Here!Want a European passport with access to living in nearly any European country? Just click the link below to find out how. Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!

Ireland’s Top 5 LGBTQ+ Retirement HotspotsFrom drag brunches in Galway to seaside strolls in Wexford, we’re serving up Ireland’s Top 5 LGBTQ+ Retirement Hotspots—ranked by affordability, community, and those oh-so-important queer perks. 🇮🇪✨This isn’t just a travel fantasy; it’s the gay retiree’s cheat sheet to stretching your pot of gold without sacrificing charm, safety, or a dash of fabulousness. Whether you want artsy coastal vibes, Dublin-adjacent nightlife without Dublin’s rainbow-rent, or a laid-back West Cork foodie scene, we’ve got the tea. And yes, we’re weighing cost of living more than clubbing, because at this stage, your bank account deserves as much love as your social calendar.Grab a Guinness, pull up your wellies, and let’s find your Irish happily-ever-after (rainy days included).📌 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The five most fabulous, affordable Irish towns for LGBTQ+ retireesWhich places are safe & welcoming vs. which will make you cry into your pintWhy affordability beats nightlife when you’re living your best retired lifeThe queer perks you didn’t know you needed: opera festivals, cliff walks & swimming pride paradesWhy Dublin & Cork didn’t make the cut (don’t @ us, it’s about your wallet)💡 Takeaways:Limerick – Affordable, low-key, with a Pride swim parade. Queer Money Retirement Rating: 7.5/10.Clonakilty – Coastal, cultural, and community-driven. 8/10.Wexford – Artsy, beachy, ferry to Europe. 8/10.Howth – Sea cliffs, seafood, & Dublin access without the rainbow rent. 9/10.Greater Galway Bay – Drag brunches, vibrant queer scene, airport nearby. 9.5/10.Mentioned in this episode:Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Faster Here!Want a European passport with access to living in nearly any European country? Just click the link below to find out how. Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!

Thinking of say "Bye Gurl" the U.S.?Madonna’s divorce was expensive—but renouncing your U.S. citizenship could cost you even more 💸. In this episode of Queer Money®, we’re spilling the tea on the exit tax—what it is, who gets smacked, and how to not get wrecked by it.So before you grab your passport and peace out to Portugal, know what Uncle Sam (aka Daddy Taxman) wants from you first. Because freedom ain’t free, darling—especially when the IRS is involved.✅ Key Takeaways Checklist:🇺🇸 The Exit Tax Is Real – Officially called the Expatriation Tax, it hits folks who renounce U.S. citizenship and meet specific criteria.⚠️ You may be a "covered expatriate" if:Your net worth is $2 million+Your average income tax over the last 5 years is $206,000+ (2025 estimate)You haven’t filed or paid taxes for the past 5 years👉 Green card holders may be subject if they’ve held one for 8 of the last 15 years🏡 What gets taxed:Your homeInvestmentsRetirement accounts (401(k), IRAs)Even Taylor Swift merch 👀→ The IRS pretends you sold it all and taxes your phantom capital gains.💰 2024 exemption: First $821,000 in phantom gains is tax-free—but that’s not much if your home doubled in value since 1995.🧓 Even in retirement (or death):Rental income or property sales could still be taxedYour heirs could owe gift or estate tax (up to 40%)Welcome to the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act—thanks, Reagan!🧠 Ways to plan ahead:Donate appreciated assets (to LGBTQ+ orgs = win-win!)Max Roth conversions nowRelocate abroad early, reduce assets before renouncingReview international tax treaties for potential protection🧾 Must file IRS Form 8854 – Whether you qualify for the tax or not, this is your official “I broke up with America” form.💡 Talk to a pro: This is niche tax law. H&R Block ain’t it. Find someone who knows international tax strategy.Start here: 🎁 Grab your free Happy Gay Retirement Calculator here: https://queermoneypodcast.com/hgrcalcMentioned in this episode:Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Faster Here!Want a European passport with access to living in nearly any European country? Just click the link below to find out how. Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!

Can we get a Kia Ora, darling?New Zealand isn’t just Lord of the Rings scenery and sheep. It’s got gorgeous queer vibes, strong legal protections, and cities that range from cozy and artsy to full-blown fab with ferry rides to wine islands. We break down the top 5 cities for LGBTQ+ retirement in NZ with real costs, real vibes, and real queer perks.Ready to float through Middle Earth in style? Let’s go global gay with this week’s Queer Money®!Takeaways:🌍 New Zealand ranks in the top 10 on the Spartacus Gay Travel Index—but is still underrated for LGBTQ+ retirees🏙️ Top 5 cities ranked from fab to MOST fab:#5 Christchurch: Charming, green, affordable (⭐ 7/10)#4 Queenstown: Adventure-packed and inclusive (⭐ 8/10)#3 Dunedin: Artsy, affordable, student-rich (⭐ 8/10)#2 Wellington: Culturally rich & walkable (⭐ 9/10)#1 Auckland: Big-city buzz & wine island chic (⭐ 8/10, but most well-rounded overall)💰 Rents range from ~$1,000–$1,900/month for 2-bedroom homes📉 Cost of living is generally 7–25% lower than the U.S. average🏳️‍🌈 Strong LGBTQ+ protections and community support across the country💃 Lesbian balls, Winter Pride, & gayborhoods galore💡 Wellington & Auckland boast the most vibrant queer infrastructure✈️ Auckland wins for lifestyle + international access—but Wellington gets the highest rating for vibe and livabilityStart here:🎁 Grab your free Happy Gay Retirement Calculator here: https://queermoneypodcast.com/hgrcalcChapters:0:00 - Intro1:10 - Past and future1:51 - Christchurch3:44 - Queenstown5:21 - Dunedin7:58 - Wellington10:40 - Auckland12:47 - Why the numbers don't line up13:19 - Wrap upMentioned in this episode:Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Faster Here!Want a European passport with access to living in nearly any European country? Just click the link below to find out how. Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!

Episode 599: 3 Big Early Retirement Mistakes We Made (So You Don’t Have To)Everyone makes early retirement look like beaches and banana hammocks—especially the gays. But behind the glam is the grit.In this week’s episode, we’re getting brutally honest about the three biggest mistakes we made on our path to early retirement. From missing Roth conversions to underfunding HSAs and after-tax accounts, we’re sharing what we wish we had done differently—so you don’t make the same missteps.We also open up about the hard truths: losing 70–80% of our income, getting ghosted by potential employers, and why we're being pushed into early retirement (spoiler: America kind of gave up on us first).If you're thinking about retiring early—whether by choice or circumstance—this is your roadmap to avoid regret and build a fabulous future on your own terms.🎯 Grab the Happy Gay Retirement Calculator to start planning your exit strategy today.Chapters:0:00 - Intro0:30 - Why are we retiring early?2:20 - How we're able to retire early4:08 - Why we didn't "just get jobs"6:07 - Tradeoffs for early retirement7:31 - Mistake #1 - Roth Conversions9:03 - Mistake #2 - HSAs10:35 - Mistake #3 - After-tax investing11:34 - Wrap upMentioned in this episode:Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Faster Here!Want a European passport with access to living in nearly any European country? Just click the link below to find out how. Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!

Top 5 Cities for Gay Retirement in UruguayProgressive laws. High safety ratings. A warm, welcoming culture. Uruguay may be South America's best-kept secret for LGBTQ+ retirement—and in this episode, we reveal the top 5 cities for gay retirees looking for affordability, inclusion, and sunshine.We explore everything from charming riverside towns like Paysandú to the chic beachside enclaves of José Ignacio, with deep dives into rent prices, cost of living, queer scenes, and legal protections. Uruguay may not have a massive gay expat community yet—but that might just be what makes it so special.🧭 Whether you’re dreaming of rustic charm or cosmopolitan culture, this episode will help you decide if Uruguay deserves a spot on your fabulous retirement shortlist.Takeaways:The Queer Money Retirement Ratings for 5 top Uruguayan citiesCost of living vs. U.S. benchmarksWhy Uruguay’s quiet inclusivity may feel more authentic than flashyWhich cities are best for budget-conscious vs. luxury-loving retireesWhat Uruguay gets right—and what may be dealbreakers🎯 Grab your Happy Gay Retirement Calculator and start planning your next chapter!Mentioned in this episode:Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Faster Here!Want a European passport with access to living in nearly any European country? Just click the link below to find out how. Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!

Are Gay Men Really Broke?It’s no secret: gay men are some of the biggest spenders in the economy. From fashion to travel to gourmet coffee, we love to live well. But here’s the paradox—so many of us still feel financially strapped.On this episode of Queer Money®, we’re unpacking why gay men often earn more yet save less—and how cultural pressures, internalized shame, and a desire to prove our worth can sabotage financial security.Takeaways:The hidden costs of trying to look successfulWhy the LGBTQ+ community is targeted by marketers—and how to protect yourselfSteps to shift from consumption to building lasting wealt💡 If you’ve ever felt stuck in the cycle of spend, stress, repeat—this one’s for you.Mentioned in this episode:Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Faster Here!Want a European passport with access to living in nearly any European country? Just click the link below to find out how. Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!