Queer Money®: How Gay People Do Money

Queer Money

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

    1D AGO

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. Portugal’s Golden Visa, Simplified: How One Fund Becomes Your Plan B Passport | Queer Money Ep. 613

    OCT 28

    Portugal’s Golden Visa, Simplified: How One Fund Becomes Your Plan B Passport | Queer Money Ep. 613

    How to Retire in PortugalPicture it: retiring fabulously in Portugal with LGBTQ+ protections, world-class healthcare, and the freedom to split time between Europe and the U.S.—without uprooting your life today. In Queer Money® episode 613, we sit down with Pedro Lino, CEO of Optimize Investment Partners, to unpack the Portugal Golden Opportunities Fund—a SEC-registered, PFIC-compliant mutual fund designed to qualify investors for Portugal’s Golden Visa (residency now, citizenship later). We cover why a Golden Visa can be smart “life-hedging” in uncertain times, how the fund works (stocks/bonds, no real estate), what’s changing in Europe, using self-directed IRAs, costs, timelines, and how one investment can include your spouse, kids, and even parents through family reunification. Whether your dream is six months in Lisbon and six months stateside, a second passport for your kids’ future, or a values-aligned Plan B if U.S. politics keeps fraying your nerves, this episode gives you the details to decide with confidence. TakeawaysA Golden Visa is optionality: live/work/travel in the EU now or later—without leaving the U.S. immediately.Portugal is consistently LGBTQ+ friendly, with significantly lower healthcare costs and robust protections.The current path is via eligible investment funds (no real estate); fund must meet strict criteria (≥60% PT companies, no real estate, long-only, five-year availability).Self-directed IRAs can be used; look for SEC-registered and PFIC-compliant structures to keep U.S. tax/reporting clean.One qualifying investment can include spouse, kids, and parents via family reunification, creating a multi-generational Plan B. Chapters00:00 – Dream setup & why a Plan B now01:22 – What a Golden Visa actually gives you (residency → citizenship)03:18 – You don’t have to move today: optionality for LGBTQ+ families05:02 – Why Portugal for LGBTQ+ safety, community & healthcare07:10 – Real-estate option removed: what changed and why funds remain10:12 – Inside the Golden Opportunities Fund (eligibility rules, asset mix)13:15 – Returns, risk, and diversification vs. buying a single property16:02 – Using self-directed IRAs; SEC & PFIC compliance explained19:04 – Demand, timelines, and potential policy shifts to watch22:31 – Costs, EUR/USD realities & creative ways families reach €500K26:05 – Family reunification: who can be included under one application28:40 – Downturn strategy: dividend-rich Portuguese market & bonds31:12 – What Optimize handles vs. what U.S. custodians/lawyers handle34:20 – Wrap-up & how to send us follow-up questions Download your free Happy Gay Retirement Calculator 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!

    34 min
  8. Gay Retirement in the Netherlands | Queer Money Ep. 612

    OCT 21

    Gay Retirement in the Netherlands | Queer Money Ep. 612

    Top 5 Cities for LGBTQ Expats Retiring Abroad in the NetherlandsLooking for a country that practically wrote the handbook on LGBTQ acceptance and tops global happiness charts? 🇳🇱 This week on Queer Money, we’re off to the Netherlands — the land of bikes, canals, and unapologetic inclusivity — to uncover the top five Dutch cities for gay retirees. From Amsterdam’s canal-side rainbow hubs to Eindhoven’s tech-driven calm, we break down where your hard-earned retirement dollars (or euros) stretch farthest while keeping you close to culture, healthcare, and community. You’ll hear why Groningen, Leiden, and Nijmegen are quietly stealing the spotlight from Amsterdam — with lower costs, easy travel, and a “being gay is a non-issue” vibe that makes daily life beautifully ordinary. Whether you’re a gay expat looking to retire abroad or simply dreaming of a Plan B where equality is a given, this episode explores what makes the Netherlands one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries on earth and what life can really look like after you hang up the briefcase and pick up a bike bell. Takeaways:Top 5 Dutch cities ranked for cost, community & queer comfort.Average 2-bedroom rents and cost of living vs. the U.S. average.How Amsterdam’s vibrant scene compares to Leiden or Nijmegen’s calmer pace.Why the Netherlands is a model for LGBTQ equality and safety.Key retirement trade-offs — taxes, healthcare contributions & travel costs.The Queer Money Retirement Rating for each city (1-10 scale).Tips for building your own “Plan B Abroad.” Ready to map your own finish line? Grab the Happy Gay Retirement Calculator and see how close you are to your dream life abroad. Then explore data on every city we’ve covered so far — from Costa Rica to Portugal to the Netherlands — at QueerMoneyPodcast.com/cities. 💡 Catch past episodes: Costa Rica (#608) & Portugal Golden Visa (#611). Next up: Taiwan — the most surprisingly affordable LGBTQ haven in Asia! The Netherlands Chapters0:00 - Intro0:22 - The Netherlands1:28 - Amsterdam4:56 - Eindhoven8:45 - Groningen10:26 - Leiden13:00 - Nijmegen14:40 - Netherlands wrap up 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 (619)

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