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Latest analysis
Practical notes on overseas tax, location choices, AI income, investing, and building cash flow that travels.
FBAR and FATCA: The $10,000 Fine Most Expats Don't Know Exists
Miss FBAR or FATCA and face $10,000+ penalties — even if you owe zero taxes. Here's exactly what each form covers, filing thresholds, and how to catch up.
Why Foreign Banks Refuse American Expats (And What to Do)
FATCA costs foreign banks up to $16,600 per American account. Here's why banks reject US expats worldwide — and the banking stack that actually works.
Expat Domicile Strategy: The $40K Decision Before You Leave
California taxes you 13.3% on income the IRS excluded. Here's how to pick the right US state domicile before moving abroad — and save up to $40K/yr.
Costa Rica Pensionado Visa: Retire on $1,000/Month Tax-Free
Costa Rica's Pensionado visa requires just $1,000/month in guaranteed pension income, levies zero local tax on foreign income, and includes CAJA healthcare for $70–$110/month.
AI Consulting Abroad: Charge $150/hr, Live on $2K
Bill $150–$250/hr as an AI consultant while living on $1,500/month abroad. Real skills, real rates, and the geographic arbitrage math that makes it work.
Dominican Republic: The Tax-Free Residency 3 Hours from Miami
Law 171-07 gives qualifying DR residents a permanent 0% rate on all foreign income. Here's how the territorial tax play works — and why it's underreported.
Charles Schwab for Expats: Bank Free in Any Country
Your bank hides ,400/year in exchange rate markups. Charles Schwab eliminates ATM fees worldwide, charges zero FX fees, and has no minimum balance.
FBAR and FATCA: The Two Reports That Can Fine You $10,000
Most expats focus on their tax return. FBAR and FATCA are two separate filings — and missing them costs $10,000+ even if you owe zero tax.
Social Security Fairness Act: What Every Expat Gains Back
The Social Security Fairness Act repealed WEP and GPO, restoring up to $587/month for expats with foreign pensions. Here's what changed and what to do.
The Foreign Housing Exclusion Most Expats Forget to Claim
On top of the $130K FEIE, expats can exclude another $10K–$93K in housing costs. Most never claim it. Here's exactly how the Foreign Housing Exclusion works.
Capital Gains Tax: The FEIE Blind Spot Expats Pay For
The FEIE excludes your salary from US taxes—but does nothing for capital gains. Worse, the stacking effect can push your gains into a higher bracket.
AI Affiliate Sites: $5K/Month on $160 in Tools
Build an AI-powered affiliate site earning $5K/month while living abroad — with just $160/month in tools. Step-by-step workflow, real income timelines, and geographic arbitrage math.