Retire There with Gil & Gene

As retirement neared, Paul and Cheryl Thornton moved from Delaware to Florida, believing it would be their “forever” home. While Florida is a great location for cruise enthusiasts like Paul, he hated it - the weather was unbearable and the drive to relatives in the northeast was too long. When it came time to retire, Paul sought somewhere with a temperate climate, a reasonable driving distance to the northeast, and near a city with professional football and basketball teams. After extensive research, Paul zeroed in on the Charlotte, North Carolina area. The couple purchased a home in Mooresville, North Carolina, a town located about 30 miles from Charlotte with more reasonable home prices than the city. Hear Paul profess his love for Mooresville and cruising on Episode 164 of Retire There with Gil & Gene. Check out Paul’s award winning podcast: The Joy of Cruising.Paul’s four books: The Joy of Cruising: Passionate Cruisers, Fascinating Stories; Cruising Interrupted; The Joy of Cruising Again; and White Man’s Disease A Memoir.Support the Show. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After Wendy Whitcomb Marsh’s husband died at age 54, she retired and decided to leave California with her three children, two of which are autistic and the third who is physically disabled. But where to go? Wendy decided to head north to Salem, Oregon’s capital city located between Portland and Eugene. Salem has been called the most Oregon part of Oregon, with its scenic vistas and vineyards, old growth forests, crystal clear streams, and plenty of room to roam. To discover more about Wendy’s move to The Beaver State, listen to Episode 163 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.Wendy’s adult autism consulting service is Adult Autism Assessment & Services. For more information about Wendy, including descriptions of her books on adult autism, visit WendelaWhitcombMarsh.com. Her books are also available on Amazon.Support the Show. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this special episode, we chat with David Pogue about decluttering and disposing without adding to landfills. David is a six-time Emmy winner for his stories on CBS Sunday Morning, a New York Times bestselling author, a five-time TED Talk speaker, host of 20 NOVA science specials on PBS, and creator/host of the CBS News/Simon & Schuster podcast Unsung Science. He was also the New York Times weekly tech columnist from 2000 to 2013. David’s New York Magazine article My Quest to Downsize Without Throwing Anything Away. A big house full of belongings – could I find them a new life? was the catalyst for this episode. David shares specific organizations he used to ecologically remove unwanted belongings. For more information on David Pogue, check out his website. His book, How to Prepare for Climate Change: A Practical Guide to Surviving the Chaos, includes a chapter on where to live. Go to David’s Amazon page for a list of his many books.Here are some organizations which may aid in donating or selling your items: Facebook Marketplace: The classified-ad section of the social network that specializes in helping individuals and businesses sell items locally. Buy Nothing Project:  The organization encourages giving of consumer goods and services in preference to conventional commerce. There are many local Buy Nothing groups on Facebook.AptDeco: An online marketplace that eliminates the hassle of buying and selling furniture.Renovation Angel: America’s premier recycler of luxury pre-owned kitchens and renovation items.Support the Show. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you dropped everything to care for your ailing mother for 3.5 years 24/7, what would you do after that? Mark Steven Porro, an actor and snack food company owner, was in that precise situation and after mom passed, he retired and moved to his dream destination, Pezenas, in the South of France. The city dates back to the 16th Century and is known for its art and history. Follow Mark’s relocation to this French jewel on Episode 161 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.Mark Steven Porro’s memoir, about caring for his dying mom, is titled “A Cup of Tea on the Commode: My Multi-Tasking Adventures of Caring for Mom, And How I Survived to Tell the Tale.” You should also check out his Website and YouTube Channel.Support the Show. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Envision forest bathing throughout the vast landscapes of the United States and Canada! Jenell Jones, a full-time solo RV traveler, lives this lifestyle almost year-round. She spends most days and nights enjoying stunning views parked in National and State parks. Having explored over 50 out of the 62 U.S. National Parks and 49 States, solo RVing is not that difficult and almost anyone can do it if they really want, says Jenell. Hear how our adventurous guest navigates along highways and byways in her retirement on Episode 160 of Retire There with Gil & Gene. Jenell’s group is the Wandering Individuals Network, an RV Club for the Solo Traveler.Support the Show. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Would you like to live near water and a short drive to a charming southern city? Check out Hendersonville, Tennessee, known as the “City by the Lake.” Both Johnny Cash and Taylor Swift had homes there and it’s conveniently located 18 miles from downtown Nashville. Tired of the high cost of Southern California living, realtor and ice cream store owner Nicole Fedorchek moved to a home on the lake in Hendersonville and is loving it. For more about Nicole’s life affirming move, listen to Episode 159 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.Nicole is knowledgeable about logistics and real estate in Tennessee. Her contact info is 714-914-5097 or at RealtorNicoleF@gmail.com.If you are ever in Hendersonville, stop by Nicole’s Bruster’s Real Ice Cream store for some frozen happiness.Support the Show. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Would you enjoy life on a beautiful Caribbean island without breaking the bank? Renate Solomon chose Cozumel, Mexico as her retirement destination and it appears she couldn't be happier. Her monthly social security income covers her $350 cozy studio apartment and all living expenses. While high-end real estate options certainly exist in Cozumel, there are also affordable rental opportunities. The city is conveniently accessible with its international airport and ferry service connecting to Playa del Carmen, a mere 12 miles away. Discover Renate’s exciting and budget-friendly life on Episode 158 of Retire There with Gil & Gene. Check out Renate Solomon’s book, “The Stocking Strangler: The Truth Behind the Secrets,” a true crime story about a serial killer in Columbus, Georgia during the late 1970s.Support the Show. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If someone were to create an international version of the old TV show “Green Acres,” it might be about a couple who moves from a big city to a small rural village in Italy. Anthony Paonita and Kathy Scozzare relocated from Staten Island, New York to Valfabbrica, Italy, in the Umbria region, and they are having far less problems than Eva Gabor and Eddie Albert ever had. In fact, the couple love the Italian countryside. Learn about their journey from a metropolis to small town Italy, on Episode 157 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.Anthony and Kathy’s informative and entertaining blog about living in Italy is (Not) A Year (Not) in Tuscany.And check out Nancy Steele’s Podcast and Facebook page “Affordable Italy: Living La Dolce Vita on a Bootstring.”Support the Show. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After Anthony Casablanca retired in 2015, he and his wife, Linda, started traveling the country in a 45-foot RV from their home in Batesville, Indiana. Their love for the Cincinnati Reds drew the couple to Pueblo El Mirage, an active 55+ RV and golf resort in El Mirage, Arizona and near the Reds’ Spring training facility. Although the RV brought them to many communities, El Mirage felt most like home. So in 2019, they purchased a manufactured home there and became snowbirds. As an extra added bonus, this episode includes a discussion between Anthony, a grief expert, and Gil about how to deal with tough times in retirement. Learn about El Mirage, Arizona and more on Episode 156 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.Read this AARP article about how the Casablancas and others researched retirement destinations.Anthony is co-author, with his brother, of The Dying Art of Leadership: How Leaders Can Help Grieving Employees Excel at Work. The brothers also created a consulting company called GriefLeaders, focused on helping leaders navigate the emotional component of personal and organizational change. Support the Show. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Janet Sussman stands as an inspiring testament to resilience in the face of adversity. In 2006, she and her husband were on the verge of realizing a cherished dream: the construction of a log home nestled within 5 acres of woodland in Florida. However, their dreams were shattered when her husband suffered a stroke and one of her sons tragically lost his life in a construction accident. To compound their woes, the 2008 financial crisis dealt them another crippling blow. Faced with mounting challenges, Janet began exploring entrepreneurial avenues to secure her financial footing.In 2009, a glimmer of hope emerged when she learned of opportunities in Panama City, prompting her to embark on a life-altering journey. While her trip resulted in the birth of a successful business, what truly resonated with Janet was her profound connection with Panama and its people. Tears streamed down her face throughout the journey back to Florida, as she sensed that Panama had become her destined path. Tragically, shortly after her return, her husband passed away, leaving her with two surviving children who continually reminded her of her love for Panama.In 2012, Janet took a courageous leap of faith and relocated to Panama. In a quest to make Panama even more affordable, she chose house-sitting in and around Panama City over traditional homeownership or renting. Janet's extraordinary journey and her unwavering determination are a testament to the human spirit's ability to triumph over adversity. To hear more about her inspiring story, tune in to Episode 155 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.Support the Show. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.