Have you ever considered living abroad for a year?

Ellen and Michael have lived in Mexico, Ecuador and are now planning to spend a year in Costa Rica. They reached FI at the age of 33, retired at 36, and have two children who have hopes and dreams of becoming bilingual.  But they're thinking of starting to work again once their children get older and continue having a flexible lifestyle.

You'll love their story!

We also chat about...

The Cost Rica trip
Why Cost Rica
Travelling while being vegan
Their personal money journey
Negotiating with your company
How they manage healthcare

Enjoy this chat with Ellen and Michael, and please subscribe to us in iTunes if you enjoyed it!

Show notes and links from today's episode

Blog: Uncommon Dream
The Earth Awaits
Episode: When is the Right Time to Have Kids? | Financial Samurai
Book: The Millionaire Next Door
International health insurance: Patriot Travel Medical Insurance

Key takeaways from our chat with Ellen and Michael
1 - Travelling abroad can increase your savings rate
When Ellen and Michael travel abroad they usually rent out their house on Airbnb and live off the earnings. Since they were going to cheaper countries, they actually managed to live off less and therefore increased their savings rate. Doing this long term can be a great way to save money and accelerate your FI journey!
2 - How to negotiate with your company
Michael negotiated with his company to keep doing consulting work but on a much flexible schedule. He arranged a win win situation and was able to be with his family while working. He says the key is simply to ask your manager - and be willing to say no and walk away. If you provide enough value to the company, they will be open to working with you.
3 - A positive overseas health experience
Not only did Ellen and Michael have no problem being vegans in countries like Mexico and Ecuador, but they also had an extremely positive experience when things went a bit wrong. Ellen cut her finger and had to go to the emergency room. She was attended immediately and efficiently, and since it was a public hospital she had nothing to pay! Although it was a great experience, the couple will still be taking out an international health insurance just to be on the safe side.

 
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