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

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

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