The Most Popular Articles Of 2024 From Expat Money

As 2024 comes to an end, it’s time to reflect on the year’s most memorable moments. At Expat Money, we’re constantly striving to bring the best in information, strategies, and opportunities to those who want to live, invest, and thrive globally. This year, month by month, we’ve selected our most popular articles based on their engagement and the impact they’ve had on our community.

In this article, we’ve rounded up the highlights of the past 12 months, celebrating the content that helped our readers make informed decisions and achieve their goals. Get ready to journey through the ideas and stories that define this year, and get inspired for what’s to come. Let’s remember it together!

Global Safe Havens: Top Destinations To Consider In The Event Of A Nuclear Crisis

JANUARY - GLOBAL SAFE HAVENS: TOP DESTINATIONS TO CONSIDER IN THE EVENT OF A NUCLEAR CRISIS

It’s not the kind of topic that usually comes up over coffee or at a casual gathering, but with rising global tensions, the question of where to go in the event of a nuclear holocaust feels more relevant than ever. We’ve all seen the dystopian films and read the chilling tales of life after an atomic disaster—but this isn’t just the stuff of fiction anymore.

In this article, we’re venturing into uncharted territory, examining how today’s nuclear realities could shape tomorrow’s safe havens. We explore the historical weight of these devastating weapons and their enduring impact on the collective human psyche. Read now.

Why Highly Paid Professionals Need A Second Residency In 2024

FEBRUARY - WHY HIGHLY PAID PROFESSIONALS NEED A SECOND RESIDENCY IN 2024

Professionals like doctors, lawyers, and dentists often face career risks, including lawsuits that domestic protections like LLCs, trusts, or foundations may not fully cover. For instance, 59.3% of general surgeons have encountered lawsuits during their careers, highlighting the vulnerabilities of high-stakes professions.

The potential financial devastation of a lawsuit is daunting, and relying solely on domestic safeguards is no longer enough. However, there’s a proactive solution: acquiring a second residency. This strategy not only shields your wealth from legal risks but also enhances privacy and offers a secure path for protecting your financial future.

In this article, we explore how a second residency can help licensed professionals safeguard their assets while supporting their career, financial, and lifestyle aspirations. Read now.

Exploring The 6 Hottest Expat Destinations Of 2024

MARCH - EXPLORING THE 6 HOTTEST EXPAT DESTINATIONS OF 2024

Looking back at 2024, certain destinations stood out as prime choices for expats, offering cultural richness, economic stability, and an enhanced quality of life. These locations attracted individuals seeking career growth, lifestyle improvements, and the thrill of adventure.

Living abroad was more than just a change of location—it became a gateway to personal growth, cultural immersion, and professional advancement. Expats discovered a strong sense of community and an enriched quality of life in these destinations, creating lasting connections and unique experiences. Read now.

What Do Governments See When They Scan Your Passport?

APRIL - WHAT DO GOVERNMENTS SEE WHEN THEY SCAN YOUR PASSPORT?

Frequent readers of Expat Money know the importance of second passports in a solid Plan-B strategy. But have you ever stopped to think about what governments see when they scan your passport at the border?

Each scan of your passport’s embedded chip transmits key information to immigration authorities, verifying your identity and ensuring security. Beyond your photo and date of birth, this process involves sharing specific data that can significantly impact your travel experience.

In this article, we dive into the details of what information is shared, why it matters, and how it influences your journey. Read now.

Is Atlas Shrugging? Why The Wealthy Are Leaving The USA

MAY - IS ATLAS SHRUGGING? WHY THE WEALTHY ARE LEAVING THE USA

Inspired by Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged, a growing number of America's wealthiest citizens are opting to leave the United States, rejecting overregulation, high taxation, and political instability in search of freedom and opportunity abroad. This trend reflects a broader shift in global economic dynamics, highlighting the urgent need for policy reform in the U.S.

In this article, we dive into the patterns of millionaire migration, uncovering valuable insights into global economic conditions and the appeal of various regions. Read now.

Socialism Persists In Mexico: How Concerning Is Claudia Sheinbaum's Victory For Expats?

JUNE - SOCIALISM PERSISTS IN MEXICO: HOW CONCERNING IS CLAUDIA SHEINBAUM'S VICTORY FOR EXPATS?

Mexico has long been a beloved destination for expats, but will it retain its appeal under newly elected socialist president Claudia Sheinbaum?

Sheinbaum, a member of the Morena party—established in 2011 by her predecessor Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO)—represents a left-wing social democratic platform. Understandably, this may raise concerns for expats and investors wary of socialism and its potential impacts. It’s no secret that I view socialism in any form with deep skepticism, and you may be questioning whether Mexico remains a viable choice for starting a new life abroad.

In this article, we explore Sheinbaum’s background, her proposed policies, how her approach aligns or diverges from AMLO’s, and, most importantly, what her leadership might mean for expats considering Mexico as their home. Read now.

Live Tax-Free Abroad: The Best 9 Countries For Expats With Territorial Tax Systems

JULY - LIVE TAX-FREE ABROAD: THE BEST 9 COUNTRIES FOR EXPATS WITH TERRITORIAL TAX SYSTEMS

You don’t need to move to costly destinations like Monaco or the UAE to enjoy zero income taxes. Many affordable countries offer a unique tax advantage: territorial taxation. This system allows residents to keep all their foreign-earned income tax-free, combining low living costs with significant tax savings.

In this article, we explore 9 top countries with territorial taxation, where you can pay zero tax on foreign income while enjoying the freedom to use your money as you choose. Read now.

How And Why Americans Should Secure A Backup Passport

AUGUST - HOW AND WHY AMERICANS SHOULD SECURE A BACKUP PASSPORT

Accidents like damaging your passport can disrupt your travel plans, as replacing it often involves delays. However, Americans have the right to acquire a backup U.S. passport, providing peace of mind and uninterrupted mobility.

In this article, we explain how to obtain a backup passport, ensuring you're prepared for unexpected situations like loss or damage or navigating entry restrictions between certain countries. Read now.

Citizenship By Exception: A Unique Route To A Second Passport

SEPTEMBER - CITIZENSHIP BY EXCEPTION: A UNIQUE ROUTE TO A SECOND PASSPORT

Citizenship by exception offers an extraordinary way to obtain a second passport without the traditional residency or waiting periods. This pathway grants citizenship based on exceptional circumstances, such as notable achievements or humanitarian contributions, providing benefits like favourable tax regimes and a higher quality of life in politically stable and welcoming countries.

In this article, we explore the concept of citizenship by exception, outline various programs in South America and Europe, and discuss how this approach can be a strategic addition to your global citizenship plan. If you’re seeking exceptional routes to a second passport, this guide will help you evaluate your options and make informed decisions. Read now.

Living In El Salvador: Pros And Cons You Need To Know

OCTOBER - LIVING IN EL SALVADOR: PROS AND CONS YOU NEED TO KNOW

President Nayib Bukele has gained global attention for his crackdown on organized crime, significantly improving safety in El Salvador despite criticism from some Human Rights NGOs. While Bukele’s efforts have made strides in reducing extortion and other crimes, the country remains far from an ideal expat destination.

In this article, we condense the insights from a recent podcast episode, examining the progress, challenges, and realities of living in El Salvador to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you. Read now.

Trump's Win: What It Means For Your Offshore Plans

NOVEMBER - TRUMP'S WIN: WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOUR OFFSHORE PLANS

Donald Trump’s decisive win over Kamala Harris has sparked excitement about his promises, including eliminating double taxation on American expats and cutting regulations. Libertarian-leaning voters are particularly intrigued by Elon Musk’s expected role in leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), with speculation that Ron Paul might join as an advisor.

While these developments are promising, cautious optimism is key. The stock market’s positive response reflects confidence in Trump’s potential economic measures, but America’s deep-rooted issues—federal debt and unfunded liabilities—require more than quick fixes.

This article explores Trump’s win, his economic proposals, and why securing an offshore Plan-B remains crucial for safeguarding your future. Read now.

Is Argentina One Of The Safest Latin American Countries?

DECEMBER - IS ARGENTINA ONE OF THE SAFEST LATIN AMERICAN COUNTRIES?

Safety is a key concern for travellers and expats, and while Latin America is often criticized for its security issues, Argentina challenges this perception. With its European heritage, natural beauty, and improved safety reputation under President Javier Milei’s zero-tolerance policy toward crime, the country has become an appealing option.

As Milei approaches one year in office, this article examines whether his leadership has made Argentina safer and explores its potential as a viable Plan-B destination. Read now.

CONCLUSION

2024 has been an incredible year of exploration, discovery, and insights at Expat Money. From examining the safest havens in a turbulent world to uncovering unique paths to second passports and diving deep into emerging expat destinations, we’ve covered a range of topics to help our community live, invest, and thrive globally.

The articles we’ve highlighted reflect the evolving challenges and opportunities for expats and like-minded individuals. Whether it’s analyzing policy changes, evaluating new destinations, or providing strategies for financial and personal freedom, our goal has always been to equip you with the tools and knowledge to make informed decisions.

As we move into 2025, we remain committed to bringing you the best strategies and opportunities to enhance your global lifestyle. Here’s to another year of growth, adventure, and making your Plan-B a reality.