Ever wondered what it's like to pack up and move halfway around the world? In this episode of "Talking Expat Taxes", host Alex McGowin chats with Melissa Cox about her family's bold move from Delaware to New Zealand. They dive deep into the real trade-offs between cost of living and lifestyle, the challenges of navigating New Zealand's housing market, and what you need to know before making the leap. Discover why living abroad isn't always as glamorous as it seems and learn valuable insights for your own expat journey. This episode is a must-watch for anyone considering a move abroad or currently living the expat life.

📖CHAPTERS

0:00 Meet Melissa Cox: Author, Musician, Expat 2:44 The Journey from Delaware to New Zealand 6:24 Initial Challenges and Adjustments 12:03 The Cost of Living vs Lifestyle 20:28 Daily Expenses and Financial Adjustments 28:38 Trade-Offs of Expat Life 36:21 Navigating New Zealand's Cultural Landscape 40:52 Understanding Tall Poppy Syndrome 45:49 Balancing Work-Life with Kiwi Culture

Check the show notes for guest details and main takeaways: https://mcgowintax.com/podcast/from-the-us-to-new-zealand-author-melissa-cox-pt-2

🌏 Considering a move to New Zealand? In this episode of "Talking Expat Taxes," Alex McGowin chats with Melissa Cox, author of "So You Want to Move to New Zealand." Melissa shares her personal journey from the U.S. to New Zealand, discussing the challenges, cultural shifts, and financial decisions involved in such a move. Whether you’re an expat or a tax professional, this episode is packed with valuable advice. Don't miss it!

📖CHAPTERS

0:00 Meet Melissa Cox: Author, Musician, Expat 2:27 Deciding to Move Abroad 5:47 Overcoming Doubts & Analysis Paralysis 11:50 Legal Differences & Healthcare in New Zealand 16:51 New Zealand's Universal Health Care Experience 23:57 The lifestyle shift of moving to New Zealand 29:33 Raising children in New Zealand

📒Show Notes

Check the show notes for guest details and main takeaways: https://mcgowintax.com/podcast/from-the-us-to-new-zealand-author-melissa-cox-pt-1

Join Alex McGowin as he welcomes back Rick Philps, an expert in Costa Rican property law, to delve into the legal intricacies of purchasing real estate in Costa Rica. This episode covers the key differences between US/Canadian and Costa Rican legal systems, the roles of notaries and realtors, and crucial advice for expats looking to invest. Whether you're dreaming of a tropical rental or a permanent move, this episode provides essential tips to ensure your investment is secure.

👋 GUEST

Rick Philps https://costaricacanadalaw.com/

📖CHAPTERS

0:00 Costa Rican Property Purchases W/Rick Philps 1:10 Understanding Costa Rica's Legal System 6:44 Finding Real Estate Professionals In Costa Rica 16:15 Structuring Ownership: Personal vs Corporate 27:10 Navigating the Real Estate Purchase Process 32:24 Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

International taxes can feel overwhelming, but we're here to help. Stay tuned for more expert advice on expat tax preparation, and don't hesitate to drop your questions in the comments section below! Follow our channel or reach out for a consult, visit 🌐 https://mcgowintax.com