Every year brings new lessons, opportunities, and milestones worth revisiting. As 2025 comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the content that resonated most with our audience. At Expat Money, our focus has always been on providing trusted insights, actionable strategies, and global opportunities for those looking to live, invest, and prosper internationally. Month by month, we’ve selected our most engaging articles based on reader response and their impact within our community.
This article brings together the standout highlights from the past months, showcasing the ideas and stories that helped our readers make confident decisions and move forward with their goals. Take a walk through the moments that defined the year, and find inspiration for what’s ahead. Let’s revisit 2025 together.
What would you do if tensions between world powers escalated to nuclear conflict? With the ongoing crises in the Middle East and Ukraine, many people are wondering how close we are to nuclear war.
That’s why, at this past October’s Expat Money Summit, I hosted a VIP panel with geopolitical experts to discuss whether the increasing risk of World War III is simply fearmongering or a genuine concern. Our conclusion? Things could escalate quickly, and staying out of harm’s way would be a good choice.
Princeton University recently released a simulation that depicts the potential escalation of a nuclear conflict—showing which countries would be affected and estimating millions of casualties.
I’m fully antiwar and hope none of this unfolds, but you’ll want to be pragmatic and avoid areas of conflict. My mission is to help action-oriented individuals secure a peaceful, prepared life abroad.
In this article, we’ll discuss rising tensions, whether they may cool down, and why you still want to have personal agency to protect yourself and your family.
The Fall Of The Canadian Dollar And How To Protect Your Wealth
As a Canadian, I have repeatedly warned about the structural problems of the Canadian dollar (CAD). Unfortunately, recent events have only confirmed these concerns. The Canadian dollar continues to lose value, and no concrete signs of recovery are on the horizon. Many Canadians insist on waiting for the CAD to rise before making financial decisions. However, what in the past thirteen years has indicated that the CAD will appreciate? Truthfully, nothing.
I have recently received countless messages from Canadians worried about the CAD dropping to a five-year low following Donald Trump’s announcement of a 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico. Although this potential measure has been paused for a month, the damage has been done. This event is just another reflection of the fragility of the Canadian economy and the lack of prospects for sustainable growth.
This decline is not just a temporary market fluctuation but a consequence of more profound structural failures. Canada’s reliance on central bank interventions, government deficit spending, and an inflationary monetary policy has led to a situation where real economic fundamentals are ignored in favour of short-term political gains. A currency's strength should be based on actual savings, productivity, and economic freedom—not artificial stimulus and government interventions that erode long-term stability.
This article will examine the Canadian economy, the potential impact of U.S. tariffs, and what my clients are doing to protect their wealth.
The most expensive European cities, like London and Paris, are no longer beacons of opportunity. They have become challenging places to live. Living costs, particularly housing, have skyrocketed, leaving many residents questioning whether better options exist elsewhere. In northern cities, harsh weather adds to the challenges, and the high expenses make living increasingly difficult.
In this article, we’ll break down the downsides of living in any of Europe's seven most expensive cities and, most importantly, where you can go instead to enjoy a better quality of life.
Canada Is A Tax Prison Disguised As A Democracy
I was born and raised in Canada. I know the stories we’re told: that the country stands for opportunity, fairness, and freedom. That it’s the best country in the world. Unfortunately, it’s not true. After travelling to over 100 countries and building a life for my family in Panama, where we enjoy real privacy, entrepreneurial freedom, and control over our future, I’ve seen just how far Canada has fallen.
If you’re still inside the Canadian system trying to build something meaningful, you need to hear this: Canada has declared war on prosperity. It’s no longer a land of opportunity. It’s a bureaucratic machine that punishes productivity, vilifies success, and taxes ambition into extinction.
In this article, we’ll look at what’s happening in Canada, from the capital gains crackdown to wealth destruction policies. I’ll show you where the numbers prove the system is collapsing, why this is about control, not fairness, and most importantly, how you can build your Plan-B before it’s too late.
Switzerland is famous for its breathtaking Alps, pristine lakes, world-class banking, and absurdly high prices. If you’ve ever set foot in Zurich or Geneva, you’ll understand precisely what I mean. A simple lunch can set you back $50 USD, rent feels like extortion, and even the most basic services are a small fortune.
Why is Switzerland so expensive? Some blame high wages. Others point to strong consumer protections. However, if you dig deeper, you’ll see the real reason: Switzerland isn’t simply an expensive country—it’s an intentionally exclusive one. We’ll explore what that means in this article.
Canada is often portrayed as a land of freedom, opportunity, and prosperity. Reality, however, tells a different story. Statist policies, crushing taxes, bloated bureaucracy, and a society overtaken by woke ideology have shattered Canada. This is a cautionary tale for those looking at Canada as an ideal living space. If you are asking yourself what living in Canada is like, let me explain: Canada is not a land of fulfilled dreams but of enduring harsh conditions and barely getting by.
As if economic hardships aren’t enough, Canadians are also oppressed by the Orwellian newspeak that woke culture is creating. If you speak your mind, you’re labelled a fascist. If you question social policies, you’re accused of microaggressions.
There are no best places to live in Canada anymore. As a Canadian, I see little chance of Canada becoming livable again. Since I founded Expat Money in 2017, I have been helping expats build their Plan-Bs to protect their wealth and freedom and leave countries like this one.
Brazil is a country of extraordinary potential, but as an expat, your quality of life depends entirely on where you choose to settle. With its breathtaking natural beauty, affordable cost of living, and famously warm culture, Brazil can offer an enviable lifestyle—if you select your location wisely. However, infrastructure, healthcare standards, safety, and overall quality of life vary dramatically from one city to another.
Having lived extensively in Florianópolis, I've experienced firsthand how this island city exemplifies Brazil's best qualities - combining safety, natural beauty, and modern conveniences in a way few other Brazilian destinations can match. My time there reinforced a crucial lesson: with careful selection, life in Brazil can be exceptional.
That's why I created this ranking of Brazil's five best cities for expats based on concrete factors that determine quality of life, such as safety, infrastructure, cost of living, and healthcare system.
Whether you're visiting the country, looking for a hub as a digital nomad, or making a move to call Brazil your home, these places deserve your consideration.
Argentina Launches Citizenship By Investment Program
Argentina is taking a bold leap forward—on multiple fronts. On July 31st, 2025, the administration of President Javier Milei officially enacted its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program through Decree 524/2025, offering foreign investors a new, lawful path to Argentine citizenship through qualifying economic contributions.
But that’s not all. In parallel, Argentina has formally submitted its application to rejoin the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP)—a process that, if successful, would allow Argentine passport holders to enter the U.S. visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism or business.
This dual-track strategy is not a coincidence. It’s a deliberate, well-executed plan to position Argentina as a trusted global partner, a magnet for investment, and a leader in secure, rules-based international mobility.
In this article, we’ll break down exactly what the decree says, how the citizenship process will work, the role of Argentina’s new immigration agency, and what this means for investors and expats.
Panama is my home. I’ve been living here for over five years, and every day I feel grateful for the decision to settle down in this country. It has been the perfect place to see both my family and my business grow.
What makes Panama so appealing is easy to understand. International investors and globally minded individuals value its many advantages: a stable, dollarized economy, a strong international banking sector, a privileged geographic location, a favourable territorial tax system, and, of course, the world-famous Panama Canal, which handles about 5% of global maritime trade. Thanks to these qualities, Panama has become one of the top destinations for expats seeking a balance of modern urban living, tropical beauty, and strategic economic opportunities.
If you’re considering your Plan-B, you’re probably asking yourself: What does it actually cost to live in Panama? This article answers that question with the latest 2025 data. You’ll find the average prices for housing, groceries, utilities, healthcare, and education — a clear picture of day-to-day life here. Let’s dive in.
Panama Enacts Major Upgrade To The Qualified Investor Visa
Panama has once again proven why it remains one of the most strategic and forward-thinking destinations for investors seeking freedom, flexibility, and long-term security. I have just received word this week that Panama's National Assembly has officially approved Law No. 493 of 2025 (formerly Bill No. 299), a new law that strengthens the Qualified Investor Visa (QIV) program. The bill has passed all three legislative stages and has now been signed into law by President José Raúl Mulino on October 28, 2025, making it officially in force.
Introduced in August 2025 by Deputy Pedro Quijano, the law is designed to reward foreign investors who have contributed significantly to Panama’s economy and reaffirms the country’s status as one of the most attractive Plan-B destinations in the world.
Clients of mine and those in our membership programs heard about this back in August when I first got word of it from a trusted source. Now that it has cleared the National Assembly and been promulgated, what was once a proposal has now become reality — and this one is a game-changer for those seeking or who already have Panama's Qualified Investor Visa — hands-down the best visa in the region.
In this article, we will explore what Law No. 493 contains, discuss the new special Panamanian passport that accompanies it, and explain why now is the time to act before the investment threshold potentially rises in October 2026.
Income tax is one of the most brutal tools of the state. It was invented in England during the Napoleonic Wars as a "temporary" war levy. Abolished after the war, it was quickly revived whenever rulers sought to increase revenue. By World War II, the mask was off: Britain’s top rate hit 99%, and the United States increased the rate to 94%.
Politicians always promise relief, but like sharks that have tasted blood, they never stop circling. Marginal rates eased somewhat toward the end of the disastrous socialist 20th century, yet every crisis becomes their excuse to seize more of your hard-earned money.
Geopolitical power struggles are intensifying once again, dragging countries into fearsome conflict. History shows us that in a possible World War III, income taxes will rise to confiscate your entire wealth.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the 10 countries with the highest marginal income tax rates and urge you to defend yourself against this disgraceful madness. I calculated the highest statutory top marginal rate on earned income by adding the national or federal top bracket to any state, provincial, or city income taxes and surtaxes, using the most reliable tax sources—such as the Tax Foundation and PwC—to ensure the data’s accuracy.
7 Latin American Cities With The Best Year-Round Climate
Many people picture Latin America as a region of jungles, beaches, and constant sunshine. While that image has some truth, it doesn’t tell the whole story. The region’s geography creates a wide range of climates, offering comfortable and appealing living conditions that often surprise visitors. Having travelled extensively, I’ve found few places in the world that match Latin America’s diversity and year-round livability.
To understand this variety, look at a map of Latin America—from Mexico down to Patagonia. The region spans nearly every climate zone on Earth. Many of its major cities sit between 1,000 and 2,500 meters above sea level, where the elevation brings mild, spring-like weather to areas that would otherwise be hot and humid.
This combination of beauty and comfort is what sets Latin America apart. In this article, I’ll highlight 7 cities in the region that offer some of the most pleasant climates year-round.
Over the past year, Expat Money has explored new ideas, uncovered valuable insights, and shared practical guidance with a global audience. Throughout 2025, we examined everything from secure destinations in an uncertain world to alternative routes for second citizenship, along with in-depth looks at rising expat hubs. Each topic was chosen to support those aiming to live, invest, and succeed internationally.
The articles featured reflect the shifting landscape of challenges and possibilities facing expats and globally minded individuals today. From breaking down policy updates to assessing new opportunities and sharing strategies for greater financial and personal independence, our mission has remained clear to provide the knowledge needed to make confident and informed choices.
As we step into 2026, our commitment continues to deliver forward-thinking strategies and meaningful opportunities that support your global lifestyle. Here’s to another year of progress, exploration, and turning your Plan-B into reality.
Written by Mikkel Thorup
Mikkel Thorup: December 25, 2025
Every year brings new lessons, opportunities, and milestones worth revisiting. As 2025 comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the...
Mikkel Thorup: December 24, 2025
Latin America has become one of the most straightforward regions in the world for securing residency. Most countries in the region offer simple,...
Mikkel Thorup: December 18, 2025
Once you spend enough time talking to high-net-worth individuals and family office managers, you’ll notice a pattern: everyone’s obsessed with...
