Passport to Wealth™

George Kinder, internationally recognized as the father of the Life Planning movement, joins Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA on Passport to Wealth™ for a transformative conversation about money, purpose, and living intentionally abroad.Kinder is the founder of the Kinder Institute of Life Planning and the author of 12 books, including the groundbreaking The Seven Stages of Money Maturity, Lighting the Torch, and Life Planning for You. His pioneering work has inspired thousands of advisors and clients worldwide to center financial planning on people’s deepest values and life goals rather than just portfolios and spreadsheets.In this episode, George shares his own expat journey of relocating to London at age 77 on the prestigious UK Innovator Founder Visa, proving it’s never too late to start a bold new chapter. He discusses his philosophy of “fiduciary in all things,” the three life-changing questions he’s known for, and why mindfulness and intentionality are at the core of financial and personal fulfillment.For US expats and globally minded Americans, this episode offers a powerful reminder: true wealth is about aligning your money with your life’s purpose.

Dreaming of starting a new life in Germany? In this episode of Passport to Wealth™, Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA, sits down with immigration and relocation specialists Hannah S. and Hena Vega Larios of Start Relocation to unpack the realities of moving abroad as a U.S. citizen. From navigating German immigration laws to securing a visa, finding housing, and adjusting to the culture, they share practical insights that make the transition to life in Germany smoother and more successful.The conversation highlights the new Opportunity Card visa, a game-changing option for job seekers, and breaks down what Americans need to know about preparing documents such as translations, apostilles, and degree recognition. Hannah and Hena also explain why planning ahead is critical, how to avoid common immigration mistakes, and what everyday costs look like when comparing life in Germany versus the United States. They stress the importance of learning German early to ease cultural adjustment and share personal stories that reveal the challenges and rewards of international relocation.Whether you’re moving for a company transfer, following love, or simply seeking a fresh start abroad, this episode provides the essential knowledge US expats need to confidently plan their move and thrive in Germany.

In this episode of Passport to Wealth™, host Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA sits down with Alex Ingrim, CEO of Liberty Atlantic Advisors, to unpack the realities of living abroad as an American in Italy. From navigating U.S. expat taxes and avoiding costly cross-border mistakes, to understanding Italy’s tax incentives like the 7% flat tax and impatriate regime, Alex brings his insider expertise to help you plan smarter.Together, Arielle and Alex discuss what everyday life in Italy looks like: family rhythms, financial culture, and the slower pace that often surprises new expats. They dive into the most common financial planning mistakes Americans make when moving to Italy, how U.S. assets are taxed abroad, and what proactive strategies can make the transition smoother.If you’re considering a move to Italy, or already there but feeling overwhelmed, this episode is full of actionable expat advice to help you build a more secure and fulfilling life overseas.

In this episode of Passport to Wealth™, Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA, interviews Brandon Mitchener, Executive Director of Tax Fairness for Americans Abroad, to unpack the urgent fight for residence-based taxation.Brandon shares his personal story of living more than 35 years in Europe while still being subject to citizenship-based taxation (CBT) a system that forces millions of Americans abroad to file and pay U.S. taxes despite earning no U.S. income.Together, they explore the financial discrimination expats face, from banking restrictions and compliance costs to lost retirement opportunities and gender inequities.Listeners will learn why citizenship-based taxation is outdated, how residence-based taxation (RBT) works in the rest of the world, and what legislative efforts are underway in Congress to finally bring fairness to Americans abroad. Brandon explains the current progress of the Residence-Based Taxation for Americans Abroad Act, the bipartisan support behind it, and why expats must share their stories with Congress to help push reform over the finish line.If you’re a U.S. citizen living abroad struggling with unfair tax obligations, this conversation will show you that change is possible and how you can be part of it.

In this episode of Passport to Wealth™, Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA sits down with Bethany Stevens, founder of Your Sign to Siesta, to discuss how burnout, big life changes, and a desire for deeper alignment can spark a life abroad.Bethany opens up about leaving the U.S. to escape the hustle and have more time for what really matters. She explains why she chose Spain as her new home, and how her experience inspired her to launch a platform dedicated to helping other Americans reimagine rest and reinvention overseas.From navigating Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa to learning to slow down in a new culture, Bethany shares relatable insights for expats, creatives, and anyone craving more balance in life. This is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever dreamed of stepping away from the hustle and toward a life rooted in well-being, clarity, and intentional living.Whether you're exploring a sabbatical, planning your move to Spain, or just need a little push to rethink your pace of life, this episode is your sign to siesta.

In this episode of Passport to Wealth™, Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA sits down with Céline Flores-Tavukcuoglu, founder and CEO of Céline Concierge, a bespoke luxury concierge service based in Paris. Originally from Texas, Céline shares how a one-way ticket to France turned into a 12-year journey building a thriving business and life in the City of Light.Céline walks us through her transition from film production to entrepreneurship, the realities of French bureaucracy, and the visa challenges many Americans overlook when moving abroad. Together, she and Arielle dive into the complexities of cross-border taxes, self-employment, and starting a business as a U.S. citizen in France.Whether you're a dreamer planning your move to Paris or already navigating expat life, this episode delivers real talk and expert insight.

In this episode of Passport to Wealth™, Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA sits down with Nicolás Castillo, CPA, founder of Rook International CPAs and Advisors, to demystify the tax complexities U.S. expats face abroad. From setting up a business in Spain to navigating Social Security agreements and international tax filings, Nicolás shares practical advice for digital nomads, remote workers, and entrepreneurs building global lives. U.S. expat taxation is notoriously complicated, but Nicolás breaks down everything from the Beckham Law and self-employment pitfalls to how tax treaties and reporting thresholds really work. Learn how to avoid the most common filing mistakes, why most Americans still need to file a tax return abroad, and how to legally reduce your tax burden while living in Spain, France, Italy, and beyond. If you're a U.S. citizen managing income across borders.Whether you're planning your move or already living overseas, this episode is packed with tax-smart strategies you can't afford to miss.

In this episode of Passport to Wealth™, host Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA, welcomes Bethany Quinn, founder of GTFO Tours, for a candid conversation about relocation, reinvention, and what’s driving more Americans especially women and LGBTQ+ folks to seriously consider life abroad.Bethany shares how her own political and professional burnout in the U.S. led her to make a bold leap to the Netherlands, where she now helps others navigate their own exits. What started as a personal move turned into a full-fledged movement: GTFO Tours now provides community, coaching, and in-person support for Americans ready to start a new chapter overseas.Together, Arielle and Bethany explore everything from visa logistics (including the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty) to relocation trends for 2025 and beyond, cultural shocks, and the emotional experience of being a first-time immigrant. Whether you’re dreaming of beaches in Panama or building a life in Europe, this episode is equal parts inspiration and practical roadmap. Listen now and discover what’s possible when you stop waiting and start planning your ideal life abroad.

In this episode of Passport to Wealth™, Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA sits down with Matthew Hitchcock, CPA and founder of Hitchcock & Partner GmbH, to demystify one of the most complex and misunderstood parts of expat taxes: Passive Foreign Investment Companies (PFICs).Whether you're investing in a foreign mutual fund or unknowingly triggering PFIC rules through a local retirement account, Matthew breaks down exactly how PFICs work, why they exist, and the real risks of getting it wrong, including harsh tax penalties and indefinite IRS examination windows.If you’re a U.S. citizen living abroad and investing globally, this episode is a must-listen. Learn how to avoid costly mistakes, stay compliant, and build a tax strategy that supports your long-term financial freedom.

What would make an American academic sell everything and move across the world for a new career? In this episode of Passport to Wealth™, Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA sits down with Dr. Jonah Otto, Assistant Professor at the University of Augsburg, to unpack what’s driving more U.S. scholars to consider international academic careers particularly in Germany.Jonah shares his personal journey from Indiana to Europe, where a partnership between universities turned into a fully funded PhD opportunity, a civil servant academic position, and eventually German citizenship. Together, Arielle and Jonah explore the major differences between U.S. and German university systems, from the way academic roles are structured to the surprising amount of autonomy and research freedom afforded to professors abroad.They also dive into the concept of the “academic brain drain,” the push and pull factors influencing scholars today, and why long-term planning, especially around residency and citizenship, is becoming essential for academics looking to thrive outside the U.S. Whether you’re curious about teaching abroad, interested in earning a PhD overseas, or simply exploring more fulfilling career paths, this conversation offers a refreshingly honest look at what’s possible. If you're interested in Jonah's research you can find it here.

In this episode of Passport to Wealth™, Vivian Najib, founder of FTB Home and creator of The Expat Diaries newsletter, sits down with us to explore what it really takes to build a life you love in a new country.Vivian’s journey began with a one-way ticket to Thailand and unfolded into a 9-year global adventure through Cambodia, Vietnam, and long-term house-sitting across Europe before finally landing in Portugal. She shares what it was like to navigate culture shock, secure legal residency, and slowly build a version of home that felt true to her.This candid conversation is full of wisdom, laughter, and hard-earned insight whether you’re still dreaming of expat life or deep in the process of figuring it out.

Welcome back to Passport To Wealth! I'm Arielle Tucker CFP®, EA, and today’s episode is a short but meaningful send-off to our very first season.When Savannah and I launched this podcast, our mission was clear: to inform, empower, and support U.S. expats navigating life and money abroad.From cross-border taxes and cultural transitions to entrepreneurship and investing overseas, Season 1 covered a wide range of real-life topics with stories from around the globe. I’m so grateful to Savannah for co-hosting this journey with me and to you, our listeners, for tuning in. Season 2 is coming this July, with an exciting lineup of expat voices, finance experts, and more global insights you won’t want to miss. Follow us on Instagram @PassporttowealthofficialExplore more at Passport To Wealth™ Subscribe now so you don’t miss what’s next.Until then, stay curious and remember: wherever you go, you can build wealth, live well, and feel at home.

In this episode, we are joined by Emily Haines, CPA, and founder of Xpatax Solutions. Emily is an expert in U.S. taxation for expats, with years of experience helping individuals navigate the complexities of cross-border tax compliance. She specializes in making tax planning more accessible and stress-free, especially for Americans living in or connected to Germany.We dive into Emily’s personal journey, from how she ended up in Germany to how she fell in love with the country and eventually built her company. She shares what it was like to integrate into a new culture, build a community, and transition her career as an expat. We also explore her experiences living in both Berlin and London, and the distinct differences between the two.Throughout the conversation, Emily emphasizes the importance of understanding cultural nuances and local systems, key elements that can make or break a successful expat experience.

In this episode we welcome Mickelle Weber, an angel investor, storyteller, serial entrepreneur, and founder. She is the host of the House of Peregrine podcast, where she explores the power of storytelling and shares insights from global leaders. Originally from the U.S. and now based in the Netherlands, Mickelle offers a unique perspective on what it means to be a global digital native.Mickelle shares the story of how she landed in the Netherlands and emphasizes the importance of building intentional connections within the international community. One of her key messages is to "run toward something, not away," highlighting the value of having a clear vision for the life you are creating abroad. She speaks candidly about navigating tough moments, including the emotional challenge of being far from family, and why being in the right place makes all the difference.We also dive into how Mickelle’s business opportunities evolved after her move and how she rebuilt her network from the ground up. Her advice is to recognize that you may never fully "fit in" anywhere again—and that’s okay. The most important thing is to stay confidently and authentically yourself.

In this episode, we’re joined by Peter Bloemsma, founder of Swiss Advisory Services. With over 20 years of experience helping clients navigate relocation and real estate transactions, Peter is a trusted expert in purchasing property in Switzerland.We dive into the process of buying a holiday home in Switzerland and what U.S. citizens need to know before taking the plunge. From Swiss legal restrictions for non-residents to the unique advantages of securing a Swiss mortgage, Peter walks us through the most important steps and considerations.At the heart of it all: know what you're looking for, set a realistic budget, and be ready to act when the right opportunity comes.

In this episode, we welcome Flavia Cornejo, a multicultural travel expert, digital nomad, and founder of Latina Traveler, a platform created to inspire Latinas to explore the world with confidence and curiosity. Flavia shares her personal travel adventures, practical tips, and powerful insights from her journey.She talks about her evolution from expat to travel blogger and travel guide, and how she’s cultivated a strong community through shared travel experiences. Flavia also opens up about how her love for travel began, and how living abroad aligns more closely with the future and quality of life she envisions for herself.As a third-culture kid, Flavia reflects on how it’s helped her adapt more easily to new places, while also touching on the challenges of finding a sense of rootedness. She shares how, as an adult, she learned that you can choose where your roots grow.We also dive into the realities of navigating visa and government processes across countries, and she shares the highs and lows of it all. If you’re considering a move abroad, Flavia encourages you to thoroughly research and understand the specific requirements for living legally and comfortably in your destination country.

In this episode, we sit down with Jordan Vlastuin, Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and founder of Make the Memory Financial Planning. Jordan’s firm focuses on helping people use their finances to maximize life experiences.Jordan shares his journey of moving abroad, offers a brief overview of financial planning considerations for military families, and talks about adapting to cultural differences between countries. He also discusses the transition from military contracting to living abroad as a resident, the complexities of navigating taxes as a military contractor, and the challenges of opening financial accounts as a U.S. person living overseas.If you are a current or aspiring expat, be bold! 

In this episode, we’re joined by Chad Hatalla, a U.S. tax expert who specializes in financial planning and tax strategies for both inpats and expats. With extensive experience guiding U.S. and non-U.S. citizens through the complexities of cross-border taxation and Social Security, Chad helps clients stay compliant while maximizing tax efficiency.We dive into the recent repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision and what it means for Americans living abroad. Chad breaks down who stands to benefit from the changes, how Social Security payments work across borders, and what expats should keep in mind when planning for retirement outside the United States.

In this episode, we are joined by Emily Haines, CPA and founder of Xpatax Solutions. Emily is an expert in U.S. taxation for expats, with years of experience helping individuals navigate the complexities of cross-border tax compliance. She specializes in making tax planning more accessible and stress-free, especially for Americans living in or connected to Germany.We dive into the key 2024 tax updates that could impact your filing this year. While most of the changes were relatively minor, adjustments to the standard deduction and the foreign earned income exclusion due to inflation are worth noting. We also look ahead to potential major tax changes expected in 2025.Other topics covered include how to set up an ID.me account, which you can read more about here, important tax deadlines to keep on your radar, and updates on Beneficial Ownership Information reporting and its evolving deadlines.

In this episode of the Escaping the US series, we guide you through settling into a new country and making it feel like home. From setting up internet and utilities to registering with local authorities, opening a bank account, and navigating transportation, we cover everything you need to make your transition smooth. We also dive into key topics like bringing medications, finding healthcare, and building a community so you can feel at home faster.Whether you’re a first-time expat or a seasoned traveler, these tips will help you hit the ground running.