retiring here

[Michael Parnham]

You are still going to be better off here with health and elderly care compared to the Philippines whether our system changes drastically or not.

Like tiger31 said, family ties are what keep most of us here.
I'm about to become a grandfather for the first time which I'm really excited about and I have two babies and a grown up son who to is getting married soon they too are trying for babies. I'm a family man through and through, it's the way I've been made.
My eldest said the other day not to worry about being alone when you get old she said I can go live with them hahaha.
I wasn't saying this 7 years ago when I set up business in Panacan Davao. I was going to move lock stock and barrel and buy a plush home in Woodridge and live happily ever after. It didn't turn out that way.
That was my first big financial hit.

Like Brian, I'm grateful I didn't sell my house here. ..okay its on an interest only but at least I'm able to pay it off by the time im 65.
The day I stop work is the day I give up on life.

The day I retired was the start of my life, no work, no worries, no mortgage, beautiful home, Philippines twice a year, Cornwall every year, new car every year (no finance), could do anything I wanted in life and no problems in life until, I met my Beautiful Maritess, I then gave everything away, ended up with nothing zilch, worked all my life without a single day off work ever, lost everything I'd worked for. But I don't regret it, because I found what I've always wanted and now I'm happy!

[gWaPito]

The day I retired was the start of my life, no work, no worries, no mortgage, beautiful home, Philippines twice a year, Cornwall every year, new car every year (no finance), could do anything I wanted in life and no problems in life until, I met my Beautiful Maritess, I then gave everything away, ended up with nothing zilch, worked all my life without a single day off work ever, lost everything I'd worked for. But I don't regret it, because I found what I've always wanted and now I'm happy!

I'm well happy for you Michael. I tried to give you a reputation. .apparently I must spread them around.

I know it's not everyone's cup of tea but, I do find it liberating and refreshing talk like this. .similar to leaving the confessional box. .you could do cartwheels