seniors is what holds most people close to home.

Our work wasn’t in those kinds of fields.

I think Suze works really well, too. She got me started, to be honest. I’m still insured (life insurance on myself and my husband) because of our son, but in 10 years, we shouldn’t need it any more.

I don’t like cleaning, which is why I gave up when my husband created HUGE messes and then people took it out on me like it was my fault “but he’s a man” and what not excuses. Drove me crazy.

Not only are those off your mind, but people live here differently. People take more holiday time an are more relaxed overall. Lots of people are ‘outdoorsy’ and sporty. Yes, there is an obesity problem (related to poverty, usually), but for the most part? yeah. you get fit.

We moved to New Zealand.

Yes. Having a dual economy is a *massive* benefit/privilege that a lot of single people do not have. And there are many more besides that aren’t even hinted at (like inheritances and other surprise windfalls that were sheer luck).

Cost of living here is much higher than where we were in the US, but we cut a lot of costs by being car free (it’s a massive savings), and also by living in a smaller apartment (for our family of 3). We also became ‘full on minimalists’ here because we realised that goods here cost a lot more, so we have so much less…

Awesome on finishing your IM! Way to go!

Ask a taxi driver for the best of whatever kind of food you like in a given neighbourhood, and also asking the locals is great — asking a barista can be a great way to get the lay of the land. I teach yoga — if you came to a yoga class with me and asked about the best restaurants, I’d give you a list of 15-20 and what…

This was such a great read. Your daughter is obviously very house-proud, and I think that’s a good thing.

So much good is happening. Friends of ours have finally arrived in our country (moved here from the US) and we’re already having a lot of fun. :)

I agree about this. Finding the right financial planner can be really helpful.

I like to run it this:

I hear you. Part of the reason why we moved to another country was the good social safety nets that do not exist in the US and are unlikely to by the time I hit 60.

I’m big into living simply and investing widely, and in a way, I have some FIRE-like goals, but I just can’t get into the FIRE movement because I think sometimes they get really judgmental about other people’s lifestyle choices (including other people who are doing FIRE stuff but not the way that they do it).

Indeed, even though you didn’t mean it for me. I teach yoga, and often get ‘hard cases.’ When I’m sent people with CFS, I ask them if it’s a symptom or the actual disorder, and what the diagnosis is.

I do not like it when people assert that these sorts of chronic illnesses are not real. Or, conflate and confuse different things. You say your bit over and over. I”ll back you up.

This kills me. Just kills me.

I know exactly how this works, tell you what. LOL