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1. 

   ScottyERE
   

   Novice
   Joined: Jul '11
   Posts: 7

   Hello, I've been visiting Jacob's site for a couple years and bought the book soon after it came out. I really dig this site and has helped solidify my aspirations to get out of the rat race. I am not going to work for the next 30 years holed up in an soul-sucking office slowly dying from recycled air. Thanks Jacab for putting this out.

   For the INTJ's, my demo:

   Male
   31
   Single, never married no kids
   Gross income about $51K
   INTJ
   Masters degree

   My goal is to get enough dividend income coming in to get me to FI. My (half) duplex should be paid off in 3-4 years if everything goes right. After I get FI, say about $10K per year coming in, I plan to travel around the world teaching english and visiting new places. Ideally, I would let the $9K compound while I cover basic living expenses from teaching and such. Every year I do this I bank a year. If I wanted, I could take a year and dig up ruins in Turkey if I wanted. This is very appealing.

   Below is a typcial monthly budget. I do not watch the budget, but it falls in line every month. I put 19% ($9,600 per year) in a 401K, about 50% stocks and 50% high yeild bonds. Current 401k balance is $80k. In addition, I invest about $1,000 per month of after tax income into a mix of Roth IRA, individal accounts of which mostly are high yeild bond funds, and additional mortgage principle. My favorite bond fund is SPHIX.

   August

   AT Income 2300
   House -600 (PMT is $410)
   Gas -200
   Insurance -30
   car main -10
   Water -50
   Interet -37
   Phone -35
   Crossfit -75
   Electric -80
   Food/Spending -400
   Surplus of 783

   I still owe $39K on the mortgage. Hopefully I'll have a roomate soon that will contribute $350 to the principle which will help get this paid off in 3-4 years. Where I live the buses are free and there is a bus stop in the front yard. I after paid off, I can generate about $650pm income from the property. Ideally after I become FI, it would not need a car if I decide to stay around.

   I backpacked around the world when I was younger and know how cheap I can live overseas. I love the experience of the new culture. Since there is zero propects of wife, kids, ect, I'm going to do this. I'm open to feedback and any suggestions to help me get to FI faster.

   :)

   Posted 1 year ago #
2. 

   DividendGuy
   

   Master
   Joined: Dec '10
   Posts: 414

   Where exactly were you thinking of living? You mention overseas.

   I am slightly interested in SE Asia due to the low costs. Specifically the Philippines, due to the ease of getting a visa through the SRRV program. Very low cost of living and English-speaking.

   Posted 1 year ago #
3. 

   ScottyERE
   

   Novice
   Joined: Jul '11
   Posts: 7

   Right now I'm thinking of spending the first year in Russia. I have a free place to stay and would be able to get a 1 year visa while I learn the language. There is a high demand for Business English there so I could support myself by breaking even that first year. If I like it, I might stay indefinitely.

   After that, I'm thinking 6 months in India, 2 months Nepal, 6 months India. I would need the dividend income during this period.

   After that, I"m thinking 1 year Indonesia. I spent some time in Thailand and Malysia several years ago and really enjoyed the culture and people. It is very cheap there which is nice. However living there and visiting are 2 different things.

   I hear the Philippines is a good place to retire, especially for the lower income 50+ crowd. A good friend of mine, who's 60, has been married to a philippeno lady for a few years. He has been to Cebu a few times and has mixed feelings about living there. Its not for everyone.He's disabled and lives on about $950 social security diablity.

   I believe the SRRV program required a large amount up front and proof of steady income after. However, if you like it there and want to stay forever it would be worth getting the permenant resident visa and forgo the constant visa runs, which get expensive fast. You should vist there for a month before making any decisions. I hear South America is nice as well.

   Posted 1 year ago #
4. 

   DividendGuy
   

   Master
   Joined: Dec '10
   Posts: 414

   Thanks for the response. Awesome information. I appreciate it.

   Visiting and living are two different things. I totally agree with you there. I have to start with visiting. I've been so steadfast on reducing expenses that taking trips hasn't been on my mind. As I get closer to ERE I'll have to check it out.

   Russia? That's great if you can make it. I had figured there might be a high-risk scenario for Americans in Russia.

   Best of luck to you and keep us updated. Retiring/living overseas is definitely something that is interesting.

   Posted 1 year ago #
5. 

   ExpatERE
   

   Journeyman
   Joined: Jul '11
   Posts: 219

   Welcome. Looking forward to watching your progress.

   What part of Thailand have you visited? Thinking of going in Sept. for part of my leave. I hear they have some great diving and rock climbing...

   Posted 1 year ago #
6. 

   ScottyERE
   

   Novice
   Joined: Jul '11
   Posts: 7

   September is a good time to go. Its just before the monsoon and crowds aren't too bad. I spent a month on Ko Phangan at a place called Bottle Beach. Highly recommended. About 3 days in Bangkok is all I could handle even though I was there in total about a week. Went on a jungle trek for 2 days in the north somewhere and it was definitely worth the $22, including food, transport, guide, lodging, elephants, ect.

   The rock climbing is over on the west side of the country, notably Phuket and south along the coast. Beautiful place. KO Tao is where most of the good dive resorts are. Its much much cheaper to just show up instead of booking a package online. Up to you.

   You should go. It was difficult to spend more than $120 per week there, but I was there about 8 years ago. May be more expensive now but can't be too bad. Have fun!

   Posted 1 year ago #
7. 

   ExpatERE
   

   Journeyman
   Joined: Jul '11
   Posts: 219

   Thanks for the tips. I was worried about how the diving would be with the rainy season being so close. Hopefully the water will be calm. Good to know about just showing up for the dive sessions. Thanks again...

   Posted 1 year ago #

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