Who does not like to hear this, if this more is something positive?

After all, we are caught up in our social environment, in obligations, in traditions. Caught up in the need to provide for whoever we are responsible for, not excluding ourselves.
Stuck in a society which we did not create, stuck with politics and economic governmental games with unpredictable outcome (not only the US), look at France, now Germany, England …, not always positive.

Early in our life it was not possible to change course, because of parents, dependency,
being below age.
But the so called baby Boomers, (born during the post-world war II baby boom) had until today enough time to think about the value of the remaining time. Leave things the way they are, or go for a better future?

This is what this issue is about (again). A reminder that on any given day we can start a good
(or better) life.

Today, no lengthy discussion about the virus any more. Restrictions and reduced income have already sucked too much fun out of life. And most likely, all will open back to almost normal in the first quarter of next year anyway. Covid became reasonably controlled and will be just another fact of life, same as the flu. Not a long wait any more.

But, thanks for reminding me - getting back to what your real estate adviser should be talking about: Things-Ubud.
Also worthwhile to remember, when looking for advice of any kind, do not trust everyone.
After over 2 decades of expat life, I know a thing or two about residing in Ubud. After that periode I consider living in Ubud to be a solid 8.5 on a scale from 1 – 10.
Trust me, I am sure sometimes wrong, - but not on this one.

Yes, I miss the theatre, a rock concert, Christmas markets in Europe and Curry Wurst in Berlin.
But even an Elon Musk does not have everything. On the flipside of the coin is plenty of compensation.
Personally I only regret, that I did not see the light earlier, to enjoy the colourful, healthy, and pleasant life on this island, and specially in Ubud’s surroundings. Should have, would have, could have, does not help here, but maybe it is not too late for you.

Now, fasten the seat belt and join me quick on my daily 15-minute drive from my home to Ubud.
We take the main street, Jalan Andong. Some cannot remember the name and call it Export Alley, because it is almost completely lined with small shops or manufacturers of Bali souvenirs.
You’ll find among other things ‘original Australian Didgeridoos‘ (Aboriginal wood instruments), still wet with paint, and also plenty of ‘antiques made to order’.

Several shops also sell a variety of colourful signs, such as “FREE beer tomorrow”.

But here is the one, which has more meaning - Right on the doorway on one of these shops, and easy to see when passing by, there is this wooden sign -

Wow !

Don’t you agree, these few words are more effective than all books at home dealing with happiness.

There should be millions of such signs be given out world-wide. One for each family, hanging clearly in sight. Certainly there would be less stress, less wars, less crime in this world, and more of the good things happening.

Sorry, this has nothing to do with You! No such sign needed.
You received this email, because you are interested in Ubud-Life.
Plenty of proof, that you already have a positive mind. (at least most of the time ;o)

Wanting to look for a better place, imagining life as it could be in the moderate tropics; this may have been the reason why you signed up for our newsletters.
Well, if so, let’s confirm, what you indeed can get out of the good life in Bali.
Be it a peaceful and affordable retirement, living in a green healthy environment, maybe creating a rental income at the same time, maybe starting a different business, maybe just bumming around.
Btw, those ‘westerners’ who started a business here, almost all did well, except for one or two souls, who got careless and into the high pro-mille refreshments. They have left the community one way or the other.

But then it is really easy to make new, likeminded and happy friends - - -
(you like him too? I hope)

Here prevails the attitude - ‘great to see you again’.
Without any pressure towards re-occurring social engagements. Must be the sunny climate, which is not compatible with stiff unnecessary social customs.

Please forgive me, if you often detect a trace of sarcasm or humour in here. What is it doing any good, if we are always serious.
The important point is, - when needed we, the UbudProperty team, are professionally serious.

Change of subject.
These boring, but also nerve-racking Covid-months have driven me into looking for something extra to occupy the mind. So I decided to find out about the nature of crypto currencies.
So much to learn. But essentially much of the up and down is driven by the psyche of the millions of crypto- owners.
Think about it. Only about 5% of investors are holding 95% of the total value in ‘crypto’s. Those few owners, or institutions, mostly cool dudes, hold their bit-or altcoins for long-term future profit.
They do not really contribute to the erratic daily value changes.
The remaining 95% react to the frequent reports of professional opinion makers or fake news, usually on Youtube. You follow those reports and can see, that often within minutes after release the prices change. No rocket science needed to understand what is going on and figure out how to profit.
So far I was lucky, learned a bit, earned a bit. But then ‘hati-hati’, because increased government regulations will over time bite off the freedom of non-regulated digital currencies slice by slice. A great shame, because the baby boomers will leave trillions to the young ones, and guess where they want to pour it?
If it would not be so unpredictable, there might be a chance I’d recommend crypto’s over property. However, we are not in the casino here, we want to be sure to enjoy the harvest of our labour and, what you cannot do on a coin, but on your own plot of property: Enjoy life.

Why did I bring this up? As I said before, this is about confirming one of the aspects of the good life here.
On the search for some meaningful crypto-comments I came across the following comparison of living expenses in various Countries, which are considered to be suitable for retirement.
(youtube/CxCSA3qcyOU, if you want to check for yourself).
And maybe this is especially interesting, because Bali/Indonesia is mentioned among other well-known Countries.

The following monthly living expenses in 2021 are including rent and everything needed for a comfortable life in each one of those places

Living expenses in USD / month

Cayman Islands - where you’ll meet billi- and millionaires 7.322
USA - mid-range(not New York, not Arizona) 5.488
Australia 5.229
Portugal 3.953
Panama 3.894
Costa Rica 3.521
Malaysia 2.889
Mexico 2.700
Colombia 1.964
Indonesia 1.750
Vietnam 1.676

These expenses are a conservative average.
Anyone, who can live on a more moderate level, can easily take a ratio in percent and figure out, how much less a frugal life would then take out of the pocket here or there.

If you want to see a nice video about the actual breakdown of the monthly living expenses in Bali, again go to Youtube and put in the search field: v=bEPNcote43o.
Jean Voronkova, a very down-to-earth lady, has made an effort to show how much the good life for two will cost per month in Bali.

Well, who wants to meet the offspring of the Red Khmer in Vietnam anyway, just in order to save 2 Dollars per day, compared to life in Indonesia ?
That indeed strongly points to Indonesia, if also living expenses are a factor to decide where to go.

If retirement is still far, next time we may check out how a modest investment of about
USD 250k into Ubud property will allow you to live on this passive income right here, near Ubud.
The proven average is 8-12% per year. While you are still owning your villa with its capital appreciation (minus maintenance).
A simple calculation says: After tax there will be about USD 1.800.-/month coming to your pocket. Beats any other investment in terms of safety of earnings and value increase!

These words also fit the subject:
‘He who works all day has no time to make money’. John D.Rockefeller

Of course, much depends on your situation, age, choice of location and naturally, capacity to invest.
Some have even a Million or two to spend. What a time right now!
Prices are still down and for the saved 400k Dollar you go on the Alaska cruise, buy your kids a sailboat and yourself a whatever.

Why not finding out more about the good deals before the door is closing?
WA, email us, or come right in . . .

Btw, UbudProperty will celebrate its 16th Birthday end of October.
All the acquired knowledge over those years is waiting for you.
And as you may know, free of charge and free of any obligation.

Even a shoe maker suggests: Just do it

For the team of UbudProperty
with kind regards,

sincerely – Yours Ray