Au revoir, America? - Bonus Episode - 9 to FI
From 9 to FI - Financial Independence Conversations by Elliot and Josh
February 27, 2026 · 14 min · Season 1
About this episode
The episode discusses the considerations and implications of relocating from the US to Europe for financial independence.
Considering a Move to Europe for FI: Italian Passports, Geoarbitrage, and Escaping Rising US CostsThe conversation centers on a family’s renewed consideration of relocating from the US to Europe. Elliot describes a prior relocation request that was approved and then reversed at the last minute, and explains that with a new boss they may ask again this year, noting the worst outcome is being told no. They discuss the appeal of geoarbitrage—keeping a US salary while living in a lower-cost EU country—and emphasize giving their children cultural exposure and an easier window to learn a new language while young, potentially enrolling them in local schools.Healthcare and future college costs are highlighted as major uncertainties in a US-based FI plan, with Elliot suggesting these concerns are often mitigated in the EU. Josh shares a recent example of Affordable Care Act insurance subsidy changes making coverage far more expensive for a 20-year-old dependent. They reference anecdotal research showing a family in France potentially living on around $50,000 annually—about half of their current expenses—and discuss income differences between the US and Europe, with US median salary…
People in this episode
Hosts: Elliot, Josh
Topics covered
- financial independence
- geoarbitrage
- relocation
- healthcare
- education
- cost of living
Keywords
- financial independence
- geoarbitrage
- relocation
- healthcare costs
- education options
- cost of living
- Italian passports
- Affordable Care Act
Mentioned in this episode
Places: America, Europe, Italy, France
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