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Queer Money®: How Gay People Do Money
Hosted by Queer Money · EN
Queer Money is a bi-weekly show dedicated to creating desperately needed generational wealth within the gay community because we deserve to sleep better at night and we must stand up to the anti-LGBTQ+ industrial complex.
Listen and watch regularly to eliminate financial insecurity and generate personal wealth, prepare for a secure and fun retirement, find the most affordable, LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the US to live in or travel to, grow your stock portfolio to $1,000,000+, build a real estate empire and start a small business.
Your hosts are husbands and money experts David & John Auten-Schneider who have been the leaders in LGBTQ+ finance since 2015. With nine seasons, nearly 500 episodes, over a million downloads and features by Oprah, Advocate, Variety, CNBC and more, the award-winning Queer Money is the longest running show made by and for the LGBTQ+ community and is the only show solely dedicated to our financial well-being as gay people.
· For more financial information and helpful resources, visit queermoneypodcast.com
· For complementary charts and grafts (and pretty pictures), subscribe to Queer Money on YouTube @ https://www.youtube.com/@queermoney?sub_confirmation=1
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Gay Retirement in the Philippines: 5 Affordable Gay-Friendly Cities Where Your Money Goes Further | Queer Money Ep. 642
1w ago00:10:22Tap to summarizeCould the Philippines be one of the smartest places for gay retirement abroad if you want lower costs, warm weather, friendly locals, and a bigger life for less money?In this episode of Queer Money, we’re breaking down five affordable gay-friendly cities in the Philippines where LGBTQ+ retirees, especially gay men over 40, may be able to stretch their dollars, enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle, and explore early retirement abroad without needing Palm Springs money.The Philippines is a fascinating mix. Socially, it’s one of the more LGBTQ-accepting countries in Asia, with visible Pride events, queer spaces, and a generally warm “live and let live” culture in many places. Legally, however, it still lacks some major national LGBTQ+ protections, including full marriage equality and broad anti-discrimination laws. So, yes, the Philippines can be welcoming, but you still need to know where to go and what trade-offs to expect.That’s why we’re ranking five cities using the Queer Money Retirement Rating, weighing affordability, lifestyle, LGBTQ+ vibe, healthcare access, expat friendliness, and overall livability.We cover beach-adjacent Cebu City, calm and modern Iloilo, clean and green Davao, artsy mountain-town Baguio, and our number-one pick, Dumaguete, a coastal university town with a strong expat community and surprisingly low costs.If you’ve been wondering whether gay retirement in the Philippines is realistic, affordable, or even fabulous, this episode gives you a practical starting point.Takeaways from this episode:Which five cities offer the best mix of affordability and LGBTQ+ friendliness in the PhilippinesWhere two-bedroom rents can be as low as roughly $450 to $900 per monthWhy the Philippines may be a strong geoarbitrage option for gay retirees and early retireesWhich cities have stronger queer visibility, nightlife, Pride organizations, or expat communitiesWhy popular places like Siargao and Bonifacio Global City didn’t make the main listIf you’re considering gay retirement abroad, retiring early, or simply want your money to buy more freedom, the Philippines may deserve a much closer look.Chapters:00:00 - Intro00:37:16 #5 – Cebu City01:51:14 #4 – Iloilo City02:52:58 - About the Philippines04:12:53 #3 – Davao City05:01:39 #2 – Baguio07:01:53 #1 – Dumaguete08:11:39 - Honorable Mentions: Siargao & BGC08:57:49 - OutroMentioned in this episode:Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!Your path to a fabulous retirement starts here!Unlock your free 10 Vital Retirement Numbers guide. Download it today using the link below. 10 Vital Retirement Numbers You Need to KnowWhat if your portfolio came with a visa and passport?That’s exactly what the Optimize Portugal Golden Opportunities Fund can do, bringing together diversification, tax efficiency, and a path to EU residency and a passport. Click the link below to explore your ticket to Europe. Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!
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7 Retirement Mistakes That Can Make You Hate Retirement | Queer Money Ep. 641
2w ago00:12:32Tap to summarizeWhat if the dream retirement you’ve been working toward… isn’t actually the retirement that makes you happy?In this episode of Queer Money®, we’re talking about the 7 reasons why you might hate retirement, and more importantly, how to avoid them. Because retirement planning is not just about hitting your number, quitting your job, and finally living your best “no more Monday meetings” life.That sounds fabulous, yes. But without purpose, structure, identity, community, and clarity, retirement can feel less like freedom and more like a very expensive identity crisis.For many LGBTQ+ people, especially gay men over 40, retirement planning can come with extra emotional baggage. We’ve spent decades proving ourselves, building careers, surviving family rejection, managing money stress, and chasing safety. So when the career ends, the calendar clears, and the big retirement dream finally arrives, the question becomes: Now what?In this episode, we unpack why so many people feel disappointed after they retire, even if they planned financially. We talk about the difference between retiring from something and retiring to something, why your job title may have quietly become your identity, how friendships can fade after retirement, and why more money does not automatically cure financial anxiety.We also share practical ways to build a retirement you actually want to wake up to, including creating structure, finding purpose, rebuilding community, using retirement planning tools, and designing a phased or early retirement strategy before your healthiest years slip away.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why retirement mistakes are often lifestyle mistakes, not just money mistakesHow to avoid retiring without purpose, identity, or structureWhy community matters so much for a happy gay retirementHow to reduce retirement anxiety with better financial clarityWhy early retirement planning should include your health, time, and relationshipsHow to start designing a retirement you’ll love before you leave workRetirement is not just a financial event. It’s a life design project. And if you want a fabulous gay retirement, you need more than a spreadsheet and a dream. You need a plan for your money, your time, your purpose, and your people.Start making retirement feel less scary and more fabulous with our free 10 Vital Retirement Numbers Guide with the link below.Chapters:00:00 - Intro00:49 - Retiring from something02:59 - Feeling their identity disappears04:23 - Thinking no one needs them anymore05:05 - Losing structure06:46 - Allowing friendships to quietly fade07:53 - Realizing money didn’t fix their anxiety09:36 - Waiting too long to retire10:41 - OutroMentioned in this episode:Want the confidence to retire when and how you truly want?If you’re considering retirement abroad, or simply want a second & third set of eyes on your retirement plan, we help gay foks retire fabulously — wherever that may be. Our retirement mentorship can help you gain the confidence to say yes to retirement! Queer Money Retirement MentorshipLearn more about the Optimize Portugal Golden Opportunities FundGet on the path to a fabulous retirement in Portugal or other European countries. Click the link below for more information.Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!Your path to a fabulous retirement starts here!Unlock your free 10 Vital Retirement Numbers guide. Download it today using the link below. 10 Vital Retirement Numbers You Need to KnowWhat if your portfolio came with a visa and passport?That’s exactly what the Optimize Portugal Golden Opportunities Fund can do, bringing together diversification, tax efficiency, and a path to EU residency and a passport. Click the link below to explore your ticket to Europe. Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!
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10 Largest Pride Parades in the World Your Gay Pride Travel Guide 2026 | Queer Money Ep. 640
3w ago00:15:31Tap to summarizeWhere can you celebrate Pride at the biggest scale possible?In this episode of Queer Money, we’re breaking down the 10 largest Pride parades in the world (ranked by attendance)—and not just where to go, but what it’ll actually cost you to party there.From São Paulo’s 5 million-person celebration to the iconic streets of New York, Madrid, and Toronto, this is your ultimate guide to the largest prides, global pride parades, and unforgettable LGBTQ+ celebrations.But we’re not just talking vibes—we’re talking strategy. Because Pride isn’t just about showing up… it’s about celebrating without blowing up your finances.We also dig into a major shift happening right now: declining corporate sponsorship of Pride events and why it matters for the future of our community.Key Takeaways:The top 10 largest Pride parades in the world and their attendance sizesWhat each city’s queer vibe is really like (from polished London to explosive São Paulo)The real cost of Pride travel including hotels, daily spending, and yes… martinisWhich Pride celebrations offer the best value vs. biggest spectacleWhy Mexico City and Buenos Aires are underrated, affordable Pride destinationsHow to plan a Pride trip without a credit card hangoverWhy supporting local Pride organizations matters more than everWhether you’re planning your next Pride parade vacation, dreaming about the largest Pride celebrations, or just want to experience global gay pride culture, this episode gives you everything you need to choose your perfect Pride.Because the goal isn’t just to celebrate Pride.It’s to celebrate it in a way that supports your life—not sabotages it.Mentioned in this episode:What if your portfolio came with a visa and passport?That’s exactly what the Optimize Portugal Golden Opportunities Fund can do, bringing together diversification, tax efficiency, and a path to EU residency and a passport. Click the link below to explore your ticket to Europe. Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!Your path to a fabulous retirement starts here!Unlock your free 10 Vital Retirement Numbers guide. Download it today using the link below. 10 Vital Retirement Numbers You Need to KnowMake your retirement fabulous! Not sure if you can retire or when? Worried about how much you can safely spend without running out of money? We help you get clear answers and the systems to retire with confidence and peace of mind. Let's go!Queer Money Retirement VaultGet Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!
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It's a Lie! Why You Should Stop Working By 55 | Queer Money 639
Apr 2800:22:33Tap to summarizeWhy Working Past 55 Could Ruin Your RetirementHere's your new gay retirement strategy!Most people think working longer is the safest path to retirement. But what if working past 55 is actually the biggest financial risk you’ll ever take?In this episode of Queer Money, we break down why early retirement isn’t reckless—it’s strategic, especially for LGBTQ+ folks who want more control, more freedom, and more life while they still have the energy to enjoy it.If you’ve been telling yourself “just one more year,” this episode is your wake-up call.We unpack the four biggest traps that keep people working well into their 60s and 70s—and how to break free so you can retire by 55 (or sooner) with confidence.From the myth that you need millions to retire, to the hidden tax consequences of working longer, this conversation flips traditional retirement advice on its head—and replaces it with a smarter, more flexible plan designed for real life.And yes, we’re talking about gay retirement abroad, geoarbitrage, and how to build a life you actually want to retire to—not just escape from.Key Takeaways:Why the “work longer = safer” mindset is flawedThe Big Numbers Trap and why retirement is more geography than mathHow the “one more year” mindset quietly steals your best yearsThe real reason retirees don’t spend their money (and how to fix it)How working longer can actually increase your lifetime tax burdenEarly retirement strategies like Rule of 55, Rule 72(t), and bridge income planningWhy retiring abroad can cut your cost of living by 30–60%How to shift from saving mode to spending with purpose and confidenceYou don’t need permission to retire early. You need a plan, the right systems, and the courage to choose your life over your paycheck.If you’re 40+, thinking about early retirement, or wondering if you can realistically retire by 55, this episode is for you.Mentioned in this episode:Learn more about the Optimize Portugal Golden Opportunities FundGet on the path to a fabulous retirement in Portugal or other European countries. Click the link below for more information.Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!What if your portfolio came with a visa and passport?That’s exactly what the Optimize Portugal Golden Opportunities Fund can do, bringing together diversification, tax efficiency, and a path to EU residency and a passport. Click the link below to explore your ticket to Europe. Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!Your path to a fabulous retirement starts here!Unlock your free 10 Vital Retirement Numbers guide. Download it today using the link below. 10 Vital Retirement Numbers You Need to Know
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The 5 Best Countries for Black Gay Retirees Where You’re Seen, Safe & Free
Apr 2100:10:57Tap to summarizeBlack Gay Retirement Abroad: 5 Best Countries Where You’re Seen, Safe & FreeWhat if retirement didn’t just feel affordable…But also felt like home?In this episode of Queer Money, we’re focusing on something that most “best places to retire abroad” lists completely ignore—gay retirement for Black people.Because let’s be honest: many LGBTQ+ retirement destinations may be queer-friendly… but they’re not always Black-friendly, culturally aligned, or reflective of your lived experience.So today, we’re highlighting five countries where Black gay folks can retire abroad in places where the population is majority Black or deeply rooted in Black culture—without sacrificing affordability, safety, or LGBTQ+ progress.This episode is part of our Queer Money Retirement Rating International Series, where we evaluate destinations based on LGBTQ+ protections, visible queer life, cost of living, healthcare, and overall quality of life.We’re counting down from five to one:Mozambique – Coastal, affordable, and culturally rich with legal same-sex relationshipsSeychelles – A stunning island with strong legal protections and quiet acceptanceMauritius – Stable, diverse, and improving LGBTQ+ visibilitySouth Africa – The only African country with full constitutional LGBTQ+ protections and marriage equalityBrazil – Where Black culture, queer visibility, and affordability intersect on a global scaleEach country offers something different—from laid-back coastal living to vibrant city energy—but all offer the opportunity for a retirement that feels more aligned, more affirming, and more free.Because for many Black LGBTQ+ people, retirement isn’t just about money.It’s about feeling safe, seen, and part of the community around you.Takeaways from this episodeMost retirement lists overlook the needs of Black gay retireesCultural alignment can be just as important as affordabilityMany majority-Black countries offer lower cost of living than the U.S.LGBTQ+ protections vary widely—research and prioritization matterThe best retirement plan includes both financial security and identity safetyIf you’re exploring black gay retirement abroad, this episode will help you think beyond dollars—and toward a life that truly fits.Mentioned in this episode:Your path to a fabulous retirement starts here!Unlock your free 10 Vital Retirement Numbers guide. Download it today using the link below. 10 Vital Retirement Numbers You Need to KnowWhat if your portfolio came with a visa and passport?That’s exactly what the Optimize Portugal Golden Opportunities Fund can do, bringing together diversification, tax efficiency, and a path to EU residency and a passport. Click the link below to explore your ticket to Europe. Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!Learn more about the Optimize Portugal Golden Opportunities FundGet on the path to a fabulous retirement in Portugal or other European countries. Click the link below for more information.Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!
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Global Investing in Chaos: Geopolitical Risks Every Investor Must Understand
Apr 1400:27:48Tap to summarizeTariffs. Trade wars. Treasury dumping. Real war.If you’re feeling like the global economy is one headline away from chaos… you’re not wrong.In this episode of Queer Money, we sit down with Pedro Lino, CEO of Optimize Investment Partners, to break down what’s really happening in today’s global investing landscape—and what smart investors should actually do about it.This conversation is especially important for gay men 45+ who are thinking about retirement, protecting their wealth, or building a Plan B abroad. Because the rules of international investing are changing fast, and ignoring geopolitical risks to investing is no longer an option.Pedro describes today’s economy as “resilient but politically fragile,” where markets can swing wildly in hours based on global events. From rising interest rates and supply chain disruptions to currency shifts and global conflict zones, we unpack what’s driving volatility—and why it may be here through the rest of the decade.We also dive into one of the most overlooked risks right now: liquidity risk. What happens if you need your money and suddenly can’t access it? Between private equity restrictions and shifting market flows, this is something more investors should be paying attention to.And perhaps most importantly, we tackle the uncomfortable question:Is being heavily invested in the U.S. actually a risk?From overconcentration in mega-cap stocks to potential dollar depreciation, this episode explores why diversification across countries, currencies, and even residency is becoming a strategy used not just by institutions—but by everyday investors preparing for an uncertain future.Takeaways from this episode:Today’s economy is stable on the surface but highly sensitive to political shocksGeopolitical risks to investing are driving inflation, interest rates, and market volatilityLiquidity risk is rising and could impact both public and private investmentsOverexposure to U.S. markets may increase portfolio risk in the coming yearsInternational investing and currency diversification are becoming essential strategiesWealthy investors are diversifying not just portfolios—but residency and lifestyleIf you’ve been wondering how to navigate global investing without panic—and without missing opportunity—this episode gives you a smarter, more grounded way forward.Mentioned in this episode:Learn more about the Optimize Portugal Golden Opportunities FundGet on the path to a fabulous retirement in Portugal or other European countries. Click the link below for more information.Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!Your path to a fabulous retirement starts here!Unlock your free 10 Vital Retirement Numbers guide. Download it today using the link below. 10 Vital Retirement Numbers You Need to KnowWhat if your portfolio came with a visa and passport?That’s exactly what the Optimize Portugal Golden Opportunities Fund can do, bringing together diversification, tax efficiency, and a path to EU residency and a passport. Click the link below to explore your ticket to Europe. Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!
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Gay Retirement Abroad with HIV: Best Countries for Care, Residency, and Affordability | Queer Money Ep. 636
Apr 700:15:06Tap to summarizeCan you retire abroad when you’re HIV positive and still have access to the care, medication, and legal residency you need?The answer is yes, but not every “cheap gay paradise” on Instagram is built for real life.In this episode of Queer Money, we’re breaking down some of the best HIV expat countries for gay men who want a retirement abroad plan that includes more than beach photos and pretty architecture. We’re talking about the countries where gay retirement is actually possible for Americans living with HIV because they offer some combination of legal residency pathways, public or affordable healthcare access, HIV treatment availability, and LGBTQ+ livability.If you’ve been wondering whether you can retire abroad when you’re HIV positive, this episode gives you a grounded place to start. We cover four of the strongest options for Americans looking for a lighter, more affordable, and more supported life abroad: Portugal, Argentina, Mexico, and Ecuador. We also share honorable mentions like Panama and South Africa, along with why they didn’t quite make the official top tier.This conversation is especially important for gay men over 45 who are thinking about early retirement, traditional retirement, or simply building a Plan B outside the United States. Because let’s be honest, “gay friendly” means very little if you can’t legally stay, get your meds, or access competent care once you arrive.In this episode, we talk about residency paths like passive income and retiree visas, how public healthcare systems may work for legal residents, where HIV care access looks strongest on paper, and what kinds of trade-offs matter in real life. We also look at affordability, LGBTQ+ friendliness, and why some countries are better for retirees than for temporary visitors or digital nomads.Takeaways from this episode:The best starting points for gay retirement abroad with HIV are Portugal, Argentina, Mexico, and EcuadorCheap doesn’t always mean practical when HIV care, residency, and safety are involvedLegal residency is often the key to accessing public HIV treatment abroadLGBTQ+ friendliness matters, but so do healthcare navigation and expat infrastructureA smart retirement-abroad plan should balance affordability, access to meds, and long-term livabilityIf you’ve ever thought, “I want to retire abroad, but my HIV status makes that impossible,” this episode is for you. It may not be simple, but it is possible.Mentioned in this episode:Learn more about the Optimize Portugal Golden Opportunities FundGet on the path to a fabulous retirement in Portugal or other European countries. Click the link below for more information.Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!What if your portfolio came with a visa and passport?That’s exactly what the Optimize Portugal Golden Opportunities Fund can do, bringing together diversification, tax efficiency, and a path to EU residency and a passport. Click the link below to explore your ticket to Europe. Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!Your path to a fabulous retirement starts here!Unlock your free 10 Vital Retirement Numbers guide. Download it today using the link below. 10 Vital Retirement Numbers You Need to Know
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Why GenX Retirement is Harder | Queer Money Ep. 635
Mar 3100:31:25Tap to summarizeWhy GenX Retirement Is Harder Than Boomers or MillennialsGenX retirement was supposed to be simple: work hard, save consistently, retire comfortably. Yeah... about that.In this episode of Queer Money, we break down why GenX retirement feels so much harder than what boomers often describe and what millennials get all the headlines for. For many Gen Xers, especially gay Gen X men, retirement planning has been shaped by market crashes, the shift from pensions to 401(k)s, rising debt, mortgage pressure, and a culture that told us to figure it all out ourselves. In other words, classic GenX: no map, no backup, and somehow we’re still expected to make it look easy.We unpack the seven major reasons retirement has been harder for Gen X, including getting caught in the pension-to-401(k) transition, entering adulthood around recessions and Black Monday, carrying more consumer and student debt into peak saving years, and taking major hits from the dot-com crash and Great Recession at the worst possible moments. If you’ve ever looked at your retirement accounts and thought, “Why does this feel harder for us?” this episode gives language, data, and context to what many GenXers have lived through.We also go deeper into what makes gay GenX retirement even more complicated. Gay Gen Xers are the first large cohort of gay men to survive into retirement after coming of age during the HIV/AIDS crisis. That shaped how many of us think about money, aging, planning, and whether we even expected to live long enough to retire. Add in decades of workplace discrimination, being closeted on the job, lower earning opportunities, and a stronger pull toward living for today, and you’ve got an entirely different retirement equation.This episode is honest, validating, and practical. We also walk through how a retirement gap can play out in real life using the Happy Gay Retirement Calculator, showing the difference between retiring with not enough and retiring with room to breathe.Takeaways in this episode:Why GenX retirement planning got harder when pensions disappearedHow market crashes and recessions hit Gen X at critical wealth-building yearsWhy debt, mortgages, and caregiving are slowing retirement progressWhat makes gay GenX retirement different from other generationsHow to start closing the gap and build a more confident retirement planIf retirement feels harder than it should, you’re not broken. You’re Gen X. And there are still smart ways to make the next chapter fabulous.Chapters:00:00 Intro01:43 - The “pensions → 401(k)” swap03:18 - ‘Double Dip’ Recessions05:17 - Calculator Intro06:17 - Calculator example 112:51 - Calculator example 214:26 - More consumer-debt baggage16:02 - Dot Com crash18:51 - Great Recession21:17 - First generation to “survive into retirement”24:24 - The last workplace ‘closeted generation'25:36 - OutroMentioned in this episode:Learn more about the Optimize Portugal Golden Opportunities FundGet on the path to a fabulous retirement in Portugal or other European countries. Click the link below for more information.Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!What if your portfolio came with a visa and passport?That’s exactly what the Optimize Portugal Golden Opportunities Fund can do, bringing together diversification, tax efficiency, and a path to EU residency and a passport. Click the link below to explore your ticket to Europe. Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!Your path to a fabulous retirement starts here!Unlock your free 10 Vital Retirement Numbers guide. Download it today using the link below. 10 Vital Retirement Numbers You Need to Know
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Chile's Top 5 Cities for Gay Retirees | Gay Chile | Queer Money Ep. 634
Mar 2400:13:14Tap to summarizeGay Retirement in Chile: 5 Cities Where You Can Live Well for LessWhat if your retirement looked like this: ocean views, wine country weekends, and rent under $800 a month?In this episode of Queer Money, we’re diving into one of the most underrated destinations for gay retirement abroad—Chile. If you’ve been dreaming about leaving the U.S. but still want modern infrastructure, strong healthcare, and political stability, this might be your place.Chile isn’t the cheapest country in Latin America—but that’s exactly why it works. You get higher quality of life, better systems, and more stability than many alternatives, often at half the cost of living in the U.S..We break down the top 5 cities in Chile for gay retirees, including what it actually costs to live there, what the LGBTQ+ vibe feels like, and where your retirement dollars stretch the furthest.From the big-city energy of Santiago to the artsy, queer-friendly streets of Valparaíso, these locations offer a mix of affordability, lifestyle, and community that many gay men 45+ are looking for right now.Here’s what you’ll learn:• The #1 city in Chile for gay retirees (and why it feels like Brooklyn meets the Pacific) • Where you can find 2-bedroom apartments for $600–$750/month • Which cities offer the best mix of LGBTQ+ community and affordability • How Chile compares to the U.S. in cost of living (often 40–55% lower) • The reality of LGBTQ+ rights and protections in Chile todayIf you’ve been Googling “retire in Chile,” “gay Chile lifestyle,” or “best countries for gay retirement,” this episode gives you the real, on-the-ground breakdown.Because a fabulous retirement doesn’t just happen—you build it.Chapters:00:00 - Intro01:07 - Santiago02:52 - Viña del Mar04:05 - About Chile04:46 - Valdivia05:51 - La Serena08:02 - Valparaíso09:16 OutroMentioned in this episode:What if your portfolio came with a visa and passport?That’s exactly what the Optimize Portugal Golden Opportunities Fund can do, bringing together diversification, tax efficiency, and a path to EU residency and a passport. Click the link below to explore your ticket to Europe. Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!Your path to a fabulous retirement starts here!Unlock your free 10 Vital Retirement Numbers guide. Download it today using the link below. 10 Vital Retirement Numbers You Need to KnowLearn more about the Optimize Portugal Golden Opportunities FundGet on the path to a fabulous retirement in Portugal or other European countries. Click the link below for more information.Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!
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11 Things We're Not Buying in 2026 to Be Happier | Queer Money Ep. 633
Mar 1700:12:31Tap to summarizeOur Commitment to Stop Wasting Money on Worthless StuffWe’re not broke. We’re just done paying luxury prices for low-value lives.In this episode of Queer Money, we’re breaking down the 11 things we’re not buying in 2026 because too much of what people spend money on today is just worthless stuff dressed up as self-care, status, or convenience. And for too many gay men, those purchases quietly lead to stress, lifestyle inflation, and staying stuck one paycheck away from panic.This isn’t about deprivation. It’s about finally seeing the difference between what looks fabulous and what actually builds a fabulous life.We’re talking about everything from upgrading phones too often, designer clothes, seasonal home décor, and movie theater prices, to buy now, pay later traps, new cars, 50-year mortgages, and spending money just because you technically can. We also get honest about the kind of spending habits that keep many of us chasing appearances instead of building freedom, peace, and options.If you’ve ever looked around and wondered why so much modern spending feels expensive, underwhelming, and weirdly empty, this episode is for you. Because the truth is, we didn’t get calmer, happier, more financially secure lives by making endless amounts of money. We got there by spending with intention and investing the difference.For gay men over 45 especially, this matters. The pressure to look successful, stay relevant, and buy into convenience culture can be intense. But real wealth doesn’t come from collecting status symbols. It comes from owning your choices and refusing to waste money on things that don’t improve your life.In this episode, you’ll hear:The 11 things we’re not buying in 2026Why so much “luxury” spending is actually low-value spendingHow worthless stuff delays retirement, freedom, and peace of mindWhy intentional spending can buy more happiness than status ever willHow to stop financing a lifestyle and start funding your futureIf your money keeps disappearing faster than your patience at brunch, this conversation may be the reset you need.Takeaways:Intentional spending beats performative spending.Luxury isn’t always value.Many of the things we’re told to buy are distractions from real freedom.The less you waste on low-value habits, the more you can invest in happiness, mobility, and early retirement.Chapters:00:00 - Intro00:58 - New Phones01:45 - Food Delivery02:17 - New Home Goods & Seasonal Decorations02:45 - Big-Chain Quick-Casual Restaurants04:08 - Designer Clothes04:47 - Movie Theaters05:07 - Curated Thrift Stores05:38 - “Low” Monthly Payments06:36 - New Cars06:57 - Trump’s 50-Year Mortgage07:50 - Buying Things Just Because We “Can Afford Them”08:27 - OutroMentioned in this episode:What if your portfolio came with a visa and passport?That’s exactly what the Optimize Portugal Golden Opportunities Fund can do, bringing together diversification, tax efficiency, and a path to EU residency and a passport. Click the link below to explore your ticket to Europe. Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!Your path to a fabulous retirement starts here!Unlock your free 10 Vital Retirement Numbers guide. Download it today using the link below. 10 Vital Retirement Numbers You Need to KnowLearn more about the Optimize Portugal Golden Opportunities FundGet on the path to a fabulous retirement in Portugal or other European countries. Click the link below for more information.Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!
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