Retired at 32: This is how Naz Avo lives the dream life in Thailand!

Retired at 32: This is how Naz Avo lives the dream life in Thailand!

Naz Avo, a 32-year-old Ukrainian, lives the life of a happy retiree in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Inspired by a Justin Timberlake film in which time acted as currency, he developed a flair for economic activity and financial independence at an early age. From the age of 15, he thought about how he had to deal with money in order to make his dreams come true. Taking this basic understanding further, he lived extremely frugally in his 20s, despite making a good living as a software developer for an American company. As it is often said in the community, he lived “like a student” and put aside 60 to 70 percent of his salary.

What makes Naz so special? He became a master of the frugality principle. While he was busy working hard for tomorrow, he created a financial cushion for himself through a conscious lifestyle, which now gives him the freedom to enjoy the Thai sun to the fullest. While living in Asia, where the cost of living is significantly cheaper, his monthly expenses were between 1,120 and 1,500 pounds ($1,500-2,000). His rent was a manageable 375 pounds ($500) a month, which allowed him to put the remaining cash into real estate and investments.

Cost of living and savings strategies

According to auswandern-info.com, Thailand is up to 60% cheaper than Germany. The cost of living for an individual averages 850 to 1,000 euros per month, with rental costs being particularly attractive in cities like Chiang Mai. Unfurnished 1-room apartments are available from just 200 to 350 euros, making living here extremely affordable.

Frugality, as practiced by Naz, begins with a change in mentality. Favorable lifestyle choices can significantly reduce working years in the long run. To achieve financial freedom, you should aim for a savings rate of up to 50%, according to various sources, including newtraderu.com. Different aspects of life, from food to transportation, are significantly cheaper in Thailand compared to Western countries.

Naz’s lifestyle in Chiang Mai

After his decision to retire, Naz celebrated with a five-day festival in Bangkok. But regardless of the celebrations, the transition to a lifestyle without work wasn't easy at first. He has now found his rhythm and enjoys slow mornings with coffee and a book. He also stays fit with activities such as jiu-jitsu, surfing, yoga and endurance sports. Occasionally he also develops an employee survey tool for companies in order to pass on his knowledge and experiences.

His lifestyle is not only self-determined, but also independent - without a partner or family obligations. He believes the freedom of retirement has left him feeling “unemployable.” Therefore, his advice to others is to crunch the financial numbers and save in a disciplined manner.

Naz's example shows how the “magic number” can be reached early through clever saving and investing, which enables early retirement in a dream country. Live like God in France - or rather, like Naz in Chiang Mai!