Armchair Expat - a Bargain Homes Abroad Production

Wherever You Go, There You Are: Lessons from a Life Abroad with Laura Baringer

What does it mean to build a life abroad — not just once, but again and again, through different seasons of life?
In this episode of Armchair Expat, Shannon sits down with Laura Baringer to explore a deeply thoughtful, non-linear international journey that spans Italy, Guatemala, Nigeria, Rwanda, the UK, and now the Netherlands. Laura shares how growing up between cultures shaped her identity, why moving abroad doesn’t magically solve everything, and how clarity, values, and long-term vision matter far more than picking the “perfect” country.
This conversation goes beyond visas and logistics to explore the emotional and practical trade-offs of expat life — rebuilding community, managing dual careers, raising kids internationally, and permitting yourself to evolve along the way.
Whether you’re dreaming about a move abroad, already living internationally, or navigating a midlife pivot, this episode offers a grounding perspective and real-world wisdom.
In this episode, we discuss:
Growing up between cultures and how early international experiences shape identity
Why moving abroad won’t fix everything — but can still change everything
The hidden trade-offs of expat life: community, career momentum, and distance from family
How moving abroad changes when kids enter the picture
Why giving yourself at least a year in a new country is essential
Choosing a country based on values, not fantasy
Designing a long-term life abroad using a “10-year vision”
Leaving a 20-year career to build purpose-led work
Building a business that supports the life you actually want
Why you’re allowed to change — and why that matters abroad
Connect with Laura
Website: https://purposebuiltbylaura.com
ABOUT ARMCHAIR EXPAT
Armchair Expat is hosted by Shannon Acton, founder and Chief Bargain Hunter of Bargain Homes Abroad
Follow on Instagram  @bargainhomesabroad
Visit our Website: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co
Subscribe to our E-Mail Digest: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/subscribe
VIP Access: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/membership
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a review. It helps us reach more future expats and keep these stories coming.
If you're interested in sponsoring or partnering with Armchair Expat, please reach out to Shannon at the following email: info AT bargain-homes DOT com

The Expat Tax + Financial Survival Guide with Arielle Tucker

Thinking about moving abroad — or already living overseas and feeling overwhelmed by taxes, visas, or financial planning? In this episode, Shannon sits down with Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA, Founding Partner of Connected Financial Planning and host of the Passport to Wealth™ podcast, for a deeply insightful and surprisingly relatable conversation about what it really takes to build a financially sound life abroad.
Arielle specializes in cross-border financial and tax planning for U.S. expats, helping globally mobile families navigate residency rules, tax traps, retirement strategies, and international money decisions. Originally from upstate New York and now living outside Zurich with her husband and two children, she brings both technical expertise and over a decade of firsthand expat experience across Switzerland and Germany.
In this episode, we cover:
Arielle’s personal journey abroad — from childhood dreams of escaping to boarding school to navigating culture shock, loneliness, and multiple international moves
The most common tax and financial mistakes U.S. expats make (and how to avoid them)
Why your first year abroad is the most important for getting your taxes right
What “walking a tightrope with handcuffs” has to do with U.S. tax law
How to build your expat “financial team” — who you really need, and in what order
What to know about visas, work rights, and tax residency before you move
How expat life shifts when you have kids — from schools to safety to daily rhythms
Why nothing is permanent in expat life — and why that’s a good thing
Arielle also shares candid stories from her own journey: the early depressive fog of her first months in Switzerland, the unexpected career break that launched her into international tax, a pandemic-era move that forced a major life pivot, and the honest realities of raising kids in a culture that operates very differently than the U.S.
If you want a grounded, clear, honest look at how to manage your money, taxes, and long-term plans abroad — without panic or guesswork — this episode is for you.
Connect with Arielle Tucker
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arielletucker/
Passport to Wealth™ Podcast: passporttowealth.com
EPISODE SPONSOR: MONEYCORP
Don’t let bank fees eat into your move abroad. MoneyCorp offers competitive exchange rates and transparent, low-cost international transfers so more of your money gets where it needs to go. Opening an account is free and only takes minutes.
Get started here
 
ABOUT ARMCHAIR EXPAT
Armchair Expat is hosted by Shannon Acton, founder and Chief Bargain Hunter of Bargain Homes Abroad
Follow on Instagram  @bargainhomesabroad
Visit our Website: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co
Subscribe to our E-Mail Digest: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/subscribe
VIP Access: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/membership
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a review. It helps us reach more future expats and keep these stories coming.
If you're interested in sponsoring or partnering with Armchair Expat, please reach out to Shannon at the following email: info AT bargain-homes DOT com

HOW TO MOVE TO ITALY: Lessons from ViaMonde Founder Jennifer Sontag

In this episode of The Armchair Expat Podcast, Shannon sits down with Jennifer Sontag — serial entrepreneur, expat, and founder of ViaMonde, a bespoke agency that simplifies relocations to Spain and Italy. Jennifer’s story is one of bold reinvention, deep resilience, and the transformative power of starting over in a new country.
Jennifer shares her journey from growing up in St. Louis to living in China, and eventually rebuilding her life on the island of Sicily. After a major personal and professional crossroads, she spent five years redefining everything — her career, her purpose, and ultimately her sense of home. That path led her to found ViaMonde, where she now guides others through the complex, emotional, and deeply personal process of moving abroad.
Together, Shannon and Jennifer dive into:
How Jennifer rebuilt her life from scratch and found clarity on a hillside in Sicily
Her experience living in China and how it shaped her worldview
The surprising challenges of obtaining Italian citizenship
The cultural contrasts between Italy and Spain — and why one may suit you better than the other
The unique pressures women face during midlife transitions
Why asking for help during a relocation isn’t a weakness — it’s essential
The emotional, logistical, and identity-level layers of moving abroad
How ViaMonde was created from Jennifer’s own hard-won lessons
Encouragement for anyone dreaming of a slower, more intentional life abroad
Jennifer reminds listeners that reinvention is possible at any stage of life — and that building a new chapter overseas isn’t just a fantasy reserved for the brave few. It's a tangible, navigable path with the right support.
Connect with Jennifer
 
EPISODE SPONSOR: MONEYCORP
Don’t let bank fees eat into your move abroad. MoneyCorp offers competitive exchange rates and transparent, low-cost international transfers so more of your money gets where it needs to go.
Opening an account is free and only takes minutes.
Get started here
 
ABOUT ARMCHAIR EXPAT
Armchair Expat is hosted by Shannon Acton, founder and Chief Bargain Hunter of Bargain Homes Abroad
Follow on Instagram  @bargainhomesabroad
Visit our Website: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co
Subscribe to our E-Mail Digest: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/subscribe
VIP Access: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/membership
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a review. It helps us reach more future expats and keep these stories coming.
If you're interested in sponsoring or partnering with Armchair Expat, please reach out to Shannon at the following email: info AT bargain-homes DOT com

What Happens When You Move Abroad Sight Unseen with Mary Alice

Ever thought about packing up your life and moving to another country you’ve never even been to?
That’s exactly what my guest today, Mary Alice Duff, did. She’s a fractional COO and business strategist living in Montpellier, France. After launching her own clothing brand and later shifting into business consulting, she now helps small businesses streamline operations and scale sustainably. She also runs a workshop called Solopreneurship for Global Mobility, helping others use self-employment as a pathway to living abroad.
Born and raised just outside Philadelphia, Mary Alice had never set foot in France when she and her husband sold their house, packed up their daughter, their dog, and their cat — and boarded a one-way flight to the South of France.
In this episode, she shares how a casual pandemic conversation turned into a full-blown relocation plan, what it was like navigating the French visa process, and how she built a brand-new life from scratch in a country where she didn’t speak the language.
We talk about adjusting to French culture — from Sunday closures to the famous three kisses — finding community, raising a multilingual child, and learning to slow down after years of the American hustle.
It’s an inspiring story about taking a leap, trusting yourself, and realizing that sometimes the best moves in life are the ones you can’t over-plan.
In This Episode
The spontaneous moment that started their move to France
How they navigated the entrepreneur visa process as Americans
Finding housing, schools, and community from abroad
The surprising cultural differences (and how many kisses is too many)
Adjusting from the U.S. hustle to a slower, more intentional pace
What Mary Alice wishes she’d known before moving abroad
Why she says it’s okay to just try it — even if it doesn’t work out
 
Connect with Mary Alice
LinkedIn
 
EPISODE SPONSOR:
Living abroad as an American? Your US taxes shouldn’t be a mystery. MyExpatPlanning helps Americans overseas organize their taxes, investments, and retirement goals with tools built for expat life. From understanding foreign income to optimizing for next year’s tax efficiency, plan smarter and stress less - all in one place.
Take control of your financial future today at MyExpatPlanning- made by expats, for expats.
 
ABOUT ARMCHAIR EXPAT
Armchair Expat is hosted by Shannon Acton, founder and Chief Bargain Hunter of Bargain Homes Abroad
Follow on Instagram  @bargainhomesabroad
Visit our Website: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co
Subscribe to our E-Mail Digest: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/subscribe
VIP Access: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/membership
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a review. It helps us reach more future expats and keep these stories coming.
If you're interested in sponsoring or partnering with Armchair Expat, please reach out to Shannon at the following email: info AT bargain-homes DOT com

DON’T BANK ON IT: The Smarter Way to Move Your Money Abroad with Kelly Cutchin of Moneycorp

In this episode of Armchair Expat, host Shannon Acton sits down with Kelly Cutchin, U.S. Country Manager for MoneyCorp, to demystify the world of currency exchange and international money transfers.
 
They explore why using your bank for overseas transactions could cost you thousands, how forward contracts can protect your home-buying budget, and why personalized service still matters in a digital world. Kelly also shares insights into current property purchase trends among Americans moving abroad, and what makes MoneyCorp’s hands-on approach so unique.
 
Key Takeaways
MoneyCorp has been in the currency exchange industry since the late 1970s.
Understanding the interbank rate is crucial to avoiding hidden bank markups.
Clients can save thousands by using MoneyCorp instead of traditional banks.
Every client is paired with a dedicated currency exchange specialist for one-on-one guidance.
Setting up an account is quick, free, and requires no deposit.
There’s a growing trend of Americans purchasing property abroad in countries like France, Portugal, and Spain.
Always consult tax and immigration specialists before purchasing property overseas.
Forward contracts let clients lock in exchange rates for future transactions.
MoneyCorp offers multi-currency accounts for flexibility and convenience.
Funds held with MoneyCorp are safeguarded and insured for peace of mind.
 
Connect with Kelly Cutchin of Moneycorp
Email: kelly.cutchin@moneycorp.com
Create your free Moneycorp account here
 
ABOUT ARMCHAIR EXPAT
Armchair Expat is hosted by Shannon Acton, founder and Chief Bargain Hunter of Bargain Homes Abroad
Follow on Instagram  @bargainhomesabroad
Visit our Website: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co
Subscribe to our E-Mail Digest: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/subscribe
VIP Access: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/membership
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a review. It helps us reach more future expats and keep these stories coming.
If you're interested in sponsoring or partnering with Armchair Expat, please reach out to Shannon at the following email: info AT bargain-homes DOT com

What No One Tells You About Moving Abroad with Stacy Ennis

Moving abroad sounds glamorous, but behind the Instagram reels and dream-home photos, there’s a very real side that often goes untold.
In this episode, I’m joined by Stacy Ennis, bestselling author, book coach, and host of the Beyond Better podcast, who has lived in four countries outside the U.S.—the Dominican Republic, Vietnam, Thailand, and now Portugal.
Stacy gets brutally honest about international relocation: the visa headaches, unexpected cultural adjustments, health scares, and what it takes to build a thriving career and family life overseas. We also talk about how she built a location-independent business as a writer and book coach, the lessons learned from each move, and why it’s okay to change course when a country—or season of life—no longer fits.
If you’ve ever dreamed about moving abroad but wondered whether you’re cut out for it, this conversation will give you both the inspiration and the reality check you need.
 
In This Episode:
Stacy’s journey from Idaho to Portugal (and everywhere in between)
The hardest parts of moving abroad no one talks about
How to avoid rookie mistakes when relocating
Raising kids in a different culture and education system
Building a career you can take anywhere
Why “it’s normal” to make big life changes
Connect with Stacy:
Website: stacyennis.comInstagram: @stacyennisBeyond Better Podcast: https://stacyennis.com/category/podcast/
 
Episode Sponsor: Moneycorp
Moving abroad is exciting—but transferring your money internationally doesn’t have to be stressful.
For over 40 years, Moneycorp has been helping expats, property buyers, and retirees move their money across borders with ease and at better rates than most banks. What makes them stand out is the human touch—you get a dedicated representative who’ll walk you through the process, help you time your transfers smartly, and save you money along the way.
Opening an account is free, quick, and easy. Try it today: https://register.moneycorp.com/?rp=0021750309
 
ABOUT ARMCHAIR EXPAT
Armchair Expat is hosted by Shannon Acton, founder and Chief Bargain Hunter of Bargain Homes Abroad
Follow on Instagram  @bargainhomesabroad
Visit our Website: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co
Subscribe to our E-Mail Digest: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/subscribe
VIP Access: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/membership
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a review. It helps us reach more future expats and keep these stories coming.
If you're interested in sponsoring or partnering with Armchair Expat, please reach out to Shannon at the following email: info AT bargain-homes DOT com

EXPAT TAXES MADE SIMPLE: Insights from MyExpatTaxes Founder Nathalie Goldstein

“Expat taxes made simple” — it might sound too good to be true, but that’s exactly what my guest today has set out to do.
I’m joined by Nathalie Goldstein, founder and CEO of MyExpatTaxes, the leading tax software built specifically for Americans living abroad. Originally from California, Nathalie moved to Austria a decade ago, where her own frustrations with filing U.S. taxes as an expat inspired her to create a solution that now serves thousands of Americans worldwide.
In this episode, we talk about:
Why October 15th is the most important date on the expat tax calendar
How to avoid double taxation with tax treaties and credits
The must-know rules around FBAR and FATCA for foreign accounts
Common mistakes expats make with record keeping and residency
What to know if you’re freelancing abroad or planning to repatriate
How MyExpatTaxes takes the fear and complexity out of filing
Whether you’re just starting your move abroad or already living overseas, this conversation will help you understand your obligations, avoid costly mistakes, and feel more confident about your financial life as an expat.
 
CONNECT WITH NATHALIE
https://www.myexpattaxes.com/
Taxes don’t stop when you move abroad—but they can get a whole lot easier. E-file by October 15th with MyExpatTaxes, and use MyExpatPlanning to make smarter tax moves year-round. START NOW
 
Disclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
 
ABOUT ARMCHAIR EXPAT
Armchair Expat is hosted by Shannon Acton, founder and Chief Bargain Hunter of Bargain Homes Abroad
Follow on Instagram  @bargainhomesabroad
Visit our Website: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co
Subscribe to our E-Mail Digest: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/subscribe
VIP Access: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/membership
 
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a review. It helps us reach more future expats and keep these stories coming.
If you're interested in sponsoring or partnering with Armchair Expat, please reach out to Shannon at the following email: info AT bargain-homes DOT com

CROSS-BORDER MOVES: Building a Life (and Business) Abroad with Global Tax Advisor Nicolas Castillo

What happens when you trade Miami traffic for Madrid tapas—and still have to keep the IRS happy?
In this episode of Armchair Expat, Shannon Acton interviews Nicolas Castillo, founder of Rook International CPAs and Advisors, about the realities of building a life and business abroad. Nicolas shares his personal journey from Miami to Madrid, opening up about the challenges of adjusting to a new culture, the importance of community, and the very real complexities of cross-border tax planning.
As a global tax advisor, Nicolas sheds light on what Americans often get wrong about filing from overseas, the myths around expat taxes, and why countries like France and Italy can be surprisingly friendly to entrepreneurs and retirees. Whether you’re considering a move abroad, already living overseas, or just curious about how cross-border life works, this conversation blends personal experience with practical, must-know advice.
Nicolas moved to Spain three and a half years ago with his wife, choosing Madrid for its culture, language, and community feel. He contrasts the walkable lifestyle of Spain with the car-centered culture of Miami, and shares how building community abroad takes courage but pays off. From a professional perspective, Nicolas emphasizes that many Americans mistakenly believe they don’t need to file taxes once they leave the U.S.—a misconception that can lead to severe penalties. He explains citizenship-based taxation, highlights tax-friendly options in France and Italy, and stresses the importance of consulting a cross-border advisor before relocating.
CONNECT WITH NICOLAS
LinkedIn
Website
 
DISCLAIMERThe information shared in this episode is intended for general educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice, and should not be relied upon as such. Everyone’s circumstances are unique—listeners are encouraged to seek professional guidance from a qualified advisor before making decisions about taxes, finances, or relocation.
 
ABOUT ARMCHAIR EXPAT
Armchair Expat is hosted by Shannon Acton, founder and Chief Bargain Hunter of Bargain Homes Abroad
Follow on Instagram  @bargainhomesabroad
Visit our Website: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co
Subscribe to our E-Mail Digest: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/subscribe
VIP Access: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/membership
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a review. It helps us reach more future expats and keep these stories coming.
 
ENTER THE REVIEW CONTEST: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/reviews
 
If you're interested in sponsoring or partnering with Armchair Expat, please reach out to Shannon at the following email: info AT bargain-homes DOT com

CAN I AFFORD TO MOVE ABROAD? Insights from Expat and Financial Advisor Alex Ingrim

“Can I really afford to move abroad?” It’s the question at the heart of so many expat dreams — and today we’re digging into it with someone who knows the answer firsthand.
My guest is Alex Ingrim, financial advisor, expat, and CEO of Liberty Atlantic Advisors, a US-registered investment firm specializing in helping Americans navigate life and wealth planning in Europe. Originally from Alaska, Alex has lived across France, Canada, the UK, Malta, and now Italy, giving him a unique perspective on both the financial and emotional realities of life overseas.
In this episode, we talk about:
What it really costs to live in Europe (Italy, Spain, Portugal, France)
How Americans abroad can avoid double taxation — and what “citizenship-based taxation” really means
Common financial hurdles and misinformation expats run into
Why planning 18–24 months ahead of a move can save you from costly mistakes
The lifestyle tradeoffs that make Europe surprisingly affordable for many families and retirees
Whether you’re dreaming of retiring in France, working remotely in Portugal, or relocating your family to Spain or Italy, this conversation will help you separate fact from fiction — and start planning with confidence.
CONNECT WITH ALEX
https://libertyatlantic.com/
 
Disclaimer: This is intended for general educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice, and should not be relied upon as such. Everyone’s circumstances are unique—listeners are encouraged to seek professional guidance from a qualified advisor before making decisions about taxes, finances, or relocation.
EPISODE SPONSOR
Moving abroad doesn’t have to break the bank. Kyero makes it easy to discover affordable homes in Spain, Portugal, France, and Italy. Our budget property listings are updated every month, with handpicked bargains ranging from countryside cottages to seaside apartments. Explore our latest list of budget homes for sale in Italy, and see what’s possible for your move abroad. https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/italy/best-properties-in-italy/our-favourite-budget-properties-in-italy
 
ABOUT ARMCHAIR EXPAT
Armchair Expat is hosted by Shannon Acton, founder and Chief Bargain Hunter of Bargain Homes Abroad
Follow on Instagram  @bargainhomesabroad
Visit our Website: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co
Subscribe to our E-Mail Digest: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/subscribe
VIP Access: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/membership
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a review. It helps us reach more future expats and keep these stories coming.
 
ENTER THE REVIEW CONTEST: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/reviews
 
If you're interested in sponsoring or partnering with Armchair Expat, please reach out to Shannon at the following email: info AT bargain-homes DOT com

MOVING ABROAD FOR A CHANGE OF PACE: From New York City to Small-Town Italy with Caroline Chirichella

What happens when you leave behind the nonstop energy of New York City for life in a 5,000-person town tucked into the Italian mountains? In this episode of Armchair Expat, Shannon sits down with Caroline Chirichella, founder of Chirichella Associates, to hear her story of trading chaos for community.
Caroline shares her unlikely path—from training as an opera singer, to running a private dining business in New York and southern Italy, to eventually launching her own PR agency. Along the way, she opens up about the realities of navigating Italian citizenship, integrating into a rural town where everyone knows your name, learning the language, and raising children abroad.
We talk about:
Why Italy felt like “home” long before she moved there
The patience it took to claim Italian citizenship
How she found belonging in a small, agricultural community
The challenges of language learning and starting over professionally
Building a PR agency that helps Italian businesses connect with international audiences
Her biggest piece of advice for anyone dreaming of moving abroad
Caroline’s journey is a reminder that life abroad isn’t always easy—but it can be deeply rewarding when you lean into change, embrace discomfort, and stay open to community.
 
CONNECT WITH CAROLINE
Instagram
Linked In
 
EPISODE SPONSOR
Big news! Armchair Expat now has a sister brand: Move Abroad Now, offering resources for Americans ready for a new life abroad. As part of our soft launch, we’re offering a free gift: FROM STUCK TO READY: 3 Steps to Overcome the Biggest Obstacle Stopping You from Moving Abroad. Our 15-page workbook helps you identify what’s holding you back, reframe your doubts, and take action. Get it here: moveabroadnow.co/subscribe
 
ABOUT ARMCHAIR EXPAT
Armchair Expat is hosted by Shannon Acton, founder and Chief Bargain Hunter of Bargain Homes Abroad
Follow on Instagram  @bargainhomesabroad
Visit our Website: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co
Subscribe to our E-Mail Digest: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/subscribe
VIP Access: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/membership
 
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a review. It helps us reach more future expats and keep these stories coming.
 
ENTER THE REVIEW CONTEST: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/reviews
 
If you're interested in sponsoring or partnering with Armchair Expat, please reach out to Shannon at the following email: info AT bargain-homes DOT com