A Life-Altering Decision Sparks a Bold Dream
After the sudden passing of his mother, Brandon Turrell realized that life is too short to spend stuck in the 9-to-5 grind. With a renewed sense of purpose, he set his sights on achieving financial independence by age 40, planning to move to the Philippines with his partner, Arlene. This decision came as Brandon, a 37-year-old aerospace technician from Washington, reshaped his career and financial goals to align with his newfound priorities.
His mother’s death in 2011 was a wake-up call, compelling him to reassess how he was living and what truly mattered. The loss made him recognize the fleeting nature of time, motivating him to create a future that offered freedom from the constraints of a traditional job. That vision led him to the Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) movement, which shifted his focus from retirement to financial independence.
Building a Financial Plan for Early Retirement
Brandon took his first steps toward financial independence by purchasing a home in Washington at age 20, a move that set the foundation for his savings strategy. Over the years, he rented out the property and saved over half of his income, thanks to a frugal lifestyle that prioritized financial security over luxury. By 2017, he sold the house and decided to focus on investments, realizing that being a landlord wasn’t for him.
With this disciplined approach, Brandon was able to avoid debt and build a financial buffer, giving him the confidence to pursue his early retirement dream. The principles of geoarbitrage, which involve leveraging lower costs of living in other countries, further inspired him to consider the Philippines as a place to settle down. His online relationship with Arlene and his visits to the country solidified his plan to transition there permanently.
Looking to the Future: A Home in the Philippines
Brandon’s vision for life in the Philippines materialized when he purchased a 7,000-square-foot plot of land near Tanauan, Leyte, for $12,850. Although the property is registered in Arlene’s name due to local regulations, they have already started building their dream home. For now, a small house serves as a temporary residence when Brandon visits, and they plan to expand to a bungalow once they permanently relocate.
While Brandon is not yet fully retired, his financial independence allows him the flexibility to move between the US and the Philippines. His next steps include finishing their permanent home and transitioning to a new chapter of life in the Philippines, free from the confines of a traditional career.