A Podcast about retiring early, moving abroad, and living what we coined a "Better Second Half of Life." After working hard for over 25 years and raising our family, we retired early at age 50, we sold everything, and moved abroad from North America to begin our "Second Half of Life." We make our base on the beautiful island of Madeira, Portugal. As a healthy and fit, long-married couple who retired at 50 and moved abroad, we talk about all things retirement - from finances, new friends, ret ...
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What really happens when you leave everything familiar behind and start over in a new country? Armchair Expat is a podcast about moving abroad, living overseas, and building a life you love on your own terms. Hosted by Shannon Acton of Bargain Homes Abroad, each episode features real stories from people who have relocated internationally—whether for work, retirement, lifestyle, or love. Guests include everyday expats, digital nomads, and entrepreneurs who share honest insights, practical adv ...
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Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique investment migration consultancy firm focused on finding the right residency or citizenship by investment program for individuals wishing to secure their future and become global citizens.With offices in Portugal, United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Brazil, our multilingual team guides individuals and families from start to finish, providing expert advice considering freedom, mobility, taxation, and security.From helping individuals find their dream homes or ...
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Repurpose Your Career | Career Pivot | Careers for the 2nd Half of Life | Career Change | Baby Boomer
Marc Miller - Career Designer for Career Pivot
Repurpose Your Career podcast brought to you by Career Pivot is a podcast for those of us in the 2nd half of life to come together to discuss how repurpose our careers for the 21st century. Come listen to career experts give you proven strategies, listen to people like you tell their stories on how they repurposed their careers and finally get your questions answered. Your host, Marc Miller, has made six career pivots over the last 30 years. He understands this is not about jumping out of th ...
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How to Prepare for a Successful Move Abroad: A psychologist’s take on navigating fear, family dynamics, and the unknown with Dr. Colleen Crowley
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53:26Today’s guest brings both heartfelt wisdom and hard-won experience to one of life’s biggest transitions: moving abroad. Dr. Colleen Crowley is a psychologist, expat, and global traveler who has spent the last 30 years living around the world—while also raising a family and supporting others through major life changes. Drawing on over two decades of…
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She Thrives Abroad: From Fear to Freedom Abroad with Lauren McDonnell
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1:01Lauren McDonnell of She Thrives Abroad shares her journey from the U.S. to the Netherlands, detailing the motivations behind her family's move abroad, the extensive research and planning involved, and the challenges of transitioning to a new culture. She discusses the importance of safety, quality of life, and education for her children, as well as…
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Early Retirement in Italy: Choosing Meaning Over Money in Midlife with Dan Kidson
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59:18In this episode of the Armchair Expat podcast, Dan shares his journey from a corporate career in the U.S. to pursuing his dream of living in Italy. He discusses his love for travel, the challenges of finding a home, navigating the visa process, and the cultural immersion he experienced in his new community. Dan also highlights the bureaucratic hurd…
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Renovating Life: An American Family’s Move to Portugal
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50:11In this episode of the Armchair Expat podcast, Shannon interviews Allison, an American expat living in Portugal. They discuss Allison's journey from New York to Portugal, the challenges of moving abroad with children, the process of finding a suitable school, and building a community in a new country. Allison shares her experiences with language le…
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Madeira vs California: Where Would You Rather Live in 2025?
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9:23Send us a text Madeira vs California — how do they really compare in 2025? From endless sunshine and ocean views to year-round outdoor living, fresh food, and laid-back vibes, living in Madeira feels like stepping into a vintage California lifestyle before the crowds and high costs. In this video, Doug & Monique explore the similarities between Mad…
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Move Overseas Now: Real Talk on Visas, Mindset & Building a Life Abroad with Shawna Lum
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52:28In this episode of the Armchair Expat podcast, Shawna shares her journey from growing up in Los Angeles to living in Spain and helping others move abroad. She discusses her experiences in the corporate world, her love for the European lifestyle, and the creation of her business, Move Overseas Now, which assists Americans in relocating to Europe. Sh…
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Reinventing Life and Work in France with Andrew Guck
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59:58In this episode, guest Andrew Guck shares his remarkable journey from upstate New York to building a life in southern France, where he’s lived for over a decade. What began with a casual interest in French class—and a long-lost crush—eventually led to a love story, a spontaneous elopement, and a bold move abroad. Andrew opens up about the cultural …
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The Global Citizen Guide of best Residency & Citizenship by Investment programs in 2025
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12:31Send us a text In this special episode of the BeGlobal Podcast, we dive deep into the findings of our latest 2025 Global RCBI Report, the industry-leading resource on Residency and Citizenship by Investment programs worldwide. Host Gizane Campos sits down with Dr. Laura Madrid, lead researcher at our Global Intelligence Unit, to unpack this year’s …
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5 Quirky Challenges Expats Face in Portugal | Daily Life & Expat Tips
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11:57Send us a text Expat life in Portugal can be amazing — but it’s not without surprises. In this episode, we dive into 5 quirky but real challenges expats face in Portugal, from frustrating restaurant hours to confusing bedding and picture frame sizes. If you’re considering moving to Portugal, you’ll want to hear what expat life in Portugal is really…
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How NOT to Retire Abroad: One Couple’s Story of Moving to Portugal
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49:26In this episode, I'm joined by Matt and Dawn — better known as The Unretirees — who traded their big-city grind for a brand-new life on Portugal’s Silver Coast. We talk about how they sold almost everything they owned, why the pandemic was a turning point, and what made Portugal the obvious choice (spoiler: fast-track citizenship and serious beach …
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Caribbean vs EU Citizenship: Key Differences, Costs & Best Routes
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17:13Send us a text In this episode of the Be Global Podcast, we break down the critical differences between acquiring citizenship or residency through investment in the Caribbean versus the European Union. Whether you’re an entrepreneur seeking mobility, a global citizen looking for a second passport, or an investor exploring strategic relocation optio…
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Doing Italy: Life Lessons from a Female Founder with Thea Duncan
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1:03:45In this episode of the Armchair Expat podcast, Shannon chats with Thea Duncan, the founder of Doing Italy. The conversation explores Thea's journey to Italy, her love for the culture, and how she helps others navigate the process of moving to Italy. Thea shares her experiences with intuition, the impact of COVID-19 on her career, and practical advi…
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How to Move Abroad (Without Forcing It):
The Power of Intuition & Divine Timing with Nicolle
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1:01:21What if your next big move—whether it’s across the world or deep within—wasn’t about figuring it out, but about feeling it through? In this episode, Shannon sits down with Nicolle Merrilyne, a Certified Intuitive Energy Healer, Medium, and Meditation Teacher who recently left California to follow her intuition—and her spirit guides—all the way to S…
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Astrocartography 101: Finding the Best Place to Live, Love & Thrive with Helena Woods
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1:01:52What if your birth chart could tell you where in the world you're meant to thrive? In this episode of Armchair Expat, Shannon chats with world traveling professional relocation astrology specialist Helena Woods about the weird, sometimes woo-woo, and yet wildly accurate world of astrocartography— otherwise known as the “astrology of place”. They di…
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How to Get Maltese Citizenship: Paths Explained
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15:01Send us a text Looking to become a citizen of Malta? In this episode, we sit down with Adalberto Pucca, Head of RBI Programs at Global Citizen Solutions, to break down the legal paths to Maltese citizenship. From naturalization through residency to investment options, we cover everything you need to know—eligibility, timelines, key requirements, an…
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How to Move Abroad At Any Age with Cepee Tabibian
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47:09In this episode, Cepee shares how a restless career path and a big leap abroad led her to create She Hit Refresh—a thriving community for women over 30 ready to reinvent their lives overseas. We dive into the highs and lows of her expat story, what it really takes to start over in a new country, and why community is the secret ingredient to a succe…
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Wanna Move Abroad? Your Exit Strategy Starts Here with Jen Barnett
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34:36Welcome to the very first episode of Armchair Expat. In this kickoff conversation, host Shannon Acton chats with Jen Barnett about her journey from Alabama to Mérida, Mexico—and how she turned her relocation experience into a powerful resource for others through her platform, Expatsi. Jen opens up about the political motivations behind her move, th…
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Can You Make New Friends When You Move Abroad?
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15:57Send us a text Starting over in a new country can be tough, but making new friends doesn't have to be! In this latest vlog, as a retired couple living abroad on the beautiful island of Madeira, Portugal, we share our experience an tips on how to make new friends and build a social circle when you move abroad and start your 'Second Half of Life!' Th…
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Adaptive Citizenship is Transforming How We Navigate Global Opportunities
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12:43Send us a text Citizenship isn't what it used to be. Once a fixed badge of national identity, it's rapidly transforming into a strategic tool that savvy individuals leverage for global mobility, tax advantages, and personal security in an uncertain world. Our fascinating conversation with Laura Madrid, lead researcher at Global Citizen Solutions In…
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What really happens when you leave everything familiar behind and start over in a new country? Armchair Expat is a podcast about moving abroad, living overseas, and building a life you love on your own terms. Hosted by Shannon Acton of @BargainHomesAbroad, each episode features real stories from people who have relocated internationally—whether for…
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Send us a text Talk to us: https://beglobal.link/Contact-us-youtube Episode 11: US Diaspora & Retirement Abroad: Insights from AARO & GCS Join us on Be Global Podcast as we dive into the evolution of the American diaspora and the rising trend of retiring abroad. Host Gizane Campos welcomes Doris Speer, President of AARO, and Laura Madrid Sartoretto…
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Is Portugal Still the BEST Value for Expats in 2025?
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18:03Send us a text Is Portugal still the best value for expats in 2025? Is Portugal's cost of living still an affordable place to move abroad or retire? Does it offer the best value for expats? In this latest video as a retired couple living in Madeira, Portugal for the past several years, we provide practical wisdom with our yearly cost of living expe…
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Send us a text Elevate your financial freedom in your 'Second Half of Life' with actionable tools and tips! In this video, we discuss budgeting apps, financial books like The Millionaire Next Door, and how to have meaningful money talks with your family or partner. Whether you’re exploring personal finance strategies, looking to boost financial lit…
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Navigating Life Abroad: Mental Health, Challenges & Growth
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52:27Send us a text In this episode of Be Global Podcast, host Gizane Campos dives into the mental health challenges and opportunities that come with expat life. Featuring expert insights from Dr. Laura Madrid Sartoretto on the 2025 Quality of Life Rankings, guidance from Gal and Maayan Smelcman, co-founders of the Smoozitive app (https://www.smoozitive…
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Unlocking the Secrets to a Longer, Healthier Life in 2025
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15:04Send us a text Unlock the secrets to a longer, healthier life in 2025! Discover how to achieve a vibrant lifestyle through moving abroad, retiring in Portugal, or focusing on healthspan over lifespan. Learn how living in Madeira supports wellness, with expert tips and insights to help you thrive. Whether you're an expat, planning to retire, or read…
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Top 10 Countries for American Retirees: A Guide to Retirement Abroad
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18:40Send us a text Talk to us: https://beglobal.link/contact-us-sm In this episode of the BeGlobal Podcast, host Gizane Campos sits down with Manuel Garrido, Head of Marketing and Strategy at Global Citizen Solutions, to dive into the best countries for Americans to retire abroad. Join us as we explore key factors like cost of living, healthcare, safet…
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Wait, Is Everyone LEAVING Portugal? | A New Life On Madeira
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12:55Send us a text Are people really leaving Portugal? In our latest vlog as a retired couple living a new life on Madeira, Portugal, we dive into the idea that expats and foreigners are abandoning Portugal, and explore the reality instead! Portugal is still the #1 destination for expats looking to move abroad and start fresh, and life on Madeira Islan…
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First Time in Slovenia AMAZED Us: Must Know TIPS Before You Go
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17:53Send us a text If you're planning your first trip to Slovenia, then you need to watch this video! We share 25 must-know tips for your visit to Slovenia - must know tips for beautiful places like Lake Bled, Ljubljana, and the Julian Alps. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Slovenia, all in 4K! DON'T BUY A PHYSICAL SIM CARD WHEN TRAVELING! U…
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5 Crazy Things We Expats Find WEIRD About Our House In Portugal
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14:47Send us a text There are SO many things we find WEIRD about our Madeira, Portugal, house that we just HAD to share them with you. In this latest vlog as an early-retired couple who moved to Madeira, Portugal, we take a light-hearted approach to showcasing the top 5 WEIRD things about life in Portugal as an expat, when it comes to housing. Listen to…
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How To Set Up Your Smartphone for International Travel
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33:18Send us a text Set up your smartphone BEFORE you leave home! In this latest vlog living on the beautiful Portugal island of Madeira, we're joined by Michelle from Intentional Travelers for an in depth look into the biggest mistakes people make when traveling abroad with their smartphones, as well as some essential smartphone tips for international …
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Eye-Opening Lessons from 3 Years of Retirement Spending in Portugal
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10:31Send us a text Learn valuable lessons from 3 years of retirement spending in Portugal! From budgeting to enjoying life, in this latest episode, as an early-retired couple living on the beautiful island of Madeira, Portugal, we share eye-opening insights for retirees living abroad that we've learned when it comes to retirement spending, and the impo…
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Exploring the Digital Nomad Landscape: Insights with Anna Maria Kochanska
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47:35Send us a text Join us for an exclusive webinar with renowned digital nomad expert, Anna Maria Kochanska, as we delve into the current landscape of digital nomadism, with a special focus on Europe. Discover how different countries are accommodating digital nomads, learn about the best destinations to work and live remotely, and stay tuned for a spe…
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Americans Living Abroad: A NEW Life Abroad With Expats Everywhere
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41:02Send us a text Welcome back to Track Us Down! Today we sit down for a super-interesting, in-depth discussion with Josh from "Expats Everywhere." Josh and Kalie left America almost 15 years ago and have been living and working abroad since then in several different countries. They currently live in the beautiful Portugal city of Porto. Whether movin…
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5 Surprising Ways Life In Portugal Outshines North America | #BetterLife
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12:16Send us a text Discover 5 surprising ways life in Portugal outshines North America, especially on Madeira Island. In this latest episode, as a retired couple living abroad on Madeira, Portugal, we talk some about some of the bizarre observations we had after moving to Portugal, and why this also might be the best decision for you! Thanks for listen…
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Be Global Podcast: Introducing the Global Intelligence Unit
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38:34Send us a text In this episode of the Be Global Podcast, we are excited to introduce our new Global Intelligence Unit (GIU) at Global Citizen Solutions. Led by esteemed researcher PhD Laura Madrid, the GIU focuses on creating detailed reports and providing valuable insights into global immigration trends. Listen in to learn about how the GIU is ana…
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Moving To Portugal Changed Our Life Forever | #FreshStart
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15:24Send us a text Moving to Portugal changed our life forever - from early retirement, to moving abroad for a fresh start. In this latest podcast, as a retired couple living on the beautiful island of Madeira, Portugal, we talk about how moving abroad to Portugal has impacted us forever, and what it could do for you. Thanks for listening! Don't forget…
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Award Winning...Or Extremely Dangerous? BEWARE Madeira Island's Beauty
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11:39Send us a text Beware Madeira - award winning yet potentially SO dangerous. We explore the dangers that go hand-in-hand with award-winning beauty and extreme landscapes in this retired couple's latest Vlog living abroad on the stunning island of Madeira, Portugal.By D & M
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Why You Shouldn't Move To An Island | International Living On Madeira, Portugal
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15:05Send us a text In this latest vlog as a retired couple and international living, we talk about the classic retirement dream of moving to an island, and what modern island life can be, especially here on Madeira, Portugal.By D & M
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NHR Update: The NEXT Tax Scheme For Expats Moving To Portugal
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11:05Send us a text If you're considering moving to Portugal as an expat, you may have heard that the Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) tax scheme is no longer available. In this latest vlog as a retired couple living in Portugal, an NHR update, we discuss the new tax scheme for expats moving to Portugal, and how it may affect you. Don't miss out on importan…
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Overcoming Common Retirement Fears | From Professional To Retired
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13:25Send us a text Our latest vlog, as a retired couple, offers a realistic and positive perspective on overcoming the most common retirement fears many people have. From personal experiences to practical wisdom, we talk about what so many people get wrong about retirement, and how to get it right!By D & M
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The future of Investment Migration in Europe
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38:44Send us a text Welcome to Be Global Podcast, your gateway to the world of investment migration. In this episode, we delve into the evolution of investment migration with a special focus on Europe and its's current immigartion scenario, with a powerhouse panel of industry experts. Join host Gizane Campos as she guides the discussion with Bruno L'ecu…
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2024 Expats In Portugal Cost Of Living | Can YOU Afford To Retire In Paradise?
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16:05Send us a text Find out how much you need to retire in Portugal in 2024 with an in depth look at our monthly budget. We offer practical wisdom, from housing market trends to cost of living, to help you plan for your retirement in one of the best expat destinations.By D & M
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Live To 100 In This NEW Blue Zone | Madeira Portugal
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13:05Send us a text Discover the challenges facing Madeira, Portugal in becoming a Blue Zone, a place with the longest lifespans in the world. We'll explore why Madeira should be a Blue Zone and what's holding it back. Join us - a retired couple - for our latest vlog and see how Madeira compares to other Blue Zones around the world!…
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Ensuring Generational Family Wealth in Retirement
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15:01Send us a text In this latest vlog as a retired couple, we talk about our personal finance and financial planning, and as retired expats, how we (hope we) changed our family's financial future for generations to come.By Doug & Monique
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Madeira VS Mainland Portugal: Why THIS Island Still Holds Our Hearts
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18:07Send us a text Join this retired couple's latest vlog for a recap of our 3-month van-life tour through mainland Portugal! 🚐 From charming villages to scenic landscapes, we'll share the highlights and the places that captured our attention. But the big question remains: Why does Madeira still hold our hearts when it comes to island vs mainland livin…
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Leaving Mainland Portugal | Why We Are DONE RV Life
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12:23Send us a text It's time for us to say goodbye to RV life on mainland Portugal and move on to new adventures. In this latest vlog, as a retired couple living abroad, we reflect on our time exploring all over mainland Portugal, the vibrant Algarve region, the allure and the longing we have for the sun-soaked days of Madeira. Join us as we say farewe…
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Our New RV Home - Madeira To The Mainland | Exploring Portugal
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7:50Send us a text In this latest vlog, as a retired couple living abroad, we start "Exploring Portugal," embarking on a daring adventure as expats exploring mainland Portugal over the next few months in our freshly rented RV. Join us as we set out on a journey filled with surprises, beautiful landscapes, and unexpected encounters. We'll take you along…
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Discover the Perfect Destination for Your Retirement or Remote Work Abroad #337
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39:17Description: In this episode, I am speaking with Emily Bron from International Lifestyle Consulting. Emily helps people relocate for retirement or for remote workers to find their ideal destinations. Emily has relocated to a foreign country multiple times in her life. You will probably pick that up by her accent. She is relocating again and helping…
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From Turbulent Childhood to a Successful Life - Memoir by Steph Silver #336
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36:36Description: In this episode I am speaking Steph Silver who is the author of the book Anywhere, USA: A Memoir. This will be a bit of a different kind of episode. I have known Steph for many years and I had no idea that she had an upbringing with an incredible amount of upheaval. I want you to hear a bit of the story from the book, the process of wr…
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NHR Tax Scheme CANCELLED: Is Portugal Closing The Door To Foreigners?
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5:22Send us a text In this latest vlog, as a retired couple living abroad, we discuss the recent news about Portugal potentially closing its popular NHR tax scheme for foreigners. As a retired expat couple living in Portugal, we'll share insights and thoughts on this possible change and how it may affect expats. Stay tuned to find out more about the NH…
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