In this episode of the Solena Global Living Podcast, I talk with Ann Reed, an American retiree who joined me on a three-week scouting trip through Spain.

Like many who dream of moving abroad, Ann came searching for clarity—could she really move her life to Spain? While the trip answered many questions about where to live and what kind of lifestyle she wanted, it also surfaced something she didn’t expect: the complex financial and tax implications of retiring in Spain.

From Spain’s wealth tax to residency rules that impact American retirees, Ann shares what she wishes she had known before booking the trip.

Whether you're retired, semi-retired, or just financially planning your move abroad, this episode will help you:

- Understand Spain’s wealth tax and who it affects

- Learn why tax and financial planning should start before your scouting trip

Hear the honest reflections of someone who fell in love with Spain—but now has serious questions about whether she can afford to live there long-term.

📌 Thinking about moving to Spain? Don’t overlook the financial side. Here are some important resources to explore before your move:

1. Finance and tax advising: https://movingtospain.com/services/tax-advice-spain/?aff=9baf6b2e

2. Immigration and visa options: https://movingtospain.com/services/spain-immigration-lawyer/?aff=9baf6b2e

3. Rental Search: https://movingtospain.com/housing-resources/?_housing_resources_services=rental-search/?aff=9baf6b2e

Meet with Me: https://bit.ly/strategy-spain-15-call

I offer a free 15-minute strategy call to help you define your next step and introduce you to the team of experts best qualified to help you navigate your move abroad.

Discover Expatsi: https://expatsi.com/expat-shop/spain-scouting-trips/

👉 Subscribe for more real stories, expert interviews, and relocation advice to help you live your dream abroad—with clarity and confidence.

Note: this post contains affiliate links to services I recommend with confidence.

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

Note: This post contains affiliate links

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