Joshua Wood, LPC

Josh Wood talks with Jake Barber, Founder and CEO of SJB Global, about the financial realities of expat life — from currency swings to the hidden costs that catch families off guard. Drawing on years of advising expats and his own life raising a bilingual family in Marbella, Jake shares practical insight on digital nomad visas, common US and UK mistakes, and why planning ahead matters.

Sardinia offers expats a slower pace of life, affordable living, and deep community traditions, though it demands patience with bureaucracy, Italian language skills, and acceptance of island isolation. Best suited for retirees and remote workers seeking authentic Italian life away from tourist-saturated regions, with Cagliari, Alghero, and inland villages as top destinations.

Bordeaux and Lyon are both excellent alternatives to Paris, but they offer very different versions of life in France. Bordeaux tends to win people over with beauty, weather, and easy escapes, while Lyon often stands out for food, practicality, and long-term livability.

Portugal continues to attract expats with its lifestyle, safety, and accessibility—but the process of moving there is no longer as simple as it once was. Immigration pathways have become more structured, requiring clearer documentation and planning ahead. In this episode, immigration lawyer Diogo Capela explains what's changed, the biggest mistakes expats are making, and what U.S. expats need to consider before making the move. The takeaway: Portugal is still open—but preparation is key.

Portugal’s Golden Visa program remains one of Europe’s most flexible residency-by-investment options, even after recent changes eliminated real estate as a qualifying investment. Today, investors can still gain residency through funds, business investment, or cultural contributions—without needing to relocate full-time. Immigration lawyer Diogo Capela breaks down what’s changed and who the Golden Visa is best suited for today.

Portugal offers several residency pathways for expats, including the D7 visa for retirees and passive income earners, the D2 visa for entrepreneurs, work-based permits, and the D8 digital nomad visa. In addition, the Portugal Golden Visa provides a unique residency-by-investment option that does not require full-time relocation. Immigration lawyer Diogo Capela explains how each option works and how to choose the right path based on your goals.

Lisbon and Porto both offer incredible expat lifestyles, but they appeal to different priorities. Lisbon brings energy, sunshine, and opportunity, while Porto offers better value, a slower pace, and a more local feel.

Madeira is a Portuguese island in the Atlantic known for its dramatic cliffs, lush mountains, and mild year-round climate. Popular with expats, retirees, and digital nomads, it offers a relaxed lifestyle shaped by ocean views, outdoor living, and modern European infrastructure.

Saranda, Albania offers the same stunning cliffs, turquoise waters, and coastal charm as Italy's iconic Amalfi Coast, but with far fewer crowds and 40-60% lower costs for couples in 2026. From affordable beachside living ($1,200–$1,800/month) and lively nightlife to authentic vibes and easy expat residency, Saranda emerges as the ultimate budget dupe for Mediterranean dreams—perfect for retirees, remote workers, and value-seeking travelers.

Costa Rica and Belize both offer beautiful tropical lifestyles for expats, but they appeal to different priorities. Costa Rica stands out for its healthcare, infrastructure, and variety of climates, while Belize attracts many expats with its lower cost of living, English-speaking ease, and relaxed Caribbean atmosphere.

Americans living abroad must still file U.S. taxes, but that doesn’t automatically mean paying tax twice. Double taxation treaties and foreign tax credits often prevent true double taxation. The real risk is misunderstanding how different assets are taxed across borders — which makes pre-move planning essential.

Panama attracts expats with its diverse lifestyles - from bustling Panama City to peaceful mountain towns and beache - plus easy residency like the popular Pensionado Visa. Affordable private healthcare, U.S. dollar usage, proximity to the U.S., and a flexible, welcoming culture make it ideal for retirees, remote workers, and those seeking variety and freedom.

Mexico attracts expats with diverse lifestyle options, accessible residency pathways, affordable private healthcare, and proximity to the U.S. From global cities to coastal towns, it offers flexibility, cultural richness, and the freedom to shape daily life across distinctly different regions and ways of living.

Spain has a strong appeal for expats for a wide variety of reasons among many other reasons. A highly-desirable lifestyle, good weather, well-defined visa pathways and an excellent healthcare all combine to attract a large number of expats.

If you're interested in moving to Bordeaux, France, this article explores why it is a great option for expats, from its job market to its educational institutions, its restaurants and history and more. Discover nearby towns, housing options for all budgets, and other information for a smooth transition abroad.