This man ditched the US for Malaysia and now his lavish lifestyle costs just $620 a month–Find out how!
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In the golden years of retirement, many Americans dream of a life where their hard-earned savings stretch further, the climate is more agreeable, and the pace of life is just right.
For one adventurous soul, this dream became a reality when he traded the hustle and bustle of the United States for the vibrant culture and tropical climate of Malaysia.
Taylor's journey began when he was in his mid-50s, working in administrative roles and realizing that to retire comfortably in the US, he might have to work until he was 80.
That's when he discovered the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) visa program, which was introduced by the Malaysian government in 2002 to encourage foreigners to retire and live in the country.
Although the visa requirements have tightened over the years, Taylor was able to secure his place under more lenient conditions that didn't require him to purchase property.
Fast forward to today, and Taylor, now 70, is living a dream life in a $620-a-month apartment in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's vibrant capital city.
His journey to this point has been one of discovery and adaptation. After spending seven years in Penang, he moved to Kuala Lumpur, seeking a living space without the hassle of stairs.
It took him just one weekend to find his current apartment, which boasts a breathtaking view of the city skyline, including the iconic Twin Towers, from the 22nd floor.
Taylor's apartment is not just a place to sleep; it's a reflection of his passion for interior design. Opting for an unfurnished unit, he has filled his space with locally sourced furniture and oriental carpets, creating an eclectic and modern aesthetic.
The condo development offers amenities like a pool and a gym, adding to the sense of luxury that comes with his new lifestyle.
The cost of living in Malaysia has allowed Taylor to stretch his retirement savings further than he ever could have in the US.
With a budget of around $2,500 a month, he lives comfortably, enjoying basic health insurance and the country's efficient healthcare system without the long waits often associated with appointments back home.
Safety is another perk of his expat life. Taylor has expressed feeling safer in Malaysia than he ever did in the US, where gunshots were not an uncommon sound outside his window. In contrast, he has never felt uncomfortable walking around Malaysia, even alone at night.
Taylor's experience is not unique. With the cost of living in major US cities requiring an income of $96,000 a year to live comfortably, more Americans are finding themselves priced out of retirement in their home country.
An AARP survey from January 2024 revealed that 1 in 5 Americans over 50 had no retirement savings, with more than half doubting they'd have enough to sustain themselves.
Malaysia, with its MM2H visa, has become an attractive destination for expats like Taylor. As of January 2024, there were over 56,000 active MM2H pass holders, with a significant number coming from China, South Korea, Japan, and the US.
Taylor's advice to those considering a similar move is to not be afraid of stepping out of their comfort zone.
Source: Andrew Taylor / Youtube.
While acknowledging that such a drastic change might not be for everyone, especially those with close family ties, he has found fulfillment in his expat life.
Ten years on, he has no intention of returning to the US, instead spending his time creating YouTube videos about his experiences in Malaysia.
Are you considering retiring abroad, or have you already taken the plunge? What destinations have you considered, and what's your vision of the perfect retirement lifestyle? Share your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below!
For one adventurous soul, this dream became a reality when he traded the hustle and bustle of the United States for the vibrant culture and tropical climate of Malaysia.
Taylor's journey began when he was in his mid-50s, working in administrative roles and realizing that to retire comfortably in the US, he might have to work until he was 80.
That's when he discovered the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) visa program, which was introduced by the Malaysian government in 2002 to encourage foreigners to retire and live in the country.
Although the visa requirements have tightened over the years, Taylor was able to secure his place under more lenient conditions that didn't require him to purchase property.
Fast forward to today, and Taylor, now 70, is living a dream life in a $620-a-month apartment in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's vibrant capital city.
Andrew Taylor retired and moved from the US to Malaysia, where he now lives in a $620-a-month apartment in Kuala Lumpur. Image source: Max Chernov / Youtube.
His journey to this point has been one of discovery and adaptation. After spending seven years in Penang, he moved to Kuala Lumpur, seeking a living space without the hassle of stairs.
It took him just one weekend to find his current apartment, which boasts a breathtaking view of the city skyline, including the iconic Twin Towers, from the 22nd floor.
Taylor's apartment is not just a place to sleep; it's a reflection of his passion for interior design. Opting for an unfurnished unit, he has filled his space with locally sourced furniture and oriental carpets, creating an eclectic and modern aesthetic.
The condo development offers amenities like a pool and a gym, adding to the sense of luxury that comes with his new lifestyle.
The cost of living in Malaysia has allowed Taylor to stretch his retirement savings further than he ever could have in the US.
With a budget of around $2,500 a month, he lives comfortably, enjoying basic health insurance and the country's efficient healthcare system without the long waits often associated with appointments back home.
Safety is another perk of his expat life. Taylor has expressed feeling safer in Malaysia than he ever did in the US, where gunshots were not an uncommon sound outside his window. In contrast, he has never felt uncomfortable walking around Malaysia, even alone at night.
Taylor's experience is not unique. With the cost of living in major US cities requiring an income of $96,000 a year to live comfortably, more Americans are finding themselves priced out of retirement in their home country.
An AARP survey from January 2024 revealed that 1 in 5 Americans over 50 had no retirement savings, with more than half doubting they'd have enough to sustain themselves.
Malaysia, with its MM2H visa, has become an attractive destination for expats like Taylor. As of January 2024, there were over 56,000 active MM2H pass holders, with a significant number coming from China, South Korea, Japan, and the US.
Taylor's advice to those considering a similar move is to not be afraid of stepping out of their comfort zone.
Source: Andrew Taylor / Youtube.
While acknowledging that such a drastic change might not be for everyone, especially those with close family ties, he has found fulfillment in his expat life.
Ten years on, he has no intention of returning to the US, instead spending his time creating YouTube videos about his experiences in Malaysia.
Are you considering retiring abroad, or have you already taken the plunge? What destinations have you considered, and what's your vision of the perfect retirement lifestyle? Share your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below!
