Queer Money®: How Gay People Do Money

Top 5 Cities to Retire in Croatia for Gay Folks | Affordable Gay Retirement in Europe Your morning walk is along a stone promenade by the Adriatic Sea. Your biggest decision? Coffee… or wine… or both. And your cost of living just dropped by 40–60%. If you’ve been dreaming about gay retirement abroad, but assumed Europe meant Paris prices or Barcelona crowds, think again. In this episode of Queer Money, we break down the top 5 cities to retire in Croatia for gay men who want affordability, culture, and coastal beauty without draining their portfolio. Croatia may be Europe’s best-kept retirement secret. We ranked these cities using our Queer Money Retirement Rating, overweighting affordability because stretching your retirement dollars matters — especially if you want options. In This Episode We Cover: We also break down: Croatia offers Mediterranean lifestyle, national healthcare access, and European culture — without the Spain or Italy price tag. But affordability is only half the story. We also talk honestly about LGBTQ+ acceptance, legal protections, and what life is really like for gay retirees in Croatia. 🎯 Key Takeaways Want to see if Croatia works with your retirement savings? And if Croatia isn’t your vibe, stay tuned — we’re covering Colombia next. Chapters:

Ever told yourself, “It’s too late for me” or “I should’ve started saving earlier”? If you’re 45 or older and feeling behind on retirement, this episode is your wake-up call. Because while achieving financial independence in three years isn’t easy—or typical—it is possible. In this episode of Queer Money, we break down the exact systems, mindset shifts, and lifestyle upgrades required to accelerate your path to financial freedom. This isn’t about crypto speculation, stock tips, or manifesting millions with oat milk and a vision board. It’s about building systems that work harder than you do. We redefine financial independence as five freedoms: And we show you how to design your life around them. What You’ll Learn About Financial Independence: We walk you through the Queer Money Financial Independence Framework: You’ll also hear how we: Financial independence isn’t about working harder. It’s about aligning your systems with your values—and then ruthlessly optimizing your life around your “why.” Three years is possible. But only if you treat it like a system, not a fantasy. If you’re ready to stop financing coping mechanisms and start building freedom, this episode is your blueprint. Chapters:

6 LGBTQ-Friendly Countries Where Americans Can Retire for Less—and Still Achieve Retirement Success Most gay men assume retiring abroad requires extreme wealth, immigration lawyers, or giving up their U.S. passport. The truth? If you’re over 50 and have Social Security, a pension, rental income, or a 401(k), you may already qualify for residency in multiple LGBTQ-friendly countries—and at a cost that actually supports retirement success instead of draining it. In this episode of Queer Money, we break down six verifiable LGBTQ-friendly countries where Americans can legally obtain residency without being ultra-wealthy—and where everyday life costs significantly less than in the United States. This conversation is about grounding the dream of retiring abroad in reality. These are real visa programs, real income thresholds, and real places where gay men can live openly, affordably, and with dignity. We cover: Countries Covered in This Episode: PortugalMexicoThailandGreeceBrazilLatvia Key Takeaways for Retirement Success: Retiring abroad isn’t about running away. It’s about running the numbers—and choosing a life that actually works. If retirement success means more freedom, less stress, and living openly as yourself, this episode shows you where to start. 👉 Want to know how long your money could last—at home or abroad? Use the Happy Gay Retirement Calculator to see what retirement success actually looks like for you. 🔗 Start here:

Why Brutal Honesty Is the Missing Link to Retirement Success for Gay Men What if the reason you haven’t achieved retirement success yet isn’t the market, your income, or your age—but your relationship with the truth about your money? In this episode of Queer Money, we get radically honest about the quiet habit that keeps most gay men financially stressed well into midlife: avoiding the full truth about how we earn, spend, and use money to cope. Not because we’re bad with money—but because honesty feels unsafe when money has long been tied to identity, belonging, and survival. Many gay men over 45 believe they’re doing “fine.” The bills are paid. The lifestyle looks good. But underneath that calm exterior is often anxiety, denial, and a nagging sense that retirement success feels farther away than it should. That’s not a spending problem. It’s an honesty problem. In this conversation, we unpack why so many of us: We also explore the deeper emotional layer: how growing up queer taught many of us to perform success, buy safety, and fund the appearance of being chosen—often at the expense of long-term financial independence. Key Takeaways for Retirement Success: net income We also share how getting honest about our own money story helped us pay off $51,000 in credit card debt, reach Coast FI, and create work that supports our lives instead of draining them. Retirement success isn’t about pretending you’re fine. It’s about telling yourself the truth—and building from there. If you want less stress, more choice, and a real path to financial independence, this episode is your starting point. Download the Happy Gay Retirement Calculator here: https://queermoneypodcast.com/hgrcalc Chapters: Mentioned in this episode:

Gay Retirement Abroad: Why Germany Might Be Better Than the U.S. Imagine a retirement where Pride isn’t just a parade once a year — it’s woven into everyday life. If you’re thinking about retiring abroad, you’re not alone — and Germany might surprise you. In this episode of Queer Money, we’re breaking down the best German cities for gay retirees, where you can live well, feel safer than in much of the U.S., and potentially retire earlier than you thought — without selling your soul or your Roth. We cover: actuallyQueer Money Retirement Ratings Cities featured include: Magdeburg Germany won’t sell you a fantasy. But it will sell you stability, dignity, strong infrastructure, and a future that actually works. 🎯 Not sure how much money you need to retire — in Germany or anywhere else? Grab our free, new & improved Happy Gay Retirement Calculator and get clarity on when and how you can retire fabulously. Chapters: Mentioned in this episode: Ready to retire where you can be yourself... fully? Learn more about the Portugal Golden Opportunites Fund with Optimize Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here! Ready to retire where you can be yourself... fully? Learn more about the Portugal Golden Opportunites Fund with Optimize

Are Gay Men Ruining Their Retirement Success Options? Hoodies. Hookups. Hotels. Thirst traps. They may look fabulous — but they could be quietly destroying your retirement success. In this bold, no-BS episode of Queer Money, we break down seven very real ways gay men sabotage their financial futures, often without realizing it. Inspired by conversations in our community (and a little tough love), this episode isn’t about shame — it’s about clarity. If you’re a gay man wondering why retirement feels out of reach despite a good income, this episode will likely hit close to home. We talk about: status spending This isn’t about giving up joy, pleasure, or fabulous living. It’s about stopping the habits that trade short-term dopamine for long-term stress — and choosing a version of retirement that actually feels safe, free, and fulfilling. ✅ Key Takeaways for Retirement Success If you want a retirement that inspires you — not one you fear — this episode is your wake-up call. 👉 Your Next Step If you want to know how close you actually are to retirement success, start here: Get the Happy Gay Retirement Calculator: https://queermoneypodcast.com/hgrcalc Chapters:

Retirement Success in Panama: Top 5 Gay Cities for Warm Weather, Lower Costs & a Softer Landing If you’re a gay man 45+ thinking, “I want retirement success, but I also want sunshine, lower costs, and a life that doesn’t feel like a constant financial stress-test,” Panama might be your sleeper hit. In this episode, we break down the Top 5 gay cities in Panama for retirees, ranked #5 to #1 with affordability weighted heavily (because vibes don’t pay rent). You’ll hear what life could look like in places ranging from practical inland hubs to expat-friendly beach communities and a major international city with real LGBTQ+ visibility. We cover: David (Chiriquí):Pedasí:Coronado:Boquete:Panama City: ✅ Takeaways for retirement success low-key outside Panama City Which Panama city fits your version of retirement success? Chapters: Mentioned in this episode: Ready to retire where you can be yourself... fully? Learn more about the Portugal Golden Opportunites Fund with Optimize Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!

5 Mindset Shifts for Retirement Success in 2026 (No Hustle, Just Standards) Imagine it’s December 31, 2026… and you’re not scrambling, apologizing, or promising “next year will be different.” You’re calm. Your money feels intentional. Your life feels designed. In this episode, we’re sharing 5 practical mindset shifts for retirement success—especially for LGBTQ+ folks who are tired of starting over every January and ready to build real momentum. These aren’t “new year, new you” clichés. They’re identity upgrades + small daily standards that compound into big results—like stronger savings, lower debt, and more confidence about retirement. ✅ Key Takeaways for Retirement Success Your identity doesn’t change your life—your standards do.1% changes that compoundtolerance problemsbreaking the loopprogress beats panic. 💬 Question We Want You to Answer one thing you’re no longer willing to tolerate 👉 Get the Happy Gay Retirement Calculator Want clarity on whether you’re on track—and what to do next for retirement success? ✅ Download the Happy Gay Retirement Calculator here: https://queermoneypodcast.com/hgrcalc Chapters

5 “Sleeper Hit” Gay Cities to Retire Abroad (Affordable, Safer, and Surprisingly Fabulous) What if your dream retirement is hiding in a gay city you’ve never even thought to look at? In this episode, we’re going off-script and sharing five surprising gay cities for retiring abroad—places that are shockingly affordable, quietly queer-friendly, and built for real life (not just a two-week vacation). No, these aren’t the usual suspects like Lisbon, Mexico City, or Valencia. These are the gay cities that deliver on what most LGBTQ+ retirees actually want: safety, healthcare access, affordability, and community—without the “big-city price tag.” ✅ What you’ll get in this episode gay citiesrealoverweighting affordability 🔥 Key Takeaways gay citieslivablesafety, acceptance, and easesleeper-hit gay citiesstable incomecost of living + healthcare access 👉 Get Your Next Step: Happy Gay Retirement Calculator If you’re thinking about retiring abroad—or you’re not sure if your money will last—start here: ✅ Happy Gay Retirement Calculator: https://queermoneypodcast.com/hgrcalc Mentioned in this episode: Ready to retire where you can be yourself... fully? Learn more about the Portugal Golden Opportunites Fund with Optimize Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!

Afraid You’ll Never Be Able to Retire? You’re Not Alone. Here’s the Plan. What if retirement wasn’t scary anymore? In this episode of Queer Money, we share the real, unfiltered results of a recent Queer Money community poll — and what it reveals about the five biggest fears LGBTQ+ people have about retirement. From “bag lady energy” to healthcare panic, from how much is enough to where can I live safely and affordably, this episode isn’t about shame — it’s about clarity, strategy, and community. If you’ve ever wondered: Will I run out of money?What happens if healthcare bankrupts me before Medicare?Can I retire early… or abroad?What if Social Security or Medicare changes? This episode is for you. 🎯 KEY TAKEAWAYS community + affordabilitya plan 🎙️ WHY THIS EPISODE MATTERS This episode marks a turning point — not just for Queer Money, but for how LGBTQ+ people talk about retirement. your life Subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming next in 2026. 👉 YOUR NEXT STEP If you’re serious about building confidence — not just hope — start here: ➡️ Get the Happy Gay Retirement Calculator: https://queermoneypodcast.com/hgrcalc Chapters:

Affordable, Safe & Fabulous Places for LGBTQ+ Retirement in France - Gay France! Imagine waking up to fresh baguettes, strolling cobblestone streets hand-in-hand, sipping €4 rosé in the sun—and spending less than you would in most major U.S. cities. Bienvenue to your Gay Retirement Fantasy: France Edition In Queer Money Episode 620, we break down the Top 5 French cities and towns for LGBTQ+ Americans looking to retire affordably, safely, and fabulously. We rank each city using our Queer Money Retirement Rating, weighing: From iconic Paris to underrated southern gems, France may be far more attainable—and queer-friendly—than you think. 🌈 Top Takeaways multiple LGBTQ+-friendly retirement options40–55% cheaper than NYCstable passive income 🔗 Resources & Links 📍 Queer Money Retirement Rating Criteria & City Scorecards - 👉 https://queermoneypodcast.com/cities 📊 Map out when, where, and how you can retire - 👉 Happy Gay Retirement Calculator: https://queermoneypodcast.com/hgrcalc Chapters Montpellier Mentioned in this episode: Ready to retire where you can be yourself... fully? Learn more about the Portugal Golden Opportunites Fund with Optimize Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!

What the K-Shaped Economy Means for Your Queer Money & Retirement This episode is brought to you by the letter K — Kiki, killer… and K-shaped economy. If it feels like some people are living in Taylor Swift box seats while you’re doing math at Dollar Tree, you’re not imagining it. That’s the K-shaped economy in action: one line shooting straight up for the wealthy, while everyone else — including millions of LGBTQ+ folks — slides down the bottom leg. On Queer Money® episode 619, we break down what the K-shaped economy is, where it came from, how it shows up in your everyday life, and, most importantly, what you can actually do about it. From grocery bills and wage stagnation to stacked vulnerability and early retirement abroad, we connect the dots so you can respond with strategy, not panic. This isn’t just “the economy.” It’s your retirement, your stability, your next money move. TAKEAWAYS K-shaped economyupdownsupercharged inequalityspending growthbigger percentslowestfasteststacked vulnerabilityrewards assets, not effortlower cost of living + better healthcare + more safetycanFU fund RELATED QUEER MONEY® EPISODES TO PROMOTE Mentioned in this episode: Ready to retire where you can be yourself... fully? Learn more about the Portugal Golden Opportunites Fund with Optimize Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!

Italy’s Top 5 Cities for Gay Retirement Is Italy really the golden, Aperol-spritz-soaked dream Instagram wants you to believe… or is the truth a little more complicated for LGBTQ+ retirees? This week on Queer Money® we’re ranking the Top 5 cities in Italy for LGBTQ+ retirement — from Renaissance beauty to progressive university towns to sun-drenched coastal havens. We break down the queer vibe, cost of living, rent, language barriers, expat community strength, visa rules, and, of course, the Queer Money Retirement Rating for each city. Italy may have pasta, Pride, and men in Speedos, but will any city snatch the crown from Portugal or our global frontrunner, Valencia? Time to find out. What You’ll Learn Today: you Takeaways: true passive income RELATED EPISODES TO LISTEN NEXT ✨ Want to know if YOU can retire in Italy (or anywhere abroad)? Get the Happy Gay Retirement Calculator here: https://queermoneypodcast.com/hgrcalc 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!

How to pay less taxes with your Boomer Bonus! Imagine getting an extra $6,000–$12,000 tax deduction just for being born at the right time. No lotto win. No extra hours at work. No sugar daddy required. Just a savvy tax move for Boomers and near-Boomers that could seriously boost your bottom line — financially speaking. In Queer Money® Episode 617, we break down exactly how the New Boomer Bonus Deduction (2025–2028) works, who qualifies, and the five smartest ways to maximize it like you’re working it on Tax Day. Plus, we walk through three real-ish scenarios to show how smart planning could save you thousands. If you're 65+ (or within the next four years), this deduction may be your built-in financial facelift — no stitches required. What You’ll Learn 5 best strategiesthousands Key Takeaways both2025–2028 only Chapters: 👉 Grab your free Happy Gay Retirement Calculator: queermoneypodcast.com/hgrcalc 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!

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 Takeaways Real savings:~50–70% cheaperClimate win:“eternal spring”Queer reality:visibility and safety varyTrade-offs: Chapters: SalinasRating 6/10CotacachiRating 7/10GuayaquilRating 7/10QuitoRating 8/10CuencaRating 9/10 Links referenced in this episode: queermoneypodcast.com/citiesqueermoneypodcast.com/hgrcalc 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!

Navigating Expat Taxes: Insights for Dream Retirees Snagged 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.Order matters:file where you live firstforeign tax creditsRoth alert:tax Roth distributionsEntity traps:LLC/S-corpReal estate timing:sell while still a U.S. tax residentBenefits trade-off:much lower healthcare and living costs Related Queer Money Episodes: Top 5 Cities for Gay Retirement in TaiwanBest LGBTQ+ Retirement Cities in GreeceThe $6,000 “Boomer Bonus” Deduction StrategiesAffordable Gay-Friendly Cities in PortugalGay Expats in Mexico: Pacific Coast Edition Chapters: 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!

Affordable Gay-Friendly Retirement in Taiwan: Top 5 Cities Ranked Thinking 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: Queer Money Retirement Rating Takeaways: can 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/hgrcalc Join the conversation: comment, share your experience, or send us your questions about retiring abroad as gay men. Suggested other episodes you’ll love: Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 02:22 - Taichung 05:16 - Kaohsiung 07:09 - Tainan 09:10 - New Taipei (suburbs of Taipei) 11:23 - Taipei 15:14 - Outro 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!

How to Retire in Portugal Picture 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. Takeaways optionalityconsistently LGBTQ+ friendlysignificantly lower healthcare costseligible investment fundsSelf-directed IRAsSEC-registeredPFIC-compliantspouse, kids, and parents Chapters Download your free Happy Gay Retirement Calculator 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!

Top 5 Cities for LGBTQ Expats Retiring Abroad in the Netherlands Looking 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: 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 Chapters 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 Golden Visa with Your IRA? David’s Path to Investing & Retiring Abroad What 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?Golden Visa 101:~14 days every 2 yearsInvesting via IRA:self-directed IRA rolloverFund choice matters:diversified, open-ended mutual fundLogistics made simple:Plan B → Peace of mind:Real talk for LGBTQ+ folks: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 Calculator 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!