Expat on a Budget

5 Excuses That Stole 10 Years From Me: Podcast Episode #50Excuse #1 Was Never Really About MoneyI told everyone I was leaving the US for a decade before I actually got on the plane. In this episode, I walk through the five excuses I used to stay stuck, in the order I worked through them: money, comfort, community, loneliness, and the fear of getting there and hating it.I also get into what was actually underneath each excuse (it wasn’t what I thought), and I give you one simple exercise to do today if any of these hit close to home.I decided to do something a little different. I had to pause my podcast for several months because I couldn’t keep up with the schedule of writing, editing and posting a new Substack article each week, writing, shooting and posting a new YouTube video per week, both for free + producing a free weekly podcast in addition to keeping up with my clients and International Living (I’m the Portugal Correspondent) — something had to go and it was the podcast…However I recently realized I can re-post my YT Videos as a podcast! Yes they’re edited with broll but they’re not dependent on the broll to tell the story.And the audience (all of you wonderful people) is different. Readers are not always watchers who are not always listeners. The constant is that I hope this content helps you in some way! :)You can also find a video of this podcast on YouTube if you’d rather watch there 😃Ready to Plan Your Own Move?My goal is to help you make your dream of moving abroad a reality. Here are a few ways I can help:Personalized Consulting: I offer à la carte Consultations, an asynchronous Async option for busy schedules, and comprehensive Packages.Online Class: Learn my entire framework in my “How to Move Abroad” course, designed to take you from start to dream destination.Free Resources: If you’re just starting, check out my free “How to Live Abroad” series.I also have some amazing offers from International Living that may interest you!If you’re specifically interested in moving to Portugal, this is a great resource: Portugal Made EasyThere’s also a wonderful guide to help you Live Better OverseasAnd this!!! How to Move out of the USMy Expat Toolkit (The Tools I Use & Trust)Banking & Money:Wise: For transferring money internationally. Use my referral code for a fee-free transfer up to $600.Charles Schwab: The best bank account for expats. No foreign transaction fees and unlimited ATM fee rebates worldwide.Chase Sapphire Preferred: My go-to credit card for travel hacking and earning points, with no foreign transaction fees.Travel & Connectivity:ExpressVPN: The VPN I use to keep my connection secure. Get three extra months with my link.eSim Nomad: The most reliable eSIM I’ve found for staying connected on the go.Home Exchanges:Kindred: The home exchange platform I used to stay in a gorgeous L.A. bungalow for three weeks.HomeExchange: The world's leading home exchange platform, connecting over 200,000 members across 155 countries for reciprocal or points-based home swaps.**Some of the links above are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to use them—at no additional cost to you. You’re under no obligation to use these links. Get full access to Expat on a Budget at expatonabudget.substack.com/subscribe

What if the money part was easier than you think?In this episode of Expat on a Budget, I talk with Leizl Smith, a South African expat who met her Dutch husband on a cruise ship in 2004, spent nearly a decade raising and homeschooling two kids while living half the year at sea, and now earns her entire living online — enough to cover the mortgage and then some, working about three hours a day. She’s currently in the Netherlands and packing up for her next chapter: a move to the Caribbean island of Curaçao.We get into the thing most people are too afraid to ask about: how you actually pay for a life abroad. Leizl is refreshingly honest about the road it took to get here — the high-ticket affiliate venture that left her so discouraged she nearly walked away from making money online for good, the long stretch of working hard for almost nothing, and the quieter shift last year that finally made it click.If the money question is what’s been holding you back, this conversation might change how you see what’s possible.We also get into:how she covers her mortgage working roughly three hours a daythe affiliate model she swears by — and why she loves not having to create the productthe expensive detour that nearly made her quithow she uses AI to create content (and photos) without being “techy”getting stranded in Costa Rica in 2020 and how that reshaped everythingwhy she believes you don’t have to have it all figured out to beginIf you’ve ever told yourself you couldn’t afford to leave, or that you’re not tech-savvy enough, or that it’s too late to build something new — this one gently calls that bluff.Leizl’s takeaway: the thing that finally worked was the one she almost scrolled right past.Find Liezl and Learn More About Her Flexible Income Club!Skool CommunityFacebook groupInstagramYou can also find a video of this podcast on YouTube if you’d rather watch there 😃Ready to Plan Your Own Move?My goal is to help you make your dream of moving abroad a reality. Here are a few ways I can help:Personalized Consulting: I offer à la carte Consultations, an asynchronous Async option for busy schedules, and comprehensive Packages.Online Class: Learn my entire framework in my “How to Move Abroad” course, designed to take you from start to dream destination.Free Resources: If you’re just starting, check out my free “How to Live Abroad” series.I also have some amazing offers from International Living that may interest you!If you’re specifically interested in moving to Portugal, this is a great resource: Portugal Made EasyThere’s also a wonderful guide to help you Live Better OverseasAnd this!!! How to Move out of the USMy Expat Toolkit (The Tools I Use & Trust)Banking & Money:Wise: For transferring money internationally. Use my referral code for a fee-free transfer up to $600.Charles Schwab: The best bank account for expats. No foreign transaction fees and unlimited ATM fee rebates worldwide.Chase Sapphire Preferred: My go-to credit card for travel hacking and earning points, with no foreign transaction fees.Travel & Connectivity:ExpressVPN: The VPN I use to keep my connection secure. Get three extra months with my link.eSim Nomad: The most reliable eSIM I’ve found for staying connected on the go.Home Exchanges:Kindred: The home exchange platform I used to stay in a gorgeous L.A. bungalow for three weeks.HomeExchange: The world's leading home exchange platform, connecting over 200,000 members across 155 countries for reciprocal or points-based home swaps.**Some of the links above are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to use them—at no additional cost to you. You’re under no obligation to use these links. Get full access to Expat on a Budget at expatonabudget.substack.com/subscribe

What if your best life starts at 69?In this inspiring episode of Expat on a Budget, I talk with Siobhan Farr, founder of Digital Nomads Beyond 50, lifelong traveler, and full-time nomad who has now visited 68 countries. Siobhan shares how she sold off 30 years of belongings in Dallas, launched into full-time travel in 2020, unexpectedly spent 13 months in Ecuador during lockdown, and built a life of freedom, purpose, and reinvention on the road.We talk about what it really looks like to travel the world later in life, how far a budget can stretch depending on where you go, and why Siobhan believes it’s never too late to flip the page and start over. She opens up about the dark chapter that followed divorce and bankruptcy, the healing power of travel, and how that journey led her to create a community for older aspiring digital nomads.We also get into:how she managed nomad life on roughly $2,000 a month for yearswhy Medellín has become one of her favorite cities in the worldwhat solo female travelers should know about safety in places like Morocco, Tanzania, and Colombiathe emotional side of leaving home and starting overher upcoming Nomad Life Map community for people ready to design a location-independent life after 50If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re too old, too settled, or too late to create a different future, this conversation will challenge that belief in the best possible way.Siobhan’s motto: Flip the page. The future is still unwritten.Talked About in this Episode and How to Find Siobhan FarrFB: Digital Nomad Beyond 50 NetworkIG: Bronze Abroad NomadNomad LifeMap Collab: an expansion of Digital Nomads Beyond 50 Network, a global community of almost 10,000 Digital Nomads + NeoNomads age 45+. Get the Ultimate Nomad TravelList now.InternationsYou can also find a video of this podcast on YouTube if you’d rather watch there 😃Ready to Plan Your Own Move?My goal is to help you make your dream of moving abroad a reality. Here are a few ways I can help:Personalized Consulting: I offer à la carte Consultations, an asynchronous Async option for busy schedules, and comprehensive Packages.Online Class: Learn my entire framework in my “How to Move Abroad” course, designed to take you from start to dream destination.Free Resources: If you’re just starting, check out my free “How to Live Abroad” series.I also have some amazing offers from International Living that may interest you!If you’re specifically interested in moving to Portugal, this is a great resource: Portugal Made EasyThere’s also a wonderful guide to help you Live Better OverseasAnd this!!! How to Move out of the USMy Expat Toolkit (The Tools I Use & Trust)Banking & Money:Wise: For transferring money internationally. Use my referral code for a fee-free transfer up to $600.Charles Schwab: The best bank account for expats. No foreign transaction fees and unlimited ATM fee rebates worldwide.Chase Sapphire Preferred: My go-to credit card for travel hacking and earning points, with no foreign transaction fees.Travel & Connectivity:ExpressVPN: The VPN I use to keep my connection secure. Get three extra months with my link.eSim Nomad: The most reliable eSIM I’ve found for staying connected on the go.Home Exchanges:Kindred: The home exchange platform I used to stay in a gorgeous L.A. bungalow for three weeks.HomeExchange: The world's leading home exchange platform, connecting over 200,000 members across 155 countries for reciprocal or points-based home swaps.**Some of the links above are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to use them—at no additional cost to you. You’re under no obligation to use these links. Get full access to Expat on a Budget at expatonabudget.substack.com/subscribe

Volunteer travel can be life-changing—or unethical—depending on who leads, who benefits, and what’s really happening on the ground. In this episode, I’m joined by Kimberly Haley Coleman, founder of Globe Aware, to unpack what ethical short-term service trips look like after 25 years in the field. We talk about how projects are selected by local communities, what a one-week “turnkey” service experience includes, the difference between “hard power” and “soft power,” and the practical tradeoffs around cost, sustainability, and dignity. If you’ve been curious about traveling with purpose—without the savior complex—this conversation will sharpen your lens.In this episode, we cover:What Globe Aware is and why it was founded (accidentally)Why 6-night / ~7-day service trips exist—and who they’re built forHow projects are chosen (local agency, safety, sustainability criteria)Ethical tourism vs exploitative voluntourism: what to watch forWhy “we’re not here to save anyone” is a core principleHow service creates deeper cultural connection than typical tourismThe reality of cost, logistics, and why volunteers often pay to serveCarbon footprint vs impact: how to think about “making the trip count”What trips include (service hours + cultural excursions + reflection)Repeat volunteers, destination choice, and examples of real projectsFind Out How You Can Get Involved Here!⏱ TIMESTAMPED HIGHLIGHTS:00:03:14 — Why Globe Aware started (finding meaningful short-term service was “almost impossible”)00:04:17 — The model: six-night service projects in 26 countries00:04:28 — Finishable, hands-on projects (floors/homes/stoves examples)00:04:49 — “We are not swooping in to save them”: equal partners, local materials00:05:45 — What makes a country a fit: safety, grassroots orgs, no outbreaks/war00:07:30 — Why service changes you: gratitude, perspective, “resetting defaults”00:09:11 — Why one week: realistic time off for working people (vs Peace Corps)00:12:01 — Hard power vs soft power: what “showing up” does over time00:13:16 — Carbon footprint: acknowledge it, then “make it worthwhile”00:36:16 — Ethical tourism basics: local agency, dignity, and avoiding harmYou can also find a video of this podcast on YouTube if you’d rather watch there 😃Ready to Plan Your Own Move?My goal is to help you make your dream of moving abroad a reality. Here are a few ways I can help:Personalized Consulting: I offer à la carte Consultations, an asynchronous Async option for busy schedules, and comprehensive Packages.Online Class: Learn my entire framework in my “How to Move Abroad” course, designed to take you from start to dream destination.Free Resources: If you’re just starting, check out my free “How to Live Abroad” series.I also have some amazing offers from International Living that may interest you!If you’re specifically interested in moving to Portugal, this is a great resource: Portugal Made EasyThere’s also a wonderful guide to help you Live Better OverseasAnd this!!! How to Move out of the USMy Expat Toolkit (The Tools I Use & Trust)Banking & Money:Wise: For transferring money internationally. Use my referral code for a fee-free transfer up to $600.Charles Schwab: The best bank account for expats. No foreign transaction fees and unlimited ATM fee rebates worldwide.Chase Sapphire Preferred: My go-to credit card for travel hacking and earning points, with no foreign transaction fees.Travel & Connectivity:ExpressVPN: The VPN I use to keep my connection secure. Get three extra months with my link.eSim Nomad: The most reliable eSIM I’ve found for staying connected on the go.Home Exchanges:Kindred: The home exchange platform I used to stay in a gorgeous L.A. bungalow for three weeks.HomeExchange: The world's leading home exchange platform, connecting over 200,000 members across 155 countries for reciprocal or points-based home swaps.**Some of the links above are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to use them—at no additional cost to you. You’re under no obligation to use these links. Get full access to Expat on a Budget at expatonabudget.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Expat on a Budget, I sit down with international tax lawyer and long-time expat Bobby Casey, who’s built a life across multiple countries. We start with how a “test run” abroad led him from Estonia to Latvia, and how he now rotates between home bases in Mexico, Latvia, and the U.S.But the heart of this conversation is U.S. healthcare—and why it’s a major factor in why so many Americans consider leaving. Bobby breaks down what most people misunderstand about medical bills, insurance, payment plans, and how hospitals bill (and negotiate). We also talk about getting care abroad, when he would return to the U.S. for treatment, and how to think about healthcare as part of a broader “live anywhere” strategy.If you’re even quietly considering a move abroad—especially if healthcare costs are part of the equation—this episode will give you a new lens on what’s possible.In this episode, we cover:Why US healthcare costs are a top reason Americans consider leaving the USHow hospital billing works (and what most people misunderstand about medical bills)The reality of living without US health insurance—and what that does and doesn’t meanNegotiating medical bills and how payment plans can change the outcomeWhen it can make sense to get care outside the US (and when you might still return)How “medical tourism” fits into an expat plan for routine and elective proceduresThe mindset shift from “moving abroad once” to building multiple home basesA quick look at residency abroad (Mexico/Europe) and why some places are easier than othersThe practical planning layer: healthcare + residency + lifestyle design working togetherIf you’re in the US (or anywhere) doing the math—healthcare, housing, day-to-day costs—and wondering whether there’s a smarter way to build a life with more stability and choices, this episode will help you see the options more clearly. It’s practical, honest, and focused on what you can actually do next—whether you’re ready to move or just starting to explore.Find Bobby Casey’s Digital Services for Nomads Here⏱ TIMESTAMPED HIGHLIGHTS:00:00:17 — Riga, Latvia was the place they really liked.00:00:22 — Estonia was meant to be a one-year “test run” abroad.00:00:34 — They returned to North Carolina with the plan to sell everything.00:00:44 — After liquidating, they moved back to Latvia (how Latvia happened).00:02:25 — Bobby explains who he helps: location-independent entrepreneurs/freelancers abroad.00:03:30 — His company (BusinessAnywhere) handles formation, banking, mailbox, bookkeeping, filings, etc.00:04:19 — He’s based in Playa del Carmen, Mexico (winter home).00:05:13 — His three home bases: Mexico, Latvia, and North Carolina.00:11:13 — US citizens have citizenship-based taxation: tax residency no matter where they live.00:14:35 — Residency difference: Latin America often just wants proof of funds; Europe usually requires a specific reason.You can also find a video of this podcast on YouTube if you’d rather watch there 😃Ready to Plan Your Own Move?My goal is to help you make your dream of moving abroad a reality. Here are a few ways I can help:Personalized Consulting: I offer à la carte Consultations, an asynchronous Async option for busy schedules, and comprehensive Packages.Online Class: Learn my entire framework in my “How to Move Abroad” course, designed to take you from start to dream destination.Free Resources: If you’re just starting, check out my free “How to Live Abroad” series.I also have some amazing offers from International Living that may interest you!If you’re specifically interested in moving to Portugal, this is a great resource: Portugal Made EasyThere’s also a wonderful guide to help you Live Better OverseasAnd this!!! How to Move out of the USMy Expat Toolkit (The Tools I Use & Trust)Banking & Money:Wise: For transferring money internationally. Use my referral code for a fee-free transfer up to $600.Charles Schwab: The best bank account for expats. No foreign transaction fees and unlimited ATM fee rebates worldwide.Chase Sapphire Preferred: My go-to credit card for travel hacking and earning points, with no foreign transaction fees.Travel & Connectivity:ExpressVPN: The VPN I use to keep my connection secure. Get three extra months with my link.eSim Nomad: The most reliable eSIM I’ve found for staying connected on the go.Home Exchanges:Kindred: The home exchange platform I used to stay in a gorgeous L.A. bungalow for three weeks.HomeExchange: The world's leading home exchange platform, connecting over 200,000 members across 155 countries for reciprocal or points-based home swaps.**Some of the links above are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to use them—at no additional cost to you. You’re under no obligation to use these links. Get full access to Expat on a Budget at expatonabudget.substack.com/subscribe

Most of my guests have traded their old lives for a new home in a specific country. But today’s guest didn’t just pick a new home—he built a portfolio of them.In this episode, I’m bringing you a conversation that redefines what it means to be an expat. I sat down with Benjamin Hies, a German entrepreneur and a true global citizen who didn’t just move abroad, he diversified his entire life.Benjamin currently holds six different residencies (including Dubai, Cyprus, and Thailand). He treats borders like suggestions rather than barriers.We go deep into why he Germany, why he believes Southeast Asia offers a superior quality of life for the cost, and the nitty-gritty of how you can actually do this yourself.In this episode, we cover:The “Portfolio” Approach: Benjamin breaks down his 6 residencies (from the UAE to Estonia) and which ones are actually easy for Americans to get right now.The $1,000/Month Lifestyle: We discuss his life in Bangkok. He lives in a luxury high-rise in the city center for a fraction of what a studio costs in the US, EU or UK.Safety & Healthcare: For those whose safety is non-negotiable, Benjamin compares the “chaos” of Bangkok to the safety of the West—and the answer might surprise you.The Elephant in the Room: We tackle the cliché of the “white man in Thailand.” Benjamin gives a refreshing, honest take on the expat community there (it’s not what you think).The “Burn Season”: The one time of year you absolutely should not visit Chiang Mai.If you are sitting in the US (or elsewhere) right now, looking at your cost of living and wondering if there is a way to live better, safer, and freer—this conversation is for you.Find Ben Here!Ben on SubstackBen’s ChecklistsPims Tea — Ben’s Shop in Bangkok⏱ TIMESTAMPED HIGHLIGHTS:[00:04] – Meet Ben: From consultant to "Digital Citizen" – Ben’s journey from Germany to Cyprus, UAE, and Thailand.[00:06] – The Portfolio Life: Collecting 6 residencies (including Palau, Estonia, and UAE) and why Ben does it.[00:08] – Dubai Residency Deep Dive: Costs, benefits, and why it’s a smart business move even if you don't live there.[00:12] – The Tax Reality: Why having a residency doesn't automatically make you tax-free.[00:13] – The Singapore Dream (That Didn't Happen): How COVID derailed Ben’s original plan and led him to Cyprus.[00:18] – Leaving Cyprus: Why island life was too quiet for a big-city lover.[00:22] – Why Thailand? Weather, safety, and the incredible healthcare system.[00:28] – Birth of "Digital Citizen": How a side hobby on Substack turned into a business.[00:37] – Bangkok Life & Stereotypes: Ben addresses the "older white guy" clichés and explains who Thailand is actually for.[00:40] – Cost of Living: Living in a luxury condo in central Bangkok for $1,000/month.[00:46] – Chiang Mai & The Islands: Ben’s favorite spots and the crucial "Burn Season" warning (March–May).[00:49] – Residency Rapid Fire: A breakdown of Ben’s 6 specific visas (Cyprus Non-Dom, UAE, Estonia E-Residency, Palau, Thailand Elite).[00:53] – Thailand Visa Options: Comparing the "Elite" (Golden) Visa vs. the Property Investment Visa.[00:57] – Is This Legal? Ben’s new app for checking weird laws (like tattoos in Japan or gum in Singapore).You can also find a video of this podcast on YouTube if you’d rather watch there 😃Thank you so much for listening! My podcasts and articles on Substack will always remain FREE. I will not put them behind a paywall. If you don’t want to become a paid subscriber but enjoyed this episode, I’d be every so grateful if you’d buy me a coffee as a one time donation. Regardless, I’m thrilled you’re here!Treat me to a coffee?Are you planning a move abroad or do you want to explore the possibilities? I have many offerings!Work With MeReady to Plan Your Own Move?My goal is to help you make your dream of moving abroad a reality. Here are a few ways I can help:Personalized Consulting: I offer à la carte Consultations, an asynchronous Async option for busy schedules, and comprehensive Packages.Online Class: Learn my entire framework in my “How to Move Abroad” course, designed to take you from start to dream destination.Free Resources: If you’re just starting, check out my free “How to Live Abroad” series.I also have some amazing offers from International Living that may interest you!If you’re specifically interested in moving to Portugal, this is a great resource: Portugal Made EasyThere’s also a wonderful guide to help you Live Better OverseasAnd this!!! How to Move out of the USMy Expat Toolkit (The Tools I Use & Trust)Banking & Money:Wise: For transferring money internationally. Use my referral code for a fee-free transfer up to $600.Charles Schwab: The best bank account for expats. No foreign transaction fees and unlimited ATM fee rebates worldwide.Chase Sapphire Preferred: My go-to credit card for travel hacking and earning points, with no foreign transaction fees.Travel & Connectivity:ExpressVPN: The VPN I use to keep my connection secure. Get three extra months with my link.eSim Nomad: The most reliable eSIM I’ve found for staying connected on the go.Housing & Petsitting:Trusted Housesitters: How I find and book amazing petsitting opportunities.Kindred: The home exchange platform I used to stay in a gorgeous L.A. bungalow for three weeks.Join the CommunityLeave a Comment: What are your biggest expat money challenges? Share them below!Join the Chat: Connect with other readers in my free Subscriber’s Chat.Share this Article: If you found this helpful, please share it with a friend or on social media. It makes a huge difference! Get full access to Expat on a Budget at expatonabudget.substack.com/subscribe

Have you ever considered moving to a country that isn’t on the typical “Digital Nomad Top 10” list? This week, we are traveling to the heart of South America to visit Paraguay.I sat down with Jessica, a former Oregon resident who, along with her husband and three dogs, took the leap to rural Paraguay in 2023. We discuss why they skipped over popular destinations like Costa Rica and Portugal in favor of a landlocked nation known as the “Land of Friends.”Jessica pulls back the curtain on the reality of living on a budget in the Southern Hemisphere. We talk about:The Numbers: Renting a two-bedroom house for $450, building a new home for $25k, and utility bills that are virtually non-existent.The Culture Shock: Navigating a bilingual country (Spanish and Guaraní), the laid-back approach to law enforcement, and why you might need to bribe a cop with your grocery money.The Community: How she started an English school for locals and why the German expat bubble is a world of its own.If you are looking for a life that is unhurried, incredibly affordable, and off the beaten path, you need to hear Jessica’s story. Just don’t tell too many people—she wants to keep it a secret and I don’t blame her!Find Jessica here!Substack: Under the Mango TreeYouTube: Snale Racing⏱ TIMESTAMPED HIGHLIGHTS:(00:00:00) The Cost of Living Reality: Breaking down rent prices ($450/mo), cheap utilities, and the “Gringo price” vs. local prices.(00:05:27) Why Paraguay? Comparing residency requirements in Costa Rica, Uruguay, and Portugal, and why Paraguay won.(00:07:08) The Language Barrier: Navigating a country that speaks Spanish and Guarani (and why English won’t get you far).(00:10:12) The Residency Process: How to get your Cedula, navigating bureaucracy, and the ease of becoming a legal resident.(00:17:57) Safety & Security: The truth about crime, barred windows, and the community-focused “neighborhood watch.”(00:20:53) Transportation & Driving: Buying a car as a foreigner, police checkpoints, and the chaos of Paraguayan traffic.(00:31:44) Rural Life & Utilities: The incredibly low cost of water, trash, and high-speed internet in the countryside.(00:37:53) Real Estate & Construction: Buying land with cash and building a custom home for $25,000 to $40,000.(00:46:21) Moving with Pets: The logistics of flying three dogs from the US to South America via cargo.You can also find a video of this podcast on YouTube if you’d rather watch there 😃Thank you so much for listening! My podcasts and articles on Substack will always remain FREE. I will not put them behind a paywall. If you don’t want to become a paid subscriber but enjoyed this episode, I’d be every so grateful if you’d buy me a coffee as a one time donation. Regardless, I’m thrilled you’re here!Treat me to a coffee?Are you planning a move abroad or do you want to explore the possibilities? I have many offerings!Work With MeReady to Plan Your Own Move?My goal is to help you make your dream of moving abroad a reality. Here are a few ways I can help:Personalized Consulting: I offer à la carte Consultations, an asynchronous Async option for busy schedules, and comprehensive Packages.Online Class: Learn my entire framework in my “How to Move Abroad” course, designed to take you from start to dream destination.Free Resources: If you’re just starting, check out my free “How to Live Abroad” series.I also have some amazing offers from International Living that may interest you!If you’re specifically interested in moving to Portugal, this is a great resource: Portugal Made EasyThere’s also a wonderful guide to help you Live Better OverseasAnd this!!! How to Move out of the USMy Expat Toolkit (The Tools I Use & Trust)Banking & Money:Wise: For transferring money internationally. Use my referral code for a fee-free transfer up to $600.Charles Schwab: The best bank account for expats. No foreign transaction fees and unlimited ATM fee rebates worldwide.Chase Sapphire Preferred: My go-to credit card for travel hacking and earning points, with no foreign transaction fees.Travel & Connectivity:ExpressVPN: The VPN I use to keep my connection secure. Get three extra months with my link.eSim Nomad: The most reliable eSIM I’ve found for staying connected on the go.Housing & Petsitting:Trusted Housesitters: How I find and book amazing petsitting opportunities.Kindred: The home exchange platform I used to stay in a gorgeous L.A. bungalow for three weeks.Join the CommunityLeave a Comment: What are your biggest expat money challenges? Share them below!Join the Chat: Connect with other readers in my free Subscriber’s Chat.Share this Article: If you found this helpful, please share it with a friend or on social media. It makes a huge difference! Get full access to Expat on a Budget at expatonabudget.substack.com/subscribe

Have you ever scrolled through Instagram, seen those incredible travel photos, and thought, “I wish that could be me”? 🙋‍♀️ Well, get ready to meet the woman who is ACTUALLY living the dream you’ve been double-tapping on for years!This week on Expat on a Budget, I’m sitting down with the absolute legend, Mary Bartnikowski. And when I say legend, I mean it. This powerhouse of a woman is 69 years young and has been traveling the world SOLO for the last 20 YEARS. 🤯 Yes, you read that right—TWENTY. YEARS.I literally fell in love with her story when we met, and I know you will too. She is the person I want to be when I grow up!In this super-packed episode, Mary spills ALL the tea on how she’s built a life of adventure, freedom, and purpose. We talk about:🌏 The life-changing trip to Asia that started it all.💰 Her secrets to affording a travel lifestyle (including how she lived in Cambodia on just $500/month!).🚐 The surprising truth about her “van life” setup (hint: it’s not what you think!).🧘‍♀️ How she creates her own opportunities, from teaching photography to living in a temple in Thailand.✈️ Navigating the world as a solo female traveler and trusting your gut.🇮🇹 Why Sicily and the South of France have captured her heart.Mary is a fountain of wisdom, an award-winning photographer, and the ultimate inspiration for anyone who feels that pull for something more. If you’ve ever felt too old, too broke, or too scared to chase your travel dreams, this episode is your sign. 🌟Grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and prepare to have your entire perspective on life and travel completely transformed. Let’s go! 🚀Find Mary and her incredible retreats:Substack: Mary BartnikowskiYouTube: Mary BartnikowskiPhotography & Champagne Retreat in FranceSicily Photography Retreat⏱ TIMESTAMPED HIGHLIGHTS:00:08:32 - The Trip to Asia That Changed Everything00:09:15 - Defying Age: Starting Full-Time Travel at 5000:13:52 - How to Create Your Own Volunteer Opportunities Abroad00:15:18 - The REAL Cost of Living in Southeast Asia ($700/Month in Cambodia!)00:24:48 - Why Italy and France are Her Favorite European Destinations00:33:54 - The Surprising Vehicle She Uses for Van Life in the USA00:50:51 - Critical Safety Advice for Solo Female Travelers01:09:13 - Is the USA “Too Comfortable”? The Trap of a Cushy Life01:13:45 - Mary’s Inspiring Philosophy on Aging and Travel01:24:46 - Learn About Mary’s Photography & Travel RetreatsYou can also find a video of this podcast on YouTube if you’d rather watch there 😃Thank you so much for listening! My podcasts and articles on Substack will always remain FREE. I will not put them behind a paywall. If you don’t want to become a paid subscriber but enjoyed this episode, I’d be every so grateful if you’d buy me a coffee as a one time donation. Regardless, I’m thrilled you’re here!Treat me to a coffee?Are you planning a move abroad or do you want to explore the possibilities? I have many offerings!Work With MeReady to Plan Your Own Move?My goal is to help you make your dream of moving abroad a reality. Here are a few ways I can help:Personalized Consulting: I offer à la carte Consultations, an asynchronous Async option for busy schedules, and comprehensive Packages.Online Class: Learn my entire framework in my “How to Move Abroad” course, designed to take you from start to dream destination.Free Resources: If you’re just starting, check out my free “How to Live Abroad” series.I also have some amazing offers from International Living that may interest you!If you’re specifically interested in moving to Portugal, this is a great resource: Portugal Made EasyThere’s also a wonderful guide to help you Live Better OverseasAnd this!!! How to Move out of the USMy Expat Toolkit (The Tools I Use & Trust)Banking & Money:Wise: For transferring money internationally. Use my referral code for a fee-free transfer up to $600.Charles Schwab: The best bank account for expats. No foreign transaction fees and unlimited ATM fee rebates worldwide.Chase Sapphire Preferred: My go-to credit card for travel hacking and earning points, with no foreign transaction fees.Travel & Connectivity:ExpressVPN: The VPN I use to keep my connection secure. Get three extra months with my link.eSim Nomad: The most reliable eSIM I’ve found for staying connected on the go.Housing & Petsitting:Trusted Housesitters: How I find and book amazing petsitting opportunities.Kindred: The home exchange platform I used to stay in a gorgeous L.A. bungalow for three weeks.Join the CommunityLeave a Comment: What are your biggest expat money challenges? Share them below!Join the Chat: Connect with other readers in my free Subscriber’s Chat.Share this Article: If you found this helpful, please share it with a friend or on social media. It makes a huge difference! Get full access to Expat on a Budget at expatonabudget.substack.com/subscribe

Kaila settled in Thailand for years (after a whirlwind SE Asia Backpacking trip) and is soon on her way to Valencia, Spain!You can also find a video of this podcast on YouTube if you’d rather watch there 😃Thank you so much for listening! My podcasts and articles here on Substack will always remain FREE. I will not put them behind a paywall. If you don’t want to become a paid subscriber but enjoyed this episode, I’d be every so grateful if you’d buy me a coffee as a one time donation. Regardless, I’m thrilled you’re here!Are you planning a move abroad or do you want to explore the possibilities? I have many offerings!Ready to Plan Your Own Move?My goal is to help you make your dream of moving abroad a reality. Here are a few ways I can help:* Personalized Consulting: I offer à la carte Consultations, an asynchronous Async option for busy schedules, and comprehensive Packages.* Online Class: Learn my entire framework in my “How to Move Abroad” course, designed to take you from start to dream destination.* Free Resources: If you’re just starting, check out my free “How to Live Abroad” series.I also have some amazing offers from International Living that may interest you!* If you’re specifically interested in moving to Portugal, this is a great resource: Portugal Made Easy* There’s also a wonderful guide to help you Live Better Overseas* And this!!! How to Move out of the USMy Expat Toolkit (The Tools I Use & Trust)* Banking & Money:* Wise: For transferring money internationally. Use my referral code for a fee-free transfer up to $600.* Charles Schwab: The best bank account for expats. No foreign transaction fees and unlimited ATM fee rebates worldwide.* Chase Sapphire Preferred: My go-to credit card for travel hacking and earning points, with no foreign transaction fees.* Travel & Connectivity:* ExpressVPN: The VPN I use to keep my connection secure. Get three extra months with my link.* eSim Nomad: The most reliable eSIM I’ve found for staying connected on the go.* Housing & Petsitting:* Trusted Housesitters: How I find and book amazing petsitting opportunities.* Kindred: The home exchange platform I used to stay in a gorgeous L.A. bungalow for three weeks.Join the Community* Leave a Comment: What are your biggest expat money challenges? Share them below!* Join the Chat: Connect with other readers in my free Subscriber’s Chat.* Share this Article: If you found this helpful, please share it with a friend or on social media. It makes a huge difference!Thank you so much for listening! If you don’t want to become a paid subscriber (my articles and podcast are free) but enjoyed this, you can buy me a coffee below.If you’re on a budget (as am I) please like by clicking on the heart below and share this podcast with a friend. Your support (in all ways) is greatly appreciated! You can find my old/er podcast (live your dream and how to travel full time) here on my website**Using my affiliate links above will cost you nothing and help support my newsletter. You can also support me with a one-time donation of any amount here. Please know that I appreciate you regardless!!!—Living Abroad on a Budget - Expat on a Budget - My Unknown Adventure - Kimberly Anne***Disclaimer: My writing, and podcasts are based on personal experience and are for informational purposes only. I am not a lawyer. Please seek professional advice before making decisions about moving abroad. I am not responsible for any outcomes resulting from the use of this information. Get full access to Expat on a Budget at expatonabudget.substack.com/subscribe

You can also find a video of this podcast on YouTube if you’d rather watch there 😃Thinking about moving to Portugal—or abroad for the first time? Josh and Kalie of Expats Everywhere share their global path from Spain and South Korea to Saudi Arabia and Singapore and, finally, to Porto.We dive into the D7 visa, real costs, schooling options, Portuguese language, and how to avoid common expat mistakes. What we cover: * Their journey across Europe, Asia, and to Portugal (why Porto won) * D7 visa: who it’s for, how it works, and what they wish they knew* Expat vs immigrant vs foreigner: what the terms mean to them * Public vs private vs international schools in Portugal -Cost of living, taxes, healthcare, and “lifestyle creep” * Mental/physical/financial check-ins for a healthy move -Building community (beyond just English-speaking circles) Services mentioned: -Expats Everywhere: YouTube and Podcast “Let’s Move to Portugal”-Consults (30/60 min), E-courses: D7, D8, and Living in Portugal (healthcare, phones, utilities), Slate and Key: white-glove relocation services (visa + end-to-end move) -- Contact: [email protected] you so much for listening! My podcasts and articles here on Substack will always remain FREE. I will not put them behind a paywall. If you don’t want to become a paid subscriber but enjoyed this episode, I’d be every so grateful if you’d buy me a coffee as a one time donation. Regardless, I’m thrilled you’re here!Are you planning a move abroad or do you want to explore the possibilities? I have many offerings!Ready to Plan Your Own Move?My goal is to help you make your dream of moving abroad a reality. Here are a few ways I can help:* Personalized Consulting: I offer à la carte Consultations, an asynchronous Async option for busy schedules, and comprehensive Packages.* Online Class: Learn my entire framework in my “How to Move Abroad” course, designed to take you from start to dream destination.* Free Resources: If you’re just starting, check out my free “How to Live Abroad” series.I also have some amazing offers from International Living that may interest you!* If you’re specifically interested in moving to Portugal, this is a great resource: Portugal Made Easy* There’s also a wonderful guide to help you Live Better Overseas* And this!!! How to Move out of the USMy Expat Toolkit (The Tools I Use & Trust)* Banking & Money:* Wise: For transferring money internationally. Use my referral code for a fee-free transfer up to $600.* Charles Schwab: The best bank account for expats. No foreign transaction fees and unlimited ATM fee rebates worldwide.* Chase Sapphire Preferred: My go-to credit card for travel hacking and earning points, with no foreign transaction fees.* Travel & Connectivity:* ExpressVPN: The VPN I use to keep my connection secure. Get three extra months with my link.* eSim Nomad: The most reliable eSIM I’ve found for staying connected on the go.* Housing & Petsitting:* Trusted Housesitters: How I find and book amazing petsitting opportunities.* Kindred: The home exchange platform I used to stay in a gorgeous L.A. bungalow for three weeks.Join the Community* Leave a Comment: What are your biggest expat money challenges? Share them below!* Join the Chat: Connect with other readers in my free Subscriber’s Chat.* Share this Article: If you found this helpful, please share it with a friend or on social media. It makes a huge difference!Thank you so much for listening! If you don’t want to become a paid subscriber (my articles and podcast are free) but enjoyed this, you can buy me a coffee below.If you’re on a budget (as am I) please like by clicking on the heart below and share this podcast with a friend. Your support (in all ways) is greatly appreciated! You can find my old/er podcast (live your dream and how to travel full time) here on my website**Using my affiliate links above will cost you nothing and help support my newsletter. You can also support me with a one-time donation of any amount here. Please know that I appreciate you regardless!!!—Living Abroad on a Budget - Expat on a Budget - My Unknown Adventure - Kimberly Anne***Disclaimer: My writing, and podcasts are based on personal experience and are for informational purposes only. I am not a lawyer. Please seek professional advice before making decisions about moving abroad. I am not responsible for any outcomes resulting from the use of this information. Get full access to Expat on a Budget at expatonabudget.substack.com/subscribe