Expat Life Decoded - The Complete American's Handbook to Retiring in the Philippines Paperback – March 3, 2026

What if your retirement income went further — a lot further?Imagine living in a modern, furnished condominium in a safe, walkable neighborhood. World-class private hospital care at a fraction of U.S. costs. Twice-weekly housekeeping, regular dining out, weekend travel — and still saving money every month. For American retirees, this isn't a fantasy. It is everyday life in the Philippines.The Complete American's Handbook to Retiring in the Philippines is the most comprehensive, honest, and practical guide available for Americans planning their Philippine retirement. Written by Jen and Frank Scordia — Jen was born and raised in Quezon City, earned her Economics degree from the University of the Philippines, and built a 30-year career in U.S. digital marketing; Frank is a retired USAF veteran who served at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines — this book brings an insider's perspective no other guide can offer.This is not a travel blog post or a superficial overview. This is 300+ pages of step-by-step guidance built for real decisions.Inside the 15 comprehensive chapters, you will find:City-by-city cost of living breakdowns for 12 locations, from Bonifacio Global City to Dumaguete, with real monthly budget ranges for singles and couplesThe complete SRRV visa guide — Classic, Courtesy (veterans), and Human Touch — with every document required, application timeline, and common mistakes to avoidPhilippine hospital rankings by city, PhilHealth registration for SRRV holders, HMO comparison charts, and how to bridge the Medicare gapThe truth about renting vs. buying, neighborhood-by-neighborhood safety ratings, and a step-by-step condo purchase guide for foreign buyersHow to open Philippine bank accounts, transfer money from the U.S. with minimal fees, manage Social Security and pension deposits, and handle day-to-day financesYour complete U.S. tax obligations as a Philippine resident — FBAR, FATCA, the Foreign Tax Credit, state tax domicile issues, and the tax scenarios that affect most retireesA dedicated veteran's chapter covering VA disability payments abroad, TRICARE for Life, base access at Subic Bay and Clark, and the VA Federal Benefits Unit in ManilaA 12-month countdown checklist with month-by-month action steps, a complete resource directory with phone numbers and websites, and much moreWhether your retirement income is $1,500 or $5,000 a month, whether you are drawn to the urban energy of Metro Manila, the beach culture of Cebu, the cool mountain air of Baguio, or the expat-friendly calm of Dumaguete — this book shows you exactly how to make it work.The Philippines isn't just a retirement destination. For the right American, it is the retirement they always deserved — finally within reach.Scroll up and click Buy Now to start planning your next chapter. Read more