Retirement. It’s something we spend our entire lives working towards, but what happens when you finally get there and it’s not quite what you imagined? Maybe the finances aren’t where you hoped they’d be, or the plan you had in mind no longer fits. That was us, too—standing at the edge of retirement, still alive, still kicking, but wondering what’s next.
But here’s the thing: we didn’t just settle. We reimagined what our lives could look like, took some bold steps, and now we’re living a dream we never even knew was possible. And guess what? We’re inviting you along for the ride. To Embrace a New Life Abroad. Come on we'll show you the way!
We’ve been living on the stunning island of Madeira, Portugal, for three years now, and it’s been nothing short of amazing. We even started a YouTube channel, sharing our experiences, adventures, and all the ups and downs that come with moving abroad and starting fresh. We hold monthly Happy Hours and welcome new friends with open arms. And if we’re being honest, it’s not always easy. It can be nerve-wracking and sometimes downright scary. But the joy we’ve found in stepping outside our comfort zone is worth every challenge.
Our story started in the Midwest, USA—a place where you can still buy a nice home in a great school district without needing to be a millionaire. Like many, we didn’t have a big jackpot waiting for us in the form of house equity. We worked hard, for more than 20 years (try 50+), and when retirement came, we had to figure out a new way forward.
Our Leap Of Faith Landed Us In Paradise
So, what did we do? We took a leap of faith and moved to Madeira, an island about 500 miles off the coast of mainland Portugal. Madeira is a hidden gem—lush mountains, breathtaking coastal walks, and a community that feels like home. If you’ve never been, it’s time to add it to your list. It’s a fantastic place to visit, and an even better place to live.
Our 5 Steps to Reinvent Your Life
Let’s talk about how you can start your own journey. These aren’t your typical tips—these are steps we’ve lived by, and they’ve made all the difference. We're here to support you every step of the way. Our fully guided program empowers you to research, plan, and make your move abroad to realize your dream. Your dream destination doesn't have to be Portugal like ours—we've tailored our program with your unique goals in mind.
Step 1: Reimagine Your Life
Just because you didn’t save a million by 40 doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Start fresh. Think about what you really want now, not what you thought you wanted 20 years ago. Life is fluid—your dreams should be too.
Step 2: Explore New Opportunities
Don’t let finances dictate everything. Look at where your money can take you, and be creative. We found Madeira, a place where our dollars stretch further, and we’ve never looked back.
Step 3: Create Side Income from Your Passions
We’ve all got skills and hobbies—now’s the time to turn them into something more. We turned our love for travel and storytelling into a YouTube channel that brings in extra income. What could you do?
Step 4: Embrace the Adventure
Stepping out of your comfort zone is key. Whether it’s moving to a new place or trying something new, it’s about expanding your world. And yes, it’s scary sometimes, but the rewards are huge.
Step 5: Share and Connect
There’s joy in sharing your journey. We do it through our YouTube channel, monthly meet-ups, and by interacting with our community online. It’s not just about what you gain—it’s about giving back, too.
Here are five of our favorite walks on this incredible island:
Levada dos Balcões – A peaceful walk through the mountains, offering stunning views and a chance to breathe in Madeira’s natural beauty.
Ponta de São Lourenço – Rugged cliffs and panoramic ocean views make this one of the most breathtaking walks you’ll ever experience.
Vereda do Areeiro – For the adventurous, this trail connects two of the highest peaks on the island. It’s challenging, but the views are beyond rewarding.
Levada do Caldeirão Verde – A lush, green trail that leads to a beautiful waterfall. It’s like stepping into a storybook.
Caminho Real da Encumeada – This walk gives you a taste of everything Madeira has to offer—forests, mountains, and the endless blue of the Atlantic.
Our Life in Madeira (And How You Can Start Yours)
Madeira isn’t just a vacation spot—it’s become our home. And through our YouTube channel, we’re sharing every step of our journey. From the challenges of moving abroad to the pure joy of discovering new places, we’re putting it all out there.
But we’re not just about the pretty pictures. We get real about the tough parts, too. Like how weird it is to talk back to the TV, especially when someone says they retired after 20 years of work. (Seriously? We’re still going strong after decades!) Or how we crack ourselves up by making up dialogue for those cheesy sci-fi movies. It’s all part of our quirky life, and we love sharing it with you.
Where Will You Be In 1 Year just 365 Days?
We’ve even launched a new program designed to help others make the move abroad. It’s not just about finding a place—it’s about getting your finances in order, planning for the future, and finding joy in every step of the journey. If you’re interested, check out the link above. We’re kicking off a one-year, comprehensive program that includes everything from monthly gatherings to personalized coaching sessions. Pre-sales are open, and we can’t wait to get started in January. Don't worry you can get started today and join us for the rest on January.
Join Us on the Journey
So, are you ready to rethink your retirement and start living the life you’ve always wanted? Whether you’re dreaming of a new adventure or just looking to add a little more joy to your daily routine, we’re here to help you make it happen. Subscribe to our YouTube channel, visit our website, and consider supporting us on Patreon. Your support helps us keep sharing our story—and hopefully inspiring you to start your own.
Let’s make the most of these years together. After all, life’s too short to sit on the sidelines.
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