Queer Money®: How Gay People Do Money

Queer Money
  • 4.9 (168)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Queer Money is a bi-weekly show dedicated to creating desperately needed generational wealth within the gay community because we deserve to sleep better at night and we must stand up to the anti-LGBTQ+ industrial complex. Listen and watch regularly to eliminate financial insecurity and generate personal wealth, prepare for a secure and fun retirement, find the most affordable, LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the US to live in or travel to, grow your stock portfolio to $1,000,000+, build a real estate empire and start a small business. Your hosts are husbands and money experts David & John Auten-Schneider who have been the leaders in LGBTQ+ finance since 2015. With nine seasons, nearly 500 episodes, over a million downloads and features by Oprah, Advocate, Variety, CNBC and more, the award-winning Queer Money is the longest running show made by and for the LGBTQ+ community and is the only show solely dedicated to our financial well-being as gay people. · For more financial information and helpful resources, visit queermoneypodcast.com · For complementary charts and grafts (and pretty pictures), subscribe to Queer Money on YouTube @ https://www.youtube.com/@queermoney?sub_confirmation=1

  1. This Is How the F You're Feeling Right Now | Queer Money Ep. 621

    2D AGO

    This Is How the F You're Feeling Right Now | Queer Money Ep. 621

    Afraid You’ll Never Be Able to Retire? You’re Not Alone. Here’s the Plan.What if retirement wasn’t scary anymore? In this episode of Queer Money, we share the real, unfiltered results of a recent Queer Money community poll — and what it reveals about the five biggest fears LGBTQ+ people have about retirement. From “bag lady energy” to healthcare panic, from how much is enough to where can I live safely and affordably, this episode isn’t about shame — it’s about clarity, strategy, and community. If you’ve ever wondered: Will I run out of money?What happens if healthcare bankrupts me before Medicare?Can I retire early… or abroad?What if Social Security or Medicare changes? This episode is for you. 🎯 KEY TAKEAWAYSRetirement fear is emotional first — numbers come secondHealthcare uncertainty is the #1 wildcard for early retirementMost LGBTQ+ retirees want community + affordability, not luxuryGovernment uncertainty is pushing more people to explore retiring abroadConfidence comes from a plan, not perfection 🎙️ WHY THIS EPISODE MATTERSThis episode marks a turning point — not just for Queer Money, but for how LGBTQ+ people talk about retirement. You are not broken. You are not behind. You just haven’t been shown a roadmap that actually fits your life.And that’s what we’re building — together. Subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming next in 2026. 👉 YOUR NEXT STEPIf you’re serious about building confidence — not just hope — start here: ➡️ Get the Happy Gay Retirement Calculator: https://queermoneypodcast.com/hgrcalc Chapters: 00:00 Intro00:50 Context05:15 - “Do I Even Have Enough?”08:42 - “Healthcare Before Medicare Is Gonna Kill Us”11:30 - “Where Will We Live?”14:45 - “The Government Will Mess This Up”17:29 - “I Want Peace of Mind, Not Just Numbers”20:03 - Outro Mentioned in this episode: Ready to retire where you can be yourself... fully? Learn more about the Portugal Golden...

    23 min
  2. The Top 5 Best Places for LGBTQ+ Retirement in France | Queer Money Ep. 620

    DEC 16

    The Top 5 Best Places for LGBTQ+ Retirement in France | Queer Money Ep. 620

    Affordable, Safe & Fabulous Places for LGBTQ+ Retirement in France - Gay France!Imagine waking up to fresh baguettes, strolling cobblestone streets hand-in-hand, sipping €4 rosé in the sun—and spending less than you would in most major U.S. cities. Bienvenue to your Gay Retirement Fantasy: France Edition In Queer Money Episode 620, we break down the Top 5 French cities and towns for LGBTQ+ Americans looking to retire affordably, safely, and fabulously. We rank each city using our Queer Money Retirement Rating, weighing: → Cost of living→ LGBTQ+ community & visibility→ Healthcare & infrastructure→ Visa & residency realities→ Taxes (yes, we go there)→ Lifestyle, walkability & culture From iconic Paris to underrated southern gems, France may be far more attainable—and queer-friendly—than you think. 🌈 Top Takeaways✔ France offers multiple LGBTQ+-friendly retirement options beyond Paris✔ You can live 40–55% cheaper than NYC in several French cities✔ National healthcare + strong infrastructure = real retiree appeal✔ French visas favor retirees with stable passive income✔ Learning some French dramatically improves quality of life 🔗 Resources & Links📍 Queer Money Retirement Rating Criteria & City Scorecards - 👉 https://queermoneypodcast.com/cities 📊 Map out when, where, and how you can retire - 👉 Happy Gay Retirement Calculator: https://queermoneypodcast.com/hgrcalc Chapters:00:00 Intro01:12 - Paris 04:27 - Montpellier06:57 - About France10:16 - Nice12:39 - Lyon14:58 - Hidden Gems18:03 - Toulouse20:35 Outro Mentioned in this episode: Ready to retire where you can be yourself... fully? Learn more about the Portugal Golden Opportunites Fund with Optimize Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!

    23 min
  3. What the F is the K-Shaped Economy | Queer Money Ep 619

    DEC 9

    What the F is the K-Shaped Economy | Queer Money Ep 619

    What the K-Shaped Economy Means for Your Queer Money & RetirementThis episode is brought to you by the letter K — Kiki, killer… and K-shaped economy. If it feels like some people are living in Taylor Swift box seats while you’re doing math at Dollar Tree, you’re not imagining it. That’s the K-shaped economy in action: one line shooting straight up for the wealthy, while everyone else — including millions of LGBTQ+ folks — slides down the bottom leg. On Queer Money® episode 619, we break down what the K-shaped economy is, where it came from, how it shows up in your everyday life, and, most importantly, what you can actually do about it. From grocery bills and wage stagnation to stacked vulnerability and early retirement abroad, we connect the dots so you can respond with strategy, not panic. This isn’t just “the economy.” It’s your retirement, your stability, your next money move. TAKEAWAYSThe K-shaped economy describes two economies at once:one group’s income, confidence, and wealth going up, while everyone else slides down.Pandemic recovery supercharged inequality: asset owners, high earners, and remote workers jumped ahead while service and frontline workers fell behind.High-income households now drive a disproportionate share of spending growth, especially on travel and luxury, while lower-income households are trading down, couponing, juggling bills, and using more credit.Groceries and essentials are taking up a bigger percent of low- and middle-income budgets, even when they’re not buying dramatically more.Wage growth for low-income earners is at its slowest since 2016, while high-income wage growth is at its fastest.LGBTQ+ folks are hit harder because of stacked vulnerability: lower average pay, higher debt, less family support, more career interruptions, more discrimination.The K-shaped economy rewards assets, not effort — which is why consistent investing and debt reduction matter so much.Early retirement abroad isn’t a fantasy escape; it’s a rational response to lower cost of living + better healthcare + more safety in some countries.You can’t fix inequality by yourself, but you canBuild an FU fundReduce high-interest debtLower fixed expensesInvest consistently (even small amounts)Think globally about where you liveTalk honestly about money with your queer community RELATED QUEER MONEY® EPISODES TO PROMOTE“Best Places for LGBTQ+ Retirement in Portugal” (why Portugal keeps winning)“Top Cities in Italy for LGBTQ+ Retirement”“Retire in Ecuador? LGBTQ+ Retirement Ratings”“Affordable Gay-Friendly Cities in the U.S.”“Why 72% of LGBTQ+ Folks Feel High Financial Stress” Chapters00:00:00 Intro02:11:05 What a K-Shaped Economy Actually Is05:18:02 What’s Happening Right Now12:08:04 Why This Matters for the LGBTQ+ Community18:41:00 The Fragility at the Top20:18:23 What You Can Do  23:27:17 Outro Mentioned in this episode: Ready to retire where you can be yourself... fully? Learn more about the Portugal Golden Opportunites Fund with Optimize Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!

    25 min
  4. Top 5 Gay-Friendly Places in Italy | Queer Money Ep. 619

    DEC 2

    Top 5 Gay-Friendly Places in Italy | Queer Money Ep. 619

    Italy’s Top 5 Cities for Gay RetirementIs Italy really the golden, Aperol-spritz-soaked dream Instagram wants you to believe… or is the truth a little more complicated for LGBTQ+ retirees? This week on Queer Money® we’re ranking the Top 5 cities in Italy for LGBTQ+ retirement — from Renaissance beauty to progressive university towns to sun-drenched coastal havens. We break down the queer vibe, cost of living, rent, language barriers, expat community strength, visa rules, and, of course, the Queer Money Retirement Rating for each city. Italy may have pasta, Pride, and men in Speedos, but will any city snatch the crown from Portugal or our global frontrunner, Valencia? Time to find out. What You’ll Learn Today:The top 5 best Italian cities for LGBTQ+ retireesWhere Italy shines — and where rising conservatism complicates thingsHow much you’ll pay for rent, healthcare, and daily lifeWhich cities have thriving queer communities (and which don’t)Whether you could qualify for Italy’s Elective Residency VisaWhy Italy still can’t take Portugal’s crown 🌈👑 Takeaways:Italy is gorgeous — but rising conservatism affects LGBTQ+ protectionsRent ranges dramatically: from ~$850 in Lecce to ~$1,800 in RomeCost of living is lower than Chicago in every city analyzedFlorence & Rome: big vibe, big priceTurin & Bologna: underrated, affordable, queer-friendly gemsLecce: the surprise #1 — stunning, coastal, and affordableItaly’s visa requires true passive income (no remote work allowed)Portugal remains the gold-standard for LGBTQ+ retirees RELATED EPISODES TO LISTEN NEXTPortugal’s Top Cities for LGBTQ+ Retirement (our reigning champion)Spain: Valencia & Beyond — The Fab FrontrunnerGreece LGBTQ+ Retirement RatingsNew Zealand LGBTQ+ Retirement RatingsTaiwan LGBTQ+ Retirement Ratings ✨ Want to know if YOU can retire in Italy (or anywhere abroad)? Get the Happy Gay Retirement Calculator here: https://queermoneypodcast.com/hgrcalc Mentioned in this episode: Ready to retire where you can be yourself... fully? Learn more about the Portugal Golden Opportunites Fund with Optimize Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!

    19 min
  5. 5 Smartest Tax Tips for the $6K Boomer Bonus | Queer Money

    NOV 25

    5 Smartest Tax Tips for the $6K Boomer Bonus | Queer Money

    How to pay less taxes with your Boomer Bonus!Imagine getting an extra $6,000–$12,000 tax deduction just for being born at the right time. No lotto win. No extra hours at work. No sugar daddy required. Just a savvy tax move for Boomers and near-Boomers that could seriously boost your bottom line — financially speaking. In Queer Money® Episode 617, we break down exactly how the New Boomer Bonus Deduction (2025–2028) works, who qualifies, and the five smartest ways to maximize it like you’re working it on Tax Day. Plus, we walk through three real-ish scenarios to show how smart planning could save you thousands. If you're 65+ (or within the next four years), this deduction may be your built-in financial facelift — no stitches required. What You’ll LearnWhat the Boomer Bonus deduction is and how it works (2025–2028)Income thresholds, phase-outs, and who qualifiesThe 5 best strategies to maximize your tax savingsHow to use the deduction with Roth conversions, capital gains timing, and more3 sample scenarios showing how Boomers could save thousands Key Takeaways✔️ A $6,000–$12,000 deduction can offset Roth conversions✔️ Smart capital-gains timing can help keep you in the 0% bracket✔️ This deduction stacks on top of both standard and itemized deductions✔️ The window is temporary: 2025–2028 only✔️ Proper income planning = real money back in your pocket Chapters:0:00 - Intro00:14 - The Boomer Bonus Deduction02:08 - Maximizing the Boomer Bonus03:02 - Strategies for Managing Your Income and Deductions06:05 - Real Life Tax Scenarios07:35 - Understanding the Boomer Bonus: Maximizing Your Tax Benefits09:30 - Wrap up 👉 Grab your free Happy Gay Retirement Calculator: queermoneypodcast.com/hgrcalc Mentioned in this episode: Ready to retire where you can be yourself... fully? Learn more about the Portugal Golden Opportunites Fund with Optimize Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!

    11 min
  6. Ecuador for Gay Retirement: 5 Best Cities Ranked (Costs, Climate, Queer Vibe) | Queer Money 616

    NOV 18

    Ecuador for Gay Retirement: 5 Best Cities Ranked (Costs, Climate, Queer Vibe) | Queer Money 616

    Ready for a fabulous gay retirement in Ecuador?Thinking about retiring abroad? You’re not alone. In Ep. 616 we break down Ecuador—a country that punches above its weight with year-round spring weather, U.S. dollar convenience, solid healthcare, and a much lower cost of living. We cover legal landscape (marriage since 2019; gender recognition 2024), where stigma still shows up, and our Top 5 Ecuador cities for gay retirees—Salinas, Cotacachi, Guayaquil, Quito, Cuenca—with 2BR rent ranges, cost-of-living vs. U.S., and our Queer Money Retirement Rating for each. Key TakeawaysReal savings: Many Ecuador cities run ~50–70% cheaper than the U.S., with rents that can be a fraction of stateside prices.Climate win: Highland zones offer “eternal spring”—often no A/C or snow shovels.Queer reality: Legal wins exist, but visibility and safety vary by city; Quito leads for LGBTQ+ infrastructure, Cuenca for expat ease.Trade-offs: Big-city perks vs. crime hot spots (e.g., Guayaquil), beach life vs. tourist pricing (Salinas), quiet charm vs. fewer queer spaces (Cotacachi/Cuenca). Chapters:00:00 – Intro: Why Ecuador keeps popping for LGBTQ+ retirees02:29 – #5 Salinas (beach town, Vox gay disco): 2BR ~$500–$800 | COL ~50–65% ↓ | Rating 6/1004:37 – #4 Cotacachi (quiet Andean base): 2BR ~$450–$600 | COL ~60–70% ↓ | Rating 7/1006:29 – #3 Guayaquil (big-city energy): 2BR ~$620 | COL ~60–65% ↓ | crime caveat | Rating 7/1009:11 – #2 Quito (capital & queer hub): 2BR ~$675–$1,300 | COL ~54–63% ↓ | Rating 8/1011:40 – #1 Cuenca (expat favorite): 2BR ~$300–$600 | COL ~60–70% ↓ | Rating 9/1013:51 – Next up & wrap up Links referenced in this episode:queermoneypodcast.com/citiesqueermoneypodcast.com/hgrcalc Mentioned in this episode: Ready to retire where you can be yourself... fully? Learn more about the Portugal Golden Opportunites Fund with Optimize Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!

    16 min
  7. Expat Taxes 101: Will You Be Double-Taxed? (US Retirees Abroad) — with Michelle Miele | Queer Money Ep. 615

    NOV 11

    Expat Taxes 101: Will You Be Double-Taxed? (US Retirees Abroad) — with Michelle Miele | Queer Money Ep. 615

    Navigating Expat Taxes: Insights for Dream RetireesSnagged a dream place in Puerto Vallarta or Mykonos… and now the IRS is at the door? Today we’re joined by expat tax expert Michelle Miele (Director of Paperwork) to decode how U.S. taxes work when you retire abroad. We cover Social Security, IRA/401(k)/Roth distributions, self-employment/online business income, countries with and without U.S. tax treaties, foreign tax credits, and common traps (like selling your U.S. home after you change tax residency). Three real-world scenarios—Mexico, Portugal, and Thailand—show you how this plays out. Key Takeaways: Filing ≠ owing. You’ll likely file in the U.S. even after moving, but credits/treaties can prevent double tax.Order matters: generally file where you live first, then the U.S., and use foreign tax credits to offset.Roth alert: some countries tax Roth distributions; plan timing and residency to protect withdrawals.Entity traps: your LLC/S-corp may be treated as a corporation abroad; confirm local treatment before you move.Real estate timing: if selling a U.S. primary home, sell while still a U.S. tax resident to preserve exclusions.Benefits trade-off: higher taxes in some countries may be offset by much lower healthcare and living costs. Related Queer Money Episodes:Ep 614 — Top 5 Cities for Gay Retirement in TaiwanEp 610 — Best LGBTQ+ Retirement Cities in GreeceEp 607 — The $6,000 “Boomer Bonus” Deduction StrategiesEp 599 — Affordable Gay-Friendly Cities in PortugalEp 542 — Gay Expats in Mexico: Pacific Coast Edition Chapters:00:11 - Navigating Taxes as an Expat Retiree03:51 - Understanding Tax Obligations for Expats11:34 - Tax Implications of Living Abroad14:10 - Tax Obligations for Expats: A Case Study21:25 - Retirement Abroad: Tax Implications28:09 - Planning for Retirement Abroad Mentioned in this episode: Ready to retire where you can be yourself... fully? Learn more about the Portugal Golden Opportunites Fund with Optimize Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!

    30 min
  8. Top 5 Cities in Taiwan for Gay Retirement | Queer Money Ep. 614

    NOV 4

    Top 5 Cities in Taiwan for Gay Retirement | Queer Money Ep. 614

    Affordable Gay-Friendly Retirement in Taiwan: Top 5 Cities RankedThinking of retiring in Asia where gay rights have advanced and everyday life feels modern and livable? On episode 614 we head to Taiwan to explore one of the region’s most unexpected retirement gems for gay men: full same-sex marriage, vibrant queer culture, lower cost of living and global infrastructure. Hosts John & David walk you through the Top 5 Taiwanese cities for LGBTQ+ retirement, break down cost of living, queer infrastructure, and the trade-offs you’ll need to know. What you’ll get in this episode: Why Taiwan leads Asia for LGBTQ+ acceptance and what that really means for early retirement abroad.City-by-city breakdown of the Top 5: from tranquil towns to the heart of queer nightlife.Average 2-bedroom rent (USD), how the cost of living compares to the U.S., and our updated Queer Money Retirement Rating for each city.The one major missing piece for U.S. expats: no tax treaty with the U.S. (yet) and what that can mean for your retirement plan.How to weigh “affordability + queer culture” when choosing abroad instead of “cheap only”. Takeaways: You can find a modern, livable retirement location in Asia with strong queer rights and lower cost of living.Affordability is relative: even the “cheapest” Taiwanese cities are still going to cost something — quality housing, good transport, medical care matter.Legal equality (same-sex marriage) is a huge baseline win — but other elements (trans/non-binary inclusion, tax issues) still vary.Your personal “vibe” matters: Are you after quiet affordability or full queer community energy? Taiwan offers both ends of the spectrum.Always check the tax/financial dimension early when you’re planning overseas retirement — no treaty with the U.S. = extra research required. What to do next: If you’re ready to map out your path to gay-friendly early retirement abroad — whether Taiwan or elsewhere — grab your free Happy Gay Retirement Calculator today at: https://queermoneypodcast.com/hgrcalc Join the conversation: comment, share your experience, or send us your questions about retiring abroad as gay men. Suggested other episodes you’ll love: Episode 610 – “Top 5 LGBTQ+ Retirement Cities in Greece”Episode 599 – “Affordable Gay Retirement Cities in Portugal”Episode 575 – “Understanding Tax Treaties Before You Retire Abroad”Episode 542 – “Bold Retirements: Gay Men in Mexico’s Pacific Coast Towns” Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 02:22 - Taichung 05:16 - Kaohsiung 07:09 - Tainan 09:10 - New Taipei (suburbs of Taipei) 11:23 - Taipei 15:14 - Outro Mentioned in this episode: Ready to retire where you can be yourself... fully? Learn more about the Portugal Golden Opportunites Fund with Optimize Get Your Portugal Golden Visa Here!

    17 min
See All (621)

4.9
out of 5
168 Ratings

About

Queer Money is a bi-weekly show dedicated to creating desperately needed generational wealth within the gay community because we deserve to sleep better at night and we must stand up to the anti-LGBTQ+ industrial complex. Listen and watch regularly to eliminate financial insecurity and generate personal wealth, prepare for a secure and fun retirement, find the most affordable, LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the US to live in or travel to, grow your stock portfolio to $1,000,000+, build a real estate empire and start a small business. Your hosts are husbands and money experts David & John Auten-Schneider who have been the leaders in LGBTQ+ finance since 2015. With nine seasons, nearly 500 episodes, over a million downloads and features by Oprah, Advocate, Variety, CNBC and more, the award-winning Queer Money is the longest running show made by and for the LGBTQ+ community and is the only show solely dedicated to our financial well-being as gay people. · For more financial information and helpful resources, visit queermoneypodcast.com · For complementary charts and grafts (and pretty pictures), subscribe to Queer Money on YouTube @ https://www.youtube.com/@queermoney?sub_confirmation=1

Information

You Might Also Like