From Stressed Library Director to Spanish Beach Life - A Solo Woman's Journey at 55What does it really look like to completely transform your life in your 50s? Meet Jeannie Dilger, who left her high-stress job as a library director in Chicago to build her dream life in Valencia, Spain - and she's never looked back.In this inspiring episode, Jeannie shares her complete transformation story:

✨ How she went from working 60+ hours a week to 20 hours with LESS stress✨ Why her anxiety and gut health issues completely disappeared✨ How she built a thriving social circle as a solo expat woman✨ The truth about the Digital Nomad Visa process and costs✨ Why Valencia became her perfect beach city (when it wasn't even on her list!)✨ How she cut her living costs by 50% while improving her quality of life"The best time to start your happiness project was 10 years ago. The second best time is NOW." - Jeannie's advice for women dreaming of change.If you're a woman over 50 feeling stuck, overworked, or dreaming of a fresh start abroad, this episode will show you it's not only possible - it's easier than you think.CONNECT WITH JEANNIE:https://www.adventuringalone.com/https://linktr.ee/JeannieDilgerRESOURCES MENTIONED: Immigration/Visa: https://movingtospain.com/services/spain-immigration-lawyer/?aff=9baf6b2eTax Advice: https://movingtospain.com/services/tax-advice-spain/?aff=9baf6b2eRental Search: https://movingtospain.com/housing-resources/?_housing_resources_services=rental-search?aff=9baf6b2eReady to explore your own Spanish adventure?MEET WITH ME (FREE 15-MINUTE CALL)Schedule a Zoom meeting: https://bit.ly/strategy-spain-15-callFollow Solena Global Living for more inspiring expat stories:YouTube: @solenagloballivingInstagram: @solena_globallivingTiktok: @solenagloballiving

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Intro

07:13 Finding Home: The Move to Valencia

11:38 Cultural Acceptance: Embracing Diversity in Spain

13:00 Building Community: Networking in a New Country

16:44 Navigating Bureaucracy: Visa and Residency Process

22:45 Financial Adjustments: Cost of Living and Taxes

32:32 Quality of Life: The Benefits of Relocation

35:48 Words of Wisdom: Encouragement for Future Expats

37:46 Making the Move to Spain

38:16 Support and Resources for Relocation

#Valencia #SpainExpat #SoloWomanTravel #DigitalNomadVisa #ExpatLife #Valencia #SpainLiving #EarlyRetirement #SoloExpat #solenagloballiving

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Are you relocating to Portugal and wondering how to find the right school for your children? In this episode of Live and Invest Abroad, host Vanessa Rosenblum speaks with Naomi Crompton and Sarah Narciso from Alesco, a consulting firm that helps international families navigate the Portuguese education system.

We dive into the essential questions families have, like:

✅ Public vs. private vs. international schools in Portugal
✅ How the Portuguese grade levels align with other countries
✅ Costs and admissions processes
✅ How school choice impacts where you live
✅ What to expect culturally and academically as an expat family

If you're considering a move to Portugal, don't choose a city until you’ve explored your school options—this episode will explain why.

🔗 Learn more about Alesco Education Consulting: https://alesco.pt/

📍 Start your home search: https://bit.ly/solena-expert

🎧 Subscribe for more tips on relocating, investing, and living abroad.

#MoveToPortugal #PortugalSchools #ExpatLife #PortugalWithKids #InternationalSchoolPortugal #ExpatParenting #RelocateToPortugal #PortugalRelocation #LiveAndInvestAbroad #solenagloballiving #globalliving

Thinking about moving abroad? Curious about Panama’s real estate, cost of living, and expat lifestyle? In this episode of Live and Invest Abroad, host Vanessa Rosenblum interviews Sabrinna Masasi, a real estate agent based in Panama City, who shares her personal journey from Canada to Panama and what life is really like for expats in this dynamic Central American country.

🎙️ What You'll Learn:

✔️ How Sabrinna transitioned from Canada to Panama

✔️ Visa and residency options (including the Friendly Nations Visa)

✔️ Real estate insights and financing options for foreigners

✔️ The real cost of living in Panama

✔️ What to expect from Panama’s healthcare system

✔️ Cultural highlights, local food, and what makes Panama unique

✔️ The importance of community and adaptability when moving abroad

Whether you're a digital nomad, retiree, or simply curious about expat life in Panama, this episode is packed with practical advice and honest reflections to help you navigate your journey.

📌 CHAPTERS:

00:00 – Sabrinna's Journey to Panama

03:45 – Navigating the Visa Process

06:43 – Living as an Expat in Panama

09:59 – Understanding the Real Estate Market

12:52 – Cultural Insights and Community Life

15:55 – Healthcare in Panama

18:53 – Final Thoughts on Life in Panama

🔗 Subscribe for more interviews with experts, expats, and investors living abroad.

Sabrinna Masasi is an experienced real estate and relocation specialist who helps her international clients buy and rent in Panama City.

Ready to explore life in Panama?

Contact Sabrinna: https://bit.ly/contact-sabrinna

Exploring moving abroad? Fill out our Buyer Matching Questionnaire. I'll connect you to an experienced, trusted, English-speaking real estate professional: https://bit.ly/solena-expert

Thinking about moving to Portugal or investing in European real estate? In this episode of Live and Invest Abroad, Vanessa Rosenblum sits down with Gonçalo Pombo to explore the lifestyle and real estate market in Lisbon, Portugal.

From the city’s walkable neighborhoods and mild climate to legal considerations and financing options, they unpack everything you need to know about buying property in Lisbon. You'll learn how the process differs from buying in the U.S., why international buyers are drawn to specific areas, and what makes Lisbon such a compelling place to live and invest.

Whether you're dreaming of relocating or simply want to understand the market, this conversation will give you practical insights to make informed decisions.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to Lisbon: A Spring Market Overview

03:28 The Unique Lifestyle of Lisbon

05:53 Understanding Lisbon's Climate and Neighborhoods

08:07 Housing Market Insights: Prices and Types of Properties

10:23 Navigating the Buying Process in Portugal

13:00 The Competitive Real Estate Market

15:39 The Importance of Buyer Representation

18:23 Understanding the Transaction Process

20:29 Financing Your Property: Mortgages and Interest Rates

23:03 Closing Costs and Taxes in Portugal

25:30 Final Thoughts on Buying in Lisbon

Gonçalo Pombo is an experienced real estate professional licensed through eXp Realty Portugal serving the Lisbon market. Get in touch with Gonçalo: https://bit.ly/contact-gonçalo

Exploring moving abroad? Fill out our Buyer Matching Questionnaire. We'll connect you to an experienced, trusted, English-speaking real estate professional: https://bit.ly/solena-expert

There’s a lot of noise out there about moving to Mexico. Is it dangerous? What about healthcare? Will you be able to buy a home—or even get a mortgage?

In this eye-opening episode, real estate expert and Canadian expat Shasta Townsend joins us to bust the biggest myths about living in Mexico.

From safety and cost of living to healthcare, human rights, and LGBTQ+ inclusivity, Shasta sets the record straight with data, personal insight, and a deep love for her adopted country.

You’ll learn:

✅ Why the media gets safety in Mexico completely wrong

✅ Where Mexico really ranks for human rights and happiness

✅ How healthcare in Mexico compares to the U.S. and Canada

✅ What the real estate landscape looks like (and how to avoid scams)

✅ What to expect financially — from mortgages to your monthly grocery bill

✅ Why Mexico may be the most inclusive and community-driven place to live

Whether you’re casually dreaming or actively planning a move abroad, this episode gives you the facts—and the freedom—to consider Mexico with fresh eyes.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

00:45 Life in Mexico: A New Chapter

02:03 The Decision to Move: A Journey to Mexico

04:14 Is Mexico a Safe Place to Live?

06:39 Safety Myths: Understanding Crime in Mexico

13:12 Cost of Living in Mexico: Expectation vs Reality

17:22 Food Quality and Cost in Mexico

19:51 Cost of Living vs Quality of Life

22:06 Healthcare and Medical Tourism in Mexico

25:26 Real Estate Market in Mexico

25:36 Current Trends in the Real Estate Market

30:13 Mortgage Rates and Fees in Mexico

30:52 Financing Options for Foreign Buyers

34:15 Buyer Agents - How to find an agent in Mexico

34:33 Understanding Buyer Representation in Mexico

37:12 How to Avoid Real Estate Scams

38:56 Overcoming Fear and Misinformation

41:55 Looking Ahead: Mexico in 5 to 10 years

Shasta Townsend is a certified real estate professional in Mexico serving the Puerto Vallarta market. Get in touch with Shasta: https://bit.ly/contact-shasta

Exploring moving abroad? Fill out our Buyer Matching Questionnaire. We'll connect you to an experienced, trusted, English-speaking real estate professional: https://bit.ly/solena-expert

Thinking about moving to Portugal? 🇵🇹 Whether you’re looking for the best visa options (D7 Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, Golden Visa), curious about the cost of living, or wondering what life is like as an expat in Portugal, this episode has everything you need to know!I’m joined by Victor Queiroz, a relocation expert and lawyer, who breaks down:

0:00 Intro5:08 - Visa application process for moving to Portugal

6:40 - Best visas for moving to Portugal (D7, Digital Nomad, Golden Visa)

8:59 - Cost of living in Portugal – Rent, food, healthcare & more

13:02 - Taxes in Portugal – What Americans & expats must know

16:43 - Healthcare in Portugal – Public vs. private & real costs

20:43 - Cultural differences – What surprises expats the most!

23:10 - How to open a bank account in Portugal (it’s NOT easy!)

27:05 - Finding a rental in Portugal – Avoiding scams & understanding the market💡 Helpful Links:

👉 Need help finding a rental or buying property in Portugal? Fill out my Buyer Matching Questionnaire & I’ll personally connect you with a trusted local real estate expert!

🔗 https://bit.ly/solena-expert

👉 Connect with Victor Queiroz & his team at Viv Europe: www.viveurope.com

About Victor:

Victor Queiroz is a relocation expert and co-founder of Viv Europe, a company dedicated to helping expats move to Portugal with ease. Originally from Brazil, he has lived in Portugal since 2018 and has over 10 years of experience in real estate and immigration services. Through Viv Europe, Victor and his team assist clients with visas, real estate, and the relocation process, making the transition to life in Portugal as seamless as possible.

💬 Thinking about moving to Portugal? Drop your questions in the comments below! 👇#MovingToPortugal #PortugalVisa #LivingInPortugal #ExpatsInPortugal #D7Visa #DigitalNomadVisa #PortugalCostOfLiving #GoldenVisa #PortugalRealEstate #PortugalImmigration

🚀 Thinking of moving to Dubai with your family? In this video, we dive into EVERYTHING you need to know before making the big move! From finding the right school, to family-friendly neighborhoods, and hidden costs of living in Dubai, we’ve got you covered.

👉 Timestamps:

0:00 – Introduction

4:56 - Visa Process Moving to Dubai – Why Families Are Moving to Dubai

6:33 - Finding Rental Property in Dubai

10:23 - Housing Options and Costs in Dubai

13:33 - Cost to Hire a Maid 15:16 - Cultural Differences & Adjustments for Families

17:43 - Expat Schools in Dubai: Costs & Best Options

22:19 - Cost for Private School

37:13 - Is Dubai a Safe Place to Live?

43:51 - Process for Buying Property in Dubai

🔗 Helpful Links:📌 Thinking of buying property in Dubai? Get matched with a top real estate agent → https://bit.ly/solena-expert

📌 Join Expat Facebook Groups for Dubai: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dbexpats

💬 What’s your biggest question about moving to Dubai? Drop a comment below!

👍 Don’t forget to LIKE, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE for more expat insights!

#DubaiExpat #MovingToDubai #DubaiFamilyLife #DubaiSchools #ExpatLife

Are you considering a second residency or citizenship? In this episode of Live and Invest Abroad, we dive into the world of golden visa programs with expert Mohammed Bennis, Associate VP at Arton Capital.

He shares insights on the most attractive residency-by-investment programs in 2025, including Portugal, Greece, Malta, the Caribbean, and the UAE.

✅ Book a Call with Mohammed Bennis to explore your golden visa options: https://calendly.com/mbennis-artoncapital/arton-solena

✅ Looking for a Trusted Real Estate Professional? Complete our Buyer Matching Questionnaire, and we’ll connect you with an agent.

0:00 Introduction

2:37 Arton Capital

6:00 US Citizens' interest in 2nd passports

10:40 Changes in visa free travel

13:08 Hottest visa programs in 2025 (Portugal, Greece, Malta)

26:05 Caribbean visas

28:53 UAE and Dubai

31:43 Common misconceptions About Mohammed Bennis & Arton Capital

Mohammed Bennis has over a decade of experience in global immigration, helping high-net-worth individuals secure residency and citizenship through investment. As Associate VP at Arton Capital, he specializes in guiding clients through golden visa programs worldwide. Arton Capital is a leading advisory firm in global residency and citizenship solutions, helping investors and their families achieve greater mobility, security, and business opportunities.📌 Subscribe for more insights on international real estate, investing, and relocation!🔔 Turn on notifications to stay updated on the latest global mobility trends.

#GoldenVisa #ResidencyByInvestment #LiveAndInvestAbroad #PortugalGoldenVisa #GlobalMobility #InvestAbroad