What does it take to pack up your family and start a new life abroad?In this episode, Vanessa Rosenblum interviews Guillermo Salas about his bold move from the U.S. to Spain. Guillermo shares the motivations behind his family’s relocation, their transition from a small coastal town to vibrant Madrid, and how he built a successful remote real estate business while coaching others to do the same.We discuss:1. Why cultural immersion and language learning drove their move2. The mindset shift required to transition from a local business to a remote model3. How living in Spain improved their family’s quality of life4. Tips for earning in a strong currency while living in a lower-cost country5. The importance of taking action to make your dream life a realityIf you’ve been dreaming about expat life, moving to Spain, remote work, entrepreneurship, and lifestyle design, this conversation will inspire you to take the next step.About Guillermo SalasGuillermo Salas is the founder of the Guillermo Salas Team, which has served over 1,500 clients and closed more than $450M+ in real estate transactions in its history. Guillermo is also a partner of GameChangers at eXp Realty and leads a group at eXp responsible for an average of $250M in sales per year. At one point, Guillermo owned 7 brokerage offices, helping hundreds of agents grow and scale their businesses. In addition, Guillermo is a certified life and business coach and a former corporate attorney. Guillermo has been living in Spain the last four years, where he has been successfully been running and growing his various businesses from abroad. His mission now is to help other real estate agents achieve financial freedom, time freedom and location freedom.Contact Guillermo: http://bit.ly/45i7xRx

About Solena Global LivingSolena Global Living helps international buyers find their place in the world by connecting them with trusted, English-speaking real estate experts across Europe and beyond. Whether you’re dreaming of a second home, investing abroad, or planning a full relocation, we offer personalized guidance and insider insights to make your move seamless. Through our curated referral network and the Solena Global Living Podcast, we bring you real stories, expert advice, and the resources you need to live—and invest—with confidence.Timestamps:00:00 The Journey to Spain: A New Beginning04:41 Life in Madrid: Embracing the Culture08:36 Transitioning Careers: From Local to Global13:10 Creating a Life Abroad: Finding Work and Passion18:34 Taking Action: The Key to Making Dreams a Reality

Dreaming of life on Spain’s most breathtaking coastline? In this episode of the Solena Global Living Podcast, Vanessa sits down with local real estate expert Warwick to explore what makes the Costa Brava a hidden gem for international buyers. From charming medieval villages to Michelin-starred meals and a wide variety of housing options, discover why this rugged, radiant slice of Catalonia could be your perfect next move.Your Property Search:Searching for property on the Costa Brava? Contact Warwick: https://bit.ly/contact-warwickLooking for an English-speaking Real Estate Expert somewhere else? Contact Vanessa: https://bit.ly/contact-solena-livingRental Search Services in Spain: https://bit.ly/rent-in-spain-referralAbout Solena Global LivingSolena Global Living helps international buyers find their place in the world by connecting them with trusted, English-speaking real estate experts across Europe and beyond. Whether you’re dreaming of a second home, investing abroad, or planning a full relocation, we offer personalized guidance and insider insights to make your move seamless. Through our curated referral network and the Solena Global Living Podcast, we bring you real stories, expert advice, and the resources you need to live—and invest—with confidence.Chapters:00:00 Discovering Costa Brava: A Love Story04:09 Hidden Gems: The Interior Towns of Costa Brava07:05 A Perfect Day: Food, Family, and Fun10:17 Community and Connection: Settling in Costa Brava13:02 The Allure of Four Seasons: Beyond Summer16:06 Living in Catalonia: Culture and Integration19:14 Cost of Living: Real Estate Insights22:04 Quality of Life: A Democratic Lifestyle25:03 Final Thoughts: Why Costa Brava is Unique

Thinking about buying property in Spain but not sure how mortgages work as a foreigner or non-resident? In this episode of the Solena Global Living Podcast, host Vanessa Rosenblum sits down with Martine Newman from Mortgage Direct to break down everything you need to know about getting a mortgage in Spain when your income is earned outside the country.Whether you're retiring, relocating, or investing, this episode will help you understand how Spanish banks view foreign buyers, how debt-to-income ratios are calculated, and what kind of down payment and documents you’ll need. We also explore closing costs, interest rates, and why building the right team of experts is critical to a smooth transaction.👉 Want to get pre-qualified for a mortgage in Spain?Start here: https://bit.ly/solenagloballiving👉 Need help finding a vetted, English-speaking real estate agent in Spain?Fill out our Buyer Questionnaire: https://bit.ly/solena-expert🎧 Episode Highlights:– How Spanish mortgages differ from U.S. loans– What banks look for when approving non-resident buyers– How your age affects loan terms– Required documents and common surprises– Tips for building your property purchase “dream team”⏱️ Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Mortgages in Spain03:24 Understanding Mortgage Products and Structures06:08 Unique Criteria for Foreign Buyers08:53 Debt-to-Income Ratios and Financial Assessment11:38 Down Payments and Property Value Considerations14:01 Interest Rates and Long-Term Costs17:00 The Importance of a Team in the Buying Process19:29 Navigating the Mortgage Application Process22:16 Closing Costs and Additional Fees25:07 Final Thoughts on Buying Property in Spain35:13 Introduction to Real Estate in Spain35:42 Building Your Team of Experts💬 Got questions about financing or buying abroad? Drop them in the comments!#SpainRealEstate #BuyingInSpain #SpanishMortgage #LiveAbroad #SolenaGlobalLiving #ExpatLife #MortgageDirect #InternationalRealEstate

What happens when you spend three weeks traveling through Spain with a group of strangers, touring property, talking to locals, and trying to answer the big question: Could I really move abroad?

In this episode of the Solena Global Living Podcast, host Vanessa Rosenblum sits down with Thays Morgan, a savvy traveler and curious real estate investor who joined our scouting trip across Southern Spain.

Thays didn’t come with the expectation that she would find her forever home—she came to explore and to see if Spain was the right country for her.

Tune in as we unpack:

- The cultural surprises that made Spain feel safe, warm, and inviting

- Why Thays fell in love with the idea of “living smaller” and entertaining outside

- The importance of connectivity and walkability when choosing a location abroad

- How scouting trips can shape your strategy—even if you’re not ready to buy

Whether you're dreaming of a move abroad, planning a property scouting trip, or simply curious about international lifestyles, this episode is packed with real insights you won’t want to miss.

📌 Resources Mentioned in the Episode:1) Learn about upcoming scouting trips: https://expatsi.com/scouting-trip/2)

Moving to Spain Resources:

- Relocation Packages - https://movingtospain.com/services/planning-packages/?aff=9baf6b2e-

Immigration assistance - https://movingtospain.com/services/spain-immigration-lawyer/?aff=9baf6b2e-

Tax Advice - https://movingtospain.com/services/tax-advice-spain/?aff=9baf6b2e-

Foreign Exchange brokers - https://movingtospain.com/services/foreign-exchange/?aff=9baf6b2e-

Health Insurance - https://movingtospain.com/services/foreign-exchange/?aff=9baf6b2e

* I may earn a small commission from some links in this post. I only recommend trusted, vetted resources.

Book a Free 15-min Strategy Call with Vanessa from Solena Global Living: https://bit.ly/strategy-spain-15-call

Chapters

00:00 Returning Home: Reflections on Travel

03:53 The Journey to Financial Independence

08:14 Exploring Spain: Expectations vs. Reality

14:35 Cultural Insights: Community and Safety in Spain

19:49 Real Estate Realities: Hot Takes on Properties

20:56 Adapting to a New Lifestyle: Laundry and Living Spaces

21:40 Living Like a Local in Spain

23:17 Understanding Property Investment Dynamics

24:57 The Benefits of Low Property Taxes

27:31 Financing and Carrying Costs in Spain

28:28 Navigating the Real Estate Process

31:05 The Importance of Representation in Real Estate

34:05 Tax Implications of Moving to Spain

37:53 Future Plans and Reflections on the Journey

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more real stories and real estate tips about life abroad.

#LiveAbroad #MovingToSpain #SpainRealEstate #SolenaGlobalLiving #ExpatLife #ScoutingTrip #RealEstateInvesting #expatsi

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 55

What 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/JeannieDilger

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Immigration/Visa: https://movingtospain.com/services/spain-immigration-lawyer/?aff=9baf6b2e

Tax Advice: https://movingtospain.com/services/tax-advice-spain/?aff=9baf6b2e

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

Ready to explore your own Spanish adventure?

MEET WITH ME (FREE 15-MINUTE CALL)

Schedule a Zoom meeting: https://bit.ly/strategy-spain-15-call

Follow Solena Global Living for more inspiring expat stories:

YouTube: @solenagloballiving

Instagram: @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

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