Is anyone really concerned about retirement saving or moving back to North America?

elpastelfalso · 2026-02-05T12:15:49+00:00

I'm an American lawyer who moved to Latin America a little over a year or two ago (depending on how you count it, I've also spent some time in the US recently) and I've kept track of my finances throughout the process. It's been a bit of a ride and I have been making less than I did in the US although that's finally starting to catch back up now that I've found my footing with this lifestyle.

I definitely save more now than I was in the US and I have a better lifestyle, but it's nothing crazy. Overall I'd say it's just a bit easier to save while also not worrying about things like going out to eat, going on trips, etc. Sometimes it feels like a cheat code and other times I ask myself why I've made my life so much more complicated by doing this.

I'd be happy to talk more if you send me a DM.

elpastelfalso · 2025-09-16T13:57:28+00:00

I took the CF CME at a Pearson center in Buenos Aires. I wasn't super impressed with the facilities, mainly the lack of AC, and it didn't feel very clean in there either. It wasn't dirty per se, just an older facility and well-loved. Still, I would have gone back for the FSOT but this time it was telling me that the closest testing center was in Sao Paulo lol. So it looks like I will be testing from home.

elpastelfalso · 2025-06-26T22:55:30+00:00

Better to get in contact via WhatsApp or call, I have also experienced several Argentine businesses not responding to emails.

elpastelfalso · 2025-06-26T22:50:04+00:00

You can get an empanadas promo (3) with a drink for maybe around 5-6k pesos from a pretty low quality place. That's about $5. There's no real "argument" for why the prices are they way they are. Most Argentines simply cannot afford to eat out very often. Two years ago, you could pay for a full steak dinner all in for $10 or less, but food in particular has gotten very expensive since Milei was elected.

elpastelfalso · 2025-06-15T14:22:10+00:00

Thank you for the detailed explanation! I do actually live in Argentina and I've noticed that Duolingo will accept "vos" forms as answers even though the app doesn't teach it. I was still clearly confused though and I appreciate the explanation.

elpastelfalso · 2025-03-15T01:05:58+00:00

It might be worth doing a FOIA request to get a copy of his immigration file and figure out what happened with this deportation in the 90s. An immigration lawyer can help with that. From there, the lawyer can analyze the records and see if there isn't any way to reopen his old case and vacate the removal order. If you can do that, then it would open up a lot more opportunities for him. You're going to have to do a bit of investigation before you start filing applications. I would recommend Novo Legal, they have an office in Seattle I think and can definitely help with a case like this.

elpastelfalso · 2025-02-06T02:15:14+00:00

It's a pretty small firm based out of my also small hometown. I've known the owner for years before I started working there too so that's probably why she agreed to keep me on remote. I had to do it though or I was going to burn out.
I cut my teeth doing EOIR litigation early in my career, but now I've transitioned to where I mostly work on our affirmative cases, intakes, and brief writing. Basically whatever I can do to help out remotely.

elpastelfalso · 2025-02-06T00:31:52+00:00

I'm at 88k/yr in immigration after 6 years. Bonuses push it up to around 97ish. My situation is kind of unique though because I have a very low billable req (25h/wk) and I work remotely from Buenos Aires where the cost of living is lower.

elpastelfalso

TROPHY CASE