E83: Retiring Abroad vs USA: Insights from Portugal, Panama & Arizona

Five retirees share real-world stories of how they left the U.S. to retire affordably and joyfully in Portugal, Panama, and Arizona—exploring costs, healthcare, safety, and the meaning of home.

👥 Guest Bios:

• Clyde & Terry – Former firefighter/paramedic and writer duo who retired early and spent two years as global house-sitting nomads before settling in Tavira, Portugal.
• Mary Ellen – Painter and pickleball enthusiast who retired to Panama’s Pacific coast after exploring Central America.
• Rob & Jodie – Former Denverites now living in Sun City, Arizona; Jodie runs a popular fashion and lifestyle blog JTouchofStyle, while Rob assists with content creation.

🗣️ Topics Discussed:

• Cost of living and healthcare in Panama, Portugal, and Arizona
• House-sitting as a global travel lifestyle
• Visa requirements, insurance, and elder care abroad
• Building friendships, finding purpose, and new hobbies in retirement
• Cultural integration, safety, and the emotional aspects of leaving the U.S.
• Differences in infrastructure, food, and daily life
• Long-distance family dynamics and coping with being far from kids or grandkids

💬 Top Quote:
"If you have to see your grandbaby every two weeks, don’t move out of the United States—period." – Clyde

📺Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xcltBH-DJ2A

🎙 The Pod is hosted by Jesse Wright
💬 For guest suggestions, questions, or media inquiries, reach out at https://elpodcast.media/
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Thanks for listening!