The New American Dream: Retire Abroad on ONLY Your Social Security Check!

Ever feel like you're just existing, not truly living? Many people think you need a massive, impossible number to retire, but we're here to challenge that. We're talking about the New American Dream: a comfortable, fulfilling retirement that's not just possible on a small pension or Social Security, but an adventure of a lifetime. In this episode, we get real about the money. We set the financial benchmark at the average US Social Security benefit about $2,000 per month and show you 10 incredible countries where this budget transforms into a high-quality life. Latin America: Why Mexico, Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, and Costa Rica are perfect for proximity and value. Southeast Asia: How Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia offer serious financial freedom on a small budget. Europe: The two countries (Portugal and Spain) that make the Old World Charm surprisingly affordable. The Reality Check: Essential considerations for healthcare, visas, taxes, and the "X-Factor" of cultural integration. #retireabroad #socialsecurity #retireonless #lowcostretirement #slowtravel #expatlife #cheapestcountries #retireon2000 #financialfreedom #newamericandream #PhillyAndTheBrain RESEARCH RECEIPTS: 1.Social Security Administration. Estimated Average Monthly Social Security Retirement Benefit. Available at: [https://www.ssa.gov/oact/cola/Benefit...](https://www.ssa.gov/oact/cola/Benefit... ) (Used to establish the $2,000 per month benchmark). 2. Kiplinger. What Is the Average Social Security Check by Age? Available at: [https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/...](https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/... ) (Confirms the average benefit range). 3. Mexico Relocation Guide. A Quick Guide for Expats Retiring in Mexico (2025 Edition). Available at: [https://mexicorelocationguide.com/ret...](https://mexicorelocationguide.com/ret... ) (Source for Mexico cost of living). 4. International Living. Cost of Living in Ecuador. (General source for Ecuador cost estimates). 5. International Living. Cost of Living in Colombia. (General source for Colombia cost estimates). 6. International Living. Retire in Panama. (Source for Panama cost of living and Pensionado Visa). 7. International Living. Cost of Living in Costa Rica. (Source for Costa Rica cost of living). 8. Pacific Prime. How Much Does It Cost to Retire in Thailand 2025. Available at: [https://www.pacificprime.com/blog/how...](https://www.pacificprime.com/blog/how... ) (Source for Thailand cost of living). 9. Numbeo. Cost of Living in Vietnam. (General source for Vietnam cost estimates). 10. International Living. Cost of Living in Malaysia. (General source for Malaysia cost estimates). 11. Get Golden Visa. Retiring in Portugal: The Updated Guide for 2025. Available at: [https://getgoldenvisa.com/retiring-in...](https://getgoldenvisa.com/retiring-in... ) (Source for Portugal cost of living and D7 Visa). 12. Idealista. The cost of retiring in Portugal: a comprehensive guide for 2025. Available at: [https://www.idealista.pt/en/news/fina...](https://www.idealista.pt/en/news/fina... ) (Used to cross-reference European costs, including Spain). Here is the Slow Travel Gear we Use https://www.amazon.com/shop/phillyand... Here is our PayPal link. If the spirit moves you. https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/6P... HERE'S THE MASTERCARD WE USE TO EARN FREE NIGHTS AT HOTELS: https://www.referyourchasecard.com/21... IF YOUR LOOKING FOR LIKEMINDED PEOPLE CHECK OUT OUR GROUNDED LIFE COMMUNITY: https://groundedlife.thinkific.com/co... https://groundedlife.thinkific.com/co... https://groundedlife.thinkific.com/bu... Hey, have you tried using an eSIM? Get USD $3.00 off your first eSIM package from Airalo. Use code PHIL1155 when you sign up or check out. https://airalo.go.link/eFY94 WE PAY $15 A MONTH FOR EACH CELL PHONE ($30 TOTAL). SAVE MONEY CLICK THE LINK. http://fbuy.me/u64Id We use Opus Clips for our YouTube Shorts. https://www.opus.pro/?via=e614b9 DISCLAIMER: This channel is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute consulting or advice including, but not limited to, visas, tax, medical, or financial advice. Please consult immigration attorneys, tax professionals, medical professionals and financial advisors for current information.