One Step Closer: Smart Moves for an Uncertain Future
Uncertain times call for us to get intentional, and even small steps now can lead to big changes down the road. Start by defining what truly matters for your location-independent future.
It’s been a tense week. If you were already considering a Plan B—whether that’s a second residency, buying property abroad, or finally making the leap into location independence—you might feel a stronger sense of urgency right now. And you’re not alone.
Uncertainty has a way of sharpening our focus. The key is to channel that urgency into action, one step at a time. Because even in unpredictable times, progress is possible.
This Week’s Step: Identify Your Non-Negotiables
Before you start booking flights or researching visa options, take a step back and define what truly matters to you. This will save you time, energy, and potential regret down the road.
Ask yourself:
What kind of lifestyle do I want? (Urban, rural, beach, mountains, low cost of living?)
What legal or financial safety nets do I need? (Dual citizenship, tax advantages, business-friendly policies?)
How important is community? (Expats, digital nomads, locals—who do you want around you?)
What’s my income strategy? (Remote work, freelancing, investing, starting a business?)
Write these down. They’ll become your personal roadmap, helping you filter out noise and focus on real opportunities.
Next Steps: Once you have your non-negotiables, start researching places that align with them. Not sure where to start? Nomads.com is a great resource for daydreaming and exploring the possibilities. No one is paying me to say that… I’ve been using it for years to check out how nomads rate various cities for safety, wifi speed, nightlife, nature, and lots more.
You can also start browsing residency programs that will allow you to stay in a country longer than visitor visas allow. Try Portugal, Mexico, or Panama, for example. I’m looking at Paraguay right now and have a few calls this week to learn more about it.
If you already have a business established in your country, start looking into your options for making it fully remote and location independent. And if you haven’t built a remote income yet, it’s time to take that seriously. We’ll talk more about this in the weeks ahead.
No one knows what the future holds, but having a plan puts you in control. You may be surprised at the big difference these small steps can take when they’re compounded down the road. Keep taking steps forward. You’ve got this.
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