Best How To Retire Abroad From Us Podcasts (2025)

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Why Refis Are Spiking and How to Optimize Your 401k Target-Date Fund for Long-Term Growth 28:02

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3d ago28:02

28:02

Learn when a refi saves money and how target-date funds work, including fees and when to pick a later fund year. What exactly is a target-date fund, and when should you move your date? How do you know if now is a good time to refinance a house? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss mortgage refinancing and target-date funds to help you unde…

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United in support of veterans 52:46

3d ago52:46

52:46

Representatives of USAA, Mutual of Omaha, Sony and MilTrac share how they are supporting veterans through The American Legion. Veterans and servicemembers in transition can receive financial guidance, mental health support, hearing aids and more resources from these partners. They all stopped by the Tango Alpha Lima podcast booth during The America…

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MandatoryFunDay, GWOT memorial and community service 1:12:50

3d ago1:12:50

1:12:50

Austin von Letkemann, better known by his MandatoryFunDay Instagram handle, leads off this episode by talking about his new podcast, the Army-Navy Game and more. Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation CEO Rod Rodriguez shares an update on plans for the memorial and a new podcast that launches with a pilot episode September 11. Representatives …

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Smart Buying Tips from Your Mama’s Kitchen and How to Change Banks Wisely 36:39

6d ago36:39

36:39

Find out when it’s worth splurging on kitchen gear and how to switch banks without losing your financial footing. What kitchen tools are actually worth the money? Is switching to an online bank really worth the hassle? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss the value of investing in high-quality kitchen gear and what to consider when moving …

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How to Talk Finances Before Cohabitating, and Why Coffee and Tea Prices Are Surging 32:19

10d ago32:19

32:19

Before cohabiting, how do you talk about finances without conflict? Plus: the global forces pushing up your coffee and tea bill. Why are your daily coffee, tea, or matcha drinks costing more? What financial conversations should you have with your partner before signing a lease together? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola explore rising beverage …

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Episode 278: Communicating the stories of war through art 1:10:41

10d ago1:10:41

1:10:41

With a rifle in one hand, and a sketch pad in the other, retired Marine veteran Joe Winslow’s combat service in the Battle of Fallujah inspired a return to his love of art. He drew sketches and collected artifacts before returning home to begin working on art reflecting the dedication of Marines, sailors, soldiers and others in action. Winslow disc…

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MOVING ABROAD FOR A CHANGE OF PACE: From New York City to Small-Town Italy with Caroline Chirichella 45:32

12d ago45:32

45:32

What happens when you leave behind the nonstop energy of New York City for life in a 5,000-person town tucked into the Italian mountains? In this episode of Armchair Expat, Shannon sits down with Caroline Chirichella, founder of Chirichella Associates, to hear her story of trading chaos for community. Caroline shares her unlikely path—from training…

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Bank Account Denied? Overcome Verification Hurdles and Maximize Sign-Up Bonuses 26:32

13d ago26:32

26:32

Learn about banking blacklists and how to decide when sign-up bonuses are worth your time and money. Why might you get denied when trying to open a new bank account online, even if all your information is correct? When are bank account sign-up bonuses really worth pursuing? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola explain how banks verify identities, …

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Budget Rehab: Can a Family Rebuild Their Emergency Fund and Still Afford the Life They Want? 34:26

17d ago34:26

34:26

The Nerds debut a new Budget Rehab segment, dissecting a real family’s budget to reveal strategies for saving more, investing smarter, and managing lifestyle costs. Plus: tariffs’ role in rising auto insurance. Why are auto insurance premiums continuing to climb, and what do tariffs have to do with it? How can a real family adjust their budget to m…

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Episode 277: From the battlefield to the Grand Ole Opry with Scotty Hasting 1:02:08

17d ago1:02:08

1:02:08

"Wayspring Wanderer" launches on Amazon. THE INTERVIEW Scotty Hasting is an Army combat veteran turned singer/songwriter who has performed at the Grand Ole Opry. Hasting, who received the Purple Heart, was shot 10 times at once in Afghanistan. Hasting has opened for artists including Dave Grohl, Jelly Roll, Parmalee and Tanya Tucker - and will be a…

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How to Pay Less for Your Prescriptions and Brace for a Health Insurance Shake-Up 30:30

20d ago30:30

30:30

Learn how to cut prescription costs and prepare for steep health insurance hikes if ACA tax credits expire. How can you make prescription drugs more affordable? What can you do if subsidies in the Affordable Care Act expire and health insurance costs spike? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss rising prescription costs and looming changes …

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What Happens When You Trade Your Home for a Debt-Free Start? 32:08

24d ago32:08

32:08

Is tapping your home equity ever a smart way to reset your finances? One listener’s story reveals what to weigh before selling. Should you sell your house to wipe out credit card debt and start over? What are the hidden trade-offs when using home equity to eliminate debt? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola talk with a listener navigating $55,000…

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Episode 276: Call of duty: A veteran-led peer support network with retired Maj. Gen. Mark Graham 1:14:14

24d ago1:14:14

1:14:14

2025 American Legion World Series begins THE INTERVIEW Retired Army Maj. Gen. Mark Graham, the executive director of Vets4Warriors, lost both of his sons, including one to suicide. In response, Graham has dedicated his life to mental health awareness and suicide prevention, aligned with the Rutgers UBHC National Call Center. Vets4Warriors hires and…

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Moving to Portugal: Real Estate, Residency & the Golden Visa with Erin Charlotte 34:00

24d ago34:00

34:00

In this episode of Armchair Expat, Shannon sits down with Erin Charlotte, an international real estate agent and Golden Visa advisor who’s helping Americans find their dream homes — and their freedom — in Portugal. Originally from Minnesota, Erin shares the story of how a birthday trip to Porto sparked a full-on relocation journey and led to the cr…

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Stop Living by One-Size-Fits-All Budgets — and Paying for One-Size-Fits-All Financial Advice 37:23

27d ago37:23

37:23

Understand how to assess when financial advisor fees are worth it and how to rethink personal finance rules that don’t serve you. What are the different financial advisor fees, and how can you decide if they’re worth it? Do you need to follow traditional budgeting and debt payoff rules to be financially successful? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ay…

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Here’s What Tariffs Could Cost You (Plus: Downgrade or Ditch Your Premium Card?) 32:02

1M ago32:02

32:02

Understand how new tariffs may hit your wallet and whether premium credit card fees are still worth it. What do new U.S. tariffs mean for prices on everyday goods and cars? What should you consider when choosing a premium travel credit card? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss the latest economic indicators and the changing landscape of c…

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Episode 275: A transgender service member speaks out about being forced out 1:24:52

1M ago1:24:52

1:24:52

250 ways to participate in The American Legion USA 250 Challenge THE INTERVIEW Col. Bree Fram, a transgender Space Force member, is being forced out of the military and end her 23-year service that began with the Air Force. Fram is currently headed toward retirement due to President Trump’s prohibition on transgender service that was implemented in…

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More Money, More Priorities: Don’t Let a Bigger Paycheck Go to Waste 35:19

1M ago35:19

35:19

New job, more income — now what? Hear how one listener is managing his Roth IRA, health savings account, high-yield savings, and more. Is it smart to use a Roth IRA like a savings account? How should you prioritize your money across savings, debt, and retirement after getting a higher-paying job? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola answer a liste…

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Does Medical Debt Impact Your Credit Score? And How Much Do You Really Need To Save for a Home 36:27

1M ago36:27

36:27

How to protect your credit from medical debt and choose the right way to save for a home down payment. How does medical debt affect your credit score? What accounts can you use to save for a house down payment? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss the recent reversal of a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau rule that would have removed me…

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Episode 274: How to overcome the broken veteran narrative with Kevin Schmiegel - Tango Alpha Lima 1:22:24

1M ago1:22:24

1:22:24

250 years of the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps THE INTERVIEW Retired Marine Lt. Col. Kevin Schmiegel is helping fellow veterans to thrive instead of falling to the broken veteran narrative. Schmiegel, who previously founded Hiring Our Heroes, is now leading ZeroMils. Schmiegel shares how ZeroMills is breaking the broken veteran narrative by creating a m…

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FLOURISHING IN SPAIN: Christine Job on Finding Home, Purpose & Herself Abroad 1:07:50

1M ago1:07:50

1:07:50

In this episode of Armchair Expat, host Shannon Acton sits down with Christine Job, J.D.—an award-winning storyteller, strategist, and creator of the acclaimed podcast Flourish in the Foreign. Christine shares her deeply personal and transformative journey from Atlanta to Spain, detailing the burnout that led her to take a sabbatical, the unexpecte…

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The Right Way to Dodge Scams, Plus Learn How Robo-Investing Works 29:56

1M ago29:56

29:56

Learn how to dodge scams to protect your money, then understand how to compare robo vs. traditional investment risks. What should you do if your credit card is compromised in a scam? Are robo-advisors riskier than traditional brokerage accounts? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss how to spot and respond to identity theft and dig into how…

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Housing Market in Flux: Should You Buy Now Before Prices Shift? (Plus: How Teens Can Build Credit) 36:18

2M ago36:18

36:18

Find out where the housing market's headed and how to help your teen build smart credit habits early. Is now a smart time to buy a home or should you wait for mortgage rates to drop? What’s the best way to help your teenager build credit before college? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola explore these questions to help you make confident financi…

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Episode 273: How to leverage military service into a rewarding civilian career with Natalie Schibell – Tango Alpha Lima 1:21:51

2M ago1:21:51

1:21:51

Native Americans in the Revolutionary War. THE INTERVIEW Former Navy Lt. Cmdr. Natalie Schibell found success in the military but struggled to find work in the civilian sector. She rallied and rebounded to become vice president of Market Strategy at Aetion and create Mission to Commission, a nonprofit dedicated to helping military veterans navigate…

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Savings Bonds Explained: When to Buy, When to Cash In, and If They’re Still Worth It 32:43

2M ago32:43

32:43

Budget better for group trips and explore if savings bonds still deserve a spot in your long-term investment plan. How do you plan a trip with friends without blowing your budget — or your relationships? Are savings bonds a smart way to invest in your kids’ future? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss the emotional and financial dynamics o…

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SALT Cap Raised, Clean Energy Credits Ending: Adapt Your Finances to the “Big, Beautiful Bill” 30:10

2M ago30:10

30:10

Learn what the One Big Beautiful Bill Act means for your taxes, benefits, and financial planning. Then, understand how to adapt to living on disability insurance. What tax changes are coming from the federal budget bill? Can you save money while living on disability? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola unpack the latest legislative changes to hel…

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Episode 272: Living the punk life with former sailor John Joseph - Tango Alpha Lima 1:10:07

2M ago1:10:07

1:10:07

Remembering Gen. "Mad" Anthony Wayne and the Battle of Stony Point THE INTERVIEW Former Cro-Mags and Bad Brains singer John Joseph emerged from an abusive childhood in a foster home to serve in the Navy and then forge his punk rock career. Joseph rose through the ranks, along with others in the early 1980s scene including Henry Rollins, the Beastie…

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FRANCE CHOSE HER: Moving to France with Purpose and Passion with Jeannette Ceja 53:51

2M ago53:51

53:51

In this episode of Armchair Expat, Shannon sits down with Jeannette Ceja, an award-winning bilingual travel journalist, international speaker, and fierce advocate for women and Latinos in travel. From her earliest passport stamp at 9 months old to speaking on stages around the world, Jeannette has built a career fueled by curiosity, courage, and co…

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Smart Planning Sessions: Go “Work Optional” and Move Retirement Funds Penalty-Free (Plus: Your Midyear Money Check-In) 38:13

2M ago38:13

38:13

In this month’s Smart Planning segment, a financial advisor discusses how to transfer retirement funds penalty-free and how to adopt a “work optional” mindset. How can you check in on your financial progress halfway through the year? What steps do you need to follow to move your Roth IRA from a robo-advisor to a self-directed platform without payin…

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Buy Now, Pay Later Comes at a Price: Credit Score Risks You Need to Know (Plus: $124k Windfall Tips) 32:53

2M ago32:53

32:53

Understand how Buy Now, Pay Later financing options affect your credit and learn smart strategies for using a six-figure inheritance wisely. How does Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) affect your credit score? What’s the smartest way to invest or use an unexpected inheritance? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss the evolving credit implications o…

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Episode 271: Guiding veterans to healing and mentoring the next generation with Bart Womack – Tango Alpha Lima 1:05:10

2M ago1:05:10

1:05:10

OTDIH: The first public reading of the Declaration of Independence THE INTERVIEW Retired Army Command Sgt. Maj. Bart Womack discusses creating an equine therapy facility for veterans with PTSD; mentoring ROTC cadets; his book, “Embedded Enemy,” which is about an insider terrorist attack; and more SCUTTLEBUTT Mapping US troops and military bases in …

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MANIFESTING A MOVE ABROAD: How Ziza Manifested Her Move to Italy 1:07:03

2M ago1:07:03

1:07:03

In this episode of Armchair Expat, I sit down with freelance writer and editor Nicole “Ziza” Bauer, who shares her journey of moving to Italy and building a new life abroad. Ziza talks about the lifelong dream that led her to Italy, her experience navigating the dual citizenship process, and how she used manifestation, intuition, and practical plan…

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Amazon Prime Day Hacks and Budgeting Tips for Emotional Shoppers 31:13

2M ago31:13

31:13

Learn how to approach Amazon Prime day without blowing your budget and hear how you can start to understand the emotions that might be driving your spending. What are the best ways to take advantage of big sales like Amazon Prime Day but still stay on track with your budget? How can you get a handle on emotional spending and the guilt that comes wi…

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How to Retire Early and Live Abroad: Your Guide to Making FIRE Last (Plus: 2025 Gas Prices Explained) 35:56

2M ago35:56

35:56

Learn how to navigate gas prices this summer, then hear how to make your money work after retiring early and moving abroad. What’s going on with gas prices this summer? How can early retirees turn their savings into income abroad? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss gas price trends and smart investment options for early retirees to help …

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Episode 270: Top three things disruptive to your health with Jennifer Campbell – Tango Alpha Lima 1:06:41

2M ago1:06:41

1:06:41

National Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day THE INTERVIEW Nutrition can be complicated. Army veteran and health and wellness expert Jennifer Campbell helps bring clarity and provides answers on how adults can fix the most disruptive things affecting their health. Among the topics she tackles are the best exercise for your health and longevity, lessons …

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How to Prepare for a Successful Move Abroad: A psychologist’s take on navigating fear, family dynamics, and the unknown with Dr. Colleen Crowley 53:26

2M ago53:26

53:26

Today’s guest brings both heartfelt wisdom and hard-won experience to one of life’s biggest transitions: moving abroad. Dr. Colleen Crowley is a psychologist, expat, and global traveler who has spent the last 30 years living around the world—while also raising a family and supporting others through major life changes. Drawing on over two decades of…

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Overcome Emotional Spending and Spot Job Scams That Could Cost You Thousands 36:36

2M ago36:36

36:36

Learn how to reset spending habits after emotional setbacks and protect yourself from job scams that cost real money. How do you reset your money goals after emotional setbacks? How do you avoid job scams that steal your savings? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss mindful spending and scam recovery to help you stay in control of your fin…

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Escape the Infinite Workday Trap (Plus: How to Grow $200/Month Into $300K) 34:30

2M ago34:30

34:30

Get tips to reclaim your time from the “infinite workday,” then learn how to build retirement savings as a stay-at-home parent. How do you reclaim your time in an always-on work culture? How can stay-at-home parents keep building retirement savings? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss the rise of the “infinite workday” and answer a listen…

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Episode 269: Best practices for financial success with David Vardeman – Tango Alpha Lima 1:12:21

2M ago1:12:21

1:12:21

Summer is in full swing and our hosts have big plans. THE INTERVIEW Navy veteran David Vardeman talks about guiding nonprofits to their goals, what’s led to his success, achieving financial literacy and more. A senior vice president for Capital Bank in Washington, D.C., Vardeman shares what led to his success, how he helps nonprofits and others mee…

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She Thrives Abroad: From Fear to Freedom Abroad with Lauren McDonnell 1:01

3M ago1:01

1:01

Lauren McDonnell of She Thrives Abroad shares her journey from the U.S. to the Netherlands, detailing the motivations behind her family's move abroad, the extensive research and planning involved, and the challenges of transitioning to a new culture. She discusses the importance of safety, quality of life, and education for her children, as well as…

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Your Housing Questions Answered: Down Payments, Mortgage Recasting, and Buying in Tough Markets 34:08

3M ago34:08

34:08

Explore strategies to strengthen your finances and get smart answers to common home buying and mortgage questions. When you're looking to buy your next home, should you pay off your current mortgage or save more for a down payment? How does mortgage recasting work? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola answer several questions from listeners about …

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Are You Saving Enough in 2025? What the Data Says About Falling Short (Plus: Where to Keep Conservatorship Funds) 25:18

3M ago25:18

25:18

Learn whether you’re saving enough money in 2025. Then, learn where to keep conservatorship funds to safely earn interest. What is the average American saving in 2025? Where can you keep conservatorship funds to earn interest? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola tackle a listener’s question about how to grow savings when managing a conservatorshi…

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Episode 268: The healing power of music for veterans with Mike Corrado – Tango Alpha Lima 1:04:01

3M ago1:04:01

1:04:01

Navigating Visual Sequela Progression due to TBI THE INTERVIEW Mike Corrado discovered the power of music while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. Music offers the power to heal, honor the fallen and inspire. He has seen firsthand how teaching songwriting to amputees helps them heal and move forward. Corrado talks about his lifelong love of music, i…

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Early Retirement in Italy: Choosing Meaning Over Money in Midlife with Dan Kidson 59:18

3M ago59:18

59:18

In this episode of the Armchair Expat podcast, Dan shares his journey from a corporate career in the U.S. to pursuing his dream of living in Italy. He discusses his love for travel, the challenges of finding a home, navigating the visa process, and the cultural immersion he experienced in his new community. Dan also highlights the bureaucratic hurd…

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Smart Planning Sessions: Digging Out of $36K in Debt — Without Derailing Retirement 35:32

3M ago35:32

35:32

In this month’s Smart Planning segment, a financial advisor discusses how to build a smarter debt payoff plan without sacrificing long-term financial goals. What’s the smartest way to make progress on credit card debt when budgeting alone isn’t cutting it? When can debt consolidation tools actually make your situation worse? Hosts Sean Pyles and El…

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Will AI Take Your Job — or Just Your Time? Plus, Rebuilding Credit After Debt Consolidation 31:58

3M ago31:58

31:58

Learn how to use AI to boost your career and finances — plus, what to do when debt consolidation tanks your credit score. How can you use AI to stay competitive in your career and manage your money better? What should you do when debt consolidation tanks your credit score? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss the rapid rise of generative A…

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Episode 267: How to heal through mind-body wellness with Dr. Aletha Williams - Tango Alpha Lima 49:06

3M ago49:06

49:06

Navy combat veteran, cancer survivor and mental wellness expert Aletha Williams shares how meditation and mind-body wellness has helped her learn how to let go of things that no longer serve her. As the founder of Inner Starr Compass Healing, she now helps individuals heal through inner wisdom, creativity and intuition. Learn more about how she hel…

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Renovating Life: An American Family’s Move to Portugal 50:11

3M ago50:11

50:11

In this episode of the Armchair Expat podcast, Shannon interviews Allison, an American expat living in Portugal. They discuss Allison's journey from New York to Portugal, the challenges of moving abroad with children, the process of finding a suitable school, and building a community in a new country. Allison shares her experiences with language le…

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How to Negotiate a Raise in a Tough Economy (w/ Brown Ambition’s Mandi Money) 37:42

3M ago37:42

37:42

Learn how to negotiate higher pay and choose between Roth vs. traditional retirement accounts with confidence. How can you negotiate for a raise in an uncertain economy? Should you invest in a Roth or traditional retirement account? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss career strategies and retirement planning to help you maximize your ear…

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Madeira vs California: Where Would You Rather Live in 2025? 9:23

3M ago9:23

9:23

Send us a text Madeira vs California — how do they really compare in 2025? From endless sunshine and ocean views to year-round outdoor living, fresh food, and laid-back vibes, living in Madeira feels like stepping into a vintage California lifestyle before the crowds and high costs. In this video, Doug & Monique explore the similarities between Mad…