Bom dia! We are Alan, Leslie, and Wolf, originally from the Midwest in the USA. Over a decade ago, we started thinking about our future and realized that a traditional retirement in the States might not fulfill our dreams. We weren't millionaires, but we wanted a special place to call home during our nomadic adventure, retirement and semi-retirement. The idea of moving abroad became more appealing, especially after a friend of ours challenged us to think differently and explore outside of the USA.
Moving abroad is a significant step that many people dream about, yet few dare to take. Leaving behind the familiar to explore a new world can be both exhilarating and daunting. However, the barriers we perceive are often within our control, and overcoming them can lead to a life of fulfillment and growth. Our story aims to encourage you to step out of your comfort zone, embrace new opportunities, and understand that the power to change your life lies within you. We share our story on our YouTube Channel It'll be Fun.
When You Say You Can't – That Means You Must Figure It Out
Initially, we thought we couldn’t move abroad because we didn’t have enough money, and our son wasn’t even out of high school. This meant we had to wait until he was established before considering a move. However, we kept reading, researching, and finding any information we could on moving abroad and what areas might be within our price range while allowing us to live a lifestyle we deemed perfect. Moving abroad requires this mindset. Our 'Ultimate It'll Be Fun Moving Abroad Program' is the perfect way to get started on your journey. It involves logistics, planning, and emotional readiness. Each obstacle you face is an opportunity to prove to yourself that you can handle whatever comes your way. Whether it's securing a visa, finding a job, or learning a new language, your determination will guide you through.
Change Your Focus – Look in the Direction of Where You Want to Go
We eventually knew we would go somewhere and invited our son to come along. We started learning and planning. We changed our focus. It was no longer just about where our money could take us, but when and how we would do this for us in retirement/semi-retirement and for our son as a digital nomad. Instead of dwelling on the reasons why you can't move abroad, focus on the possibilities and the exciting adventures awaiting you. Visualize your life in a new country, the experiences you'll have, and the personal growth you'll achieve. This positive focus will provide the motivation needed to overcome any hurdles.
Your Focus – Gives You the Best Chance of Getting There
We had to build an income stream for all of us. We spent years training, taking classes, and practicing investing for both long-term and short-term income. Maintaining a clear focus on your goal is crucial. Distractions and doubts will arise, but staying committed to your vision of living abroad will keep you on track. Regularly remind yourself why you want to move and the benefits it will bring. Your focus acts as a compass, directing you towards the steps necessary to make your dream a reality. We get together online with our It'll Be Fun Patreon Crew, come join us.
Do Not Listen to Excuses or Your Fears
Along the way, we had to learn not to listen to our excuses and fears. Maybe that's not true; we had to learn to talk about them to each other and ourselves so we could create an adventure that would work for everyone. Excuses and fears are natural, but they should not dictate your actions. Fear of the unknown, fear of failure, or fear of stepping out of your comfort zone can hold you back. Recognize these fears, but do not let them control you. Understand that every significant change comes with its set of challenges, and facing them head-on is part of the journey.
The Path Won’t Always Be Perfect – But It Starts With You
The journey hasn't been easy. When we came, Leslie brought a six-figure job with her. But thankfully, we had planned the entire adventure to be done on one social security income. This gave us some breathing room, but we really didn't plan on using it. Perfection is an illusion. The path to moving abroad will have its ups and downs, but it all starts with you taking the first step. Begin with small actions like researching your destination, connecting with expats, or learning the local language. Each step brings you closer to your goal and builds the confidence needed to tackle bigger challenges.
Nobody Can Do It for You - Moving Abroad
We also had our investment short-term and long-term income. But right after we moved to our chosen dream location, the market took a dive, and we didn't want to pull out any of our money since we were still growing it. Then, the worst happened: Leslie's company went under. So, for the first time in our lives, we needed to live on what we considered almost nothing. Your dream of moving abroad is personal. While you can seek advice and support from others, the ultimate responsibility lies with you. You have the power to shape your future and make your dreams come true. Embrace this responsibility and take proactive steps toward your new life.
Change Your Focus and Maybe the Way You Are Looking at Things
After hyperventilating for a number of months, we calmed down and discovered that all of our original planning to find a place we could live on one social security worked. We could! Brilliant. Sometimes, a shift in perspective is all you need to see the opportunities around you. If you find yourself stuck, re-evaluate your approach and consider alternative solutions. Flexibility and adaptability are key when planning a move abroad. Look at challenges from different angles and find creative ways to overcome them.
What Is Standing in Your Way? Make It Move!
We had changed our focus again. We kept investing and built a small business online: our YouTube channel, It'll Be Fun. While it doesn't make a lot, it does allow us to give back and gives us the little bit of financial space we needed to reduce stress. So we continue to chase our dreams. Our investing has really started to snowball—not that we are ready to pull and spend any of it, but we know that four or five years from now, we will be good. Identify the obstacles that are preventing you from moving abroad and take action to remove them. It'll Be Fun! Whether it's financial constraints, lack of information, or fear of the unknown, there are solutions to every problem. Create a plan, seek resources, and take deliberate steps to address each issue. Remember, the only thing truly standing in your way is yourself.
Appreciating the Present While Striving for the Future
We are always building income for the future while living and experiencing all that we want today. We travel (cost-effectively) throughout Europe, we hike on the island of Madeira in Portugal, where we live, and all work together to build the It'll Be Fun business for Wolf. Our future goals include finding the next step. Wolf wants to purchase a place, whether that will be in Portugal, France, Italy, or someplace we haven't even looked at yet. We do not know. But we will spend the next year or so exploring, researching, and learning about countries throughout Europe to discover the next best place. While it's important to chase your dreams, don't forget to appreciate what you currently have. Sometimes, the desire for something new can overshadow the blessings right in front of you. Take a moment to acknowledge the positives in your life and how they can support your journey. Gratitude for the present can provide a solid foundation for future aspirations.
We invite you to come along with us on our journey and to build your own. We have taken all of our learning to date and put together a step-by-step It'll Be Fun Moving Abroad program. It's the ultimate program. We invite you to come take a look and see if it is a fit for you. Moving abroad is more than just a physical relocation; it's a journey of personal growth and self-discovery. By changing your focus, overcoming excuses and fears, and taking proactive steps, you can transform your dream into reality. Embrace the adventure, trust in your abilities, and remember that the power to create the life you want lies within you. The path may not be perfect, but it's yours to walk, and it starts with a single step.
Moving Abroad - We Should Have Done This Sooner!
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