Living or retired in another country, how do you manage your financial life? Virtually, with the support of a laptop and an internet connection. At least that should be your goal. This way, you don’t have to worry about not being able to access an account, get cash, move money, send a wire, or pay … Read more
As this is my first submission as a columnist to Expat Focus, I would like to start by introducing myself. Born in Japan (to a British father and Eurasian mother) I grew up in South East Asia, went to boarding school in the UK at 11; then embarked on the expat circuit as an adult … Read more
When you think about the world’s cheapest places to live or retire, you probably think first of Latin America or Asia, writing off Europe altogether, figuring no way someone of modest means could ever afford to move to the Old World.For most of Europe, that can be a reasonable perspective. But Portugal, especially the Algarve, … Read more
Benvenuti and welcome to all my lovely followers, If you are new to this column I should tell you that each month I reflect back on the previous one, which in this case is May 2017. My aim is to bring you lots of fun things, and not too many serious ones.The lovely month of … Read more
I am typing this on May 30, during a heatwave – une canicule as they say here. It ain’t half hot, Mum, and John has taken to wearing shorts, while I hang out the washing at 6 am to take advantage of the blessed coolth and to put out water for the birds and squirrels … Read more
One of Panama‘s greatest assets is its beachfront. This is a little country with two long coasts and several clusters of outlying islands… meaning lots of different beaches — Pacific and Caribbean, touristy and undiscovered, developed and emerging, accessible and remote.Here are my top picks, depending on your agenda, based on almost two decades of … Read more
Diversifying your portfolio into euro-valued real estate is a better idea right now than it has been in more than a decade. The dollar is close to par with the euro, providing U.S. dollar-holders with more purchasing power than they’ve had in euro-land since 2003.Spain continues to suffer the disastrous effects of its burst housing … Read more
It’s easier to adapt to a new life overseas when you move with a spouse or partner. It’s more of a challenge to move abroad on your own, and it can be even more intimidating for single women than it is for single men. That’s why it’s understandable that some of our most frequently asked … Read more
Benvenuti and Welcome to all my Lovely Followers, If you are new to this column I should tell you that each month I reflect back on the previous one, which in this case is April 2017. My aim is to bring you lots of fun things, and not too many serious ones.The first week in … Read more
I’m a dad of two lovely Spanish kids. I say lovely because that’s what they are 90% of the time, the other 10% they can be complete devils. I enjoy being a dad, and the longer I am one, the more I love it. I enjoy the responsibility of bringing them up, seeing them laugh … Read more