Due to recent federal directives requiring a return to the office, Pedro is finding it challenging to abandon his fully remote way of life. Is there an inventive solution to his predicament?
An anonymous caller is thrilled about the prospect of relocating abroad for good. How should she arrange her investments to sustain her international lifestyle while retaining a home base in the United States?
Former financial planner Joe Saul-Sehy and I address these inquiries in today’s episode.
Enjoy!
P.S. Have a question? Leave it here.
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Pedro asks (at 01:55 minutes): How can I secure a fully remote position as a computer programmer, allowing me to maintain a location-independent lifestyle with my family? As a federal employee, I have been summoned back to the office, and it feels like I'm losing something that is profoundly significant to me.
During the pandemic, my role transitioned to fully remote, and I spent a year traveling around the country in an RV with my partner and two children. We visited 35 national parks, which turned out to be the most meaningful experience of my life. That time redefined my views on priorities, family life, and future aspirations.
I homeschool my children, and I want them to stay connected—with each other, with us, and with the world around them. We are all enthusiastic about a nomadic lifestyle, and ultimately, we dream of traveling abroad again.
The difficulty lies in my search for a fully remote job. I am a computer programmer with over a decade of experience, meaning the work can be completed remotely. I have been applying and sending out resumes, but beyond that, I’m uncertain about my next steps.
I’ve heard that while there is a strong demand for remote work, many companies are reversing their decisions and requiring employees to return to the office. So, what is the best approach to secure a truly remote position at this time? Do you have any tips, especially based on your journey in freelancing and travel?
Anonymous asks (at 24:54 minutes): What is the best strategy to invest a $500,000 windfall if I plan to move out of the U.S. and live abroad full-time?
I recently sold my primary residence outright and will have $500,000 in hand. Additionally, I have $50,000 in a taxable brokerage account and receive $1,400 monthly in Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
Due to an autoimmune condition that can flare up unexpectedly, I am unable to work—but interestingly, my flare-ups are rare when I am outside the U.S. My doctors suspect it may be environmental. Therefore, I am fully embracing this lifestyle change.
I’ve sold nearly everything except a small storage unit. I have lived in various locations—Europe, South America, Asia—and I speak four languages, making me quite comfortable living abroad. I maintain a simple lifestyle well within my means, prioritizing experiences and creativity over material possessions.
Eventually, I aim to establish residency in another country. I understand I will need to provide proof of income for this, so I am considering dividend-paying ETFs or stocks as a way to create passive income. I also have a virtual U.S. address and intend to retain my citizenship.
With this in mind: How should I invest this money to support a long-term, low-cost international lifestyle? Are there specific factors I should consider—either because I am on SSDI or because I’ll be managing my investments while living overseas?
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Given the recent federal requirements to return to the office, Pedro is struggling to let go of his entirely remote way of life. Is there an innovative way to address his situation?