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Oct. 2, 2021

E52 Retiring in Manta, Ecuador

E52 Retiring in Manta, Ecuador

Have you considered retiring early? What is early though? Is it under 65, your early 50s, late 50s? Meet our youngest guests on the show to date! Traci Stinson-Smiley, 48, and Rolanda Stinson-Smiley, 38, a couple who went from living a hectic work-life in Seattle, Washington to retiring to an affordable, comfortable lifestyle in Manta, Ecuador! On Episode 52 of Retire There with Gil & Gene, hear what drew Traci and Rolanda to Manta at such young ages.

The African Americans in Ecuador Facebook page was a great resource to Traci and Rolanda.

You may also wish to check out the Expats & Amigos in Manta & Manabi Facebook page.

 

Traci Stinson-Smiley

Traci Stinson-Smiley was born in Orangeburg, South Carolina, but grew up in the military, so she was kind of raised everywhere. She attended school in a small town called Copperas Cove, Texas and later attended Executive Secretarial School. Most of her career was spent as a Product Distribution Specialist and then in her latter years she worked as a Legal Assistant. She retired from being a paralegal, decided to enroll in a course to get a TEFL certificate (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) to teach English online.
Traci loves gardening and landscaping.

Rolanda Stinson-Smiley

Rolanda Stinson-Smiley was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois.
She attended Columbia College in Chicago and was a Technology Project Manager for the majority of her career. She still works, but just part time, about less than 20 hours a week. Rolanda enjoys crafts and is interested in interior design.