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 [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 [https://www.instagram.com/bargainhomesabroad/] * Visit our Website: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co [https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co] * Subscribe to our E-Mail Digest: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/subscribe [https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/subscribe] * VIP Access: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/membership [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/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/arielletucker/] * Passport to Wealth™ Podcast: passporttowealth.com [http://passporttowealth.com] EPISODE SPONSOR: MONEYCORP [https://register.moneycorp.com/?rp=0021750309] 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 [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 [https://www.instagram.com/bargainhomesabroad/] * Visit our Website: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co [https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co] * Subscribe to our E-Mail Digest: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/subscribe [https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/subscribe] * VIP Access: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/membership [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 [https://www.viamonde.eu/]   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 [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 [https://www.instagram.com/bargainhomesabroad/] * Visit our Website: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co [https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co] * Subscribe to our E-Mail Digest: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/subscribe [https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/subscribe] * VIP Access: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/membership [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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-alice-duff/]   EPISODE SPONSOR: Living abroad as an American? Your US taxes shouldn’t be a mystery. MyExpatPlanning [https://www.myexpattaxes.com/planning/?utm_source=Bargain+Homes+Abroad+-%20+Podcast+Episode+Sponsorship+&utm_medium=BHA&utm_campaign=BHA] 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 [https://www.myexpattaxes.com/planning/?utm_source=Bargain+Homes+Abroad+-%20+Podcast+Episode+Sponsorship+&utm_medium=BHA&utm_campaign=BHA]- 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 [https://www.instagram.com/bargainhomesabroad/] * Visit our Website: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co [https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co] * Subscribe to our E-Mail Digest: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/subscribe [https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/subscribe] * VIP Access: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/membership [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 [kelly.cutchin@moneycorp.com] Create your free Moneycorp account here [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 [https://www.instagram.com/bargainhomesabroad/] * Visit our Website: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co [https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co] * Subscribe to our E-Mail Digest: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/subscribe [https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/subscribe] * VIP Access: https://www.bargainhomesabroad.co/membership [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