Passport to Wealth™

In this episode, we sit down with Shannon Weinstein, a fractional CFO for business owners looking to scale or sell their business. She hosts the top 1% podcast, Keep What You Earn, where her real talk and relatable examples make financial information a source of inspiration, not intimidation. She is a financial literacy advocate, volunteer, donor, investor and a sought-after speaker for masterminds and business communities. Shannon shares the thought process behind her decision to take the leap and move to Costa Rica. We dive into her experience of settling into a new country, navigating the visa process and housing markets, building a sense of community, and making Costa Rica feel like home. You can contact her on her website or find her on LinkedIn if you want to connect. 

This discussion delves into the nuances of IRA contributions for Americans living abroad. It highlights the challenges posed by the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and its impact on both traditional and Roth IRAs. Key income thresholds and tax implications are explored, along with practical insights on optimizing contributions. Listeners learn how local tax laws and residency duration can affect retirement strategies, making personalized financial planning essential for expats.

In this episode, we cover key end-of-year tax and financial planning strategies for those living abroad. We dive into:Charitable Giving: Learn about strategies like charitable bunching and qualified charitable distributions (QCDs). You can explore a list of qualified charitable organizations here.Capital Gains and Losses: Discover ways to optimize your investments through tax-loss harvesting and portfolio rebalancing.Retirement Planning: Maximize your year-end opportunities with tips on IRA contributions, Roth conversions, and catch-up contributions.Additional Strategies: We also discuss managing currency exchange rates and efficient gift and estate planning.Tune in to make the most of 2024 and start 2025 with a strong financial foundation.

In this episode, we welcome Sandra Morno, a seasoned tax strategist and adventurous MoneySmart Travelnista with over 15 years of experience. Sandra is dedicated to helping female entrepreneurs and expats navigate the complexities of cross-border taxes and make smart financial choices while living and working internationally. Her passion lies in simplifying taxes and empowering her clients to hold onto more of their hard-earned income.Sandra shares her inspiring journey of living and traveling across South America, offering insights into building a social network abroad and the invaluable life lessons she’s gained along the way. Tune in as she provides her top tips for relocating overseas, covering both personal and professional strategies to help you thrive in your global adventure.You can contact her via her website or find her on LinkedIn if you want to connect.

In this episode, we explore practical strategies for maintaining meaningful connections with friends and family while living abroad. From navigating time zone differences and leveraging technology to scheduling virtual activities, we cover tips for staying close despite the distance. We also discuss setting healthy boundaries with loved ones back home, evaluating relationships to ensure they continue to enrich your life, and managing holidays when travel isn’t an option. Finally, we share ideas for staying connected to U.S. traditions through local events and organizations, as well as preserving ties to your culture and roots.

In this episode, we welcome Claire Naughton, a seasoned content and marketing consultant with a passion for helping expats, travel enthusiasts, and financial service providers. As a US expat now thriving in France, Claire shares her journey of creating a fulfilling life abroad. Claire also shares her experiences and insights on her popular blog, the Millennial Abroad.We explore her move to France, the challenges of navigating visa requirements, finding meaningful work, and transitioning to a long-term expat lifestyle. Claire opens up about launching her own consulting business and sheds light on the growing trend of young entrepreneurs seeking to establish roots in France.Join us as we dive into her unique insights on career development, cultural adaptation, and living life on your own terms. If you’ve ever dreamed of turning a love for travel into a sustainable lifestyle, this episode is for you!

In this episode, we’re diving into a fun and relatable topic for expats: the ultimate US shopping list!We’ll share what’s on our must-buy list, how we navigate shopping trips when stateside, and the best tips for packing up and bringing those items back abroad.

With the US election results just announced, we explore how the outcome could affect Americans living abroad.In this episode, we dive into potential shifts in tax policy, immigration updates, and the ongoing debate around ending double taxation. We also discuss how a new presidency might impact international tax treaties—and share our hopes for changes that could benefit expats globally.

In this episode of the Escaping the US series, we dive into the essential steps for finding housing after moving abroad. We start by exploring how to secure temporary accommodations for a smooth transition, whether you’re relocating to Europe, Asia, or beyond. From there, we cover strategies for finding long-term housing through top online platforms, what to look for during viewings, and the key questions to ask landlords or agents. Learn how to craft a personalized rental application, understand what to expect after you’re approved, and get tips on settling into your new home. Whether you're a digital nomad or a more long-term expat, this episode is packed with advice on navigating the rental market abroad and making your new space feel like home.

In this episode of Escaping the US, we dive into the logistics of moving your belongings overseas.We cover everything from deciding what to take with you and managing sentimental items, to evaluating the costs of shipping versus rebuying furniture and electronics abroad. We'll also discuss options for storing items in the U.S., donating what you no longer need (and the potential tax benefits!), and the practical steps for shipping your belongings to your new home.Whether you're moving a few boxes or a whole household, this episode will help you navigate the process with ease!