Travel planning is something I’ve always enjoyed. I spend countless hours researching ways to save money, but once I arrived in 2026, that carefully planned three-month budget quickly went out the window as I was still not prepared.
It was paradise and I was having too much fun!
I also found that many EXPATS I met operate on budgets far bigger than mine.
Just like me, they busted their ass their entire life and are now living the good life on their terms! Our budgets just did not align and I had some debt when I got home.
I just know better that I cannot keep up with the Joneses!
Lesson learned; even if the post-mortem cost analysis ended up being tough to comprehend when I got home. I just needed to get off my high horse!
So my 2027 strategy is already in motion:
• January 1st, 2027 arrival using points; $85 out of pocket
• Prepay January through April rent: $1,800 total
• ~$300 USD per week loaded onto a prepaid debit card
• Use cash and avoid using credit cards
• Most importantly… focus on one Filipina at a time 😅
I will spend a month in Cebu in the Summer of 2026 to test my 2027 longer term plan. I would expect the need to tweak this plan again when I get home.
In my opinion, dating works pretty much the same in most parts of the world.
To make a relationship work long term, you need to be able to provide stability and support for your partner. Since I have basically lived the Gypsy life, it was not the answer longer term on both ends of the relationship.
Sex life also needs to be on point so both don’t go elsewhere.
Everything is just upfront and a lot more obvious where you stand in the Philippines.
I have “dated” several women there trying to better understand the landscape.
When I put my wallet away, I could tell that that it was all about the money with most of them. If they messaged me back, I knew they wanted what they had. I just remind them not to ask me for money and I will take care of them.
On the other hand …
Can you imagine paying $250 for a date?
Now, can you imagine dating someone that may not have the same luxuries that we enjoy every single day? A comfortable bed, AC, three square meals a day and a hot shower are just a few examples of some of the challanges.
I hear dating stories all the time of these situations:
Having her first margarita on a date!
Going to a movie and had popcorn for the first time! She ate an entire large bag and was so sick afterwards. She was in heaven and gorged. 🍿
Visiting their home; hose for running water, outhouses, dirt floors …
I want to be clear, I am not judging as these are real life dating stories.
The ironic part is that most of the Filipinas seem happier than western women.
In general, their life is not based entirely on material items!
It just takes time to ensure that everything is in the open just like all relationships should be anywhere in the world. Sorting it out might be the hardest part to move forward.
A buddy once said:
“I can’t believe you essentially pay for sex”.
I asked him:
“Mortgage on her dream home, new iPhone every year, designer handbag, car payments, maxed credit card bills and being on first name basis with your Amazon driver is “free”?
All the bull shit aside, I just need to focus on my life and budget!