Passport to Wealth™

In this episode of Passport to Wealth™, Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA sits down with Nicolás Castillo, CPA, founder of Rook International CPAs and Advisors, to demystify the tax complexities U.S. expats face abroad. From setting up a business in Spain to navigating Social Security agreements and international tax filings, Nicolás shares practical advice for digital nomads, remote workers, and entrepreneurs building global lives. U.S. expat taxation is notoriously complicated, but Nicolás breaks down everything from the Beckham Law and self-employment pitfalls to how tax treaties and reporting thresholds really work. Learn how to avoid the most common filing mistakes, why most Americans still need to file a tax return abroad, and how to legally reduce your tax burden while living in Spain, France, Italy, and beyond. If you're a U.S. citizen managing income across borders.Whether you're planning your move or already living overseas, this episode is packed with tax-smart strategies you can't afford to miss.

In this episode of Passport to Wealth™, host Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA, welcomes Bethany Quinn, founder of GTFO Tours, for a candid conversation about relocation, reinvention, and what’s driving more Americans especially women and LGBTQ+ folks to seriously consider life abroad.Bethany shares how her own political and professional burnout in the U.S. led her to make a bold leap to the Netherlands, where she now helps others navigate their own exits. What started as a personal move turned into a full-fledged movement: GTFO Tours now provides community, coaching, and in-person support for Americans ready to start a new chapter overseas.Together, Arielle and Bethany explore everything from visa logistics (including the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty) to relocation trends for 2025 and beyond, cultural shocks, and the emotional experience of being a first-time immigrant. Whether you’re dreaming of beaches in Panama or building a life in Europe, this episode is equal parts inspiration and practical roadmap. Listen now and discover what’s possible when you stop waiting and start planning your ideal life abroad.

In this episode of Passport to Wealth™, Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA sits down with Matthew Hitchcock, CPA and founder of Hitchcock & Partner GmbH, to demystify one of the most complex and misunderstood parts of expat taxes: Passive Foreign Investment Companies (PFICs).Whether you're investing in a foreign mutual fund or unknowingly triggering PFIC rules through a local retirement account, Matthew breaks down exactly how PFICs work, why they exist, and the real risks of getting it wrong, including harsh tax penalties and indefinite IRS examination windows.If you’re a U.S. citizen living abroad and investing globally, this episode is a must-listen. Learn how to avoid costly mistakes, stay compliant, and build a tax strategy that supports your long-term financial freedom.

What would make an American academic sell everything and move across the world for a new career? In this episode of Passport to Wealth™, Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA sits down with Dr. Jonah Otto, Assistant Professor at the University of Augsburg, to unpack what’s driving more U.S. scholars to consider international academic careers particularly in Germany.Jonah shares his personal journey from Indiana to Europe, where a partnership between universities turned into a fully funded PhD opportunity, a civil servant academic position, and eventually German citizenship. Together, Arielle and Jonah explore the major differences between U.S. and German university systems, from the way academic roles are structured to the surprising amount of autonomy and research freedom afforded to professors abroad.They also dive into the concept of the “academic brain drain,” the push and pull factors influencing scholars today, and why long-term planning, especially around residency and citizenship, is becoming essential for academics looking to thrive outside the U.S. Whether you’re curious about teaching abroad, interested in earning a PhD overseas, or simply exploring more fulfilling career paths, this conversation offers a refreshingly honest look at what’s possible. If you're interested in Jonah's research you can find it here.

In this episode of Passport to Wealth™, Vivian Najib, founder of FTB Home and creator of The Expat Diaries newsletter, sits down with us to explore what it really takes to build a life you love in a new country.Vivian’s journey began with a one-way ticket to Thailand and unfolded into a 9-year global adventure through Cambodia, Vietnam, and long-term house-sitting across Europe before finally landing in Portugal. She shares what it was like to navigate culture shock, secure legal residency, and slowly build a version of home that felt true to her.This candid conversation is full of wisdom, laughter, and hard-earned insight whether you’re still dreaming of expat life or deep in the process of figuring it out.

Welcome back to Passport To Wealth! I'm Arielle Tucker CFP®, EA, and today’s episode is a short but meaningful send-off to our very first season.When Savannah and I launched this podcast, our mission was clear: to inform, empower, and support U.S. expats navigating life and money abroad.From cross-border taxes and cultural transitions to entrepreneurship and investing overseas, Season 1 covered a wide range of real-life topics with stories from around the globe. I’m so grateful to Savannah for co-hosting this journey with me and to you, our listeners, for tuning in. Season 2 is coming this July, with an exciting lineup of expat voices, finance experts, and more global insights you won’t want to miss. Follow us on Instagram @PassporttowealthofficialExplore more at Passport To Wealth™ Subscribe now so you don’t miss what’s next.Until then, stay curious and remember: wherever you go, you can build wealth, live well, and feel at home.

In this episode, we are joined by Emily Haines, CPA, and founder of Xpatax Solutions. Emily is an expert in U.S. taxation for expats, with years of experience helping individuals navigate the complexities of cross-border tax compliance. She specializes in making tax planning more accessible and stress-free, especially for Americans living in or connected to Germany.We dive into Emily’s personal journey, from how she ended up in Germany to how she fell in love with the country and eventually built her company. She shares what it was like to integrate into a new culture, build a community, and transition her career as an expat. We also explore her experiences living in both Berlin and London, and the distinct differences between the two.Throughout the conversation, Emily emphasizes the importance of understanding cultural nuances and local systems, key elements that can make or break a successful expat experience.

In this episode we welcome Mickelle Weber, an angel investor, storyteller, serial entrepreneur, and founder. She is the host of the House of Peregrine podcast, where she explores the power of storytelling and shares insights from global leaders. Originally from the U.S. and now based in the Netherlands, Mickelle offers a unique perspective on what it means to be a global digital native.Mickelle shares the story of how she landed in the Netherlands and emphasizes the importance of building intentional connections within the international community. One of her key messages is to "run toward something, not away," highlighting the value of having a clear vision for the life you are creating abroad. She speaks candidly about navigating tough moments, including the emotional challenge of being far from family, and why being in the right place makes all the difference.We also dive into how Mickelle’s business opportunities evolved after her move and how she rebuilt her network from the ground up. Her advice is to recognize that you may never fully "fit in" anywhere again—and that’s okay. The most important thing is to stay confidently and authentically yourself.

In this episode, we’re joined by Peter Bloemsma, founder of Swiss Advisory Services. With over 20 years of experience helping clients navigate relocation and real estate transactions, Peter is a trusted expert in purchasing property in Switzerland.We dive into the process of buying a holiday home in Switzerland and what U.S. citizens need to know before taking the plunge. From Swiss legal restrictions for non-residents to the unique advantages of securing a Swiss mortgage, Peter walks us through the most important steps and considerations.At the heart of it all: know what you're looking for, set a realistic budget, and be ready to act when the right opportunity comes.

In this episode, we welcome Flavia Cornejo, a multicultural travel expert, digital nomad, and founder of Latina Traveler, a platform created to inspire Latinas to explore the world with confidence and curiosity. Flavia shares her personal travel adventures, practical tips, and powerful insights from her journey.She talks about her evolution from expat to travel blogger and travel guide, and how she’s cultivated a strong community through shared travel experiences. Flavia also opens up about how her love for travel began, and how living abroad aligns more closely with the future and quality of life she envisions for herself.As a third-culture kid, Flavia reflects on how it’s helped her adapt more easily to new places, while also touching on the challenges of finding a sense of rootedness. She shares how, as an adult, she learned that you can choose where your roots grow.We also dive into the realities of navigating visa and government processes across countries, and she shares the highs and lows of it all. If you’re considering a move abroad, Flavia encourages you to thoroughly research and understand the specific requirements for living legally and comfortably in your destination country.