Never Retire: What I Earn and Spend, and How It All Fits Together

Real numbers, real life

People talk about moving abroad, freelancing, or finding a low cost of living. But most do it without real context.

Few show what it actually costs.

The beauty of the life my wife and I are building in Spain is exactly that—we’re building it. At midlife. Not winding down, but maintaining momentum and—in some cases—starting from the ground up.

She’s creating an art business shaped by her past success as a salon owner—and fueled by her talent, drive, and creative clarity.

I’m continuing my freelance writing career, launching the second act of Never Retire (set in Spain!), and building out Friki de Bici, focused right now on an ambitious YouTube project rooted in bikes, urban life, and place.

So—

Here’s what our life looks like: earning, spending, and why it works in Spain and simply wasn’t favorable or sustainable in the United States.

Just real numbers. And the rhythm we’ve built to live well—now and for the duration.

This post is paywalled here for a reason: It’s where theory meets reality. If you’re serious about building a life abroad—or just getting off the hamster wheel—these numbers give you the context few others show.

This isn’t about showing off or proving anything. It’s about laying out the structure that makes our version of this life possible—because too many people imagine it without seeing how it works.

✅ 25% off your first year

✅ €90 / $100 for a lifetime subscription

Coming Thursday: Never Retire Isn’t a Stigma—It’s the Only Plan That Still Makes Sense.