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Expert guides and insights for Americans moving abroad

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financial

The Citizenship Exit Tax: Is Renunciation Worth It?

The exit tax on US citizenship renunciation applies to fewer than 1% of expatriates who give up their passports—yet concerns about this tax prevent thousands from making what could be a financially...

May 24, 2026 · 10 min read
visa

Remote Work Visa Reality: Hidden Costs & Tax Traps

Portugal's D7 visa costs €600 annually to maintain—but expats report €2,000–€4,000 in first-year compliance costs when accounting for tax filing, health insurance enrollment, and financial repo...

May 24, 2026 · 9 min read
expat-life

Updated for 2026-04-27: Experience leaving America

A 42-year-old nurse with $40,000 in savings sat down last month to recalculate her retirement timeline. Under US assumptions—saving 15% annually until 67—she'd hit her number just shy of age 70...

May 23, 2026 · 11 min read
financial

Updated for 2026-04-27: Renouncing! Questions for those who have been through it.

In 2024 and 2025, Americans renounced citizenship at record rates—over 2,600 per year, in recent reporting. Yet for every person who completes the process, dozens more research it, hesitate, and as...

May 23, 2026 · 13 min read
financial

Updated for 2026-04-27: Trying to comply

Social Security payments don't stop at the border, but maintaining them requires understanding three evolving compliance layers that most Americans relocating abroad discover too late. Among th...

May 23, 2026 · 15 min read
expat-life

Updated for 2026-04-27: Figuring out future options

More than 9.2 million Americans hold passports specifically for relocation planning rather than tourism—yet fewer than 1% have a documented timeline. The difference between someday and next year is...

May 23, 2026 · 11 min read
news

State of the Expat: May 2026

Monthly intelligence briefing for American expats: visa changes, cost-of-living shifts, healthcare access updates, and tax developments across 31 destinations. May 2026.

May 1, 2026 · 5 min read
expat-life

Updated for 2026-04-27: A thought experiment on my Expat + Barista FIRE plan

Explore the best countries for expats on fixed income. Real 2026 analysis of barista FIRE abroad in Portugal, Mexico & Thailand with cost breakdowns.

April 28, 2026 · 12 min read
financial

Updated for 2026-04-27: Laid off at 40. $3.4M liquid + massive severance runway. Do I pull the ripcord on my SE Asia FIRE dream, even

Laid off at 40 with $3.4M? Explore best countries for low cost living retirees. Thailand, Philippines FIRE math + visa strategies for early retirement.

April 28, 2026 · 13 min read
financial

Updated for 2026-04-27: 8 Budget-Friendly Pacific Islands to Consider for an Affordable, Relaxed Retirement - Investopedia

Discover 8 affordable Pacific islands for retirement with $2,800-$3,500/month budgets. Compare healthcare, visas, and cost of living for mid-range retirees.

April 28, 2026 · 13 min read
financial

The Prescription Drug Arbitrage: US Costs vs 12 Countries Ranked

Compare prescription drug costs across 12 countries. Save thousands annually on medications abroad. Complete expat healthcare cost analysis and rankings.

April 28, 2026 · 14 min read
financial

The State Residency Trap: Which US States Tax You Abroad (2025)

9 US states tax residents abroad. Learn which states pursue expats, how domicile rules work, and how to legally sever state residency to avoid surprise audits.

April 28, 2026 · 15 min read
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