A few years ago, when we told people we were moving to Panama, many assumed we meant Panama City, Florida. This spring,we were in the US for five weeks. Traveling up and down the East Coast was an eventful time, and we bounced from Georgia to Virginia to Massachusetts, Vermont and New York State. Throughout the region, we've talked with a lot of people. When they ask where we're from and we say "Panama," there's no more confusion. Not one single person during this trip has tried to place us in …
Countries with the Highest Quality of Life in 2014
Where in this big, glorious world can you find the countries with the highest quality of life? There's no single answer to that question. Mark Twain famously said, "There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics." Keep that in mind when you're reviewing "best of" and "worst of" rankings. Several organizations produce a list every year of the best and worst countries or cities for quality of life. But what makes one place enjoyable for you might make it torture for someone …
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Portable Careers, Black Friday Sales and Personal Values
A portable career is more than work, it's a lifestyle you create for yourself that earns you money and supports your values. I'd like to talk with you for a minute about the values part of that equation and a decision I've just made. After the financial meltdown in the US I returned to freelancing, and started to put together the pieces of a freelance business. Because I planned to become an expat, I needed something I could take with me anywhere in the world. This website is one component …
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How to Watch Your Favorite US TV Shows from Anywhere in the World
From the archives. . . It's not a VPN (virtual private network), but it lets you watch US TV shows on your computer, TV, tablet, phone or game device. It's perfect for expats and travelers who want to keep up with favorite shows, sports and other entertainment from "home." It's called UnoTelly. After I wrote about VPNs a while back, a UnoTelly rep approached me with some information about their product and offered me a free trial account to test it out. I was skeptical. Honestly, I'm not …
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Mark Your Calendar…Check It Twice! The Taxman is Coming
Guest Post from expat CPA Diane Siriani The US tax laws for expats are complex and it does not appear that things are going to get easier any time soon. Since we get so many questions regarding what is due when, we thought that this reference chart might be helpful to those of you who are interested in being on time, every time. April 15: 1st “on time” payment date for prior year return 1st Quarter Estimated Tax Due June 15: Automatic Extension Due Date-Form 1040 with …
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My First Year Living in Panama
I moved to Panama as an expat one year ago. On March 13, 2012, I landed -- along with my mini-mountain of luggage -- at Tocumen International Airport in Panama City. My first few days here were pretty stressful. I'd flown down by myself to find us a place to live. My husband and the dogs would follow once I'd accomplished that mission. I had no definite plans. I'd reserved a room at the Centrum Tower Hotel in Panama City for the first night, but everything after that was a …