In this episode, we are joined by Emily Haines, CPA, and founder of Xpatax Solutions. Emily is an expert in U.S. taxation for expats, with years of experience helping individuals navigate the complexities of cross-border tax compliance. She specializes in making tax planning more accessible and stress-free, especially for Americans living in or connected to Germany.

We dive into Emily’s personal journey, from how she ended up in Germany to how she fell in love with the country and eventually built her company. She shares what it was like to integrate into a new culture, build a community, and transition her career as an expat. We also explore her experiences living in both Berlin and London, and the distinct differences between the two.

Throughout the conversation, Emily emphasizes the importance of understanding cultural nuances and local systems, key elements that can make or break a successful expat experience.

In this episode we welcome Mickelle Weber, an angel investor, storyteller, serial entrepreneur, and founder. She is the host of the House of Peregrine podcast, where she explores the power of storytelling and shares insights from global leaders. Originally from the U.S. and now based in the Netherlands, Mickelle offers a unique perspective on what it means to be a global digital native.

Mickelle shares the story of how she landed in the Netherlands and emphasizes the importance of building intentional connections within the international community. One of her key messages is to "run toward something, not away," highlighting the value of having a clear vision for the life you are creating abroad. She speaks candidly about navigating tough moments, including the emotional challenge of being far from family, and why being in the right place makes all the difference.

We also dive into how Mickelle’s business opportunities evolved after her move and how she rebuilt her network from the ground up. Her advice is to recognize that you may never fully "fit in" anywhere again—and that’s okay. The most important thing is to stay confidently and authentically yourself.

In this episode, we’re joined by Peter Bloemsma, founder of Swiss Advisory Services. With over 20 years of experience helping clients navigate relocation and real estate transactions, Peter is a trusted expert in purchasing property in Switzerland.

We dive into the process of buying a holiday home in Switzerland and what U.S. citizens need to know before taking the plunge. From Swiss legal restrictions for non-residents to the unique advantages of securing a Swiss mortgage, Peter walks us through the most important steps and considerations.

At the heart of it all: know what you're looking for, set a realistic budget, and be ready to act when the right opportunity comes.

In this episode, we welcome Flavia Cornejo, a multicultural travel expert, digital nomad, and founder of Latina Traveler, a platform created to inspire Latinas to explore the world with confidence and curiosity. Flavia shares her personal travel adventures, practical tips, and powerful insights from her journey.

She talks about her evolution from expat to travel blogger and travel guide, and how she’s cultivated a strong community through shared travel experiences. Flavia also opens up about how her love for travel began, and how living abroad aligns more closely with the future and quality of life she envisions for herself.

As a third-culture kid, Flavia reflects on how it’s helped her adapt more easily to new places, while also touching on the challenges of finding a sense of rootedness. She shares how, as an adult, she learned that you can choose where your roots grow.

We also dive into the realities of navigating visa and government processes across countries, and she shares the highs and lows of it all. If you’re considering a move abroad, Flavia encourages you to thoroughly research and understand the specific requirements for living legally and comfortably in your destination country.

In this episode, we sit down with Jordan Vlastuin, Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and founder of Make the Memory Financial Planning. Jordan’s firm focuses on helping people use their finances to maximize life experiences.

Jordan shares his journey of moving abroad, offers a brief overview of financial planning considerations for military families, and talks about adapting to cultural differences between countries. He also discusses the transition from military contracting to living abroad as a resident, the complexities of navigating taxes as a military contractor, and the challenges of opening financial accounts as a U.S. person living overseas.

If you are a current or aspiring expat, be bold! 

In this episode, we’re joined by Chad Hatalla, a U.S. tax expert who specializes in financial planning and tax strategies for both inpats and expats. With extensive experience guiding U.S. and non-U.S. citizens through the complexities of cross-border taxation and Social Security, Chad helps clients stay compliant while maximizing tax efficiency.

We dive into the recent repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision and what it means for Americans living abroad. Chad breaks down who stands to benefit from the changes, how Social Security payments work across borders, and what expats should keep in mind when planning for retirement outside the United States.

In this episode, we are joined by Emily Haines, CPA and founder of Xpatax Solutions. Emily is an expert in U.S. taxation for expats, with years of experience helping individuals navigate the complexities of cross-border tax compliance. She specializes in making tax planning more accessible and stress-free, especially for Americans living in or connected to Germany.

We dive into the key 2024 tax updates that could impact your filing this year. While most of the changes were relatively minor, adjustments to the standard deduction and the foreign earned income exclusion due to inflation are worth noting. We also look ahead to potential major tax changes expected in 2025.

Other topics covered include how to set up an ID.me account, which you can read more about here, important tax deadlines to keep on your radar, and updates on Beneficial Ownership Information reporting and its evolving deadlines.

In this episode of the Escaping the US series, we guide you through settling into a new country and making it feel like home. 

From setting up internet and utilities to registering with local authorities, opening a bank account, and navigating transportation, we cover everything you need to make your transition smooth. We also dive into key topics like bringing medications, finding healthcare, and building a community so you can feel at home faster.

Whether you’re a first-time expat or a seasoned traveler, these tips will help you hit the ground running.

In this episode, we chat with Katrina Nacci, a cross-border CPA and US expat, who shares her journey of moving overseas, navigating work sponsorship, and ultimately founding her own international accounting firm.

We dive into her experiences navigating immigration in different countries, career changes, building a business as an expat, and the lessons she learned along the way. As the founder of KN Tax, she offers valuable insights into US expat taxes, the realities of cross-border careers, the entrepreneurial mindset, and how to find success while living abroad.

If you’re curious about the expat lifestyle, cross-border careers, or starting a business in a foreign country, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice.

In this episode, we break down what the WEP repeal means, who is affected, and how it could change your retirement planning and Social Security payments. 

This repeal could have a significant impact on expats who receive foreign pensions and were previously subject to reduced benefits. We discuss how this shift impacts Americans abroad, key considerations for maximizing benefits, and what expats should do next to ensure financial security. If you’re a US citizen living overseas, this update could reshape your retirement strategy.