From drag brunches in Galway to seaside strolls in Wexford, we’re serving up Ireland’s Top 5 LGBTQ+ Retirement Hotspots—ranked by affordability, community, and those oh-so-important queer perks. 🇮🇪✨

This isn’t just a travel fantasy; it’s the gay retiree’s cheat sheet to stretching your pot of gold without sacrificing charm, safety, or a dash of fabulousness. Whether you want artsy coastal vibes, Dublin-adjacent nightlife without Dublin’s rainbow-rent, or a laid-back West Cork foodie scene, we’ve got the tea. And yes, we’re weighing cost of living more than clubbing, because at this stage, your bank account deserves as much love as your social calendar.

Grab a Guinness, pull up your wellies, and let’s find your Irish happily-ever-after (rainy days included).

• The five most fabulous, affordable Irish towns for LGBTQ+ retirees
• Which places are safe & welcoming vs. which will make you cry into your pint
• Why affordability beats nightlife when you’re living your best retired life
• The queer perks you didn’t know you needed: opera festivals, cliff walks & swimming pride parades
• Why Dublin & Cork didn’t make the cut (don’t @ us, it’s about your wallet)

1. Limerick – Affordable, low-key, with a Pride swim parade. Queer Money Retirement Rating: 7.5/10.
2. Clonakilty – Coastal, cultural, and community-driven. 8/10.
3. Wexford – Artsy, beachy, ferry to Europe. 8/10.
4. Howth – Sea cliffs, seafood, & Dublin access without the rainbow rent. 9/10.
5. Greater Galway Bay – Drag brunches, vibrant queer scene, airport nearby. 9.5/10.

Thinking of say "Bye Gurl" the U.S.?

Madonna’s divorce was expensive—but renouncing your U.S. citizenship could cost you even more 💸. In this episode of Queer Money®, we’re spilling the tea on the exit tax—what it is, who gets smacked, and how to not get wrecked by it.

So before you grab your passport and peace out to Portugal, know what Uncle Sam (aka Daddy Taxman) wants from you first. Because freedom ain’t free, darling—especially when the IRS is involved.

• 🇺🇸 The Exit Tax Is Real – Officially called the Expatriation Tax, it hits folks who renounce U.S. citizenship and meet specific criteria.

⚠️ You may be a "covered expatriate" if:

1. Your net worth is $2 million+
2. Your average income tax over the last 5 years is $206,000+ (2025 estimate)
3. You haven’t filed or paid taxes for the past 5 years
4. 👉 Green card holders may be subject if they’ve held one for 8 of the last 15 years

🏡 What gets taxed:

• Your home
• Investments
• Retirement accounts (401(k), IRAs)
• Even Taylor Swift merch 👀
• → The IRS pretends you sold it all and taxes your phantom capital gains.
• 💰 2024 exemption: First $821,000 in phantom gains is tax-free—but that’s not much if your home doubled in value since 1995.
• 🧓 Even in retirement (or death):
• Rental income or property sales could still be taxed
• Your heirs could owe gift or estate tax (up to 40%)
• Welcome to the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act—thanks, Reagan!

🧠 Ways to plan ahead:

• Donate appreciated assets (to LGBTQ+ orgs = win-win!)
• Max Roth conversions now
• Relocate abroad early, reduce assets before renouncing
• Review international tax treaties for potential protection
• 🧾 Must file IRS Form 8854 – Whether you qualify for the tax or not, this is your official “I broke up with America” form.
• 💡 Talk to a pro: This is niche tax law. H&R Block ain’t it. Find someone who knows international tax strategy.

🎁 Grab your free Happy Gay Retirement Calculator here: https://queermoneypodcast.com/hgrcalc

New Zealand isn’t just Lord of the Rings scenery and sheep. It’s got gorgeous queer vibes, strong legal protections, and cities that range from cozy and artsy to full-blown fab with ferry rides to wine islands. We break down the top 5 cities for LGBTQ+ retirement in NZ with real costs, real vibes, and real queer perks.

Ready to float through Middle Earth in style? Let’s go global gay with this week’s Queer Money®!

🌍 New Zealand ranks in the top 10 on the Spartacus Gay Travel Index—but is still underrated for LGBTQ+ retirees

🏙️ Top 5 cities ranked from fab to MOST fab:

• #5 Christchurch: Charming, green, affordable (⭐ 7/10)
• #4 Queenstown: Adventure-packed and inclusive (⭐ 8/10)
• #3 Dunedin: Artsy, affordable, student-rich (⭐ 8/10)
• #2 Wellington: Culturally rich & walkable (⭐ 9/10)
• #1 Auckland: Big-city buzz & wine island chic (⭐ 8/10, but most well-rounded overall)

💰 Rents range from ~$1,000–$1,900/month for 2-bedroom homes

📉 Cost of living is generally 7–25% lower than the U.S. average

🏳️‍🌈 Strong LGBTQ+ protections and community support across the country

💃 Lesbian balls, Winter Pride, & gayborhoods galore

💡 Wellington & Auckland boast the most vibrant queer infrastructure

✈️ Auckland wins for lifestyle + international access—but Wellington gets the highest rating for vibe and livability

🎁 Grab your free Happy Gay Retirement Calculator here: https://queermoneypodcast.com/hgrcalc

• 0:00 - Intro
• 1:10 - Past and future
• 1:51 - Christchurch
• 3:44 - Queenstown
• 5:21 - Dunedin
• 7:58 - Wellington
• 10:40 - Auckland
• 12:47 - Why the numbers don't line up
• 13:19 - Wrap up