Queer Money®: How Gay People Do Money

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!

Portugal’s calling—and she’s wearing designer sunglasses. 🌈✨On this week’s Queer Money, we’re spilling the pastel de nata on the top 5 cities in Portugal for gay retirees. From the chic beaches of Cascais to the colorful streets of Lisbon, we cover where to live fabulously (and affordably-ish). But watch your wallets, darlings—new tax changes could have you paying more than you planned.We’ll break down what’s changing, how it could impact your Social Security and retirement income, and why you definitely need a tax pro before you pack your caftans.Which Portuguese paradise has a 10/10 Queer Money Retirement Rating? Tune in to find out—and start planning your escape.Takeaways:✅ The top 5 most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in Portugal for retirement—complete with costs, perks, and downsides✅ Portugal’s end to the Non-Habitual Resident tax regime and why it could mean a tax hit of up to 48%✅ How to avoid getting double-taxed on Social Security and retirement accounts✅ The Queer Money Retirement Ratings that help you compare your options at a glanceChapters:0:00 - Intro0:33 - Portugal tax changes3:30 - Series update4:17 - Porto5:58 - Lisbon8:42 - Lagos10:11 - Ericeira11:52 - Cascais13:58 - Wrap upDownload your free Happy Gay Retirement Calculator :Get the calculator here.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!

The IRS Rule That Could Save Your Early Retirement (No, Seriously)Burned out? Laid off? Can’t sit through one more “All Hands” meeting where Todd from Accounting performs a spoken word about synergy? Honey, maybe it’s time to retire early—even if you didn’t plan to.This week on Queer Money®, we’re spilling the retirement tea 🍵 on a not-so-boring IRS rule with a Star Wars-sounding name: Rule 72(t). This little-known financial lifeline lets you tap your IRA or 401(k) penalty-free before 59½ if you're done-done (emotionally or professionally). Yes, the IRS will Cher slap you with a 10% penalty otherwise—but not with this rule, darling.We break down the 3 payment options with sass and strategy—from cautious queens to high-rolling honeys—and share how this rule might just be your early retirement Plan B.If you’re dreaming of sipping espresso in Porto instead of grinding at your desk, listen up. Rule 72(t) could be your official exit plan.Takeaways:What is IRS Rule 72(t)? A legit way to take early retirement withdrawals without the IRS penalty. Yes, it’s real. No, it’s not a droid.Three Queen-Approved Payment Plans:Required Minimum Distribution – For the cautious queens who want to test the waters.Fixed Amortization – For the dependable divas who love predictability.Fixed Annuitization – For high-rolling honeys who want more moolah now (but no take-backs, babes).You still pay taxes (because this isn’t RuPaul’s Tax-Free Fantasy Camp), but no 10% early withdrawal penalty is a big win.This rule works best if you’re 50–59½, have a chunk in retirement accounts, and truly need the income.WARNING: If you break the rule (even by $1), the IRS will come for you harder than a drag queen chasing a $20 tip. 💅Not for everyone – definitely consult your financial advisor or accountant (and maybe educate them in the process 👀).Feeling lemon-y about layoffs and burnout? This may be your early retirement lemonata.Chapters:0:00 - Intro0:43 - The T on Rule 72t2:08 - How Rule 72t works2:30 - The 3 Withdrawl Methods4:52 - Requirements to avoid the 10% penalty5:45 - Who this rule works best for7:29 - Wrap upGet your Happy Gay Retirement CalculatorDownload it here: queermoneypodcast.com/hgrcalcMentioned 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!

Top 5 Gay-Friendly Places in Mexico to RetireIn this episode of Queer Money®, we continue our global search for the best places for LGBTQ+ folks to retire — and this week, we're diving into México lindo. From beach towns to colonial gems, we’re counting down the top 5 gay-friendly cities in Mexico for retirement based on affordability, safety, community, and queer inclusivity.Find out why cities like Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, and San Miguel de Allende made the list, what each has to offer the LGBTQ+ community, and how much it costs to live there comfortably. Whether you want a bustling metropolis or a lakeside haven, Mexico may just be your retirement paradise.📌 Top Takeaways:#5: San Miguel de AllendeCharming, artistic, and walkable colonial town with a growing expat and LGBTQ+ presence.Rent for a 2BR averages $1,300/month.Queer Money Retirement Rating: 8/10#4: GuadalajaraMexico’s second-largest city with a strong queer scene, great food, and affordable living.Rent for a 2BR averages $1,000/month.Queer Money Retirement Rating: 8.5/10#3: Ajijic (Lake Chapala)Serene lakeside village with a tight-knit LGBTQ+ community and holistic vibe.Rent ranges from $950–$1,200/month.Cobblestone streets = strong ankles required!Queer Money Retirement Rating: 9/10#2: MéridaKnown for its safety, history, and growing queer inclusivity.Affordable cost of living and rich Yucatán culture.Rent for a 2BR averages $1,000/month.Queer Money Retirement Rating: 9/10#1: Puerto VallartaMexico’s undisputed gay capital with vibrant nightlife and beachside living.Rent for a 2BR starts around $1,200/month, but prices rise in Zona Romántica.Queer Money Retirement Rating: 10/10💬 Let us know what we got right (or wrong), or share your experience living in these cities. DM us on Instagram or leave a comment on YouTube.📍Want the full Queer Money Retirement Rating list?👉 QueerMoneyPodcast.com/citiesGet your Happy Gay Retirement CalculatorDownload it here: queermoneypodcast.com/hgrcalcMentioned 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!

Retirement Isn’t Just for Chads & KarensLet’s be honest—when most folks picture retirement, it’s usually a straight couple named Chad and Karen sipping Chardonnay in Scottsdale. Cute for them. But what about you—still fabulous at 67, maybe rocking a part-time gig at a queer-owned café because your bank account missed the memo that you were done working?On this week’s Queer Money, we’re ditching the tired, hetero retirement fantasy and giving you the real tea on how queer folks can retire fabulously (and actually afford it). We’re serving up a 5-step no-BS framework to take you from “fabulously stressed” to “financially fierce.”Whether you’re figuring out your retirement number, learning how to pay your future self first, or just trying to make peace with the word “budget,” we’ve got you. Because your golden years shouldn’t be basic—or broke.Retirement isn’t one-size-fits-all, especially for our community. So let’s stop trying to live someone else’s dream and start planning for yours. The goal? A future that fits you like your favorite pair of perfectly broken-in jeans. Or leather pants. We don’t judge.🎯 5 Steps to Go From Fabulously Stressed to Financially FabulousKnow Your Number 👛 - Guessing doesn’t cut it. Use the Happy Gay Retirement Calculator to figure out how much you need for the life you want.Pay Your Future Self First 💸 - Even $25 a paycheck adds up. Start now so your 65-year-old self can sip cocktails, not stress.Ditch Chad & Karen’s Plan ❌ - You’re not straight. Your retirement shouldn’t be either. Build a plan that fits your life.Lasso Your Accounts 🤠 - Round up those stray 401(k)s. One place. One plan. So much easier to manage.Pick Your Paradise 🏖️ - Palm Springs? Portugal? Start researching now so you can retire where you’ll live your best life.Chapters0:00 - Intro2:04 - Step 1 - Know your retirement number4:05 - Step 2 - Pay your future self first6:22 - Step 3 - Skip the straight benchmarks8:21 - Step 4 - Consolidate retirement accounts9:22 - Step 5 - Pick your gay paradise10:30 - Wrap upGet your Happy Gay Retirement CalculatorDownload it here: 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!

Where are the Best Gay Retirement Cities in Spain?Hola, Spain! You voted, we listened—and this week, we’re heading to the land of tapas, Gaudí, and gay beaches to reveal the Top 5 Cities in Spain for Gay Retirees!From Malaga's chill beach vibes to Barcelona’s big gay energy, we’re breaking down:🌈 The LGBTQ+ scene in each city💸 Rent and cost of living🏳️‍🌈 Our Queer Money® Retirement RatingAnd, of course, our favorite perks (hi, Bear Week in Sitges 🐻💦)Spoiler alert: You can see Africa from your house, and yes, the best paella is in Valencia.Whether you're dreaming of mañana mornings or plotting your fabulous early retirement, this is your Spanish gaycation starter pack. 🌴💃🎧 Episode 592 is brought to you by PensionBee—helping you consolidate those old 401(k)s so you can plan your Happy Gay Retirement with ease. 🐝📲 Tap that subscribe button, share with your wanderlust-y queer friends, and grab your Happy Gay Retirement Calculator in the episode description.Next up: Mexico! But for now… stay fabulous. ✨Takeaways:🗣️ Pro tip: Don’t be that American - Want the full Spanish fantasy? Learn the language. It’s sexy and respectful.🏖️ Malaga = sun, culture, and cheap rent—but bring your Spanish dictionary - This coastal cutie is wallet-friendly, but English isn’t widely spoken. Time to practice those rolling R’s!🍊 Valencia is laid-back luxe - It’s giving: beachy, artsy, and unapologetically queer—with fewer crowds and more charm than the big cities.🎨 Madrid has it all—museums, parks, nightlife, and Pride with a capital P - Just watch for some recent political shade trying to dim its sparkle.Sitges is cute and uber gay - the small beachside town south of Barcelona where we gayed it up for three months in 2019🏙️ Barcelona is big, bold, and fabulously gay - You’ll pay more for the privilege, but the culture, community, and queer life? Chef’s kiss.Chapters:0:00 - Intro - Don't be that American0:25 - Malaga - Affordable and expat-friendly2:13 - Valencia - Gorgeous and big4:30 - Madrid - Packed with gays, the capital in the center of the country and hot, hot hot6:52 - Sitges - The gay mecca of Europe and host of International Bear Week every September9:37 - Barcelona - Arts, culture, beaches and a gay nightlife to please just about any gayMentioned 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!