249: How Safe Is Latin America - Ernie Baca
The Expat Money Show - With Mikkel Thorup
Introduction
Ernie Bakka is a returning guest on the Expat Money Show. In episode 246, he talked to us about his experiences of living in Mexico and beating cancer there. Ernie was also representative for Homeland Security in Brazil for three years. Michael Thorpe has over 20 years of overseas experience with various law enforcement agencies.
TODAY'S CONVERSATION WITH ERNIE BACA
- Listen to Ernie detail his extensive background in law enforcement, including working on HUGE cases that you’ve absolutely heard of, including John Gotti and Timothy McVeigh!
- Ernie explains what he means by the phrase “security is an illusion” - and how you can use that knowledge to understand your own security situation better.
- Hear Ernie unveils his security philosophy of mitigating risk. How can you find the balance to understand the reality of the situation best and assess your personal security situation?
- Ernie describes how obtaining only partial information, whether from national news - or, in Ernie’s case, security reports - can lead to a skewed view of the security situation in a given area.
- Ernie and I discuss the concept of situational awareness - how to use your knowledge and the knowledge of others to assess the level of security you need in any given time and place.
- Ernie lays out some very simple rules for travelling, using the examples of Mexico and Brazil. Follow these tips, and you will more than likely be safe and sound wherever you go.
- Ernie and I discuss more of the little steps we take to “stack” security in our lives and turn situational awareness into a habit. Ultimately, it all comes down to taking personal responsibility.
- Ernie and I trade personal stories about various security-related situations and how situational awareness - or lack thereof - drastically altered the course of events.
- Ernie also reveals his ultimate trick for avoiding a bad situation - learning to trust your instinct. Learn from one of the absolute best in this episode.
RELATED EPISODES
246: Beating Cancer in Mexico - Ernie Baca 190: How To Build A Self Sustaining Libertarian Community in Latin America - Patrick Hiebert 095: Top Political Operative Tells Americans to Escape – Carter ClewsHOW TO FIND ERNIE BACA’S WORK
“Retired Life in Mexico NO BULL” on YouTubeCONCLUSION
Ernie has extensive experience with the security situation in a number of Latin American countries that are very popular with expats as well, so I had to have him back to dive deeper into the subject. Ernie and I have a lot in common when it comes to our approach to this issue, so I know you’ll get a ton of value out of it as well. See you all next Wednesday on the podcast!Mentioned in this episode:
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Every month, we offer exciting new webinars for our community. Topics include how to use retirement accounts to buy real estate overseas, how to get a second passport in Latin America, why you should sell your stock portfolio and move your money offshore, how to buy a beachfront rental property in Brazil for less than $100k, or apartments in Paraguay for $60k. If you want to join us for FREE for these presentations with live Q&A, insider secrets, and exclusive opportunities with my professional network of experts, then sign up today.
Into The Amazon—Then Straight To The Beach
This year, I’m taking a private group into the Amazon rainforest—then we head to Fortaleza and explore Brazil’s booming Northeast coast. Think Amazon river cruises, beachfront developments, and wide-open opportunity. From the heart of the rainforest to pristine beaches most people only dream about—this is bucket-list meets Plan-B strategy. If you’ve ever wanted to see the real Brazil and scout investments along the way, this is it. Go to ExpatMoney.com/Brazil.
Brazil Tour August 2 - 9, 2025
Into The Amazon—Then Straight To The Beach
This year, I’m taking a private group into the Amazon rainforest—then we head to Fortaleza and explore Brazil’s booming Northeast coast. Think Amazon river cruises, beachfront developments, and wide-open opportunity. From the heart of the rainforest to pristine beaches most people only dream about—this is bucket-list meets Plan-B strategy. If you’ve ever wanted to see the real Brazil and scout investments along the way, this is it. Go to ExpatMoney.com/Brazil.
Brazil Tour August 2 - 9, 2025
Join Us For Upcoming Live Webinars
Every month, we offer exciting new webinars for our community. Topics include how to use retirement accounts to buy real estate overseas, how to get a second passport in Latin America, why you should sell your stock portfolio and move your money offshore, how to buy a beachfront rental property in Brazil for less than $100k, or apartments in Paraguay for $60k. If you want to join us for FREE for these presentations with live Q&A, insider secrets, and exclusive opportunities with my professional network of experts, then sign up today.
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