Hello my friend!

You know that moment when you’re sipping wine, gazing at photos of sun-drenched Italian piazzas or charming French villages, and thinking, “I could live there…” but then your bank account clears its throat awkwardly?

Well, let’s talk about that in a moment...

But first, I just got back from Knoxville, TN, where my daughter was swimming for UGA in a meet.

Not only did she come in 2nd in the 50-yard freestyle (beating a two-time Olympian!), but she also managed to accomplish something truly unprecedented - at least according to the malfunctioning scoreboard, which showed her winning every single place in one of her races.

I guess you could say she really crushed it... multiple times! 😂

I'm Back On YouTube

The second bit of news is I'm making YouTube videos again!

I let life get in the way last year and fell off the wagon. Now I'm back and committed to staying consistent.

​Click here (or the image below) to watch my latest​

Now back to the main topic...

Do You Have Enough to Retire in Europe?

Many folks reach out to me with hearts full of European dreams but wallets that are, shall we say, more modest than a French château. Specifically, I often hear from people planning to retire on Social Security alone.

Here’s the good news: retiring to Europe on Social Security isn’t just a fantasy.

Like finding that perfect €5 bottle of wine at the local French supermarket (yes, they exist!), it’s all about knowing where to look.

The Reality Check (Don’t worry, it’s not all bad!)

While you might not be living in a penthouse overlooking the Champs-Élysées or a villa in Tuscany, there are plenty of beautiful, vibrant, and yes, affordable places in both France and Italy where $2,000-$3,000 monthly can provide a comfortable life.

For couples both receiving Social Security, the picture gets even brighter.

Just remember you need to show at least the minimum income requirements to get a visa. In France that's €1,770 per month and in Italy it's €31,000 for a single and €38,000 for a couple, per year.

Some Sweet Spots to Consider:

Southern France’s Occitanie region offers charming medieval towns where your Social Security check can stretch like a fresh baguette.

In Italy, regions like Abruzzo or Puglia combine stunning landscapes with living costs that won’t require a Medici family fortune.

But First, Some Real Talk: Before you start practicing your “Bonjour” or “Buongiorno,” we need to address a few practical points:

1. Emergency Fund: Even in affordable areas, you’ll need some savings for initial setup costs and that all-important visa process.
2. Healthcare: While both countries have excellent healthcare systems, you’ll need to factor in health costs that aren't 100% covered.
3. Housing: Think smaller cities or rural areas rather than major tourist destinations. Trust me, the views can be just as spectacular, and the wine tastes even better when you can afford a second glass!

Of course there's a lot more that goes into your decision that just money.

But money is important!

Thanks for reading,

Tommy

P.S. Has anyone followed the Tour de France around the country in a camper van? I'm trying to find folks who have that could share some wisdom. Let me know if that's you or you know someone!

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