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Exit Stage Left: A Guide to Retiring in Europe for Savvy Liberal Women With More Style Than Money
In case the title itself didn’t tip you off, this is a guide to retiring in Europe specifically written for intelligent single women with a broad-minded outlook and more taste and style than money. Unlike all the other ‘Overseas Retirement Guides’ out there, this one assumes that rather than the price of real estate and the ability to hire a full-time maid and gardener, you might care about things like the actual current financial requirements for a long-term visa, the political climate, leadership, current crime stats, as well as information on the infrastructure, the local art, food, and music scenes, and the price of decent wine in a place you might be considering retiring to. Is there an art and jazz scene? Is there a symphony orchestra? Are internet speeds good? Can you get a decent croissant? Is there a 911 system? Does Netflix work there? This is critical information that the Overseas Retirement Industry unfortunately does not provide. Now, if all of the above applies but you also have a significant other, you’ll probably still find this book useful, so go ahead and read it — there’s no intrinsic reason these places wouldn’t also appeal to intelligent couples of assorted stripes and colors; in fact, we’ve even noted the legal and cultural acceptance levels for some of those assorted stripes and colors, because we believe in being inclusive.
- GenresNonfictionTravel
379 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2023
86 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 12, 2023
If I were rating her political views and vitriol toward all things conservative, Wheeler would get minus 5 stars. She commented on a "MAGA hat-wearing, beer-drinking white conservative male" not fitting in the same place as a "wine loving single female member of the Pantsuit Nation". And she ends her book with this last line for those having second thoughts after moving abroad: "you could always watch Fox News...ten minutes ought to do it."
With that out of my system, and understanding I have a few other criticisms, I recommend you think of her as that smart-alecky good friend with whom you just don't discuss politics. Reading her book is a good time and I guarantee you'll learn a lot about the 10 countries she profiles and how to investigate the world in general. You might even be inspired to move!
Wheeler's purported demographic is the trailing half of the Boomers, a large percentage of whom, she reports, are going to have to live on an average of $1400 per month, or SS only. She feels aging in place requires a city and she claims the cheapest city to retire to in the US is-horrors-Detroit where an apt will cost >$1000. I wonder how many of these women getting $1200 checks, no matter how savvy, will be able to get themselves moved to a European city. Furthermore, I just checked Wichita KS, a pleasant city with a surprising number of cultural options, very good health care and emergency services, good restaurants, educational opportunities at several colleges and universities. Median rent in Wichita is (or was pre-inflation) $697. Regardless of her demographic though, the information provided far exceeds the offerings of the typical "Best Place to Retire" industry which she rightly calls out for being in the business of selling real estate for the most part.
The book's title includes the word Europe, so I can't complain that she doesn't report on any Latin American or Asian countries, but she does pause to throw shade on some perfectly fine places to live. She says that living on $800-1200 a month doesn't mean you have to live in a third world country where no one speaks English, you need bars on your windows, nothing works, and public transportation consists of old rattletrap Bluebird school buses. Has she seen Panama City? San Miguel de Allende? Mexico City?
Wheeler divides her book into Acts. The first addresses preparation and choosing a place to move to without the always advised preliminary visit. "Why get on a plane when there's a kid already there with a go-pro on his hat?" What countries are immigrant friendly and a plethora of resources including the CIA and Pegman Tours are included to help in the planning phase. The quality and quantity of information is astonishing.
Act Two includes the profiles of the 10 countries best suited to open-minded women with more style than money. Aruba is included because it's part of the Netherlands. Turkey is also included; would it still be after Erdogan's re-election? Each is assigned one to five stars on each of 10 categories: affordability, residency, infrastructure, health care, governance/political stability, safety, culture, food and drink, acceptance of "other", and English friendly. Points for women in government, non-GMO policy, no Round Up, and climate change adherence. I loved her specific advice regarding "fit". For example, Spain is loud, really loud. If you don't like loud Spain would not be a good fit. In Greece it's privacy, there is none. There's not even a word for privacy.
Act 3 covers the logistics of actually moving. The chapter on downsizing definitely struck a chord with me. I couldn't face it 35 years ago when I got divorced and my stuff has multiplied of course. I am inspired!
There is no autobiographical information on the author, and I would love to know what her credentials are, how she became so knowledgeable, where she elected to settle, etc.
With that out of my system, and understanding I have a few other criticisms, I recommend you think of her as that smart-alecky good friend with whom you just don't discuss politics. Reading her book is a good time and I guarantee you'll learn a lot about the 10 countries she profiles and how to investigate the world in general. You might even be inspired to move!
Wheeler's purported demographic is the trailing half of the Boomers, a large percentage of whom, she reports, are going to have to live on an average of $1400 per month, or SS only. She feels aging in place requires a city and she claims the cheapest city to retire to in the US is-horrors-Detroit where an apt will cost >$1000. I wonder how many of these women getting $1200 checks, no matter how savvy, will be able to get themselves moved to a European city. Furthermore, I just checked Wichita KS, a pleasant city with a surprising number of cultural options, very good health care and emergency services, good restaurants, educational opportunities at several colleges and universities. Median rent in Wichita is (or was pre-inflation) $697. Regardless of her demographic though, the information provided far exceeds the offerings of the typical "Best Place to Retire" industry which she rightly calls out for being in the business of selling real estate for the most part.
The book's title includes the word Europe, so I can't complain that she doesn't report on any Latin American or Asian countries, but she does pause to throw shade on some perfectly fine places to live. She says that living on $800-1200 a month doesn't mean you have to live in a third world country where no one speaks English, you need bars on your windows, nothing works, and public transportation consists of old rattletrap Bluebird school buses. Has she seen Panama City? San Miguel de Allende? Mexico City?
Wheeler divides her book into Acts. The first addresses preparation and choosing a place to move to without the always advised preliminary visit. "Why get on a plane when there's a kid already there with a go-pro on his hat?" What countries are immigrant friendly and a plethora of resources including the CIA and Pegman Tours are included to help in the planning phase. The quality and quantity of information is astonishing.
Act Two includes the profiles of the 10 countries best suited to open-minded women with more style than money. Aruba is included because it's part of the Netherlands. Turkey is also included; would it still be after Erdogan's re-election? Each is assigned one to five stars on each of 10 categories: affordability, residency, infrastructure, health care, governance/political stability, safety, culture, food and drink, acceptance of "other", and English friendly. Points for women in government, non-GMO policy, no Round Up, and climate change adherence. I loved her specific advice regarding "fit". For example, Spain is loud, really loud. If you don't like loud Spain would not be a good fit. In Greece it's privacy, there is none. There's not even a word for privacy.
Act 3 covers the logistics of actually moving. The chapter on downsizing definitely struck a chord with me. I couldn't face it 35 years ago when I got divorced and my stuff has multiplied of course. I am inspired!
There is no autobiographical information on the author, and I would love to know what her credentials are, how she became so knowledgeable, where she elected to settle, etc.
May 27, 2023
This book will tell you everything you need to know about living an affordable good life in Europe, plus a lot more you didn't know you needed! Ms. Wheeler writes with humor and accuracy and it's a very interesting read. She tells you exactly what the requirements are for Residency and gives plenty of information about each country to help you decide where might be a good fit. Reading this book convinced me to move to Albania at age 73, and I couldn't be happier! (And I wasn't even thinking about moving!) Everything she said was absolutely spot on and completely up to date. It's relevant for men and couples too, not just single women.
May 16, 2023
I'm not planning on moving to Europe in my golden years, but this book caught my interest. Intrigued about how I could live an enjoyable life more economically outside of the U.S.A., I read this book without the pressure of the need to move but with quite a bit of interest. The opening act of the book takes a look at who might need to or want to move. The bias is distinctly progressive, with a light, chatty and often humorous tone.Wheeler then gives a step-by-step process to chose the country best suited to you. This is not a one-size-fits-all list. She wants you to find the best place, the place where you will want to stay. The countries are rated in the following categories: Affordability, Residency, Infrastructure, Healthcare, Safety, Governance, Political Stability, Culture, Food and Drink, English-Friendly, and Cultural Acceptance of "Other." The ratings are based on the needs of the target-audience, single women in their retirement years. And you don't just get the stars--you get a complete explanation of why the country received the star rating. You will learn so much about the countries covered in the book, it's worth reading even if like me, you don't intend to move. I highly recommend this book not only for women, not only for those who are thinking of moving abroad, not only for liberals (but conservatives will have to put up with some comments they may not like). It's an interesting and informative read.
December 24, 2024
Excellent advice for relocation
The author has a humorous style of writing, one that's completely relatable. It's logically written, has chapters that cover the gamut of possible questions, and covers the areas that should be on the hopeful expat's (immigrant) radar. She brings up places we normally wouldn't think about instead of the oversold Central America/ South America countries. And while it's geared towards the single woman all the information can easily be applied to couples. Really one of the best and most useful books on the subject I've read.
The author has a humorous style of writing, one that's completely relatable. It's logically written, has chapters that cover the gamut of possible questions, and covers the areas that should be on the hopeful expat's (immigrant) radar. She brings up places we normally wouldn't think about instead of the oversold Central America/ South America countries. And while it's geared towards the single woman all the information can easily be applied to couples. Really one of the best and most useful books on the subject I've read.
December 25, 2024
Interesting look at options for affordable living in (mostly) European countries. Definitely something that will need to be updated regularly as costs and visa requirements evolve.
August 14, 2023
Imagine my happiness when I found out there was a book that felt like it was written exactly for me!
There is a ton of helpful information in here and I love the suggestions I hadn't already considered (Austria, who knew?!).
I bought this on Kindle but I feel like I'm going to need to buy it in paperback so I can flip through it easily when need be.
Retirement porn doesn't get any better than this. ;)
There is a ton of helpful information in here and I love the suggestions I hadn't already considered (Austria, who knew?!).
I bought this on Kindle but I feel like I'm going to need to buy it in paperback so I can flip through it easily when need be.
Retirement porn doesn't get any better than this. ;)
March 18, 2024
Excellent resource though very American-centric.
A great starter guide to researching and living abroad for those on limited budgets and of a ‘certain’ age who don’t have many ‘moves’ left in them. I was very happy to find Morocco and Turkey in here. Sadly, other countries were left out that might be great options for us non- Americans and/or those who have acquired EU residency. My fingers are crossed for a follow up book!
A great starter guide to researching and living abroad for those on limited budgets and of a ‘certain’ age who don’t have many ‘moves’ left in them. I was very happy to find Morocco and Turkey in here. Sadly, other countries were left out that might be great options for us non- Americans and/or those who have acquired EU residency. My fingers are crossed for a follow up book!
July 14, 2024
Very practical book that opened my eyes to various options retiring abroad. Don't be derailed by the title--the book has little to do with being liberal or stylish. It is about hopeful, inexpensive options for retiring in Europe. It is geared toward single women, but I think any person investigating these options will find it helpful.
February 23, 2025
Very detailed information. Useful for women (retired or almost retired) who want to live out their days in a lovely place that's within their means.
I really enjoyed her straight forward and humorous writing style.
I love the informational websites she shared with us.
I'd love to have Madeline join us at our next potluck! What fun!
I really enjoyed her straight forward and humorous writing style.
I love the informational websites she shared with us.
I'd love to have Madeline join us at our next potluck! What fun!
December 19, 2023
A great overview
I bought this book and found not only info about moving to Europe, but a process for moving anywhere overseas. It actually talked me out of Europe and confirmed Panama as my #1 choice.
I bought this book and found not only info about moving to Europe, but a process for moving anywhere overseas. It actually talked me out of Europe and confirmed Panama as my #1 choice.
January 28, 2024
Full of useful and practical information, presented with clarity and humor. Truly enjoyed reading this book.
October 11, 2024
very Informative
This book was SO helpful, I stopped many times to make lists, research things and rethink my plans. Thank you for all the great information!
This book was SO helpful, I stopped many times to make lists, research things and rethink my plans. Thank you for all the great information!
May 8, 2023
Excellent guide to low cost, safe places to retire. This book covers many more aspects than most......some history, culture, cuisine, ease of Residency, amount of English spoken, acceptance of "others" as well as a look at some of the best cities in each country. It seems far more useful than other "retire to" books I've read. Well worth the cost!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews