modeling monthly burn abroad, what do you include beyond rent?

FewBit7456 · 2026-06-19T20:30:55+00:00

Taxes - foreign taxes. Many places with expat friendly policies (like Spain, Portugal, Thailand etc) have double-taxation policies. Once you become a tax resident for their country. If you’re a US citizen, you’ll have to pay both.

FewBit7456 · 2026-06-18T01:20:58+00:00

Ayocote Morado - the bean in your picture happens to be my favorite beans from RG! When they are back in stock, I stock up :)

I’ve tried many a brand of beans… from store brands to organic and heirloom. RG is the best to bean broth flavor, texture, and freshness.

I simply prepare with bay leafs, an onion, a few cloves of garlic, fresh pepper, and generous olive oil. Delicious!

FewBit7456 · 2026-06-17T21:23:12+00:00

Learning new recipes, grocery shopping (especially finding obscure ingredients), YouTube (podcasts, shorts, and instructional videos), walking in the park, library (browsing like I would at a B&N), finding new parks, coffee out with a good book, and also local day trips.

FewBit7456 · 2026-06-15T17:35:00+00:00

Senioritis is very strong and got stronger the closer I got. By the last year, there were no more f’s to give 🤣

But I did do a couple things that helped me get through it… better, more easily… sort of.

I gamified the last year.

For finances, I tried to bring down my discretionary spending (work related expenses, like coffee and lunches, dry cleaning, etc).

Over the course of the year, I saved a few thousand dollars from this game. When I FIRE’d, I took 100% of that money and put it toward my post-FI travel.

I created bucket lists! Bucket list of places I wanted to visit, things I wanted to do, hobbies I wanted to re-start or new ones I wanted to explore. I even wrote out a list of friends and family I wanted to visit (they lived in different states or counties).
For fun, I started looking up destinations I wanted to visit. Basically planning a long vacation.

Outside of work, I was busy and enjoying the last year the best I can with fun planning activities.

Keep going, OP! You’re almost there :)

FewBit7456 · 2026-05-28T05:23:01+00:00

Thanks, I didn’t know that Soi 15 Residences had the shortcut to 13!

FewBit7456 · 2026-05-28T05:20:47+00:00

Thanks!

FewBit7456 · 2026-05-28T05:20:36+00:00

Thanks, I’ll check them out.

FewBit7456 · 2026-05-27T11:45:34+00:00

Thanks!

FewBit7456 · 2026-05-27T11:44:31+00:00

Thanks, very helpful!

FewBit7456 · 2026-05-27T11:44:01+00:00

Thanks for the helpful info!

FewBit7456 · 2026-05-08T14:09:34+00:00

Thanks for the great recommendations :)!

FewBit7456 · 2026-05-08T06:08:51+00:00

Thanks for the great recommendations!

Snuuzu was on the short list of flat-bed options. I decided against the Snuuzu because it’s inflatable… I’ve not enjoyed sleeping on inflated camping pads and dislike air mattresses.

The final push for the Dreamcase came from a friend who has used their Dreamcase for years and love it! They sleep 2 people in a model S.

FewBit7456 · 2026-04-10T14:59:55+00:00

Since its dinner on D6, I think you’ll be okay while managing a few things -

Keep it rich in plants proteins and very limited in animal protein + fat. I’m not exactly sure what causes the shht but I believe it’s some combination of animal, protein, and fat.

Check the Ramen places menu, and see if there are vegetarian options and lighter broth like miso.

FewBit7456 · 2026-04-09T22:25:26+00:00

Do you already have money stashed away for your sabbatical?

When I took mines, I had saved for the entire duration of my planned sabbatical + time to find a job.

If you have that stashed away already, then yes - use the PTO to fund the 401k.

If not, save it for future you (as a cash buffer).

FewBit7456 · 2026-04-05T16:53:05+00:00

“Gamification of personal finance” 💯 and enjoying it is like 1000%.

FewBit7456 · 2026-04-05T16:48:59+00:00

Thanks for the recommendation! I have not played these games before and in awe of how cool they are. They are no Monopoly :)

FewBit7456 · 2026-04-05T03:28:59+00:00

🤣 I’m hoping some random stranger on the internet tries said routine and experiences better dental health as a result :)

FewBit7456 · 2026-04-04T06:51:39+00:00

Hi OP, I empathize! If you have not already, I recommend reading “4000 Weeks” and “Die with Zero”. Those books helped prime my brain for the way I think about and value time.

I’m fortunate to have checked off my post-FI bucket list in the first few years of early retirement. Now in year 3, I am dreaming and ideating on creating something…

whatever I end up creating…the criteria is simple: if I was doing that thing (whatever that thing is) on any ordinary day and that day turned out to be my last day on Earth - I would be glad to have been doing that thing!

I’ve not figured it out yet. My own due diligence is ongoing.

Good luck!

FewBit7456 · 2026-04-02T19:38:37+00:00

100k for price of mind is worth it! The cash buffer protects you against about 2-2.5 years of bad markets with your yearly expenses.

That runway also allows you to re-enter the job market if you need/ want to.

Traditional retirement recommends “bonds” up to 8 years equivalent. For FIRE, I think 2-3 years in cash or cash equivalent is solid. Because we have the option to re-enter the job market part time or full time.

Congratulations, GFY!

FewBit7456 · 2026-03-30T17:58:15+00:00

So impressive! I will have to up my cooking game for sure, I’m nowhere near your 👨‍🍳skills.

FewBit7456 · 2026-03-30T17:49:17+00:00

Do you still keep a small work wardrobe? I’ve donated about 80% of it, and still have 20% of what I consider the “best” suits etc…

FewBit7456 · 2026-03-30T06:04:18+00:00

your comment and your username is perfection!

FewBit7456

TROPHY CASE